UL supports the Alarm Industry Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) program
ASAP To PSAP program seen as way to increase alarm communication efficiencies and decrease operator errors
UL, a world leader in advancing safety, has announced, after careful technical review, its support for the Alarm Industry's program for streamlining the delivery of alarm notifications between alarm monitoring companies and 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (also known as PSAPs and referred to at times as 9-1-1 call centers). The program, commonly referred to by the Alarm Industry as the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) project, uses the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO's) and Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA's) ANSI standard to effectively speed alarm notification delivery to PSAPs, resulting in a more cost effective and faster solution for the Alarm Industry. Nlets, the premiere interstate justice and public safety network information exchange system, was a critical partner to APCO and CSAA in making the idea a reality. "The analysis of the results of how emergency calls were handled during the recent Mid-Atlantic earthquake and how notifications are handled day to day by the City of Houston's Emergency Center are compelling" said Chris Hasbrook, UL Vice President for Buildings, Fire, Life Safety & Security. "After a technical review of NFPA 72, the model code that governs these important life safety functions, UL found the ASAP to PSAP program consistent with the language and intent of NFPA 72."
UL, the leader in standards development, technical auditing, and promotion of central station alarm monitoring services, supports industry innovation and business efficiency while always putting safety first. "On behalf of citizens and businesses across the U.S., we want to recognize APCO, Nlets and CSAA for their leadership on this important initiative, and thank them for their crucial focus on continuing education and awareness in their joint pursuit on behalf of enhancing public safety" said Hasbrook.
