Overview

High security perimeter systems including Hostile Vehicle Mitigation and high security fencing have an important role to play in an organisation’s perimeter security strategy.
The Perimeter Security Suppliers Association (PSSA) has introduced a verification scheme to provide confidence to perimeter systems buyers and others that products supplied by its members conform to internationally recognised quality standards, providing assurance that:

• products are fit for purpose – designed to meet customer, market and regulatory requirements
• products are consistently manufactured and supplied conforming to their agreed specification
• products when in use produce the intended performance outcomes specified by the customer

Following a rigorous process of evaluation of both a supplier’s management system and verification of the product, authority to use the PSSA Verification Mark is given and the product publically listed.

Benefits

• Credibility with customers, who now have an independently verified set of criteria on which
  to judge a product
• Distinction from suppliers and products not able to meet PSSA’s rigorous standards, including
  imported products
• Clear, transparent evidence that suppliers claims of compliance and testing are correct and not misrepresentations
• Alignment with and support for national security strategy
• Protection of high margin business

Costs

The costs of PSSA Product Verification are about the same as for a conventional ISO 9001 audit cycle. Please call the PSSA office to discuss your requirements. We can often advise how to reduce your costs by submitting groups or families of products for verification.

Products

Currently the Scheme applies to vehicle security barriers. PSSA will be extending the Scheme to include high security fencing products and installation of perimeter security products.

Applying

If you are a current PSSA Member, you will soon be able to simply go to the PSSA website & complete the online application forms. If you are not a Member or require help with your application, please contact the PSSA office, telephone: +44 (0)208 253 4509 or email: admin@pssasecurity.org

Details

Product verification is based on the satisfactory continuous verification of objective evidence demonstrating that the supplier has:

• met the standards demanded for PSSA membership
• an effective management system, certified by a UKAS accredited certification body, conforming
  with the requirements of ISO 9001: 2008
• qualifying products that have undergone satisfactory testing by a testing laboratory accredited
  to ISO 17025: 2005

Evidence is assessed and evaluated by an independent UKAS accredited certification body to verify that the product(s) concerned meet the above requirements. PSSA has, with the help of its members and stake-holders developed three specifications which clearly define how the requirements are met.

The Scheme has a simple four-step process:

1. Consultation and Certification Support – Optional advice on meeting the required standards and a pre-assessment, if required. In-depth support is also available.
2. Application and Quotation – You will know the costs and other implications before agreeing to join the Scheme. An initial document review is conducted to ensure that your application can be progressed through to assessment.
3. Evaluation and Assessment of your management system and product test verification – This is a two stage process which ensures that maximum benefit is gained from the site visit, the plan for which is based on identified risks and dialogue with your company.
4. Review and Product Listing – Following positive recommendation by the PSSA’s nominated independent certification body, a review of the evidence is conducted prior to awarding the PSSA Verification Mark and inclusion in the industry recognised product listing – the authoritative reference for high security perimeter products. This list will be available to all via the PSSA website, www.psssasecurity.org

Advice

The Scheme was developed to raise industry standards and improve confidence in high security products supplied by PSSA Members. It is not a pass/fail process but a pathway to improving perimeter security by providing high quality products. PSSA can meet with you to discuss implementation in your organisation and provide an optional pre-assessment and advice. Further help with your management systems or technical compliance issues is also available.

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