Newcastle upon Tyne is carrying out a £300 million transformation of its city hospitals and has called in specialists, Cormeton Electronics Ltd, to carry out ‘emergency’ fire alarm ‘operations’. The Newcastle Hospitals program is the biggest health project ever seen in the North East and one of the largest in the country. The two key hospitals involving Cormeton are the new Victoria Wing and Great North Childrens Hospital at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), a new super hospital in the heart of the city, and specialist Renal unit at The Freeman Hospital, Cormeton’s cure for both sites has been Gent by Honeywell’s Vigilon fire alarm system supported by the latest S-Quad multi-functional sensing technology. Honeywell’s Vigilon fire alarm system Steve Milbourne, systems design engineer for Cormeton, a Gent by Honeywell Elite System Integrator (ESI), said “Both sites have complex demands but the RVI is particularly challenging due to its scale. The new development comprises a six-story atrium, new main entrance, car parks, ambulance access and even a helipad for emergency patient transfer. The main concern for hospitals is false alarm management, so having a system that can eliminate the risk is essential”. Steve adds, “In the case of a fire, it’s also vital that hospital patients, visitors and staff can be evacuated in an orderly fashion and without panic, so the combination of Vigilon with S-Quad and S-Cubed devices was the ideal solution.” Enhanced fire detection capabilities The Freeman is on a smaller scale and has 10 Vigilon panels with three loops per panel and 900 devices across 120 zones To cover the 200m x 150m RVI site, Cormeton’s design includes 23 Vigilon panels and 69 loops of fire detection as well as 850 sounders. The building has been divided into 270 zones, allowing a managed phased evacuation if necessary. The Freeman is on a smaller scale and has 10 Vigilon panels with three loops per panel and 900 devices across 120 zones. The combination of Vigilon control panels and the S-Quad sensors means the system is able to quickly identify real fires, significantly cutting the risk of false alarms. Vigilon control panels The Vigilon control panels have a simple user interface with a LCD screen providing clear and accurate information in an emergency. Every loop address has a unique customer defined label of up to 64 characters in length assigned to it, allowing fires to be located quickly in an emergency. The S-Quad was chosen due to its advanced capabilities in early detection and signaling of fires and for its unique dual angle optical chamber, which recognizes the distinction between fire-like phenomena and actual fire. S-Quad multi-functional sensing detectors The S-Quad alarm devices incorporate sound speech and strobe effects all in one. Due to its low power consumption, it means more sounders can be installed per loop and the strobe element is fully monitored for circuit failures. Steve added, “The Newcastle Hospital program is ongoing but to date the client is delighted with the fire system. Its flexibility and reliability have been a real hit, giving the client peace of mind.” Work continues on the Great North Childrens Hospital, which is due to be commissioned at the end of October 2009, where three further Vigilon panels will be tied into the system. Tyneside-based Cormeton Electronics Ltd is one of over 60 independent fire specialists and one of only 15 Elite System Integrators around the UK and Ireland who work as part of the Gent 24 Approved Network. Honeywell Gent is synonymous with quality and innovation in the fire detection and alarm industry. They are globally renowned for providing high quality fire detection and alarm systems.

Gent by Honeywell has supplied its innovative fire alarm and detection system to Brains Brewery’s flagship production plant in Cardiff. The recent installation is part of the Welsh brewing giant’s original plant that will enable it to meet the beer market’s growing demand for more diverse styles of beer. The project was completed by the fire alarm division of mechanical and electrical engineers, JW Morris, who has worked closely with Gent for the past 12 years. The company is one of Gent 24’s network of elite system integrators and has extensive knowledge of Gent’s entire product range. Fire safety of Cardiff production plant Faults arose from a combination of the age of the FDA equipment and the nature of the brewery environment When Brains Brewery moved its production facilities from Cardiff city center back to the site of the original Cardiff building, the site needed significant renovation work as it was more than 100 years old. JW Morris, which was involved from the beginning of the project, looked at Brains’ system and first devised a short term solution to get it back up and running. The system had suffered from water ingress, which proved to be a real challenge. Faults arose from a combination of the age of the FDA equipment and the nature of the brewery environment. S-Quad range of multi sensors JW Morris designed the most efficient, cost effective solution using a fully addressable Gent system, including the S-Quad range. The S-Quad range of multi sensors has been leading the way in the fire detection industry thanks to the devices’ unique combination of sensing elements that provide quick, intelligent fire decisions. Each of the devices has up to four different functions in one product – sensor, sounder, strobe and speech – and uses patented dual angle optical scatter smoke detection to improve both the speed and integrity of fire detection. Fire alarm and detection system The company replaced around 500 devices that were in the building using the existing wiring which saved the expense of having to rewire the whole site. The building consists of an admin block with around 30-40 staff, plus engineering staff and brewing staff based in the old stone built brewery. Due to the nature of the brewing process in certain areas, there was a need to install environmentally protected detectors. Now if we have a fire alarm situation, we go straight to the device and can detect the problem and deal with it" Keith Gorf, Engineering Manager at Brains Brewery, said “We are delighted with the new system. Previously if we had a fault, we weren’t able to locate it and if we had a fire alarm situation we wouldn’t have been able to identify the problem. Now if we have a fire alarm situation, we go straight to the device and can detect the problem and deal with it. For example, if it’s a steam leak, we can reset the system knowing exactly what the issue is.” Combined sounder – strobe feature Geraint Thomas, divisional manager, JW Morris said “Our proposal was not to replace all of the existing detection and alarm devices but to utilize much of the existing cabling to reduce the cost and disruption. The combined sounder/strobe features of the equipment used allowed for the existing sounder circuits to be removed which helped to significantly reduce costs associated with fault finding and minimize disruption to the business.” Simon Adams, Business Manager South West & South Wales, Gent said “Brains Brewery’s flagship production plant in Cardiff will enable it to meet the beer market’s growing demand for diverse styles of beer. We are delighted that a Gent system will provide the ultimate FDA solution that protects this state of the art structure, and its employees.”

Since Westfield Stratford City opened its doors in east London last September amid a flurry of publicity, its 300 stores have lived up to the hype with thousands of visitors flocking to the shopping centre. The new £1.4 billion Westfield project is Europe’s largest urban shopping mall and will form a formidable gateway to the London 2012 Olympics. Fire protection specialists Premier Fire Systems Limited, is one of a huge network of contractors that was involved with the electrical installation systems in the building’s 1.9 million square feet of retail and leisure space. The Essex based fire safety solutions firm worked with several industry partners to provide the highest quality fire detection solution for the entire Landlord’s area of the mall. Gent by Honeywell fire detection & alarm system Premier Fire Systems won the contract to design, supply and install a life safety systems in Samsung’s flagship store One month before the grand shopping center opening, Premier Fire Systems Limited also won a contract to design, supply, install and commission life safety systems in Samsung’s Electronic flagship store. Premier Fire System Limited started work on the project in August 2011 and completed the installation ready for the Samsung store’s opening in early November. On both occasions, Gent by Honeywell fire detection and alarm (FDA) systems were selected as the most appropriate solutions for the projects. The initial brief for Samsung’s first ever UK store centered on the significance of the unit’s high quality aesthetics. Simon Ford, contracts manager, Premier Fire Systems Limited, explained “It was very important for the client to have the optimum level of protection for its customers and staff and also an FDA system that was very discreet in its design. The store is all about showcasing Samsung’s innovative products so the cosmetic element of the system was an essential consideration when we designed the solution.” Air Sampling Detection systems The Samsung Electronics store, situated on the ground level of Westfield Stratford, consists of two levels of retail space on the ground and mezzanine floors which are open to the Mall’s shoppers, as well as a ‘back of house’ area for employees and stock. Premier Fire Systems Limited selected the Gent Vigilon compact system, integrating it with Gent’s discreet aspirating smoke detection systems on the sales floors and a conventional system in the non-public areas. Fire industry expert Gent by Honeywell launched its first range of aspirating products, last September to provide customers with one of the most flexible solutions on the market. The Gent range of Air Sampling Detection (ASD) systems work by taking air samples from the monitored area and analysing them for the presence of smoke particles. Fire detectors The full range of detectors means that businesses can choose the right detector to match the specific application as the products meet all of the coverage levels set in EN54 part 20. Simon continued “The ASD system removed the need to have several smoke heads in Samsung’s store. The discreet design was ideal for the customer’s requirement and that is also matched by the system’s high quality performance. The active sampling technology enables the identification of a possible fire in its very earliest stages" He adds, "The active sampling technology enables the identification of a possible fire in its very earliest stages from just 1 gram of material combustion. It provided the perfect solution in this case, where the requirement was for general detection but the normal point systems weren’t suitable.” System integration Premier Fire Systems Limited has had a close working relationship with Gent for several years and has built up a range of expertise and product knowledge in Gent’s products. The company has been part of Gent’s network of System Integrators for the past five years and has recently been promoted to an Elite System integrator. There are just 17 Elite System Integrators in Gent’s 24 networks, who have been recognized for their consistent success in the UK fire market working closely with Gent. Dave Slater, Gent Business Manager South East and London, said “We launched the new, flexible Aspirating systems in autumn last year which coincided with the grand opening of the Westfield Stratford Centre. It is a mark to the design and performance of the system that it was selected for the first store of one of the biggest international brands, Samsung Electronics. We have received very favorable feedback from Premier Fire Systems Limited and are proud to be involved in this landmark project.”

Chubb Fire & Security is delighted to be providing the fire and security solutions for the latest Ronald McDonald House, part of a worldwide charity supporting over five million people with home-from-home accommodation for the families of sick children resident in hospital. The house, which opens on 2 December, is run by Ronald McDonald Kinderfonds België and provides comfortable family accommodation close to local Brussels hospitals. Fire and detection system Chubb installed a complete fire detection and security system that includes surveillance cameras and access control Chubb installed a complete fire detection and security system that includes surveillance cameras and access control for the building to ensure the security and safety of families staying there. To enable ongoing security, Chubb will also carry out essential maintenance and servicing. Chubb is part of Carrier, a global provider of innovative heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. “We are providing an essential environment for families with ill children, and an important aspect of this is providing a safe haven free of external distractions. We are thrilled to be working with Chubb Fire & Security, whose Belgium-based engineers worked tirelessly to provide a practical, integrated security solution,” said Katia De Greve, house manager at Ronald McDonald House Brussels. Enhanced fire safety “We have always admired the services provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities and their employees, providing vital relief from the day-to-day challenges of caring for ill children. Chubb has provided fire safety and security solutions to ensure the families feel safe and secure during these difficult times, and Chubb is proud to be part of this exciting project,” said Gino Ghilardi, acting Managing Director at Chubb Fire & Security Belgium. Ronald McDonald House Charities provides places where families dealing with the impact of children with a range of illnesses, can interact and stay close in secure surroundings. Parents and children are able to rest, eat and talk without interruption. In 2016, it served more than five million people worldwide and is continuing to expand its offering with the introduction of mobile hospitals in more remote locations.

Since its official completion in April 2015, One West Regent Street has attracted a number of office and restaurant occupiers. The first significant Grade A office building to be constructed in Glasgow’s city center for more than five years, it was developed by Clearbell, together with M&G Real Estate, and comprises 143,000 square foot of office and retail space over eleven levels, providing a welcome boost to the city’s commercial property market Engineering firm Weir Group PLC, media organization Global and professional services company Arup took the first occupation of four office floors and the restaurant and café chain Giraffe, has also completed its fit out and is the first retail and leisure operator to occupy the development. Fire detection & alarm system The building was on a very tight site in the middle of the city center with limited access points and no storage for materials" Although One West Regent Street was considered a conventional build by construction experts, the development site is located in the central core of Glasgow, right next to the Buchanan Street shopping area, which proved to be a major challenge in terms of access. Fire Protection Group (FPG), who were responsible for the design, commission and installation of the site’s fire detection and alarm (FD&A) solution said that there were a number of practicalities that had to be overcome when the system was fitted. Stuart Scott, Regional Director, Scotland for FPG said: “The building was on a very tight site in the middle of the city center with limited access points and no storage for materials. One of the biggest challenges was that initially the main method of transporting materials up and down the stairs was via a hoist – however, the hoist was removed early on since the builder closed off the level 1 of the building upwards. Gent by Honeywell Vigilon FD&A system Stuart adds, “This meant that all materials had to be manually transported from ground level by operatives. Despite the fact that this impacted on the amount of time it took to complete the installation we still met all of the deadlines and the system is now up and performing seamlessly, in line with the client’s requirements.” The solution selected for One West Regent Street was the Gent by Honeywell Vigilon FD&A system incorporating Honeywell D1 voice alarm system. More than 600 devices were installed in total throughout the entire building, including Gent’s renowned S-Quad multi sensors and detectors complete with EN54-23 compliant visual alarm devices. S-Quad multi sensors and detectors The system was selected to protect the property and its individual businessesThe system was selected to protect the property and its individual businesses. The layout comprises of a double height reception and open plan floor plates that are virtually column free, ranging from 12,818 to 13,702 square foot. The site also includes a parking area with 40 car park spaces and 54 cycle spaces, so the detectors had to be multi use to cope with the different environments. Scott said, “The best solution for the building was a system that could provide early and accurate detection, such as the multi-sensor S-Quad technologies that Gent provides. The S-Quad devices installed are multifunctional, combining a multi-sensor, speech, sounder and visual alarm into one device – so they can also cut down on the number of overall devices in the building.” Fire safety specialist FPG has been an Elite System Integrator for more than ten years, which enables the company to supply, commission and maintain Gent by Honeywell fire systems. The company, a renowned specialist in protecting life and property from fire, is headquartered in Linlithgow, Lothian, and operates throughout the UK from its centers in London, the Midlands, the North West and Scotland The £60 million One West Regent Street development will help to provide Glasgow with a competitive advantage in attracting new businesses to the region. It is also expected to become one of the city’s greenest buildings with EPC ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Very Good’ ratings expected to be achieved. The robust Gent FD&A solution will carry on performing seamlessly in the background protecting the existing and new occupants, and the landmark property.