APSAD: Everything you need to know about this certification
APSAD is a certification for safety and security companies. It stands for quality of service, and is a guarantee that customers will benefit from high-performance installations. Find out more about APSAD certification and all the advantages of working with an APSAD-certified security company.
What is APSAD certification?
APSAD certification (assemblée plénière des sociétés d'assurances dommages) is a trademark registered by CNPP (center national pour la prévention et la protection). It attests to the quality of services provided by a company in the fields of the security and fire safety.
APSAD is issued by CNPP, in collaboration with AFNOR (the French standards association). Different certifications are available, depending on the company's specialty and the nature of the service provided.
For example, for the " fire detection systems " speciality, there is one certification for installation, and a second for maintenance.
Here are the different fields of activity eligible for certification:
- sprinkler systems
- installation of portable and mobile extinguishers
- installation of RIA (robinet d'incendie armé), PIA (poste d'incendie additivé), fire columns
- SSI (fire risk management) coordination services
- automatic fire detection systems
- fire risk analysis (prevention audit and APCI fire consultancy)
- natural smoke ventilation systems
- automatic gas extinguishing systems
- separating structures and fire-stop closures
- access control systems
- remote surveillance
- video surveillance
- intrusion detection systems.
APSAD certification is a voluntary process. To obtain it, companies must demonstrate a high level of competence, as well as high-quality resources and organization in the specialty in which they operate.
Regular audits are then organized by the certification body (CNPP) to maintain certification. These audits can take place both internally, to assess the company's organization, and with customers, to check the conformity of installations .
Worth knowing APSAD certifies the quality of a service, while A2P certifies the performance of the equipment. For example, a door or lock can be A2P certified.
What are APSAD standards?
When we talk about APSAD standards, we're actually talking about the technical rules, numerical targets and standards to be met in order to obtain certification. Different APSAD certifications use different standards for different specialties.
For example, to be certified in the field of remote surveillance, a company must comply with all the rules of the APSAD R31 standard. The CNPP refers to these same standards when deciding whether or not to issue APSAD certification.
APSAD certification levels
There are several levels of APSAD certification, depending on the level of risk a company is able to control or assess:
- level P2 : for managing current risks
- level P3 : for managing major risks
- level P5 : for very high risks, or even
The P3 security level is often required by insurers for certain specific establishments: banks, jewelry stores, businesses presenting a proven risk of explosion, fire or pollution.
The P5 security level is very rare. Few companies are able to obtain this level of certification, which is reserved for exceptional circumstances.
These safety levels P2, P3 and P5 do not apply to all specialties that can be certified.
Why choose an APSAD-certified security company?
For a electronic security company or installer, APSAD certification is not a legal obligation, but a voluntary process. Each company bearing the APSAD label agrees to submit to regular and demanding CNPP controls, to distinguish itself by demonstrating a high level of competence.
As a customer, you can rest assured that the installation to be carried out on your premises, and the service provided by the company you choose, will meet the highest quality standards. Human and material resources, confidentiality of information, simplicity of the customer process (single point of contact, personalized follow-up) are just some of the criteria examined during APSAD certification.
You should also be aware that, depending on your field of activity, your insurer may require your security system to come froman APSAD-certified company. If the risk of loss or malicious damage is high, your insurer may go so far as to require P3 certification before agreeing to cover repairs.
At Onet, our expertise and reliability are demonstrated by our certifications, which ensure the ongoing training and development of our staff: NF Service, MASE, CEFRI, APSAD, Qualifelec, etc. Onet Security Systèmes holds service certifications for the installation and maintenance of APSAD R82 video surveillance systems and APSAD R81 anti-intrusion detection systems.
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