UL Solutions has recently launched a pioneering service that aims to revolutionise the way monitoring centers and public safety professionals prioritise Calls for Service.

This development is grounded in the requirements of the TMA AVS-01, a standard that is reshaping the landscape of security and emergency response.

Enhancing emergency response through standardisation

The core of this new service by UL Solutions is a validation program that leverages the TMA AVS-01 standard.

This program seeks to standardise how monitoring centers request public safety services in response to burglar alarm signals.

By categorising alarm events and employing a standardised communication protocol, the program aims to enhance the allocation of resources and situational awareness for first responders.

This is a crucial step in ensuring effective emergency response, as the reliability of alarm monitoring can significantly impact these elements.

The role of the TMA AVS-01 Standard

The TMA AVS-01, developed in collaboration with various stakeholders including UL Solutions, sets the groundwork for this innovative approach.

It provides a standardised method for creating an alarm scoring or classification metric for unauthorised human activity detected by alarm systems.

This metric assists law enforcement in resource allocation and prioritising Calls for Service.

The standard, initiated in 2020, has received ANSI accreditation and is now a critical component in the process of alarm validation and scoring.

Certification process and benefits

UL Solutions’ certification program is designed to assess whether the Alarm Validation Scoring process used by monitoring centers aligns with the ANSI/TMA AVS-01 requirements.

The program includes validating the self-assessment process of monitoring centers, auditing their alarm notification and response procedures, and ensuring the implementation of a standardised approach to alarm scoring.

The potential benefits of this certification are manifold.

For monitoring stations, it facilitates the acceptance of standardised requests for service, demonstrates alignment with industry best practices, and provides evidence for enterprise liability mitigation portfolios.

For ECCs and first responders, it helps reduce false alarms, provides accurate alarm event information, facilitates efficient resource prioritisation, and prepares responders for the situations they will encounter.

Alarm levels and their implications

The ANSI/TMA-AVS-01 standard outlines a classification metric for alarms, ranging from Level 0 (No Call for Service) to Level 4 (indicating a threat to life).

This scoring system adds meaning to the Calls for Service, based on operator observations and alarm system detection.

This standardisation is crucial in ensuring that alarm events are appropriately escalated or de-escalated, enhancing the efficiency of emergency responses.

UL Solutions: a trusted certification partner

UL Solutions, with its longstanding history as a trusted partner in the monitoring industry, brings expertise and a deep understanding of technical requirements and evolving stakeholder objectives.

Their collaboration with TMA and other industry associations positions them uniquely to provide comprehensive support throughout the certification process.

IFSJ Comment

The introduction of UL Solutions‘ Alarm Validation Scoring Certification represents a significant advancement in the field of public safety and emergency response.

By standardising the process of alarm validation and scoring, this initiative promises to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of first responders, ultimately enhancing public safety.

The integration of the TMA AVS-01 standard into this process ensures a robust and consistent approach to alarm assessment, a crucial factor in resource allocation and situational awareness for emergency situations.

This development not only benefits monitoring centers and public safety professionals but also signifies a broader shift towards more systematic and data-driven approaches in emergency response protocols.