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.
An Addressable Fire Alarm is a more intelligent type of Fire Alarm System, and it can be programmed to take additional actions in order to protect the premises.
The principal benefit compared with conventional systems is the ability to identify the source of an alarm at the control panel. This ability to identify the exact location of triggered devices makes Addressable Fire Alarm Systems an ideal and intelligent solution for large commercial premises that require many devices spread across an extensive space such as hotels, warehouses and office buildings.
The Fixfire® range of Analogue Addressable Fire Alarm Systems combines simple operation with leading-edge proven technology.
Benefits associated with these systems include:
1. Each device is uniquely identified and in the event of activation of the system, the control panel displays specific location and text information, thus reducing the search time in a real fire situation.
2. Individual devices can be isolated, e.g., in the event of works taking place in an area which may cause a false alarm the relevant individual detector(s) can be simply isolated at the control panel.
3. Greater ability to avoid nuisance alarms as follows:
· Pre-alarm. In the event of a slow build-up of steam/smoke in the vicinity of a smoke detector, the detector will trigger a “pre-alarm”. At this point the alarm sounders will not activate although the control panel will emit a warning tone and indicate the exact location of the device. Corrective action can then be taken before the incident develops to a full-scale activation. A typical example includes steam from a boiling kettle or burnt toast.
· Multi-Sensors. The advent of combined smoke and heat detectors. Dual state detectors afford maximum protection whilst minimising false alarms. Typical applications include kitchens where heat detectors are normally installed because smoke detectors would constantly false alarm during hours of cooking etc. Protection is therefore compromised because of the false alarms which could occur during the limited period the kitchen is in use. Dual state detectors can be configured to combine heat and smoke detection at preset times and heat detection only during the hours of use!
4. Where loop powered sounders are installed, this gives unlimited programming options regarding sounder operation, including phased evacuation whereby the system can be configured to sound a constant alarm in the zone of origin and pulse sounders elsewhere.
In addition, where fitted, the Fixfire® ‘SelfCheck’ sounders check their own sound output and report a fault if they do not hear their own sound! This breakthrough in technology means the operation of every sounder is confirmed every time the system is tested.
5. Events Log. The system logs the date and time of every event, including all faults and fire conditions etc. The event log can be viewed at any time. In the event of an activation of the system where the panel is reset without identifying the source of the alarm, the event log can be viewed to check what actually happened! An optional printer is available to print out all events on the system. Some organisations retain a copy of the printout as proof that weekly tests have been conducted.
6. The system can be used as a Building Management System, thus enabling unrelated systems/equipment to be monitored by the Fire Alarm System in different ways.
As an example, in a factory application, a warning output on a machine could be interfaced with the fire alarm system. In the event that the machine output is activated, the Fire Alarm System could be configured to operate a sounder in the Plant Manager's office. The programming options available are almost endless!
Got a question about Fire Alarms? Need a Fire Safety Risk Assessment? 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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