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.
Several manufacturers are offering anevacuate alert solution in their product range.
Each product will have its own performance limitations and features, which need to be taken into account when considering the design of the system.
The first stage in the design is to determine the number of flats. How similar or different each flat is with respect to the others, will quantify the likely number of fire alarm devices that are required to meet the sound pressure levels in each flat. The total alarm load can then be determined, assuming a worst-case situation of all the evacuation alert devices operating at once.
It is then necessary to make anallowance for optional evacuation alert devices that might be requested by aportion of the building occupants. Whilst some changes to the system might be tolerated, it is likely that the client will want the basic infrastructure to be capable of supporting adefined number of optional devices. This may be specified by the client.
The main Evacuation Alarm Control and Indicating Equipment (“EACIE”) location must be determined, and a survey of the building is needed to establish what risers are available to install the system wiring, and whether the number of risers gives adequate cable segregation to meet the system integrity requirements.
Once this information is known it is then necessary to decide whether a networked EACIE is needed to allow for sufficient power and volt drop within the building, or whether the system can be designed with a single EACIE.
BS 8629 gives detailed recommendations on the location of short circuit isolators and the minimum number of loops that would be required for the building. This will determine the cabling arrangements and where junction boxes and isolators are needed.
Worst case current requirements and cable volt drops can then be calculated for worst-case circuits or each circuit, depending on the preference of the designer.
The proposed system must then be reviewed to ensure that it can be installed and commissioned in an efficient manner, allowing for all of the integrity tests that might be expected from the client.
Maintenance and servicing facilities must be considered to ensure that the system will comply with the Construction Design and Management (“CDM”) regulations, both during installation and throughout its life.
Some manufacturers offer radio-based systems, which are particularly attractive for retrofits. However, the system must be capable of operating in fire conditions and similar systems, such as emergency communication systems and disabled refuge systems operate on more pessimistic parameters than typical fire alarm systems because of the known impact that fire can have on radio communications.
Consulting a Compliance Expert will ensure that you comply with the design, installation and ongoing maintenance requirements of a system.
Got a question about Evacuation Systems? Need help installing a Fire Alarm or Emergency Evacuation System? 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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