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.
Fire Suppression Systems comprise a mechanical element including extinguishant media and associated pipework and nozzles and a dedicated automatic detection system which covers the protected area.
BS 5306-4:2001 Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises —Part 4 provides a specification for carbon dioxide systems. Inspection, maintenance, testing and training is covered in Section 9.
At least every six months, (or more frequently if required by an appropriate authority), the mechanical parts of the system should be thoroughly inspected and tested for proper operation by competent personnel. Any electrical detection systems should be tested quarterly in accordance with the requirements of BS 5839-1: 2017.
On each visit to inspect the mechanical elements of the system the following activities will take place:
- Externally examine pipework to determine its condition. Replace or pressure test and repair as necessary pipework showing corrosion or mechanical damage.
- Check all control valves for correct manual function and automatic valves additionally for correct automatic function.
- Externally examine containers for signs of damage or unauthorized modification, and for damage to system hoses.
- Check contents of pilot containers. Liquefied gas type will be expected to be within 10% and non-liquefied within 5% of correct charge. Any showing a greater loss to be replaced or refilled.
- Carbon dioxide containers, check weigh or use a liquid level indicator to verify correct content of containers. Any showing a loss of more than 10% to be replaced or refilled.
The service life of the cylinders is checked on each visit; every ten years, these are due for Hydrostatic Pressure Testing. When the Hydrostatic Pressure Testing is due, a separate quotation will be issued for this work.
On each visit to service the electrical detection system, a number of tests and checks, as laid down, are carried out on the control and indicating equipment and the power supply unit output voltage and battery charging rate are measured and recorded. The system is then tested under mains fail conditions to prove the standby batteries using at least one break glass call point and smoke detector in every zone.
On completion of the test, the battery voltage is measured and recorded, and the system is restored to normal operation.
On the annual visit, the entire system is exhaustively tested.
On completion of any visit, a Service Report and Certificate of Inspection is completed detailing works carried out.
In order for CO2 extinguishing systems to function effectively it is essential that the integrity of the enclosure is maintained.
BS 5306-4:2001 further requires that every 12 months a check of enclosure integrity is carried out. If the measured aggregate area of leakage has increased from that measured during installation which would adversely affect system performance, remedial work should be carried out.
Got a question about Fire Suppression Systems? 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 891 999
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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