Unity Theatre in Liverpool enhances fire safety with new emergency lighting system

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Unity Theatre embraces new fire safety technology

Unity Theatre in Liverpool, known for its dedication to new writing, social justice, and community engagement, has enhanced its fire safety with the installation of the FIREscape Nepto system.

The theatre, located on Hope Street in a former synagogue, relies heavily on private benefactors and arts funding to maintain its operations.

As reported by Hochiki Europe, the need for an upgrade to the emergency lighting system was identified by Technical Manager Xenia Bayer.

Facing financial constraints, Bayer discovered the FIREscape Nepto system through the Association of British Theatre Technicians.

The system’s intelligent, self-sufficient, and energy-efficient features were deemed perfect for the theatre’s needs.

Hochiki and Grainger Fire and Security collaboration

Hochiki Europe, in collaboration with Grainger Fire and Security, facilitated the installation of the FIREscape Nepto system.

David Wardman, Managing Director of Grainger Fire and Security, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting their longstanding relationship with Hochiki products.

Will Taylor, who led the installation project, noted the ease of installing the new system.

“Hochiki products are famously easy to install, and FIREscape Nepto was no different.

“We initially scoped 5 to 6 days for the installation plus commission, but it only took 4 days plus a day for commissioning,” Taylor said.

The team was able to retrofit the system using much of the old cabling, further enhancing the project’s efficiency.

Benefits of the new system

The new system has significantly improved the theatre’s operational efficiency and aesthetics.

Bayer praised the communication and cooperation with both the Grainger team and Hochiki.

“The new system is so much more aesthetically pleasing and saves so much space compared to the previous bulky system,” Bayer said.

“The energy savings are substantial, with projected savings of nearly £900 a year.

“The Unity Theatre anticipates that these savings will be reinvested into the theatre’s various projects, benefitting the local and wider theatrical communities.

“The FIREscape Nepto system not only enhances safety but also contributes to the theatre’s financial sustainability.

Positive impact on the community

The installation of the FIREscape Nepto system marks a significant improvement for the Unity Theatre.

The theatre can now continue its mission of fostering community engagement and supporting the arts with a reliable and efficient emergency lighting system.

Overjoyed with the outcome, Bayer expressed gratitude to Hochiki and Grainger Fire and Security: “This new system won’t just replace our old one – it will transform our day-to-day operations and ensure we can continue to shine a light on the arts for years to come, thanks to Hochiki – the show can go on.”

Atrium Hotel partners with Amthal for fire safety maintenance using Honeywell CLSS

by Featured NewsProjectsSafety

Atrium Hotel enhances fire safety with Amthal

The Atrium Hotel, located within a five-minute drive from Heathrow Airport, has partnered with Amthal Fire and Security to enhance its fire safety maintenance service.

The collaboration aims to ensure the safety of both staff and guests by adhering to the latest fire safety legislation.

The hotel, known for its 573 ultra-chic bedrooms, worked closely with Amthal to develop a comprehensive maintenance programme.

As an approved Honeywell Gent partner, Amthal utilised Honeywell’s Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS), a cloud platform designed to maintain fire systems across the hotel facilities with minimal disruption.

Benefits of Honeywell CLSS for Atrium Hotel

Amthal’s implementation of Honeywell CLSS at the Atrium Hotel allows for real-time visibility and efficient decision-making regarding fire safety.

Francisco Quintero, Maintenance Manager at The Atrium Hotel Heathrow, stated: “The hotel is built on a commitment to exceptional service.

“The safety and security of our hotel experience is critical. Amthal offered advice and practical support on how this could be achieved remotely with Honeywell CLSS.”

Quintero added: “Honeywell CLSS enables real-time visibility to enhance timely, accurate decision-making by on-premise and remote staff, a great benefit to us all.”

Comprehensive fire protection service

As part of the fire safety maintenance, Amthal is responsible for testing emergency lighting, emergency voice communications, and regular fire door testing.

Mark Hunter, Honeywell Gent Business Manager, emphasised the importance of maintaining fire systems: “What Amthal demonstrates at The Atrium Hotel is the importance of not just installing the right specification of systems, but also maintaining them to maximise performance.”

Hunter noted: “This can be achieved with CLSS remotely to ensure less disruption and time on site from testing, with push notification of events to mobile devices to alert staff of any specific findings.”

Commitment to safety and excellence

David Williamson, Amthal Sales Manager, expressed pride in the partnership: “We are proud to partner with The Atrium Hotel to ensure their fire safety systems are not only up to date but also maintained to the highest standard.”

Williamson concluded: “By leveraging the capabilities of Honeywell CLSS, we can provide a seamless and efficient maintenance service that aligns with the hotel’s commitment to safety and excellence.

“With total protection and guaranteed compliance, staff can be assured of fire safety maintenance measures in place, allowing them to focus on serving guests.”

Quelfire Early Engagement Case Study: RUH’s Dyson Cancer Centre

by Featured NewsPassiveProjects

By Rebecca Croton, Content Marketing Executive at Quelfire

The Royal United Hospitals Bath (RUH) is a 52-acre site that provides specialist, general acute, and emergency treatment for around 410,000 people.

In October 2023, the RUH opened the Dyson Cancer Centre to help transform the care provided for patients, families, and carers.

Over three storeys tall, the new centre is located next to the main entrance of the RUH. It will bring most of the RUH’s cancer services, including research teams, to one facility.

As the selected manufacturer, we worked closely with the main contractor, Kier Construction, and the firestopping contractor, Optimum Drywall.

The main objective was to achieve a good-quality design that was fit for purpose, and to build using suitably fire tested details in line with industry best practices and regulations. 

What was the main challenge during the project?

The primary challenge faced by the client involved ensuring the required services had appropriate fire test evidence for the proposed supporting construction.

For instance, many of the proposed walls used single-skin plasterboard. While we had suitable solutions for the proposed pipes and cables, there was a lack of tested solutions for metal ducts and dampers passing through them.

This required a risk assessment led by the fire engineer, BB7, to check previous tested details used on projects and details from the damper manufacturer.

Another issue arose with pneumatic pipes, typically used in hospitals and considerably thinner than standard plastic pipes.

This ultimately led to several untested applications, requiring the client to rethink the design.

What solutions did we reach to resolve any issues?

We had worked with Optimum Drywall on other projects; thus, they recommended the client engage with us to ensure the design of the building was compliant before entering the build stage.

The first early engagement meeting occurred in December 2021, followed by corresponding meetings.

Cross-party communication was a pivotal factor when resolving any issues faced; Optimum Drywall was included in the early meetings, sharing insights into the practicability of suggested installs. We also worked with other parties, including BB7, to ensure everyone was aligned.

Due to the available time and flexibility, we had the opportunity to incorporate the pneumatic pipes proposed on this project into our ongoing test programme for the client.

We tested two specific scenarios: 110mm pneumatic pipes with a 1.8mm wall thickness and 160mm pneumatic pipes with a 3.2mm wall thickness.

This ultimately meant the client could progress with their proposals. When ducts and dampers were proposed in single-skin walls, it was proposed to change the walls to a double-skin plasterboard system to work with tested systems.

Another scenario we could advise on was a three-sided plasterboard wall. On the third and fourth sides, there was a concrete soffit.

We recommended a tested detail allowing deflection between the wall and the soffit. This permitted the services to be placed as high as possible.

What kind of success did the client enjoy with our services/ products?

This development proved the benefits of adopting an early engagement approach in firestopping and was a prime example of all parties working together to achieve the same end goal: protecting people and property.

Early engagement brought together the requirements, for instance, the wall and services requirements, and allowed the client to thoroughly understand the presented tested details.

This ensured the client could resolve any issues at the design stage and work around the tested details available due to the flexibility of the design.

For instance, the client could confidently employ the large metal trunking they required because we already had a tested solution.

In cases where we lacked a tested solution, and the client could not go back and redesign, we dedicated the time to conduct the necessary testing for the specific application.

This provided essential test data for the client and benefited the entire industry, particularly in sectors like healthcare, where pneumatic pipes are increasingly being used.

Simon Clark, Senior Project Manager at Kier Construction, said: “We had Quelfire’s support from the very early stages of design through to the build stage.

“Their responses were informative and quick, always backed up by test evidence. A project is never without its challenges, but adopting an early engagement approach allowed it to be delivered as smoothly as possible, ensuring it was designed and built around tested details.”

Do you need more support when it comes to firestopping? View Quelfire’s technical support and resources: https://quelfire.co.uk/technical-resources/, and download Quelfire’s White Paper, ‘Early Engagement in Firestopping’ or contact Quelfire at technical@quelfire.co.uk.

Telent secures three-year extension for North West 200 communications infrastructure

by Featured NewsProjects

Telent continues partnership with North West 200

Event organisers, media broadcast outlets, on-site emergency services personnel and visitors will all continue to have access to reliable connectivity at the largest outdoor sporting event in Ireland for the next three years.

As reported by Telent, the contract extension was awarded to Telent to provide the voice and data communications infrastructure for the North West 200.

Their successful collaboration is set to span two decades.

This year’s motorcycle road race took place from May 6-11, 2024, attracting more than 150,000 visitors and streamed to millions worldwide every year.

Telent installed the equipment at various points around the race circuit and had a team of ten staff on-site to support the event, addressing any additional requirements or potential technical incidents.

Comprehensive technical solutions provided by Telent

Telent delivered the telephony, radio voice communications, timing infrastructure, race clocks and timing screens.

They also provided the off-site TV production company, which livestreamed the event, with a “fibre to the camera” solution.

This included cabling to cameras, radio communications from the off-site producer to the cameramen and commentators via Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) communications, and 4G SIM-based back-up backhaul.

Jo Gretton, CEO at Telent, said: “We are delighted to have secured a three-year extension with North West 200, building on our success together and supporting its technical requirements for the past 18 years.

“Telent plays a crucial role as a trusted partner in supporting critical digital infrastructure, and at this year’s race, I was one of the 150,000 fans in attendance, benefitting from the reliable communications the event had to offer.”

Annual transformation of the greenfield site

The greenfield site is transformed annually into a racetrack, with all communications equipment installed as part of the set-up and removed after the event.

The technical solutions included IP microwave link deployment, IPTV solutions for timing and BBC video distribution, Cisco switch infrastructure, provision of spectator LED screens and messaging, DMR solutions, analogue radio-controlled red lights, IP telephony and safety camera solutions.

Mervyn Whyte MBE, Event Director at North West 200, said: “As we welcomed hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe to this year’s event, a cutting-edge network that promises seamless connectivity, live-streaming and communications is as critical as ever. Telent’s continued support once again proved to be crucial.”

IFSJ comment

The extension of Telent’s contract to provide communications infrastructure for the North West 200 highlights the importance of reliable and robust connectivity at major sporting events.

This partnership, now extending into its second decade, ensures that the event can accommodate the technological demands of organisers, media, emergency services, and visitors alike.

Telent’s role in installing and maintaining the necessary equipment underscores the complexity and scale of providing such services at a large outdoor event.

The annual transformation of the greenfield site into a fully functional racetrack with integrated communication solutions demonstrates the critical role that digital infrastructure plays in modern event management.

Plans for new Royal Berkshire fire training centre approved

by Featured NewsProjectsTraining

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service training centre redevelopment approved

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has announced that the redevelopment plans for the Service’s Training Centre in Whitley Wood have been approved by Reading Borough Council.

The original schedule for the redevelopment was set for 2025 but was brought forward after a significant internal flood in 2022, which caused damage beyond economical repair.

Modern and sustainable design

The approved plans involve demolishing the existing Training Centre and an aging office cabin.

These will be replaced by a single two-storey, modular building.

The new facility will incorporate modern construction methods and sustainability features, including solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.

The upgrades are intended to support a more diverse workforce and demonstrate the Fire Authority’s commitment to providing high standards of training to firefighters in Royal Berkshire, enhancing safety for both staff and the community.

Official statements on redevelopment

Mark Arkwell, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, commented on the redevelopment: “We’re delighted that the plans for our Training Centre at Whitley Wood have been approved by Reading Borough Council.

“The upgrades have been required for several years and this redevelopment is a key feature of our longer-term commitment to modernise our facilities across Berkshire.”

Councillor Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey, Strategic Assets and Sustainability Lead of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, expressed her approval: “I was pleased to hear that our application to build a new Training Centre at Whitley Wood was approved by Reading Borough Council.

“The planned building demonstrates the Fire Authority’s continued commitment to investing in our Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that it remains effective, sustainable and ready to serve communities across Berkshire.”

Construction timeline and contractor

Premier Modular Limited has been selected to design, manufacture, and install the new building.

By opting for a modular building, RBFRS aims to reduce both financial and environmental costs and minimise disruption to neighbours and training operations.

Work on the new Training Centre is set to begin imminently, with completion and opening expected in summer 2025.

IFSJ Comment

The approval of the redevelopment plans for the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Training Centre and the decision to advance the project timeline due to the 2022 flood highlights the urgency and necessity of the redevelopment.

The new facility’s design prioritises sustainability and inclusivity, reflecting broader trends in public service infrastructure improvements.

As construction commences, the community can anticipate enhanced training capabilities for the RBFRS, contributing to the overall safety and preparedness of the region.

Hochiki Europe enhances fire safety training with equipment donation to Banham Academy

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjectsTraining

Continued partnership with Banham Academy

Hochiki Europe, recognised for its expertise in life safety products, affirmed its ongoing partnership with Banham Academy, a leading institution for fire safety engineering apprenticeships in the UK.

The company announced a substantial donation of fire safety equipment to the Academy’s London facility.

This contribution follows a successful donation last year to Banham’s Derby training centre.

The latest donation includes a range of ESP intelligent and CDX conventional devices, aimed at providing practical training to apprentices.

This initiative will equip them with the necessary experience in handling state-of-the-art safety technologies, crucial for their future careers in fire safety.

Statements from Hochiki Europe and Banham Academy

Shinsuke Kubo, Managing Director at Hochiki Europe, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “We are delighted to continue our support of Banham Academy.

“Equipping future fire safety engineers with the tools and expertise they need is essential for maintaining the highest standards of life safety.

“By providing apprentices with hands-on training on our industry-leading products, we are confident that they will be well-prepared to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.”

Kevin Faulkner, Operations Director at Banham Academy, expressed his gratitude: “Last year Hochiki were able to donate a vast range of equipment, this gave our Derby students invaluable real-world experiences.

“Hochiki manufacture some great products and of course we want to offer the best education to our students, so we were thrilled when they said yes to providing more equipment again this year for our London academy.”

Hochiki Europe’s commitment to fire safety education

Hochiki Europe’s renewed support for Banham Academy highlights the company’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of fire safety professionals.

Through its dedication to innovation and education, Hochiki Europe plays a crucial role in enhancing building and occupant safety across diverse regions including the UK, Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa.

IFSJ Comment

Hochiki Europe’s ongoing collaboration with Banham Academy is a testament to the company’s commitment to fire safety education and its role in shaping the future of the industry.

By supplying state-of-the-art equipment for hands-on training, Hochiki is supporting the academic development of apprentices and ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of the field.

This initiative is a key example of how partnerships between industry leaders and educational institutions can enhance practical learning and professional readiness in critical sectors like fire safety.

Fire safety enhancements planned for UNESCO-listed Samos site

by Featured NewsProjects

Samos archaeological site to receive advanced fire safety upgrades

The Ministry of Culture has announced the completion of a fire safety study aimed at protecting the Heraion archaeological site on Samos, an island in the eastern Aegean.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992, Heraion will benefit from both active and passive fire protection measures to combat potential damages from extreme weather events, a concern that has grown with the impact of climate change.

The plan outlines the development of an extensive fire safety system within the site and its eight surrounding structures.

Notably, the strategy includes the construction of a permanent firefighting water supply network, which is expected to greatly enhance the site’s resilience against fire threats.

Details of the fire safety implementation

Key components of the proposed fire safety infrastructure involve the creation of an underground pumping station and a large water tank.

This setup is designed to ensure a reliable supply of water in case of fire, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguard the valuable historical site.

IFSJ Comment

The Ministry of Culture’s initiative to enhance fire safety at the Heraion of Samos is a testament to Greece’s dedication to cultural preservation and disaster risk management.

This project is a crucial step in safeguarding not only a significant archaeological site but also the broader historical narrative it represents.

Hochiki secures food production facility in the Netherlands with advanced fire detection system

by Health and SafetyProjects

JTI Brandbeveiliging installs comprehensive fire safety solution for Kervo’s new plant

Installers JTI Brandbeveiliging have been instrumental in enhancing fire safety at a food manufacturing facility in the Netherlands by integrating Hochiki Europe’s fire detection system, Latitude, along with weatherproof devices.

This initiative aims to offer superior fire protection and operational confidence to the food manufacturer, focusing on producing high-quality food without concerns about safety disruptions.

Navigating challenges in food production safety

The installation at the food production facility posed unique challenges, particularly concerning the generation of steam during production and cleaning processes, which could potentially trigger false alarms.

Luciën van Eldijk, leading the JTI Brandbeveiliging team, shared insights into the complexities of the project: “In food production sites like this, it is essential for the machinery to remain clean throughout the entire process.

“This means there is a lot of steam and water present, which, unfortunately, can trigger false alarms.

“We needed to install devices that could negate this issue, Hochiki’s weatherproof call points, sounders, and sensors were the perfect solution.

“They worked seamlessly with the Latitude fire safety system from Hochiki.”

Technical specifications and project impact

Latitude is noted for its network-wide cause-and-effect capabilities and is BOSEC approved, meeting stringent Dutch standards for fire safety devices and systems.

The project required extensive infrastructure, including over 2.5km of cabling and numerous fire detection devices to secure the large facility effectively.

The system’s robust design allows for handling up to 20,000 inputs and outputs, making it an ideal choice for significant, complex installations like Kervo’s new plant.

Endorsement and reliability of Hochiki systems

The reliability and ease of installation of Hochiki products were highlighted as key factors in their selection.

Luciën van Eldijk further elaborated on their choice: “Due to the nature of this project, there have been some technical aspects where we have needed to seek advice, but the team at Hochiki have been very helpful in working with us to create the best solution for our customer.

“We choose Hochiki products and systems because they are reliable, they are easy to install and, most importantly, meet the high standards and regulations required by the laws of the Netherlands – we would recommend Hochiki products for this reason.”

IFSJ Comment

This installation not only reinforces the importance of tailored fire safety solutions in specialized environments like food production but also highlights the effectiveness of modern fire detection systems in managing environmental challenges.

Projects like these demonstrate the potential for advanced technology to enhance safety while maintaining operational efficiency in high-demand industries.

UK’s pioneering carbon neutral tri-station nears completion in Hebburn

by Featured NewsProjectsSustainability

Overview of the Hebburn tri-station development

The construction of the Hebburn Tri-Station, a forward-thinking project led by Esh Construction on behalf of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Fire Authority, is approaching completion with its handover scheduled for April 2024.

Situated between Hebburn’s Marine Drive and Campbell Park Road, this facility marks a significant development as one of the UK’s initial carbon neutral emergency service tri-stations.

The new station, which will replace the nearly six-decade-old Hebburn Community Fire Station, will accommodate Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Northumbria Police, and the North East Ambulance Service.

Visitors and passers-by are now witnessing the emergence of the station’s structure, featuring a main building for staff accommodation, offices, and emergency vehicle bays, alongside a separate training building designed to enhance the capabilities of specialist and rope rescue firefighters.

The aesthetic of the building is highlighted by a striking multi-blue coloured rain screen that adorns the main structure.

Eco-friendly features and community benefits

The Hebburn Tri-Station not only aims to serve as a crucial hub for emergency services but also demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

The facility incorporates ground source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, with over 340 panels installed to potentially generate 100% of the renewable electricity needed for the station’s operations.

The construction also features environmentally friendly elements like electric vehicle (EV) charging points and extensive ‘E’ cycle storage and charging facilities for the Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Grant Watson, Construction Manager for Esh’s commercial build division, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “At Esh, we pride ourselves on building and maintaining strong working relationships with our clients and we are excited to see the pioneering scheme come to life as a key hub for the local community.”

Training and operational capabilities

The completion of the fire house, training tower, and associated garage, along with the installation of a specialist rope rescue training crane jib, underscores the tri-station’s role in enhancing the training and operational effectiveness of the emergency services.

The facilities are designed to support joint training scenarios with partner services, fostering a universal approach to community safety.

Chief Fire Officer Peter Heath from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service commented on the progress: “We are delighted to see the progress that has been made over the past 14 months with the construction of the Hebburn Tri-Station in South Tyneside.

“It represents our continued commitment to keeping people safe.”

IFSJ Comment

The development of the Hebburn Tri-Station is a testament to the evolving landscape of emergency service facilities that prioritize both functionality and environmental sustainability.

By integrating state-of-the-art sustainable technologies and fostering collaborative training environments, this project enhances the operational capabilities of the emergency services and sets a new standard for future developments in the sector.

The emphasis on community integration and environmental responsibility further enhances the project’s significance as a model for similar future endeavours across the UK.

FirePro UK enhances fire safety in NHS smart waste bins with innovative suppression technology

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProjectsSafety

FirePro fire suppression technology has been successfully integrated into smart public waste bins located on NHS premises, marking a significant advancement in public safety and environmental sustainability.

The technology, certified by the LPCB, showcases a novel application in addressing the risks associated with internal fires in these bins, which are equipped with solar-powered technology for monitoring and compacting waste.

Revolutionising waste bin safety on NHS premises

The integration of FirePro technology into NHS smart waste bins is a response to the growing need for enhanced fire safety measures in public spaces.

These bins, which utilise solar power to monitor and compact waste, represent a forward-thinking approach to environmental management and cost efficiency.

However, the potential risk of internal fires necessitated a solution that could ensure both safety and sustainability.

FirePro UK’s contribution came in the form of a tailored fire suppression system designed to fit the unique requirements of these waste bins.

Ollie Harvey, representing FirePro UK, worked a solution with the client to provide an extremely low-cost, stand alone, solution, utilizing a 20gm FirePro unit equipped with a bulb thermal actuator (BTA).

The client said they were impressed with the proposal, and knowing that some form of internal fire suppression was better than none, proceeded with their order at less than £140 per smart waste bin.

Affordable and efficient fire suppression

The implementation of FirePro’s technology in NHS smart waste bins is notable for its cost-effectiveness, with each unit costing less than £140.

This affordable solution provides a significant advantage over traditional water and pressurized gas systems, which are often associated with higher costs and complexities.

The choice of FirePro’s technology by the NHS is a testament to the system’s efficiency and the value it brings to public safety and environmental stewardship.

The impact of this initiative extends beyond the immediate safety benefits.

By incorporating FirePro’s fire suppression technology into smart waste bins, the NHS is taking a proactive step towards reducing the risk of fire incidents on its premises.

IFSJ Comment

The introduction of FirePro fire suppression technology into NHS smart waste bins demonstrates the potential for advanced fire suppression solutions to be integrated into a variety of public infrastructure, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of comprehensive fire safety measures.

As technology continues to evolve, the adaptation of such systems to meet the specific needs of different environments is crucial.

In an era where public safety and environmental sustainability are of paramount importance, the collaboration between FirePro UK and the NHS exemplifies a commitment to pioneering solutions that address both concerns effectively.