Door Industry Journal - Summer 2018

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 96 THE door industry journal summer 2018 Automated Gates & Barriers Richard Jenkins is Chief Executive at the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) - the UK’s leading, independent certification body in the security sector. NSI approves over 1800 companies for wide-ranging security and fire services including CCTV installation and management. As an installer of powered gates and barriers and a member of the Door and Hardware Federation, your business will most likely be working to the recently updated code of practice DHF TS 011:2018, developed by the dhf in close collaboration with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI). To assist all involved in automated gate and barrier provision to meet their legal obligations, the code of practice draws on applicable legislation, British and European standards and industry best practice. This provides clear guidance on the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of those products. Formally recognised codes of practice are a way of raising the levels of professionalism when effectively implemented, and a solid indicator for buyers and users of their suppliers’ capabilities. To demonstrate objectively that codes of practice are adopted is best achieved by organisations which use independent assessment by a certification body to verify their claims of adherence. Reassuring customers dhf members are required to meet the guidelines contained in the code of practice, but how do customers assure themselves that your business is working in line with those standards? Organisations with third party certification clearly demonstrate their integrity, competence and professionalism to buyers of services. On-going verification of compliance through independent, competent auditing and assessment means service providers can signal their continued commitment to such standards to both their clients and the community at large. NSI approval for dhf members The NSI Gates Silver approval is a scheme that helps members of the dhf to effectively demonstrate their competence. Based on the DHF TS 011:2018 and the NSI standard assessment of business competence, any dhf member adhering to the code should already meet the requirements of the approval. Completing the application form followed by a single day’s auditing of some sample installations and a review of business documentation such as training records and insurances should result in a successful approval. Once approved companies can use the NSI approval logo and, as a listed NSI approved company, buyers can verify their authenticity. NSI Gates Gold approval is also available for any company who is working to the quality management ISO 9001. NSI can audit ISO 9001alongside the DHF TS 011:2018 and the NSI standard assessment of business competence. Clients benefit from choosing a third party certificated organisation Codes of practice such as the one created by the dhf and NSI play an important role for the security sector. Ensuring that these standards are effective adds value to the users of services who can be confident that they have teeth, and are robust benchmarks against which to test businesses for compliance. In a demand-driven market consumers seeking proof of competence select suppliers able to demonstrate capability to meet required standards. Choosing an organisation holding certification gives confidence, knowing the organisation is being regularly audited by an independent third party certification body. Approval from such bodies is a clear and important signal to buyers about commitment to quality and compliance with standards. For more information go to www.nsi.org.uk Demonstrate technical competence to your customers Richard Jenkins, Chief Executive, NSI