Life Safety and Security

Alarm services and video technologies

Managed Video Monitoring Certification

Our Managed Video Monitoring Services covers security services provided by monitoring stations that monitor video cameras and related equipment installed to form all, or part of, an electronic security system at a protected property.

Our monitoring station certification process includes an evaluation of the facility and equipment, as well as an assessment of the agreed upon monitoring services outlined by the property or business owners. The managed video service provider has personnel located at a managed video monitoring station in order to:

• View video streams
• Make informed decisions
• Interact with people or systems at a protected property
• Notify identified parties of events

Security Alarm Service Certification

Our Security Alarm Certification Program facilitates transparency and gives alarm service providers, alarm system subscribers, insurance companies and other stakeholders confidence that the service provided by an alarm company is in compliance with strict UL Standards. We assess alarm companies for their ability to install, maintain, test, inspect and monitor alarm systems, as well as provide runner service and communicate with the proper authorities.

The applicable Standards for a security alarm system are:

• UL 681 the Standard for Installation and Classification of Burglar and Holdup Alarm Systems
• UL 827 the Standard for Central Station Alarm Services

The UL certificate is the alarm service company’s declaration that the security alarm equipment, installation, maintenance and service meet and often exceed the minimum standard requirements for performance of a security alarm system.

We offer security alarm UL Listings in the following categories:

• Central Station Security Alarm Service (CPVX)
• Mercantile Security Alarm Service (CVSG)
• Residential Monitoring Stations

Fire alarm control panels

Whether it’s a home, business or place of assembly, fire alarm control technologies are ever-present to alert you in the event of a fire. We have been there every step of the way through our pioneering research, developing globally recognized standards, and evaluating this technology to help ensure it performs, is reliable and interoperable.

Our training, advisory, testing, verification, inspection and certification services for fire alarm control equipment helps manufacturers get compliant products to the market quickly. Integrators and engineers help provide knowledge and tools so that manufacturers can mitigate their risks and serve their customers, end users and asset owners by helping to ensure that they are providing the appropriate standards of care and safety. Our testing verifies that regulatory authorities have validated compliance with codes.

Fire and emergency apparatus

Our Fire Equipment Services have the unique capability to test in-service fire equipment for entire jurisdictions. We are accredited by the International Accreditation Services for inspecting and testing systems on fire apparatuses in accordance with ISO/IEC 17020. As one of the most recognized third-party testing organizations in fire safety, our understanding of how to properly apply NFPA 1911 requirements is unparalleled. Our extensive knowledge of fire equipment testing enables us to serve as your integrated full-service provider.

Vehicle inspection program (VIP)

Our vehicle inspection program (VIP) helps apparatus manufacturers demonstrate that their fire apparatus meets all applicable NFPA 1911 requirements. Fire departments typically include a clause in their bid specifications requiring compliance with NFPA 1901 when purchasing a new vehicle. This standard requires that the entity responsible for the final assembly of the vehicle delivers a certificate demonstrating full compliance. Alternatively, a statement of exceptions can be provided that specifically describes each aspect of the completed apparatus that is not in full compliance with NFPA 1911.

Firefighting vehicle (ARFF) certifications

Our ARFF program includes in-service tests to determine compliance with NFPA 414. The program includes comprehensive testing designed to determine that a vehicle is still operating at the same performance levels demonstrated at the time of manufacture.

Initiating and notification devices

Whether it’s a multidwelling facility, business, or place of assembly, audible and visual signaling devices are ever-present to alert you in the event of a fire or other emergency. Not only are these devices becoming more interconnected and integrated with other systems, they are more intelligent, fault tolerant and more resilient in wide-ranging operating environments.

Our training, advisory, testing, inspection and certification services for visual and audible signaling technologies can help manufacturers get compliant products to the market quickly, can help integrators mitigate their risks and serve their customers, can help end users and asset owners provide the appropriate standard of care and their families and occupants are safe, and can help regulatory authorities validate compliance with codes.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Every day firefighters, hazardous material response teams and industrial workers around the world rely on their training and PPE to guard against the hazards associated with their work.

To help you comply with the regulations, which work to reduce the risk of injury due to fire, falls, chemical exposure and other physical hazards, we can certify PPE and apparel to the industry’s highest standards for safety and performance.

We test and certify first responder and industrial worker PPE in the following areas:

• Chainsaw protection
• Emergency eyewash and shower equipment
• Eye and face protective devices
• Fall protection equipment
• Footwear
• Gloves
• Hazardous materials protective clothing
• Helmets
• High visibility safety apparel
• Protective clothing
• Protective outerwear

We provide objective and independent guidance to assist you with your PPE product certification needs and challenges. This includes comprehensive testing, evaluation and certification for a wide range of first responder clothing and equipment, such as gloves, safety shoes, helmets, garments, protective eyewear and other products.

UL tests PPE for compliance to ANSI/NFPA, ASTM, CAN/CSA, CAN/CGSB, ANSI/ISEA and EN/ISO standards. Third-party certification is necessary to achieve compliance with many of these compliance standards. The UL Mark is widely recognized and respected as a symbol of certification to the highest standards of safety and can provide a competitive edge within the PPE market.

Fire equipment

UL Fire Equipment Services offers the unique capability to test in-service fire equipment for entire jurisdictions. Our field engineers perform aerial and ground ladder inspections and pump testing for fire departments to help ensure the safety of firefighters and the people they’re tasked to protect. We are committed to the advancement of fire safety science, and so we provide   general expertise on certification, testing and technical requirements.

Fire, Smoke and Gas Device Certification Services

Whether it’s a home, business or place of assembly, advanced fire, smoke and gas detection technologies are ever-present to alert you in the event of a fire or other emergency. As these devices become more integrated with other systems, they grow more sophisticated. This means they are designed to provide earlier detection of an event. Additionally, they are fault tolerant and more resilient in wide-ranging operating environments.

Our training, advisory, testing, inspection and certification services for fire, smoke and gas detection technologies help provide knowledge and tools so that  you can bring compliant products to the market faster.

Personal flotation devices

We offer certification for personal flotation devices (PFDs) in accordance with various certification standards in many countries. In order to meet federal carriage requirements in the U.S. and Canada, we work with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Transport Canada (TC) to approve devices that are intended to be used on both commercial and recreational vessels. These include life jackets, vests, seat cushions, deck suits and other types of flotation devices.

Security products

Our Fire and Security Service Solutions provide property owners, regulatory authorities and insurance agencies with confidence that the services provided by an alarm company are in compliance with the appropriate industry standards. Our technical experts assess alarm companies for their ability to install, maintain, test, inspect and monitor alarm systems.

The UL certificate is an alarm company’s declaration that the alarm system equipment, installation, maintenance and service meet, and often exceed, minimum standard requirements, giving code authorities and alarm system subscribers confidence in alarm system performance.

Our Fire and Security Solutions program sets applicable standards for the installation and servicing of an alarm system, which helps facilitate a fair bidding process for alarm companies and alarm system subscribers.