CEN CENELEC and ETUC (European Trade Union Confederation) will be organising a webinar addressing the ETUC STANDardisation project – Understanding the technical cooperation between European & international standardization.
The ETUC STANDardisation project facilitates the participation of Trade Unions in both European and international standards development activities. On both levels, there is often parallel standardization work addressing similar issues. The convergence between European and international standards is facilitated by the ongoing technical cooperation between CEN & ISO: the Vienna Agreement.
This webinar will look at how the technical agreement is carried out in practise. More information is can be found on the ETUC website.
Should you be interested in following the webinar, please confirm your participation by sending an email to ETUC before 2 October (COB)
Euralarm has welcomed its first associate member: Kiwa, a trusted and proven partner in the field of fire safety and security. The autonomous global company is specialized in testing, inspection, certification, training and consultancy services. With these services Kiwa contributes among others to the quality, safety and sustainability of organisation’s products, services and processes. We spoke with Kiwa's business unit manager Sabyne van Mourik. Read the interview here.
The FIA is excited to hear if you are working on an IoT project, how you are working to implement it, what barriers you are facing and finally how the FIA can help you overcome these barriers. Have your say and help shape the future fire industry.
Standards for products and services are at the heart of success of the fire safety industry. Euralarm’ members need a fast and flexible standards-setting system because it is not only the best way to serve the interests of customers, the industry and society but also is a basic requirement for a safe and secure society. Our standardisation system helps us to continue to deliver the highest levels of safety and security to citizens. However, for the competitiveness of the electronic fire safety industry, the impact of the CPR on standardisation has according to our members unfortunately not met our expectations. This industry as well as many others depend on standardised product performance requirements and standardised behaviour, which is at odds with the interpretation of the CPR following the European Court of Justice judgement on the James Elliot case. Read the full story here.
Euralarm member FIA has published a survey on the impact of COVID-19 on the fire safety industry. COVID-19 has overwhelmingly been the biggest issue to shape and change our industry, lives and world in recent history. As such this report aims to look at the variety of
impacts from COVID-19 and our thoughts on what this means for the industry in the short, medium and long term. The report can be downloaded here.
Euralarm member BSIA (British Security Industry Association’s) have released a new code of practice for installers responsible for safety and security systems. The document summarises current guidelines to minimise the exposure to digital sabotage of network connected equipment, software and systems used in electronic security systems. A copy of the Code of Practice can be downloaded from the BSIA website.
After fifteen years of service Marc Chenevoy has put an end to his activities for Euralarm. A last interview with Euralarm’s Technical Manager who witnessed so many trends and developments in the fire safety and security industry.
On 16 July the European Court of Justice (ECJ) decided to invalidate the EU-US personal data protection agreement (“Privacy Shield”), meaning that it is no longer available as a mechanism for legitimizing transfers of personal data from the EU/EEA to the US.
The ECJ also ruled that the European Commission's Standard Contractual Clauses ('SCCs') remain valid as a legal mechanism for transferring personal data outside the EU and the EEA. As of now, European companies will not be able to rely anymore on the fact that a company self-certifies as “Privacy Shield Compliant”. Instead, companies will need to use Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs). In particular, the European Commission has approved Standard Contractual Clauses between an EU/EEA data controller to non-EU controller and from an EU controller to non-EU or EEA processor.
The European Commission has taken note of the ECJ decision and will consider restarting negotiations with the US government to find a new agreement to allow easier international data transfers between the EU and the US. Euralarm partner Orgalim released a short statement on the day of the judgment.
Please keep us informed on how you or your members are working on this issue/or not by 31 July 2020.
Following a decision of its Board, Euralarm has welcomed its newest member Vanderbilt. The company will join the Security Section of Euralarm. Read the full story here.
The Radio Equipment Directive which is applicable for most wireless equipment also in the fire and security industry looks to be prepared for an update where cybersecurity requirements will become part of the directive and with that part of the CE-marking. While Euralarm supports the need for increased cybersecurity, the fire and security industry will preferably support a horizontal cybersecurity regulation. Nevertheless, if embedded in the RED, Euralarm wants to ensure that the technical aspects addressing cybersecurity are relevant for wireless fire safety and security equipment and can work for manufacturers and service providers. Read the full story here
The Extinguishing Section of Euralarm has published a guidance document on the important aspects relating to the periodic inspection of cylinders used in fixed gaseous fire extinguishing systems and especially in respect to hydrostatic testing. The guidance note is intended to identify some critical areas that are often not fully understood and does not prescribe the full processes involved in the testing or the physical handling of the cylinders. Read the full story here.
Brussels, May 2020 – Now that Europe is taking the first steps towards economic and social recovery after the COVID-19 crisis, it is also time to rethink the future. European politicians and institutions are now joining forces to present a recovery plan that builds on existing plans and ambitions to make our Society healthier, more environmentally friendly, more energy efficient and safer. Euralarm calls on policymakers to take measures to increase the security of renovated buildings and to strengthen the cohesion of the European Union.
The EU Recovery Plan that is soon expected will push for investments and reform. It will strengthen the EU economy by focusing on common priorities, like the European Green Deal, digitalisation and resilience.
In recent months, European citizens experienced what it means to be confined to one's home all day. With around 250 million homes across the EU that need energy renovation, now more than ever, it is time for the EU to invest in renovating homes, offices, schools and other private and public buildings. The Renovation Wave as part of the Green Deal is therefore welcomed by Euralarm and many other stakeholders.
Building renovations as driver for change
Boosting the rate of deep renovation in all buildings not only improves energy efficiency but also economic growth. Building renovation and retrofit add almost twice as much value as the construction of new buildings. While investing more in renovations, governments and authorities as well as building owners need to pay attention to the implications on the fire safety of buildings because renovations can introduce significant changes in fire safety requirements.
With the growing number of electronic and electrical devices in buildings, (e.g. energy storage as part of the energy efficiency measures, electric cars), the fire load in buildings will continue to increase and must be considered in the overall fire safety concept. Regular fire safety reviews - including risk assessment - by certified professionals are today even more crucial and should be prioritized by private and public building owners and operators.
As one of the Green Deal proposals the “Renovation Wave” is a unique opportunity to introduce a holistic approach towards fire safety and security when renovating buildings. Safe and secure buildings will contribute to the new European economy as well as the future European ecology. Euralarm therefore calls on EU decision makers to encourage all renovated buildings to be fitted with the latest technologies in terms of fire safety and security.
Reassess European cybersecurity strategy
During the crisis, large parts of the European workforce had no other choice than to work from home, using teleconference and digital co-operation tools to continue their daily work. In just a few months, remote work has accelerated the digitalisation of the European economy. With ambitious measures supporting a “Digital Recovery”, the digital transformation can be confirmed and amplified in the short term.
In the building industry, we have seen the effects of a slow adoption of digitalisation and we welcome an acceleration of the digital transformation. During this crisis, connectivity has proven to be pivotal to remote work.
It became clear that wherever our members had remote access to security and fire safety systems, there has been no disruption of service provided. We continued to ensure the safety of the people and infrastructure.
Pivotal to ensure business continuity, connectivity must be immune to cyber-threats. Euralarm recommends to reassess the European cybersecurity strategy. Some sectors of the industry – including services – have specificities that should be taken into consideration when rethinking the cybersecurity strategy.
Single market back on track
The EU Recovery Plan is a unique opportunity to bring the Single Market back on track and to definitely address unjustified barriers that remain in place for products and for services. In our sector, and despite all our efforts to create European standards for products, systems and services, obstacles remain for cross-border trade, especially for SMEs. It is now time to put an end to these barriers and work together towards a society that shares and cares.
Again it is the COVID-19 crisis that demonstrates the crucial need that barriers are definitely removed. Therefore, Euralarm calls on the European Commission to engage in a consultation with stakeholders most affected by these remaining barriers to find sector-specific measures to achieve the long-expected Single Market in Europe.
About Euralarm
Euralarm represents the electronic fire and security industry, providing leadership and expertise for industry, market, policy makers and standards bodies. Our Members make society safer and secure through systems and services for fire detection and extinguishing, intrusion detection, access control, video monitoring, alarm transmission and alarm receiving centres. Founded in 1970, Euralarm represents over 5000 companies, employing 700 000 people within the fire safety and security industry with an estimated revenue of 67 billion Euros. Euralarm Members are national associations and individual companies from across Europe.
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Endorsements
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Malte Lohan
Director General Orgalime
"From cybersecurity to standardisation, this collaboration helps us advocate the right policy framework for the future."
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Dr. Ing. Oliver Linden
WAGNER Group Product Manager
"WAGNER decided to permanently engage in Euralarm’s activities with special respect to matters of fire safety, contributing to reduce trade barriers and to enhance competitiveness and harmonisation of the European market."
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Euralarm
Gubelstrasse 11
CH 6300 Zug - Switzerland
E-mail: secretariat@euralarm.org
Swiss Commercial Registry Number: CHE-222.522.503
Who we are
Euralarm represents the fire and security industry, providing leadership and expertise for industry, market, policy makers and standards bodies.