Cost comparison (wireless vs. wired)

There is a common perception that wireless fire alarms are expensive and niche. In reality, independent analysis by consultants has proved that wireless fire alarms solutions offer flexibility and cost competitiveness against hardwired fire systems. Project managers, specifies and sometimes fire alarm installers fail to accurately identify the overall project cost savings to be gained using wireless fire alarm.

Labour costs typically account for only 15% of a wireless fire system installation, compared with 50% for hardwired systems.  This saving more than offsets any higher component costs. FireCell from EMS offers a far more cost-effective alternative to labour-intensive hard-wired systems.

Finally, consider the following: interfacing multiple buildings on a site with a hardwired fire system can be horrendous – ground works and overhead cabling can heap cost onto a fire project.  A wireless linked system, such as FireCell, eliminates this cost and offers far greater flexibility during fire alarm installation and future expansion.

Today, most Facilities or Building Managers are under pressure to reduce maintenance budgets. System specifies are finding EMS FireCell to be a cost-effective investment into the building’s long-term fire protection solution.

The benefits of a wireless fire alarm system make for compelling reading:

• Flexible installations: No cables to break, short-out or move, a high tolerance to hostile environments.
• Cost reductions: Easier, quicker and less expensive to install than hardwired systems.
• Minimum operating disruption: No need to install the cabling required by hardwired systems.

Benefits of a wireless fire alarm system

EMS has launched the their new wireless fire alarm detection range.

EMS wireless fire detection FireCell applications
Wireless fire alarm systems are the superior choice for challenging sites and building environments, for example:

London based Fire Systems Ltd is yet to try the new wireless fire alarm system from EMS. Apparently, it is the first wireless fire alarm system to comply with the European Standards.

EMS have been at the for front of wireless fire alarm systems so it will be interesting to see how it works.

Fire Safety is our business

After three years since the introduction of the fire safety law, the London Fire Brigade is warning that many businesses are still ignorant to this new piece of fire safety legislation.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order came into affect in October 2006, replacing the old Fire Certificate and 70 separate pieces of legislation.

The order applies to virtually all buildings with the main exception of private homes.

The law takes the responsibility of fire safety in these types of buildings, away from the fire brigade and places it to the owners and management of the premises.

Ensuring that the fire alarm is functioning correctly and a fire alarm maintenance is in place is part of what is now required.

The listed building sector found it difficult to comply with the findings of their fire risk assessment. Hence,we have also notice an immergence of wireless fire alarms within this sector. Fire Systems ltd a London fire alarm company is a leading specialist in the fire alarm installation and installing wireless fire alarm systems.

UCKG following the requirements of the RRO carried out a fire risk assessment. What transpire is they required a fire alarm system in the main building in Finsbury Park. 

UCKG approached fire alarm installer Fire Systems, who recommended a wireless fire alarm system, as the building is listed and very artistic.

The wireless fire alarm has now been installed and the client is very happy with the result.

London pays over £1m for fire safety breaches

15 April 2010

Courts in London ordered individuals, property owners, small and large companies to pay more than £1 million in fines and costs in 2009 for breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

The Regulatory Reform Order which came out is 2005, requires individuals, property owners, small and large business to manage and take seriously their responsibility when it comes to fire safety.

This requires all of the above to carry out a fire risk assessment. The assessment will look at all areas of fire safety such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, escape routes from the buildings, fire doors, storage of flammable materials etc.

The London Fire Brigade says the record financial figure for the fines and cost shows how seriously the courts are taking issues of fire safety, and highlights the need for those in responsible and in charge of premises to find out more about and act on their responsibilities.  

The London fire commissioner Ron Dobson, said: “Over £1m in fines shows how serious the courts are taking fire safety, and now it's time for the responsible persons at these premises to understand that ensuring buildings are safe from fire for all the people that use them is not an optional task.

"When we are informed about fire safety issues or find them as part of our inspection programme, we will act.”

Premises that have non functional fire alarms, or no fire alarm at all when one is clearly required, or where the fire alarm maintenance, or maintenance in general is not carried out, the courts will act.

High profile cases last year included Shell International being fined £300,000 and the clothes store New Look paying more than £500,000 in fines and costs following a fire at their Oxford Street branch in April 2007.

In two of the  cases last year, people were given jail terms for breaches of the Fire Safety Order.

Fire Alarm company Fire Systems Ltd as been in business since 1992, they specialise in wireless fire alarm systems, fire alarm maintenance, weekly fire alarm testing and is a well known and reliable fire alarm installer.

if you require more information about Fire Systems, visit their website on www.firesystems.co.uk

Defective Fire Alarm causes £15,000 fine!

Hotel fined £15,000 for six breaches of fire safety law

09 April 2010

A Surrey hotel with a non functional fire alarm and disabled self-closures on fire doors throughout the hotel, has been fined £15,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,800.

Chalk Lane Hotel Ltd pleaded guilty to six breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 at Redhill Magistrates Court on 30 March.

Fire and Rescue Service for Surrey investigated the 22-bed Chalk Lane Hotel in Epsom after a guest contacted them who had stayed there. Officers found a fire alarm not working, fire doors held open(disable), and a bolted final exit. There was also no fire risk assessment, inadequate information and training for employees, and no record of a fire drill having been carried out.

This documentation would have highlighted that no fire alarm maintenance had taken place, and that the fire detection within the hotel was not operational. It is so important that a professional fire alarm company such as Fire Systems Ltd are employed to ensure hotels such as these keep within the law, when it comes to fire safety.

Surrey fire safety officer, Nigel Gray, said: “The fire alarm at the Chalk Lane Hotel had been on operation for a considerable length of time and what astonished us most was this followed the very serious and high profile fire cases of Penhallow Hotel fire in Newquay a few months earlier. Chalk Lane Hotel failed to learn from this and address their own fire safety issues.
As legally required, “Had they had a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment in place and a system for regularly reviewing it, they could have resolved the problem earlier or put some temporary measures in place to avoid this penalty.”
An enforcement notice served on the hotel in December 2007 covering all these breaches was discharged early in 2008.

Tesco fall foul of Fire Safety law

Tesco pays 119,000 pounds for fire safety law breaches

Tesco have been fined in total £119,000 for failing to comply with the Regulatory Reform Order – 21 April 21 2010

The fines were as follows:

Tesco pleaded guilty to failing to keep emergency exits clear (£20,000 fine); failing to keep an emergency route clear (£20,000); two counts of fire doors being wedged open (£20,000 each) and storing flammable materials under an emergency stairwell (£15,000). Sentencing took place at Wood Green Crown Court on 20 April 2010.

The incident follow a fire within the store that was extinguished by staff using a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket. We presumed the fire detection with the building activated the fire alarm, which in turn called the fire brigade.  A subsequently a visit was made to the store the following day to inspect the fire safety requirements and fire risk assessment of the premises and the breaches as mentioned above were discovered.

This event highlights what can occur if the responsible person’s in charge of the premises fail to ensure their fire safety responsibility is carried out.

As we can see in the incident above, the fire alarm system may have played an important role detecting the fire and calling the brigade. This is why fire alarm testing is important, along with the fire alarm maintenance of the system.

As you can see a fire risk assessment was untaken, but it was not reviewed.

A fire alarm company such as Fire Systems Ltd is a specialist in fire protection, and a independent fire alarm installer. Their are also specialist if wireless fire alarm and fire alarm maintenance.

Fire Systems Ltd – Awarded fire alarm Maintenance at Greenwich Power Station

London based fire alarm company, Fire Systems Ltd have been awarded the contract to carry out the maintenance of the fire alarm system, wireless fire alarm system, fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, and Air Sampling systems.

The contract is for three years and includes 4 hour response call out cover.

Fire alarm systems who is a well known and proven fire alarm installer, installed the wireless fire alarm system to protect the basement areas, as the original form of fire detection within this area “Linear heat” cable, had been destroyed by rodents who had chewed through the cable.

Fire Systems Ltd, designed and installed the wireless fire alarm system.

All fire alarms, fire suppression systems, addressable fire alarm systems receive the required fire alarm maintenance in accordance with the British Standards.

Fire Alarm zones

Fire Alarm zones are only required in buildings where operation of the
fire alarms needs to be different in certain parts of the buildings. If the
only requirement is to activate all the fire alarm sounders to provide a
single common evacuate signal once a fire is detected, then alarm
zones are not needed, the whole building is one complete zone.

For more larger complex buildings where it is necessary to operate fire alarm detection devices differently in parts of the building, then the building should be divided into alarm zones such that all of the fire detection devices in one alarm zone operate in the same way.
BS5839-1 contains some recommendations for alarm zones:
- The bounders of all alarm zones should comprise fire-resisting
construction
- Signal overlap between alarm zones should not cause
confusion
- The same alarm and alert signals should be used throughout a
building
- A smoke detection zone must not contain multiple alarm zones, alarm and detection zone boundaries should coincide. An alarm zone
may contain multiple detection zones

However, there is a advantage to designing a fire alarm installer, installing a alarm zone using a wireless fire alarm as apposed to a wired fire alarm system, as you do not have to worry about the configuration of the wiring.

Fire alarm testing of the fire zones is important and should be carried out on a weekly basis.

Fire alarm Maintenance

Fire Systems Ltd is proud of its reputation in providing the very best care, after sale service and maintenance.

Fire Systems Ltd belief is to build a long term relationships with their clients to ensure the client is always considered as individuals and important to the company. Therefore, customer service is paramount to this fire alarm company.

Fire alarm maintenance or as it is sometimes known as a fire alarm  service is vital elements in ensuring any Fire alarm or security system remains effective and trouble free in operation in order that the integrity of the fire alarm system is preserved at all times. To these ends Fire Systems Ltd operate a comprehensive 24 hour, 365 days a year emergency fire service facility with highly trained engineers and operators available to assist with technical support, enquiries, or if necessary, attend the relevant site to rectify any faults or problems.

Fire Systems Ltd believe in providing the same level of customer care and service to all clients, large or small, whilst recognising that individual customers have diverse needs and wide ranging requirements which need to be addressed and actioned in a prompt and efficient matter.

Fire Systems Ltd  an independent fire alarm company, who can design and implement a fire detection service and maintenance package in accordance with your unique requirements and relevant regulations and are happy to discuss arranging fire alarm maintenance of existing installations.

Fire system ltd have been in the industry for nearly 20 years and has a good reputation as been a independent and competent fire alarm installer

Quite simply, preventative maintenance means peace of mind.

Why is a fire alarm required?

The answer to this question depends on a fire risk assessment, on the premises in question and the legal requirements. In large high-rise buildings, such  fire alarm systems are essential to warn all occupants that a fire or emergency situation exists and the fire alarm system is used to control evacuation in an orderly way. Large sites with a retained fire brigade may require the fire system to call the brigade and direct them to the area of risk. The property may have considerable intrinsic value and the insurers either require a fire detection system or may incentivise its use.

The building may be unoccupied for periods where equipment is
still powered and the owner wishes to ensure that if anything goes
wrong fire fighters are called to the scene in a timely manner.

Fire alarms are often used for other purposes as well as fire
detection and alarm, such as bomb alert signalling, Redcare and other monitoring systems for high risk equipment or places, emergency call systems  and even class change systems for schools.
Sometimes fire detection and fire alarms are used to
compensate for structural fire protection shortcomings or to give
special cover for items of high value. Whatever the reason,
an automatic fire detection and a fire alarm generally provides
a network of manual call points, fire sensors and alarm warning
devices over the area covered. It is, in effect, the eyes and mouth and warning system of the building to constantly monitor the building and warn if a fire breaks out, or is suspected. In the same way we do if we see flames or smell burning.

A Fire alarm company such as Fire Systems Ltd, is a London based fire alarm installer, installer wireless fire alarms as well as offer fire alarm maintenance.

Fire Systems Ltd and the Regulatory Reform Order

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the Fire Law that applies to the premises.

In the Order "responsible person" means in relation to a workplace, the employer, if the workplace is to any extent under his control. Article 5 of the Order set ''Duties under this Order" as follows:
Where the premises are a workplace, the responsible person must ensure that any duty imposed by articles 8 to 22 or by regulations made under article 24 is compiled with in respect of those
premises.
Article 9 of the Order requires the responsible person to carry out a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment of the fire risks on the premises. What form the fire risk assessment takes will be dependent on the type and size of premises or undertaking concerned. What is suitable and sufficient for one type of premises will not however be sufficient for another.

The further requirements of the Fire Safety Order should be considered and necessary actions taken for full compliance.
Compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is a dynamic process; the responsible person must ensure constant assessment of the existing hazards, the effect of changes to
the procedures, facilities and fire safety provisions in the premises, and take further actions as necessary to ensure the protective and preventative measures remain adequate.

Fire Systems Ltd will provide the required fire safety training for all employees to include the following appropriate to the responsibilities of the individuals in the event of a fire. E.g. Employees with no control
responsibility should be trained in items "a to j", and for those with control responsibility it should be all
items with necessary amplification:
a) The action to take on discovering a fire
b) The location of and how to operate fire alarm call points
c) The fire alarm evacuation signal - bells, siren or other means
d) The evacuation procedure to the Assembly Point of Safety including safety procedures
e) Identification of the escape routes - the meaning of running men and arrows
f) The importance of general fire safety and housekeeping
g) The importance and functions of fire resisting doors
h) The NO SMOKING policy
i) Care of electrical equipment, cables and connectors
]) Instruction on the types of fire extinguisher and how to use them
k) The duties of staff personnel with specific fire related duties
I) Arrangements for the fire safety evacuation of disabled employees
m) Arrangements for the safe evacuation of disabled members of the public
n) How to call the Fire Brigade to an incident
o) How to report to the Senior Fire Officer on their arrival

Training should be given to all new employees on their general induction and it should be repeated for all employees at least annually.

Fire Systems Ltd will provide a fire logbook, for fire safety record keeping. This logbook should be kept in the Workplace. It will be used to record the result of all checks, inspections and service of
fire alarms, and other equipment and systems, and the training provided to employees,

Weekly fire alarm testing, and fire alarm maintenance forms part of the RRO, along with monthly testing of the emergency lighting and annual inspection of the fire extinguishers. All fire detection should also be testing at least once annually.

Fire Systems Ltd is a fire alarm installer and installs wireless fire alarms, as well as wired conventional fire alarm systems.

Is the UK Fire Alarm equipment better than what is Available in Germany?

I have worked on Fire Alarm Systems in the UK and in Germany, and I would have to say that the UK fire alarm equipment appears to be far superior to what is available in Germany.

In the UK, a fire alarm manufacturer can make just the fire alarm panels, such as Kentec or Advance Electronics. The panels are then designed to work with various fire alarm protocols such as Apollo or Hochiki. Therefore, all there R&D resources are used to produce very advanced fire alarm panels.

However, in Germany, the manufacturer is responsible to making the complete fire alarm system. You cannot buy the fire alarm panel from one manufacturer and the fire detection from another.

As for the wireless fire alarm sector, once again the UK is way ahead of Germany and from what I can see, well ahead of China as well.

Being a London based fire alarm company Fire Systems Ltd, specialises in all types of fire alarms, especially wireless fire alarm systems and purchase the majority of our equipment from the UK.

Our selection of fire detection is usually Apollo or Argus protocol. We use Apollo for the wired fire alarms, and Argus for the wireless fire alarms, and are very happy with the results.

What is deemed a fire alarm false alarm?

Please see below my response to a client’s accusation of a wireless fire alarm system installed by Fire Systems Ltd.

“As for your terminology of “false alarms”, you cannot always presume a fire alarm activation is a false alarm because you have been unable to find the reason why the fire alarm system activated.

There have been occasions when the fire alarm system has not been managed correctly and fire alarm activations investigated in the proper matter.

After having discussions with me regarding the so called “false alarms”, I informed you of the correct procedure of what to do in the event of a fire alarm activation. You followed the procedures given and called us out straightaway as instructed following a so called “false alarm”. Our engineer on two occasions identified the fire alarm activations due to the building conditions (damp or water dripping from a smoke detector and cobwebs covering another detector) activating the fire alarm. The engineer’s reports and pictures were emailed to you.  On both occasions, you would not have been able to find the cause of the so called “false alarms” and would have blamed the system. I have to ask myself for those to incidents alone, how many times they had activated the fire alarm, you then blamed the fire alarm for not working correctly, reset the fire alarm, only for the same thing to happen over and over again until you had complained to us. Therefore, my point is, unless a proper investigation has taken place after a fire alarm activation you cannot always say it was a false alarm.”

I also had to inform the client about their legal responsibility of having a fire alarm maintenance contract in place.

As you can see the client presumes that because the fire alarm activates, and he is not always able to find the cause, (or in some instances, I am not convince they even go and investigate), that the wireless fire alarm is at fault.

The fire alarm installer, Fire Systems Ltd installed the system to all the required standards, but the client appears to be unwilling to manage his system correctly.

What is involved in a Risk Assessment?

Fire Safety RRO 2005

• fire alarm systems within the building (the fire alarm, portable fire extinguishers and emergency lighting)
• Is Fire detection required and what type
• fire procedures
• the building fabric (how it may react in a fire)
• building occupancy
• fire training of staff personnel
• the contents and/or stock held within the building
• the possibility or arson
• the Disability Discrimination Act
• Fire Safety maintenance. Such as fire alarm maintenance, fire extinguisher maintenance, Emergency lighting, weekly fire alarm testing.

There are in all four possible options open to the “Responsible Person” when considering Risk Assessment:

1. Do nothing or do it yourself
2. Apply the local Fire & Rescue website checklist approach
3. Employ your own competent Fire Safety specialist
4. Engage a qualified and competent Fire Risk Assessor

Options 1 and 2 may well place the “Responsible Person” in a difficult and uncomfortable position, as well as possibly being outside the law.

Options 3 or 4 will ensure the “Responsible Person” is taking a proven route to complying with the law as well as protecting the building, its occupants and the business.

The Fire Risk Assessment is a living document and will need regular updating to maintain its effectiveness, at least annually but much more if you have a large or complex property.

A Fire risk assessment is a legal requirement, and will help you identify if a fire alarm is required. Installing the right type of fire alarm system is important and a competent fire alarm installer is important to ensure the fire alarm system installed complies with the relevant standards.

Fire alarms and the Regulatory Reform Order

A Fire Risk Assessment forms part of a legal procedure that is required under the law. The piece of legislation that this Fire Risk Assessment is under is the RRO “Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and is a legal requirement.

A Fire Risk Assessment looks at the need for a fire alarm, fire detection, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, escape routes and fire safety requirements throughout the premises.

One fire alarm company that offers a fire risk assessment as part of their portfolio is Fire Systems Ltd.

Under the  RRO, you legally have to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment by a competent person. By having a Fire Risk Assessment done, you have complied with this part of the RRO.

The next part is as follows; the Fire Risk Assessment will highlight the areas where you are not complying with the fire safety requirements for your premises.

Now by law you have a legal responsibility to rectify all points highlighted within the Fire Risk Assessment to ensure your premises is deemed safe for you, your staff and visitors to your shop.

If your existing Fire alarm system does not comply with BS5839-1 and it is required for commercial premises, you have a legal obligation to upgrade your fire alarm to a wireless fire alarm or a standard wired fire alarm in accordance with BS5839-1.

Routine fire alarm maintenance will be required, and again this is a service that is provided by Fire Systems Ltd.

For advice on what type of fire alarm to install, whether it be a wireless fire alarm or a standard fire alarm the choice is up to the individual concerned, as both systems have their advantages and disadvantages.

Fire Alarm Systems - Insurance Requirements

Insurance companies requirements normally relate to the fire protection of property rather than life.

The objective is therefore to detect fire as early as possible and this is usually done by a fire alarm system and instigate measures to put the fire out using fire extinguishers if possible and with the minimum amount of damage.

With today’s technology, the fire alarm can be a wired fire alarm system or a wireless fire alarm system. Both types of system conforms with the relevant standards.

The type and level of fire alarm is usually determined after a fire risk assessment has been undertaken.

Generally a system designed for property protection will also give
protection of life as well but the essential difference is that the
requirements for property protection are driven from the insurance
company’s desires rather than law. BS5839-1 covers both life and
property fire protection, so is equally useful in both cases.

It is a legal requirement that a wireless fire alarm or a wired fire alarm have a fire alarm maintenance contract in place as the fire alarm must be serviced and maintained to BS5839-1. A London based fire alarm company Fire Systems Ltd, is a fire alarm installer and maintenance company and can provide all these services on your behalf.

Weekly testing of the fire alarm is also important.

Fire Warden responsibility on hearing the fire alarm

The principal duties of the fire warden are to;
* take appropriate and effective action if a fire occurs or the fire alarm is activated.
* ensure that escape routes are available for use,
* identify fire hazards in the workplace,
* record and report their observations,

If a fire is discovered or the fire alarm system activates, the fire warden should:
* ensure that the fire alarm has activated and the alarm has been raised,
* check that fire action plan is followed.
* evacuate staff from the building or area involved,
* check that any staff or visitors with disabilities are assisted as planned,
* call the reporting centre and give details of the location, severity
and cause of the fire, if known. if the fire alarm system is connected to a central station monitoring centre, the fire brigade will be notified automatically.  
* fight the fire with a fire extinguisher, if it is safe to do so,

When the evacuation signal is heard, the fire wardens should ensure that everyone leaves the area as quickly and orderly as possible, ensuring that security measures, such as closing fire-resistant safes, are undertaken, if this can be done without causing a significant delay in the evacuation procedure. Electrical equipment should also be turned off and windows shut if possible.

When the area for which the warden is responsible has been evacuated, a rapid, methodical search should be undertaken to ensure that on-one remains in storerooms, toilets and similar areas.

The fire warden should then go to the assembly point and take part in the roll call procedure there. It may be the fire warden’s or security officer’s tasks to ensure that no-one re-enters before the fire brigade officer gives permission to re-enter the building. The signal for this is went the fire alarm system has been silenced.

All fire wardens should be trained as to how to carry out a weekly fire alarm test.

The fire alarm system should be have a fire alarm maintenance in accordance with the standards. All the fire detection should be tested at least once per annum.

Fire Systems Ltd is a London fire alarm company and specialises in wireless fire alarm and fire protection, and is an independent fire alarm installer.

Grades of fire systems B & C

Grade B: a fire detection and fire protection including smoke detectors, alarm sounders and fire panel control and indicating equipment which either conforms to BS EN 54-2 (power supply to BS EN 54-4) or to a simpler type laid out in annexe C of BS 5839-6.

Grade C: Is not a fire alarm system as we know it and consist of fire detectors and sounders (which may be combined in the form of smoke or heat alarms) connected to a common power supply with both 240v mains and a standby power supply, with an element of central control – for example a small dedicated fire control panel.

Both systems will require maintenance, Grades A and B will require a fire alarm maintenance contract in accordance with BS5839-1. Grades C will not require a fire alarm maintenance, unless there is a fire alarm control panel, otherwise it should be maintained on an annual basis.

Fire Alarm design Considerations

Grades of automatic fire detection and warning systems as specified in BS 5839-6 (2004)

Grade A: a fire detection and fire alarm system that is designed and installed in accordance with the recommendations of BS 5839-1 (2002), except clauses relating to fire alarm audibility, fire alarm warnings for the hearing-impaired, standby supplies, manual call points and wireless fire alarm systems, which are replaced by part 6.

This comprises a fire system of electrically operated fire detection of smoke and/or heat detectors which are linked to a fire control panel.

The fire control panel must conform to current BS 5839-4 (or equivalent). In general the fire system must incorporate manual call points which should be located next to final exits, and, in larger multi-storey properties, on each landing. The fire alarm signal must achieve sound levels of not less than 65dB (A) in all accessible parts of the building and not less than 75dB (A) at all bed-heads when all doors are shut, to arouse sleeping persons.

In accordance with the RRO (Regulatory Reform Order) 2005, it is now law that a fire risk assessment is undertaken and the findings published.

This will highlight the importance of ensuring that a fire alarm maintenance procedure is in place, and the fire protection system is testing on a weekly basis.

Fire Systems Ltd a London based fire alarm company offers all types of fire alarm maintenance contracts.

Testing Fire Alarm Systems - Residential

All fire alarm systems, whether a wire or wireless fire alarm need to be regularly tested to ensure they are working properly. Fire alarm testing is important.
The routine fire alarm tests that are required to be carried out frequently do not require specialist knowledge and can normally be carried out by you or your tenant(s). Some routine tests
and fire alarm maintenance (depending upon the grade of the systems concerned) may require specialist knowledge and/or equipment.
If the dwelling has been unoccupied for a period during which the normal and standby supply (if provided) could have failed, the occupier should check immediately on reoccupying the dwelling that the fire alarm system has not suffered total power failure.
Routine testing and maintenance:
Grade A systems (see Section 6 of BS 5839-1 for further details)
Routine testing – at least one smoke detector or call point in each zone should be tested weekly to ensure correct operation of the system. Any defect to the fire detection or the fire alarm should be recorded in the log book and action taken to correct it. fire alarm tests should not involve the use of open flame or any form of smoke or non-specific aerosol that could contaminate the smoke detection chamber or the electronics of the detector.

Routine fire alarm maintenance – a six-monthly service should be carried out by a competent person, usually a specialist alarm engineer, under a maintenance contract. It entails a comprehensive fire fire alarm test to ensure compliance as specified in with BS 5839-1, Section 6. It should be recorded in the log book and an Inspection and Servicing Certificate issued.

Grade B, C, D, E & F systems
Routine fire alarm testing – All fire alarm systems, other than Grade A systems, should be tested at least every week by operating all fire alarm devices in the dwelling. In the case of smoke alarms and any heat alarms, the weekly test may be carried out by use of a
test button on each of the smoke alarms and heat alarms installed in the dwelling.
Routine maintenance – Grade B and Grade C systems should be serviced every six
months in accordance with the supplier’s instructions.
Smoke alarms in Grade D, Grade E and Grade F systems should be cleaned
periodically in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

The grade or type of system is determine following an on site fire risk assessment.

The above testing produces would be the same for a wireless fire alarm system.

A London based fire alarm company Fire Systems Ltd, provide the required fire alarm maintenance on all types of fire protection equipment.

Fire Systems Ltd is awarded contract at the Austrian Embassy

Fire Systems Ltd a London based fire alarm company has been awarded the fire alarm maintenance contract.

The contract is to service and maintain the fire alarm system in accordance with BS5839-1.

The current fire alarm is an old conventional Thorn Menvier with a repeater panel at the entrance. The fire alarm is tested on a weekly basis in accordance with the RRO.

The fire detection is over 10 years old and is due to be upgraded and this will considered in the near future. As additional smoke detection is required in the rooms coming off of the escape routes, the proposed new fire alarm system may be a wireless fire alarm system.

The London based Fire System Ltd was awarded the contract due to it’s enhanced reputation within the fire alarm industry.

Fire Systems will also being maintaining the fire extinguishers and the emergency lighting.

For the weekly fire alarm test, a different manual call point is testing each week to confirm correct operation of the fire alarm system.

Means for Detecting Fire and Giving Warning

 

It is import that an outbreak of fire in a Residential care home should be detected at a very early stage so that the occupants or residents are alerted and the emergency fire action plan implemented as soon as reasonably possible. The longer a fire continues without being detected, the greater the risk to the safety of residents. There should also be a means so that anyone in the premises who discovers a fire, can raise the alarm and alert others.

In accordance with RRO, a fire risk assessment must be undertaken to ascertain if a fire alarm system is required. The fire alarm system can be wired or a wireless fire alarm, whichever is most suitable and cost effective for the client.

Residential Care homes should be provided with a fire alarm and automatic fire detection system which can be operated both by a person and automatically by means of the automatic fire detectors. The provision of suitable fire detection and fire alarm system will only achieve compliance with requirements where the staff personnel (and where appropriate other occupants) know how to operate the fire alarm system and how to respond to system operation.

Some of the features of a fire alarm system may be:

• Manual call points;
• Automatic fire detectors;
• Sounders, bells, electronic sirens and other warning devices;
• Fire Alarm Control and indicator panel;
• Fire Detection zoning; and
• Linked operation and Central Station operation.

The fire alarm system must have a fire alarm maintenance and inspection every six months in accordance with the Regulations.

Technorati Tags: fire alarm,wireless fire alams,fire alarm maintenance,fire risk assessment,fire detection

Fire Systems Ltd - Wireless fire alarms

Fire Systems a London based fire alarm company have a complete range of radio based Wire-Free fire alarm systems to suit all kinds of buildings and applications.

We have a low budget,  cost effective wireless fire system for residential HMO and small properties. Fire Systems also has a range of more complex high specification, state of the art wireless systems for larger buildings and systems that require more complex programming applications.

Our radio based Wireless fire alarm systems provide a numerous amount of unique features that make these wireless systems an ideal alternative to wired systems for many applications. All the fire detection on the fire system, can be wired or wireless depending on the system chosen.

• fire detectors can be fitted in less than 10 minutes
• The decoration is protected and undamaged
• Disruptive fire installation works are kept to a minimum
• Eliminates costly fire-rated cable
• The fire systems can be easily moved or upgraded as building use changes and evolves.

Our Wireless fire alarm solutions are suitable for fire alarm installation in virtually any type of building or construction, easily matching, and in many cases exceeding the specification and the performance of wired systems.

The fire detection can be heat or smoke detectors depending on the design.

Technorati Tags: fire systems,fire alarms,fire detection,fire alarm maintenance,wireless fire alams,fire alarm testing,fire alarm company.

Our wire-free fire systems utilises sophisticated secure, licence-free, radio communications to interconnect the sensors (smoke detectors, sounders, etc.) with immune filters built in with the controllers. A simple concept, but one that provides many unique benefits.

Our everyday lives and our life styles have been changed by the use of radio communications, blue tooth and other similar technology, and now this technology has expanded in the field of fire safety.

Fire system being a fire alarm company that now specialised in wireless fire alarm system will continue to enhance our expertise within this field as we believe this is the future.

The fire alarm maintenance of wireless fire alarm systems is the same as wired systems. The fire alarm testing which is to be carried out on
a weekly basis, could not be easier.

Inert v Chemical Fire Suppression Systems

The Advantages and Disadvantages of:

Chemical Systems (FM200/NOVEC/CO2) v Inert Systems (i3/Inergen)

A Fire alarm system is used to activate the fire suppression agent.

The fire detection used in these types of fire systems are usually conventional, but as technology improves, more addressable fire alarm systems are now being used.

Chemical Systems (FM200/NOVEC/CO2)

In contrast, Chemical systems, such as FM-200 are very different.

These are manufactured chemical fire extinguishing agents, normally HFC's, which work at low concentrations and attack the fire directly at a molecular level, rather than by reducing Oxygen levels.

They are low pressure fire suppression systems, generally 25 bar, and the agent is stored as a liquid, super-pressurised with Nitrogen to "push" them along the dedicated pipe work.

 

Benefits of Chemical fire suppression Systems are:

• Discharge within 10 seconds ensuring rapid suppression of fire.
• Low storage pressure (25bar)
• The fire suppression agent is stored as a liquid, smaller footprint of hardware than Inert Gas Systems
• Do not reduce Oxygen levels
• Can be modular in design, enabling simple pipe work layout installations
• Easy to retrofit - Additional cylinders can be added, or levels "topped up" without risk of Over Pressurising the enclosure
• Zero Ozone Depletion Potential, time of depletion depends on the fire suppression agent used.

The negatives with Chemical Systems are:

• Some possibility of Global Warming
• Small possibility of breakdown of products if in direct contact with large flame
• Being low in pressure, cylinders need to be stored and installed as close to enclosure being protected as possible
• More difficult to retain within the enclosure once discharged, as agents are heavier than air

All of the fire systems, both Inert and Chemical are approved for use all over the world by bodies such as UL, FM, LPCB etc and are recognised by Environmental Agencies like the EPA as being suitable for use in normally occupied spaces.

 

Inert Systems (i3/Inergen)

These fire suppression systems, which are stored at a much higher pressure of between 150bar and 300 bar, extinguish fires in a passive manner. They reduce the Oxygen content within the protected enclosure to a point where fire can no longer survive or start.

The benefits of these inert type of system are :

• Being high pressure, they can be stored longer distances from the fire risk being protected.
• They have a very good ozone depletion potential of zero.
• They have a very low Global Warming Potential
• No possibility of breakdown products
• Discharge time is usually 60 seconds
• They can be used in different design situation and are able to be used in multi room engineered systems (many risks from one bank of cylinders)
• Similar density to air, hence easier to retain after discharge

The negatives with Inert Gas fire suppression Systems are:

• Being high pressure a higher quantity of gas is required, Also, Pressure Relief Venting will always be required to prevent potential damage to the structure of the enclosure.
• Because they are stored as a gas and not a liquid, many cylinders are required in comparison to Chemical agents
• Complicated and high pressure pipe work is required to expel the gas into the protected area.
• Method of fire extinguishment is through Oxygen Reduction
• Inert Systems cannot be modular in design and must use a central bank design system.

Fire alarm maintenance is similar for both types of fire suppression system.

The fire alarm would usually consist of a fire alarm control panel, detection, sounders, hold off button etc.

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Fire Risk Assessment and Fire Alarm Testing

Know your Legal requirements
Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 (As Amended 1999) require any business with 5 or more employees to carry out a written Fire Risk Assessment and have an Emergency plan.

Failure to carry out a written Fire Risk assessment is a Criminal Offence.

A fire risk assessment is an audit of all fire protection requirements of the property. This will include the fire alarm, fire detection, Emergency lighting, fire alarm maintenance, fire action plan, fire doors, escape routes etc.

Additionally to workplaces, other premises may also be subject to other Regulations that place additional special requirements particularly if the Public may be at Risk. Examples of these are Hotels, Cinema’s, sporting stadiums, places used for the purpose of Public Entertainment’s, licensed premises & restaurants.

Should I carry out a Fire Risk assessment?
Whether a Fire Alarm System has been previously installed or your premises does not have a Fire Alarm or any fire action plan procedure, it is a requirement by law that the Risk assessment is undertaken.

Fire Alarm System Standard
In most cases the actions required following a Risk Assessment will see the installation of (or Upgrade of) a Fire Alarm system and fire extinguishing equipment.

Regular reviews of your Risk assessment will be necessary to ensure any changes within your business circumstances or building layout are still compliant with the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations.

BS5839 Regulations for the fire design, fire installation and fire alarm Maintenance of Fire Detection & Fire Alarms, details the specific requirements for detection & alarm equipment to satisfy the Fire Precautions Regulations.

Continued compliance
Fire Alarm Regulations BS5839 require the duty holder to undertake Periodic checks to ensure the functionality of the fire alarm system.
Failure to keep the Fire Alarm System in working order could lead the local Fire Brigade to serve enforcement notices requiring compliance, they also have the authority to close any building or property which does not meet this act
Check Frequencies required by BS5839 are:

Daily
Weekly
Quarterly
Annually

All check frequencies have specific requirements. Checks should be recorded where necessary in the Fire Safety Log Book.

Do Regulations Change
Fire Regulations have undergone a number of changes since their introduction, keeping up to date with the fire regulations is important and failure to do so may mean that your fire installation does not comply.

How can Fire Systems Ltd help you comply with your legal requirements
As a Fire Alarm testing Specialist, Fire Systems Ltd have considerable expertise in the Periodic Inspection and Test of Fire Alarms.
After careful evaluation of your premises*, its uses and its occupancy, we will carry out a Formal Inspection & test that fully complies with the requirements as set out in BS5839

All inspections will check that the Fire Alarm is installed in the required locations* as well as testing the functionality of existing lighting.

Periodic Inspection Report & Fire Safety Log Book.
Following a Periodic Inspection of your Emergency Lighting Installation, Fire Systems Ltd will provide a Certificate that will detail the specific nature of the inspection along with any departures from BS5266 that may exist.
All certificates supplied by Fire Systems Ltd will clearly display our accreditation with the BAFE

BS5839 requires an up to date log book to be kept that details the type of Fire Alarm System Installed along with all events and checks to be logged. Where no log book is present, Fire Systems Ltd can supply a comprehensive log book that fully details the type of Fire Alarm system installed, responsible persons, contractors and even Manufacturers should spare parts be sought. All further fire alarm maintenance inspections will then be recorded within the “Events” section of the book.

*Viewing your risk assessment would be required to fully identify your

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Fire Alarm requirements.

Fire Alarm Systems

Fire Alarm Systems fall mainly in to two groups - Conventional Systems or Analogue Addressable Systems.

Within those two categories you can have wired and wireless fire alarm systems.

Addressable Fire Alarm Systems differ from conventional systems in several ways and certainly add more flexibility, processor intelligence, speed and accuracy of identification and scope of control. For this reason wireless fire alarm systems or Analogue Addressable Fire Alarm Systems are the natural choice for Commercial premises and more complex system requirements.

The fire detection in an analogue addressable system, the detectors are wired in a loop around the building with each detector having its own unique 'identification address'. The fire alarm system may contain one or more loops depending upon the size of the system and design requirements. The Fire Control Panel 'communicates' with each smoke detector individually and receives a status report e.g. Healthy, In Alarm or In Fault etc. As each smoke detector has an individual 'address' the fire alarm control panel is able to display/indicate the precise location of the device in question, which obviously helps speed the location of an fire activation.

The fire detection in Addressable fire alarm systems are, in themselves, "intelligent" devices which are capable of reporting far more than just fire or fault conditions, for example most smoke detectors are able to signal if contamination within the device (dust etc) reaches a pre-set level enabling fire alarm maintenance to take place prior to problems being experienced. Addressable detectors are also able to provide pre-alarm warnings when smoke/heat levels, reach a pre-set level enabling investigation of the fire to take place prior to a full evacuation alarm and Fire Brigade signalling taking place.

Addressable wireless fire alarms offer the same performance as a wired addressable system.

Fire alarm testing should be carried out on weekly basis, usually testing one manual call point per week and logging this into a fire log book.

The fire alarm service of both types of systems should be maintained at a minimum of a six monthly period.

HMO Fire Alarms

British Standard 5839 Pt 1 & 6 Fire Alarms
The type of fire alarm system that is required will vary according to the type of building or property.  This is usually determine after a Fire Risk Assessment has been untaken.  This will also apply to its use and the type of person(s) using the building.

The particular British standard that applies to fire alarm systems in dwellings is BS 5839-6 Fire detection and fire alarm
systems for buildings – Part 6 code of practice for the design, installation and maintenance for of fire detection and fire alarm systems in dwellings. Wireless fire alarm systems can also be used in within this standard.

BS 5839-6 prescribes the requirements for fire alarm systems. Different Grades and the extent of fire detection coverage are specified depending upon the type of building, height, occupier, use, etc.
It is essential that the occupant of the dwelling (including all occupants of a house in multiple occupation) understands:
the operation of the fire alarm system,
the action to take in the event of a fire alarm activation
the means of avoidance of false fire alarms activation,
the procedures for routine testing of the fire alarm system, and
the need for routine maintenance of the fire alarm system.

The above information will normally be provided in the first instance by the supplier of the fire alarm system ( we would recommend a London based company Fire Systems Ltd), but in the case of rented accommodation landlords should be in a position to provide this information to tenants.
It is essential that the fire detection and fire alarm system is subject to periodic inspection and testing, so that unrevealed faults are identified, and, in the case of more complex systems, so that preventive measures can be taken to ensure the continued reliability
of the fire alarm system. The frequency and detail of the fire alarm maintenance will depend on the grade of system installed and landlords should seek advice on fire detection and alarm system periodic inspection and testing from a competent person with specialist knowledge of fire detection and fire alarm systems, such as the fire alarm company mentioned above Fire Systems Ltd.

Fire Systems Ltd provided fire protection to UCKG (Universal Church Kingdom of God)

Fire System Ltd was awarded the contract for the design, supply, installation and commission of a new wireless fire alarm system for the head quarters of the UCKG in the UK.

The head quarters  is a Grade 2 listed building the Rainbow in North London.

Due to the artistic and beautiful design now inside the Rainbow, it was not feasible to wire the required fire alarm system.

The client having approached a number of fire alarm companies, but Fire Systems were awarded the fire alarm contract, due to their expertise within the wireless fire alarm field.

Fire Systems, install all types of fire alarms, but have specialise in wireless fire alarms for the last 5 years. All the fire detection on this project is wireless.

Fire Systems, also carry out the fire alarm service and maintenance, plus providing 24 hour call out.

At present,  alarm is covering 75% of the property and is to be extended into the residential areas at a later stage.

The fire alarm system was required after the fire brigade carried out a fire risk assessment and deemed that the building required a fire alarm system to a L3 design category.