Fire Detection

CHEMTREC, the source of 24/7 call center support and information during hazardous materials incidents, partners with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to offer the CHEMTREC HELP (Hazmat Emergency Local Preparedness) Award. Through this program, two volunteer fire departments will be awarded $7,500 to help enhance their response capabilities and increase local readiness to respond to and prepare for hazardous materials incidents. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible to apply for the CHEMTREC HELP Award, departments must meet the following criteria: Department must be all-volunteer or mostly-volunteer (over 50%). Department must serve a population of 25,000 or less. Department must be located in the United States and be legally organized under state law. Department or individual applying on behalf of the department must be a member of the NVFC. Department must demonstrate their need to receive the $7,500 award and in the application essay must explain how they would use the award. The departments that receive the award must use the money to increase their department’s hazmat response capabilities and not for any other purpose. The application deadline is October 1, 2019. Award recipients will be announced by December 1.

Coopers Fire are excited to launch the ResQ-Window at Firex this year. The ResQ-Window is a vision panel for fire curtains and can be installed allowing building occupants and first responders to see through the curtain after it has been deployed. To find out more about this innovative product, come and see us on our stand (FX320). Coopers Fire will also be promoting their full range of fire and smoke curtains but particularly the recently launched FireMaster Cleanroom fire curtain, the world’s first fire curtain approved for use in a cleanroom environment. Coopers have a number of products due to be launched in 2019. Fire Safety Products This forms part of the ASFP Practical Workshop entitled ‘Auditing & upgrading existing protection’ Coopers Fire will be exhibiting as part of the ASFP Zone. Coopers are proud to be members of the ASFP (Association for Specialist Fire Protection) and will be presenting on the subject of ‘Fire Curtain Operation and Applications’ on day 2 (Weds 19th June 2019) between 10.30am and 11.45am. This forms part of the ASFP Practical Workshop entitled ‘Auditing & upgrading existing protection’. With the increasing focus on fire since the Grenfell disaster, it is becoming more important to ensure fire protection products are fit for purpose. Discussions around updates to Approved Document B are likely to include that all fire safety products specified and installed on construction projects will need third party approval from a reputable business like IFC Certification or Exova’s Certifire scheme. BS 8524 is the only global fire curtain standard and requires third party approval for compliancy. fire Curtain Manufacturers The standard was released in 2013 and helps to ensure that fire curtains are put through rigorous tests in order to be approved. Coopers Fire staff on the Firex stand will only be too happy to discuss our BS 8524 compliant products Coopers Fire are approved and compliant to BS 8524-1 and it is great to see a number of other fire curtain manufacturers are also successfully launching products that are compliant to BS 8524-1; overall, this ensures fire curtains are recognised as a respected fire safety product. Coopers Fire staff on the Firex stand will only be too happy to discuss our BS 8524 compliant products and how they can be used on construction projects. Coopers Fire are dedicated to advancing fire and smoke barrier curtain technology and improving ways to safeguard life and property. Fire Protection Industry This commitment to developing innovative products that are robustly tested and independently certified has meant that Coopers Fire has become the benchmark used by Regulators, Architects, Engineers and other Fire Professionals worldwide. We offer a range of free Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars. Approved by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the seminars aim to educate the fire protection industry and wider building industry about application of fire and smoke curtains in buildings.

A new online CPD certified presentation that looks at the benefits of automatic fire sprinklers has been created by the BSA (Business Sprinkler Alliance). The CPD – ‘Property Protection & Business Resilience: Automatic Sprinklers – Background & Benefits’ – is a 25-minute-long video that providers viewers with an awareness of the beneficial impact that incorporating sprinklers can have and how they can add value to building design. It addresses how sprinklers work, typical myths and misconceptions, cost and regulations and looks at the impact of fire on businesses and how sprinklers can aid the design process. Providing Life Safety Suitable for anyone involved in the procurement, design and construction of a building including developers, contractors, surveyors, architects and consultants, the video includes a specific chapter looking at design considerations for office applications include worked examples showing cost implications. “Automatic sprinklers offer a proven way of protecting property as well as providing life safety,” commented Iain Cox, Chairman of the Business Sprinkler Alliance. “However there are many myths and misconceptions about their operation, effectiveness as well as cost. This presentation addresses these misconceptions whilst providing practical design guidance to help specifiers, contractors and engineers understand how sprinklers can add value to their next project.”

AW Technology were delighted to attend the recent, prestigious FIREX 2019 international exhibition. The three-day event brings together the brightest minds, innovators and market leaders in the fire and smoke safety industry. An incredible 130+ exhibitors showcased over 5000 products to thousands of engaged visitors and delegates. AW Technology’s presence at the event was centred around an immersive exhibition stand that featured stunning LED screens, video backdrop and, of course, an example of our existing products and the brand new 9000 series Carbon Monoxide Calibrator. High volume manufacture This new product is an incredibly exciting innovation for AW Technology as it utilises the latest technology to deliver a truly pioneering approach towards calibrating Carbon Monoxide detection products. The product is ideally suited to be used for calibrating and testing CO alarm and detection products in high volume manufacture. It is supported by the very latest software to ensure maximum output and performance. FIREX is a date in the calendar that we always look forward to" Chris Atkiss, Business Development Manager, said: “FIREX is a date in the calendar that we always look forward to. The event provides us with the opportunity for us to engage and mix with the movers and shakers in the industry, and as FIREX is such an international occasion, also allows us to meet our existing customers from across the globe.” Truly pioneering product “We were delighted to be able to launch our brand new 9000 series Carbon Monoxide Calibrator, which will be available to market in early 2020. The feedback we received at FIREX towards the 9000 series has been excellent, and we’re incredibly encouraged by the response.” “Our extensive market-research prior to starting the development of the project indicated that there was a real requirement in the industry for this product and we’re delighted that the market is responding. We’ll have further updates throughout the year on the 9000 series and we look forward to launching this truly pioneering product.”

Ronja Kemmer, member of the German parliament, visited the mutual Magirus and Iveco site in Ulm, in June. During a personal conversation with Marc Diening, President & CEO of Magirus, she showed great interest in the Ulm-based company with its long-standing tradition and was duly impressed by the upcoming developments in the field of firefighting and disaster protection: “The world of fire and rescue services is also in transition. Seeing the opportunities that arise for Magirus in Germany, but also worldwide, as a result of digitisation, networking and alternative drive technologies are really exciting.” Future-Oriented Drive Technologies Subsequently, during the guided site tour, she gained a detailed insight into the far-reaching competences of both companies in Ulm where more than 1400 people are employed. The focus was on Iveco's most recent developments in future-oriented drive technologies for trucks and on the Defence Vehicles segment. The visit was rounded off with a tour of the production facility and the customer centre, with product demonstrations, and a ride on the turntable ladder. Ronja Kemmer is a directly-elected member of parliament and in December 2014, when elected, was the youngest member of the German Bundestag.

Patol will be returning to the Firex International exhibition to demonstrate its extensive capabilities in industrial fire protection. The focus on stand FX650 will be one of the more recent additions to Patol’s product range - the Fire Thermal Infrared (FireTIR) detection system. The system features fixed infrared cameras connected to a user-friendly software interface through which the surface temperatures of the area being protected are monitored in real time. Camera Lens Cleaning High or low pre-alarm and alarm set temperatures can be programmed for each zone The image from each camera can be divided into zones, allowing specific risk areas to be identified and to also establish non-detection areas. High or low pre-alarm and alarm set temperatures can be programmed for each zone, with outputs to fire alarm and process control systems. FireTIR is suitable for a wide range of applications, including storage and handling plants, manufacturing industries, transport and power generation. For hazardous areas, camera enclosures are available to IP66 or ATEX certification, with automatic camera lens cleaning ensuring the system is ideally suited to dusty environments. Fibre Optic Option Kelvin Miller, Patol Sales Director, comments - “The FireTIR products are a very natural fit for us as a business and further strengthen our position as a particular specialist in heat detection technologies. Building on our existing portfolio which includes LHDC (linear heat detection cable) and infrared heat and flame sensors, we are able to offer further solutions to the challenges posed by the fire detection requirements of many varied applications. We look forward to demonstrating the capabilities of the system to visitors to the exhibition.” Alongside FireTIR, Patol will also be showing the latest developments in its LHDC products. In addition to the extensive range of cables manufactured by Patol at its Reading facility, the company also offers the Sensa range of fiber optic linear heat detection cables. Kelvin continues - “The addition of the Sensa cable was the missing piece of the LHDC jigsaw and means that we can offer a fiber optic option, as well as our LHDC in both analog (resettable) and digital (non-resettable) options.” Intelligent Fire Detection The Sensa Fibre Optic LHDC system has been providing reliable and intelligent fire detection and asset monitoring on projects throughout the world for more than 20 years. It offers speed of detection, reliability and versatility in monitoring temperature and detecting incipient fires in a range of multi-discipline environments. Alarm levels can be adjusted dependent on the risk levels of the zones Applications for the technology include protection of car parks, monitoring of vessels, automatic storage warehouses and power cable trays, with the capacity to configure the cable in multiple detection zones to meet the specific requirements of a given application. Alarm levels can be adjusted dependent on the risk levels of the zones, providing a programmable platform to suit many fire detection applications and installations. Flame Detection Options Relay contacts communicate the alarm decision directly to the main fire alarm control panel, with the capacity to also interface with third party systems - via a Modbus communications path – to control ventilation or extinguishing systems. Completing the line up for Firex this year will be the conveyor detection systems from Patol. The 5000 Series of infrared transit sensors are available in heat and flame detection options. The suitability of the technology to protect conveyors in particularly challenging environments has been highlighted by a new video shot by Patol at the Aberthaw power station in Wales.

Did you know an estimated 30% of smoke alarms in the UK are inoperable due to missing, flat or disconnected batteries? For a property to comply with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is vitally important that all fire safety equipment is kept in perfect working order at all times. This involves checking that the fire safety equipment is accessible, well maintained and hasn’t been tampered with. There are many ways you can take care of your fire safety equipment, to ensure your property is prepared, should there ever be a fire. Equipment Assessment Checks There are two types of equipment assessment checks that should be carried out, including monthly and annually If you’re the ‘responsible person’ for commercial property, you need to ensure your building meets fire safety standards. Here are 5 tips on how to properly maintain your fire safety equipment. Both passive and active fire safety equipment must be check regularly for any signs of wear or damage. There are two types of equipment assessment checks that should be carried out, including monthly and annually. There is a range of equipment checks you must carry out, including fire doors, fire alarm test, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers. Emergency lighting should be checked monthly, with all issues kept in a logbook. Fire doors should also be checked to ensure their seals and frames are in good condition.   Fire Alarm Tests All fire protection has to be checked annually including alarms, detectors, lighting, sprinklers, extinguishers and fire doors. They should be carefully inspected. Fire alarms are a legal requirement for commercial premises. To check that your Fire alarms still function correctly, it is important to get them serviced. All fire alarms should be tested, maintained and inspected by a competent person who is able to carry out any remedial work. Fire alarms are a legal requirement for commercial premises Fire extinguishers must be ready to work straight away in the event of a fire, so it is vital they are regularly checked and serviced. You should ensure they are maintained and kept in a functional condition. Every month, the pressure gauge should be tested on all fire extinguishers. Fire Risk Assessments Every year, it is required that a qualified technician carries out a thorough check on all your extinguishers for them to be fully serviced and certified. In addition to regular maintenance checks on your fire safety equipment, it is vital your commercial property has a fire risk assessment carried out every 4 years, with a renewal every 2 years. Fully trained and qualified assessors should undertake this to make sure it is done professionally Fully trained and qualified assessors should undertake this to make sure it is done professionally. By having a fire risk assessment review, it determines whether any changes could impact the ability for your equipment to properly protect your building. Fire Safety Logbook During a risk assessment, all fire doors must be checked to ensure they are in good condition and close efficiently with secure hinges. The fire seals must be fixed in position, with signs on the door present and legible. To keep an overview of all findings and actions, there should be a fire safety logbook and maintenance record that remains at your premises at all times. The logbook is used to record and review any significant findings when carrying out the fire risk assessment. This helps to keep all fire safety equipment functioning effectively and available to respond to emergency fires.

Maintaining adequate staffing is a key challenge facing many volunteer fire departments. While not a new issue, increasing population and call volumes along with the expanded services many volunteer departments now provide have made recruiting and retaining volunteers a top priority in the fire service. The federal government supports volunteer recruitment and retention through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). SAFER has provided more than $300 million in grants to help fire departments recruit and retain volunteers from FY 2010-2017 and will distribute approximately $42 million in the FY 2018 grant cycle, expected to open in the near future. Annual Contribution Cap Give volunteer emergency responders increased access to mortgage and other housing assistance programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) legislative agenda for 2019 is heavily focused on recruitment and retention. In addition to advocating for funding for SAFER, we will be asking Congress to: pass legislation exempting nominal benefits that volunteers receive as a reward for their service from federal income and withholding taxes clarify the tax status of length of service award program (LOSAP) to make plans easier to administer (the NVFC was successful last year in doubling the annual contribution cap on LOSAP from $3,000 to $6,000) make volunteer emergency responders eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program through the U.S. Department of Education, which forgives the student loan debt of public servants who have served for at least 10 years give volunteer emergency responders increased access to mortgage and other housing assistance programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Free Department Portal In addition, the NVFC recently received a SAFER grant to continue its work with the Make Me A Firefighter campaign. Launched in 2014, this is the first national volunteer recruitment campaign of its kind. Fire and emergency service agencies can use the free department portal to find resources and tools to help them with recruitment as well as post their volunteer opportunities in a national database. Department composition should reflect the community’s demographics, and yet many groups, such as millennials, women, and minorities The campaign also works to raise public awareness of the need for volunteers and connects potential recruits with their local fire department through the web site. With the new grant, additional focus will be given to retention of volunteers. Department composition should reflect the community’s demographics, and yet many groups, such as millennials, women, and minorities, are drastically underrepresented in the fire service. Diversify Their Ranks These target groups present significant areas of opportunity for fire department recruiters. As part of the Make Me A Firefighter campaign, the NVFC is working to help departments diversify their ranks and reach these key audiences. Volunteers make up 70% of the U.S. fire service, and most small, rural communities depend entirely on volunteers to respond to emergencies of all kinds. Recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters, EMS providers, and support members is critical to ensure adequate protection of our residents. The NVFC will continue to provide advocacy and resources to help local departments in their efforts.

The continuity of power in the event of a real fire has never been more important as modern buildings become more complex and the need for the highest quality of products comes under the spotlight. With power for lighting and fire alarms, the fire and rescue services can use the intelligence gathered to evacuate people quickly, confident that they have found all the people in the building. Without power, they are literally scrambling in the dark without good information upon which to make their rescue. The continuity of power will also ensure that sprinkler or water mist systems can continue to operate where they exist. In commercial buildings, there may also be smoke evacuation fans which help to enable safe evacuation. Fire alarms may be digital, with loop systems which will provide information for fire and rescue services  Appropriate Cabling  At the start of a project, the most appropriate cabling should be specified as part of the electrical system rather than at the end of a project. Fire alarms may be digital, with loop systems which will provide information for fire and rescue services across individual areas and floors. At the same time, there are new designs, materials and products continually coming on to the market for major projects, and with it an increasing need for the various parties involved to work closely together to make sure they get it right. There has been an increasing incidence of non-approved cables on the market and unfortunately it is not until cables have been installed, tested or used that issues become clear. For installers, or those procuring cables, there is a need to check the cable when it arrives to make sure it is exactly what was specified. Should there be a problem, have it checked and seek good advice. Keep records of purchase, including reel flanges with batch markings and a sample of the cable markings. Send lengths for testing and then decide on the most appropriate course of action. Choice of cabling is crucial at the start of major projects as issues may occur later  Meeting Rigorous Third-Party Tests  For some buildings, it is crucial to select the highest quality products to meet the most rigorous third-party tests and real-life fire scenarios. These include environments such as hospitals, schools and care homes where older people and children move about. Specifiers looking at new large public sector projects such as hospitals should refer to BS 8519 for the electrical supply, and the most relevant cabling system. It is crucial to select the highest quality products to meet the most rigorous third-party tests This Code of Practice specifies that the type of system selected during the design phase ‘should be derived from a detailed process of consultation with the relevant authorities’ and that ‘the design should be agreed at an early stage.’ The decision-making process for cable selection relevant for life safety and firefighting systems is clearly defined here. This covers three categories ranging from 30 minutes to 120 minutes fire survival time.  Categories 1 and 2 cover means of escape for 30 minutes and then 60 minutes respectively, and these cables are tested in accordance with the relevant codes. Category 3 for firefighting to 120 minutes refers to power and control cables meeting the 120-minute test according to the relevant standards. It should be emphasised that only Mineral Insulated Cable (MIC) or a cable meeting the requirements of BS7846 F120 will meet this criteria. For clarity, BS 8519 does not take precedence over BS 5839 for alarm systems and BS 5266 for emergency lighting. In essence, choosing the most relevant cabling and electrical accessories which will continue to operate under fire conditions has become critical. Application Of Medium Voltage Cables  As the incidence of non-approved cables continues then so the application of Medium Voltage (MV) cables into high-risk environments including hospitals, schools, care homes, industrial sites and sub-stations serving infrastructure sites also becomes critical. In the context off fire engineering, it is important to select the relevant MV Cables in these areas. Adhering to the latest regulations is no longer enough - there needs to be a risk assessment. In order to do this effectively, it is important to ask – are the fire safety procedures up to date? All AEI MV cables are third party tested and approved by BASEC. Educational establishments including schools, colleges and laboratories are some of the most prone structures to fire hazards The whole supply chain needs to take consideration of these areas where vulnerable people often move about such as children or elderly people in hospitals or care homes. The fire and rescue services may need a little more time than a conventional building including reading complex fire alarm information to ensure a safe rescue in the event of a real fire. Educational establishments including schools, colleges and laboratories are some of the most prone structures to fire hazards. This is due to ageing structures, high volume of combustible materials, and changing use in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths programmes where more combustible and flammable liquids are being used. Concerns have been raised by architects and and designers about fire protection regimes  Sufficient Fire Risk Assessment  Recent research by the Fire Brigades Union, for example, showed that a key focus for all educational institutions must be ensuring that there is an effective fire risk management process in place, delivered by suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment carried out by an expert in the field. The best practice under Business Information Modelling (BIM) and all best practice of fire safety engineering methods should be observed in conjunction with project partners. There have been concerns over a number of years around the fire protection regime for new buildings expressed by the architects and designers themselves. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) points to the delays to Approved Document B with regard to the relationship of Building Regulations to changing design and construction. AEI Cables provides a full range of cabling products through its Total Fire Solutions service RIBA says the virtual disappearance of the role of the clerk of works or site architect and the loss of independent oversight of construction and workmanship on behalf of the client is a further issue for concern. In essence, RIBA believes that future proposals for the fire safety regulatory regime should be informed by the specialist fire safety expertise of relevant professional organisations and groups, and also take full account of this wider set of construction industry AEI Cables provides a full range of cabling products through its Total Fire Solutions service with the support of its parent company Ducab based in Dubai, with the design, manufacture and supply of MIC, Firetec Enhanced or Firetec Power depending on specific needs. The choice of cabling and accessories should not be underestimated at the earliest opportunity to ensure the fire and rescue services are given every chance of success in rescuing people and saving property.

Set to stand at 62-storeys high, 22 Bishopsgate in the City of London will, on completion, become the second-tallest building in Western Europe. The 278m office building will offer 1.275 million sq. ft of high specification office space, as well as eight community spaces, covering over 100,000 sq ft, including an innovation hub, curated gallery space, fresh food market, gym and wellbeing retreat. Once completed, Advanced will protect both of Western Europe’s tallest buildings, with 22 Bishopsgate being the latest in a long line of London’s most prestigious and iconic skyscrapers specifying Advanced, including the Shard, the Leadenhall Building, the Heron Tower and the HSBC Tower. Networked MxPro 5 panels At the centre of the active fire protection for 22 Bishopsgate are over 80 networked MxPro 5 panels with graphic display and BMS integration, alongside three special build panels for the building’s Fire Command Centre, that will form part of the intelligent fire detection network. Advanced’s panels are used alongside Apollo’s Soteria detectors and its networking is widely regarded as the most resilient and scalable solution on the market. It can be expanded up to 200 node networks covering huge areas with complicated cause-and-effect. Great emphasis and consideration has been placed on the fire protection for 22 Bishopsgate" As a UK-first, 22 Bishopsgate will utilize a specially developed lift-evacuation strategy in case of fire. The building is separated into four vertical areas by fire-hardened slabs with a two-hour fire rating separating a floor from the one above at levels 26, 42 and 58. Depending on which of the four vertical areas of the building a fire is detected, workers on that floor and the floors above egress via fire escape stairs to the area below and from there can evacuate via the lifts, safe in the knowledge that these are protected by the slabs above. Fire detection systems Responsible for every aspect of installation of the fire system from design to completion, PHF Fire, a division of PHF Electrical, used Advanced for its market-leading networking capabilities, best suited to managing a network of this size and complexity. Paul Falkner, Director at PHF Fire, said: “Great emphasis and consideration has been placed on the fire protection for 22 Bishopsgate – a building truly at the at the forefront of fire technology. From working with Advanced previously we knew its products could be relied upon to deliver powerful, flexible and dependable fire protection for the complex nature of a building of this size.” Fire protection Advanced is a pioneer in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems Amanda Hope, UK Business Development Manager at Advanced, said: “Advanced is a leader in the market in terms of performance, quality and ease-of-use and being specified in arguably the UK’s most high-profile commercial development, since the Shard, reinforces this. We are thrilled to now not only protect Western Europe’s tallest building, but soon also the second tallest. It was a pleasure to work with the team at PHF Fire where we were able to meet their needs with a system capable of delivering the complicated cause and effect programming and flexible networking required.”  With EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13 approval, the MxPro is the fire industry’s leading multiprotocol fire solution, offering customers a choice of two panel ranges, four detector protocols and a completely open installer network that enjoys free training and support. Intelligent fire systems expert Advanced is a pioneer in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The performance, quality and ease of use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large, multi-site networks in some of the world’s most prestigious sites. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, extinguishing control panels, fire paging and false alarm management systems.

At insulation manufacturer Glava, they manage high risk and high production volumes. Hence, they are dependent on an efficient fire detection system. Here, they tell us why they chose Autronica. 60 tons of melted glass, and temperatures up to 1300 degrees Celsius: At the Glava manufacturing plant in the Norwegian town of Stjørdal, the production runs non-stop. The temperature is high when shattered glass is molten and spun into insulation, and the consequences of an incident in the smelting plant are enormous. In the afternoon, evening and night, staffing is limited to a minimum. Only four people keep the 3500 square meters of factory under surveillance. Thanks to solid fire detection, they all know they are safe regardless. However, not long ago they experienced a completely different situation altogether.  Catastrophic fire at Glava manufacturing plant "In the 90s, the Glava manufacturing plant and headquarters in Askim suffered a major cable fire, where a grand total of 600 kilometers of cable was destroyed by fire. Production was halted for weeks, and 60-70 electricians were hired to fix the problem. If we had had early warning in case of overheating, we could have saved several millions Norwegian Kroner," said Helge Bakken, an electrical engineer working in the Glava manufacturing plant since 1996. He talks about vast amounts of inflammable materials on the premises.  "Glava is a large manufacturing plant with lots of machinery, and we are bordering on the limit of what we can keep our eyes on." Efficient fire detection system With Autronica’s solution we have a complete overview form the screens in the control room" Helge added, "When we rebuilt the Stjørdal factory in 2014, we wanted to install a proper fire detection system. We asked for tenders from a wide range of suppliers, and I feared that Autronica would be too expensive. I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out they weren’t the most expensive supplier by far. Additionally, the quality and service were far superior to any of the others. And of course, it was a bonus that they are a Norwegian company, and that most of the equipment is manufactured at their headquarters in Trondheim." Fire alarms and emergency lighting "With Autronica’s solution we have a complete overview form the screens in the control room. Graphical sectionalizations show where the alarm is triggered, and we get an early indication of heat generation. With the help of statistics, we quickly see what the normal temperature is. If there is a real emergency, the emergency light system will multiply the chance of evacuating the employees. There are few fault messages, and everyone here takes any alarm seriously," says fire safety manager, Håvard Sesseng.

STANLEY Security, one of the UK’s leading security providers, has installed a wireless fire alarm system at Harvey’s Windows & Conservatories, meeting their insurance requirements while saving considerable expense.   Based in Leicester, Harvey’s Windows & Conservatories Ltd. operates from a large three storey building which it owns. Harvey’s itself works out of the bottom floor and the remaining building is subdivided into units which are rented out, with the two floors upstairs being dance studios that are mostly used in the evenings and weekends. Requirement Of A L2 Fire System L2 requires Manual Call Points throughout and optical AFD in escape routes and all rooms, corridors and compartmentsAs part of its insurance policy, Harvey’s Windows & Conservatories conducted a Fire Risk Assessment, undertaken by a third party. The assessor stated that an L2 category Fire System was required throughout the building. BS 5839-1:2017, the British Standard for fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises, categorizes systems based on their objectives. Category L is a system designed to protect life and ranges from minimal protection 5 to top protection 1. L2 requires Manual Call Points throughout and optical automatic fire detection (AFD) in escape routes and all rooms, corridors and compartments that open onto escape routes, plus further AFD in areas identified as high fire risk. L2 systems therefore often come with a high price tag, especially in a large building such as that owned by Harvey’s Windows & Conservatories. After receiving several quotes that were out of the company’s reach, STANLEY Security provided the company with an affordable, effective alternative. EMS Wireless System For Cost Reduction “One of the key costs in the previous quotes was cabling,” states Ashley Hickling, Fire Sales Manager for STANLEY Security. “Other installers were looking to cable the entire system, or use a hybrid of hard wired and wireless equipment. With a large building, the amount of cabling pushed the price high. Furthermore, there were no cable routes, so a lot of containment would have been required for a hard-wired solution, which is also expensive and not aesthetically pleasing – an issue for the dance studios.” STANLEY Security recommended a full EMS wireless system which negates the need for cabling and reduces the costs The cost of labor to fit the cabling also added to the budget. STANLEY Security instead recommended a full EMS wireless system which negates the need for cabling and therefore reduces the costs significantly. Furthermore, the entire system is financed under STANLEY Assure, a finance solution for customers wishing to benefit from up to date security and fire technology without the risks of ownership and with evenly spread, manageable payment terms with no hidden extra costs. Day/Night Protection Of Building’s Inhabitants In the case of Harvey’s Windows & Conservatories, the cost of the system – including maintenance, replacement parts, call outs and labor on a wear and tear basis – is spread over five years with a monthly payment of just £393.80. Harvey’s Windows & Conservatories now benefits from a modern analog addressable L2 fire alarm system that meets its insurance obligations and protects the building’s inhabitants day and night. If a detector on the system should activate, it can be instantly pinpointed from the Fire Panel, confirming exactly which one it is and where, for appropriate, instant action to be taken.

A fire system with integrated fire telephone and voice evacuation system from Advanced has been installed at an exclusive 30-storey residential high-rise in Dubai. Boasting state-of-the-art amenities, luxury interiors, a fully equipped gym and rooftop swimming pool, the Siraj Tower has become one of the most sought-after residential projects in the ambitious $64billion entertainment complex, Dubailand. As Advanced’s exclusive distributor in Dubai, Cignetix were responsible for integrating this crucial part of the building’s active fire protection. Four Advanced Axis EN panels, which were recently certified by FM Approvals to the EN54 standard, and 2000 devices have been installed alongside its high-performance fire telephone solution. Designed for clear, easy-to-use control, the system benefits from LED status indications showing its operational stateSunil Gopalkrishnan, Managing Director at Cignetix, said: “Thanks to their reputation for performance, quality and ease-of-use, Advanced are our preferred choice of fire alarm, fire telephone and voice evacuation systems – capable of handling large networks of up to 200 panels and complex cause and effect programming.” Fire Telephone Solution Advanced’s fire telephone solution is ideal for high and low-rise apartment buildings, hotels, universities, government and military sites where local fire departments and emergency personnel need access to fire/emergency communications. Designed for clear, easy-to-use control, the conventional system benefits from LED status indications showing its operational state – whether the system has a call-in, is connected or is in fault condition. The fire telephone system is compliant with EN54 parts 2 and 4 and can be configured as either a standalone, independent system or completely integrated into the Axis EN fire system. Steve Carroll, Advanced’s General Manager for the Middle East, said: “The Siraj Tower is another fantastic example of the successful partnership between Cignetix and Advanced. In order to take full advantage of what our products offer, it takes companies like Cignetix, who have the skills and experience required, to apply Advanced to sites such as this prestigious high-rise.” Axis EN Fire Panel Range Axis EN, which is part of Advanced’s Axis range of systems, holds global approvals, including EN54, UL864 and AS1670Available for European, Middle East and South East Asian markets, Axis EN is Advanced’s highest performance analogue panel range, combining 1-8 loop, fire panels configurable up to 200 panel networks with a complete range of wired and wireless loop devices and powerful peripherals. Axis EN, which is part of Advanced’s Axis range of systems, holds global approvals, including EN54, UL864 and AS1670. It is designed to go anywhere where high quality, reliable and easy to use fire detection and control is required. Advanced, owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC, have a long history of protecting some of the most prestigious high-rise residential developments in the world, including the Gold Coast’s Soul Building and Miami’s Sands Pointe. Advanced is a pioneer in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The legendary performance, quality and ease of use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management systems.

The client is a prestigious purpose-built skin, laser and cosmetic surgery clinic based in central Birmingham. In 2018, they relocated to a Georgian building following an expansion of the practice to welcome new professional associates and provide a greater range of patient services. Their upgraded and refurbished building includes a larger operating room with dedicated recovery areas, treatments rooms, consultation rooms and waiting areas. At this clinic, plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic experts carry out surgical and non-surgical procedures for the face and body as well as cosmetic dentistry, IV nutritional therapy and advanced spa treatments. As well as a team of renowned doctors and practitioners and their administration team, the new premise is also accessed by numerous patients and their families visiting the clinic for pre-treatment and post-treatment consultations, as well as for the procedures themselves. Access Control And Intruder Detection System In their new premises, the practice required an access control and intruder detection system that delivered: Hassle-free access for staff with various levels of authority, from surgeons to administrators, for e.g. restricted access to consultation/treatment rooms and post-procedure recovery areas Limited access to patient information, drugs, high value surgical equipment and other high-risk assets Simple and reliable off-site management by permitted personnel, at any time and via their own computer, tablet or smartphone A secure yet serene and private experience for patients and visitors, for e.g. easy entry and exit for visitors to/from the main reception area Safety Of Staff And Visitors IGNIS Fire Protection Services installed Inception for this popular cosmetic surgery practice in Birmingham. With nearly 100 years of combined experience installing security systems, the IGNIS team delivers on its reputation for quality of service, knowledge, reliability and honesty. Inner Range's Inception access control and intruder detection system was used by IGNIS Fire Protection Services on this siteIGNIS works with integrated access control and intruder detection manufacturer Inner Range to deliver a cost effective, reliable service every time, with safety of staff, customers and visitors of paramount importance. Inner Range provided Inception, the core access control and intruder detection system used by IGNIS Fire Protection Services on this site. Inception was the perfect choice for this customer because it hangs off the same infrastructure with a single user interface. An integrated system gives the client reassurance, simplicity and ease of use. Offers Smart Building Management A pioneer of integrated access control and intruder detection systems, Inner Range has been a pioneer in the design and manufacture of intelligent security solutions since it was established in 1988. More than 150,000 Inner Range systems have been installed in over 30 countries. Inner Range’s award-winning integrated security systems offer smart building management at local, national and global levels. Inception is Inner Range’s powerful yet affordable access control and intruder detection system, now featuring a range of extra reporting functions, anti-pass back protocols and interlocking doors. The system provides this dynamic clinic with the integrated access control they need to run their business with the utmost efficiency, safety and security. Key Features Available With Inception: A web-based interface that can be controlled by authorized staff using existing smartphones, tablets or computers Various entry points starting at 2 or 4 doors and 16 users and can be expanded if required up to 32 doors and 512 users Universal inputs and outputs that can be used independently of each other, to directly control door locks and powered sirens modules Secured alarm communication is using 128Bit AES encryption to ensure data privacy Interactive Commissioning Checklist IGNIS installed the Inception system using its interactive Commissioning Checklist that ensures no steps are missedIGNIS installed the Inception system using its industry-first interactive Commissioning Checklist that ensures no steps are missed. That process includes core programming, custom automation, changing default credentials, backing up the database and downloading commissioning reports. Inception’s wireless adaptability not only gives users flexibility, it means technicians don’t need to find an IP address or connect to the user’s local network. They can also use an adaptor as a service tool to perform maintenance on site. Benefits For The Client: Peace of mind – 24/7/365 access and intruder detection solutions to keep patients, staff, visitors and assets safe and secure Convenience – the system can be controlled at all times via any mobile device No forgotten codes to interrupt the sensitive day to day running of the business or cause issues out of hours Value for money - no costly additional hardware and no need for a set on-site administrator or security guard Easy access and security means reception and support staff can focus on other responsibilities such as patient care

Tamworth-based trade association, DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) is emphasizing the importance of making fire safety an ‘absolute priority’ in new-build homes, following an investigation into potentially dangerous fire safety issues in houses developed by Persimmon Homes and Bellway Homes.  Fire Safety In New-Build Homes The BBC’s Watchdog discovered serious breaches that had gone undetected during the construction process" The findings, by BBC Watchdog Live, highlighted that a number of new builds constructed by the firms were sold with missing or incorrectly installed fire barriers, which are used to form a complete seal between different areas of a home, and prevent the spread of fire. Without them, experts say, fire and smoke can spread five-to-ten times faster. “The BBC’s Watchdog discovered serious breaches that had gone undetected during the construction process, leaving homes and lives potentially at risk in the event of a fire,” explains DHF’s Commercial Manager, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “In many new builds, particularly timber-framed buildings, fire barriers are a vital part of fire protection and we would urge house builders to ‘get it right’ at the construction stage and to have a workforce that is trained in, and understands, the importance of installing the fire barriers required to prevent potential problems down the line. Ultimately, responsibility for ensuring that buildings are compliant with Building Regulations lies with the house builder.” Importance Of Fire Safety Following the investigation, Bellway Homes stated that it was ‘committed to improvement’ with regards to potentially flawed fire safety issues in developments in Kent and West Lothian, and that mandatory training on, amongst other subjects, fire stopping, has been introduced for all relevant construction staff.Following the Grenfell disaster in June 2017, DHF’s voice has been one of the loudest and most passionate in its call for third-party certification by a UKAS-accredited body of manufacture, installation, maintenance and inspection of fire, smoke and security doors, in order to offer complete assurance on their performance. With a history and heritage dating back to 1897, the federation is undoubtedly one of the most revered organizations, widely respected as the industry’s independent authoritative voice.  Fire Door Training Courses DHF works assiduously with BRE Academy to offer fire door training courses Fierce advocates for appropriate levels of training across all the sectors that it serves, DHF continues to place the importance of training firmly ‘up-front-and-center’. The organization works assiduously with BRE Academy to offer fire door training courses; this has been central to its on-going fire safety campaign. Additionally, in March 2019, DHF announced a high-profile collaboration with Secured by Design (SBD) and Fire Industry Association (FIA) to publish a guidance document on fire safety. Named A Guide for Selecting Flat Entrance Doorsets; A publication for housing associations, landlords, building owners and local authorities in England, the publication accentuates the key issues of fire safety for those selecting fire doorsets, recommending all fire doorsets are factory-prepared (as opposed to prepared on-site), that all work be completed under factory production control, and in addition, audited by a third-party.  Fire Doors “Since Grenfell, the wider issue of fire safety has been thrust into the spotlight and we are delighted that progress is being made in this regard,” said Patricia. “We continue to stress that the use of fire doors, correctly installed and with robust fire door maintenance procedures, are an essential part of fire safety and urge those in positions of responsibility (such as house builders) to ensure that they are not only fulfilling regulations, as well as legal and moral obligations, but insisting upon appropriate levels of training with regards to installation and maintenance.”