Angus has been involved in developing and writing British and International Fire & Safety standards since the mid-1980s. The list of standards that he has participated in is impressive and includes BS5839-1, BS8629, EN54-18 and ISO7240-2. Angus utilises his extensive experience to provide an authoritative perspective on the key issues that affect the Fire & Security Industry today.
What is Void Fire Detection?
Void Fire Detection is heat or smoke detection for void spaces such as voids above suspended ceilings, or void spaces underneath raised floors. According to BS5839-1:2017 if these void spaces are greater than 800mm in depth, void detection should be provided. If the void is less than 1500mm in depth, all such detection should be sited in the top 10 per cent or 125mm of void depth, whichever is the greater.
What do applications such as void spaces and lift shafts all have in common? The answer is inaccessibility.
Inaccessible areas are often oddly shaped, confined spaces with little or no access possible. This means that access for maintenance may be severely restricted making regular upkeep difficult.
What are the most appropriate detection systems for inaccessible areas?
Void detection is a fraught issue, especially on new-build projects. From a design perspective, it is difficult to predict the amount of detection required and invariably, providing access for ongoing maintenance is a challenge.
VoidAlert™ heat sensitive sensor-wire is installed through the protected area between the VoidAlert™ Remote Indicator and VoidAlert™ Test Point. The Test Point is typically installed in an accessible location to facilitate ongoing engineer maintenance.
- Remotely tested for minimum disruption eg in ward areas
- Eliminates need for safe-access routes within void spaces
- Enables voids to be fully enclosed without need for access hatches
- Reduces life-cycle maintenance costs
An Aspirating Smoke Detection (abbreviated to ASD and known as HSSD) system works by drawing air from sampled areas, via a network of pipework, back to a localised aspirating smoke detector. The ASD will then send an alarm signal, via an I/O interface, back to the fire alarm control panel. The panel will then make a decision, based on the designed cause & effects, on how to output the alarm signal.
Aspirating Smoke Detection is a versatile solution that offers:
- Higher sensitivity and the flexibility of design
- Very early warning of fire and discrete detection
- Airflow analysis and ignition point targeting
- Work alongside existing smoke detection and air conditioning systems
- Lower installation and maintenance costs
3. Scorpion
Scorpion is an innovative solution for functionally testing any hard-to-access smoke detector, whether that is a point detector or aspirating smoke detection (ASD) system.
It ensures all smoke detectors can be tested – regardless of location.
Benefits:
- Tests hard-to-access detectors
- Minimal Disruption - No need for specialist access equipment or personnel
- Cost-saving & Time saving – less time spent organising and carrying out testing
- Compliance – ensures all detectors can be tested as required by standards
Scorpion Smoke Detector Testing Systems are ideal for lift shafts, ceiling voids, secure rooms, high atria, plants, warehouses etc.
4. Rapid Bracket® Void Detector Holder
Compatible with most ceiling types and a large variety of detectors, Rapid Bracket® ultra-fast installation time reduces labour costs significantly and eliminates the need for unsightly access hatches, while leaving a modern, aesthetically pleasing finish.
Benefits:
- Rapid installation
- Compatible with a variety of detectors up to 128mm in diameter
- Easy removal and reinstallation during periodic testing and inspection
Got a question about Void Detection? Need help with the installation of VoidAlert™? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000891999
Following the recommendations of BS5839 Part 1 2017 (Fire Alarm British Standard), it is a mandatory requirement to have an up to date, clear and accurate Fire Alarm Zone Chart adjacent to your Fire Alarm Control Panel and any repeater panels you have in your premises.
The purpose of the Zone Chart is to assist persons responding to an alarm to quickly identify the specific location in the building and to help the Fire Brigade understand the building layout before they enter.
When the Fire Alarm System is installed, the building is divided into Fire Zones. Any Manual Call Point (Red Box) or Fire Detector that is fitted will trigger a particular zone when activated.
The Zone Chart shows the division of each zone area with a ‘You are Here’ arrow to identify the position of the Fire Alarm Panel. The view of the building should be orientated in relation to the Fire Alarm Panel position to minimise confusion.
What is involved in producing a Zone Chart?
- Hard copy
- Or preferably AutoCAD (dwg) format
You have a legal duty of care to dispose of waste legitimately and safely via a licensed waste carrier. Failure to do so can result in prosecution, even if you have outsourced the disposal to a third party.
The Fixfire® Extinguisher Recycling Process is your reassurance that any Fire Extinguishers we remove from your premises have been disposed of in a safe and legal manner. 97% of each processed Fire Extinguisher is recycled.
Our contracted Extinguisher Recycling Unit (ERU) is a dedicated facility offering a service for the safe processing and recycling/disposal of fire extinguishers. The facility operates closely with the local Water Authority and the Environment Agency to develop safe, efficient and environmentally friendly processes, ensuring that ISO14001 certification is upheld.
Got a question about Fire Extinguisher Disposal? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
False Fire Alarms remain a huge concern within the education sector- interrupting already carefully scheduled, planned and well-prepared lessons or even causing major disruption and distress to exams.
Clearly, these false alarms cause significant inconvenience and disruption to students, staff, and visitors. They compromise everyone’s safety in the school and present a significant risk to the local community since the Fire Brigade will prioritise the school over other emergency callouts.
Solutions you should consider:
The first and most straightforward way is to use anti-tamper products.
Fixfire® supplies a wide range of solutions designed to protect Fire Alarm Devices from inadvertent damage or deliberate misuse/vandalism.
Products include:
- Local plastic cover flaps which attach directly to manual call points.
- The stopper consists of a clear, tamperproof, tough polycarbonate cover, frame and spacer that retrofits over a break glass call point. When lifted to operate the break glass unit, its optional battery powered integral sounder emits a piercing 96dB (at 1m). Immediate attention is drawn to the area and a prankster will either run or be caught!
- A range of steel web stoppers designed to protect fire detectors and warning devices. They are constructed from heavy-duty galvanised steel rod which is plastic-coated for durability and external use.
- A range of polycarbonate enclosures are available for the protection of devices such as fire alarm control panels and associated control equipment. The enclosures combine tough rugged construction with stylish design and offer excellent protection with a key lock for authorised access.
We also provide anti-tamper devices for fire extinguishers and associated products.
KeyCall® is a patented anti-ligature Fire Alarm and Access Control call point. It is designed to use the same key as the doors, providing simple operation for staff whilst eliminating nuisance activations by service-users.
KeyCall® has been developed by Fixfire® specifically for approved applications where standard versions would be vulnerable to abuse.
It is one of the best solutions for SEN schools and it is also compatible with a wide range of Conventional and Addressable Fire Alarm Systems.
Got a question about False Fire Alarms? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
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