BICSI releases new standard for electronic safety and security system design

BICSI, the international association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry, has released its latest standard, ANSI/BICSI 005-2013, Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) System Design and Implementation Best Practices.

Security systems are increasingly converging onto the network and its cabling infrastructure. As the systems used within security have become more complex, so too has the cabling infrastructure to address both communication and security requirements. Little has been written to support this convergence of security and cabling infrastructure, until now.

BICSI 005 bridges the two worlds of security and communications by providing the security professional with the requirements and recommendations of a structured cabling infrastructure needed to support today’s security systems while providing the cabling design professional information on different elements within safety and security systems that affect the design.

The standard also provides information on the concept of ‘direct attach’ and how it may be used within many forms of ESS systems. “The protection against risks and threats to life-safety, business and personal assets is and always will be a matter of great importance,” said Jerry Bowman, RCDD, NTS, RTPM, CISSP, CPP, CDCDP, BICSI President.

“BICSI 005 is a tremendous resource for those working on the design and implementation of electronic safety and security and related infrastructure. This standard, like all BICSI standards, establishes best practices for the supporting infrastructure for a variety of security functions and systems. We truly appreciate the efforts of all the volunteer subject matter experts who contributed to this publication.”

The BICSI Standards Program is an ANSI-accredited, consensus-based standards development organisation. It creates standards and guidelines for use in the design, installation and integration of information technology systems (ITS) and related telecommunications fields. More information regarding the BICSI 005 standard can be found at www.bicsi.org/005.

Separately, BICSI has also signed a memorandum of understanding with ASIS International, the association for security management professionals. The overarching objectives of the agreement are to foster the growth of the security and information technology systems industries, promote public safety and protect critical infrastructure globally.

The primary focus of this agreement is collaboration and information sharing in the areas of research, education, standards and advocacy. Among the key issues that may be addressed by the two associations are: privacy concerns over the use of security and information technology systems technologies; the development of an educated security and information technology systems workforce; voluntary consensus standards; and the availability of federal and state financial resources for the protection of critical infrastructures during a time of fiscal austerity.

“The collective knowledge and expertise within our membership bodies is quite substantial. By focusing on common goals and leveraging our core assets, ASIS and BICSI have a tremendous opportunity to impact and shape the future of homeland security by influencing and driving practice, policy and strategy across the private and public sectors,” said Geoffrey T Craighead, CPP, president, ASIS.

www.bicsi.asn.au