Installations 'Not Always Compliant', Says AVM

Some installations of AV equipment, in particular interactive whiteboards and projectors, have been carried out without adhering to the appropriate processes.
That's according to AVM and Matrix Display Systems whose work is now fully compliant with the new specification which requires the correct and safe implementation of audio visual installations.
No formal standards existed to control the quality of installations of AV equipment, so now the British Standards Institute collaborated with AV experts and BECTA, the Government's leading agency for ICT in education to develop the new Publicly Accessible Specification.
This specification is known as PAS 122:2009 and exists for the installation of audiovisual equipment in classrooms and general publicly accessible areas.
The specification is designed for resellers and installers to use as their guide for installations.
This gives schools, Local Authorities and purchasers of AV equipment confidence that the correct and safe procedures will be used for each installation.
As recommended by BECTA it is important that customers buying AV equipment are aware of the new specification and insist that installers are certified for the PAS 122:2009.
AVM has now insisted that all relevant personnel, be they employed or sub-contracted, are fully versed and compliant.
This is particularly important for Matrix Display Systems, the Education division of AVM. Matrix has been installing AV equipment into classrooms since 1991 and has always taken due diligence with their installations.
This new specification backs up the work Matrix have been doing and gives customers peace of mind that they will continue to get a high level of installation service.
It involves a series of requirements including adequate site surveys prior to installation, correct fixings and locations, increased health and safety, strict management of risks and other conditions for each situation.
Lee Styles, Health and Safety Security Environment Advisor at AVM said: "I am confident that working to this set code will provide a solid platform moving forward, providing greater control with regard to contractors we use and maintaining confidence in our installation methods."
(BMcC/GK)