Dorset County Hospital undertakes substantial upgrade of fire systems

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Major upgrade to improve hospital safety

Dorset County Hospital, located in Dorchester, has successfully completed an extensive upgrade of its fire systems, implementing 2,700 Apollo Discovery fire detection devices amidst various challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and the complexity of the hospital buildings. The hospital, a foundation trust, is home to 18 wards, 375 beds, and employs more than 3,300 staff. The old fire system, now outdated and inadequate, was replaced to enhance the safety of the buildings and to decrease the time taken for testing and operation of the fire system.

Navigating the hurdles of system installation

Installation teams faced the daunting task of implementing the new fire system while ensuring the hospital remained fully operational around the clock. This effort was further complicated by the need to observe additional safety measures imposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Regardless of these complications, the installation was executed with minimal disturbance to the hospital’s services.

A tailored fire system solution

Mike Sutton, Regional Sales Manager – South at Apollo, spoke on the undertaking: “Our team worked closely with Dorset County Hospital to specify a fire system that meets the current needs of the site, and provides the option for future expansion or upgrades. About 2,700 multi-sensor devices were installed throughout the hospital, paired with an advanced fire panel, offering variable sensitivity settings to ensure optimal protection for patients, staff and visitors.”

Sutton further added: “The Hospital’s priority was to significantly improve fire safety across all its buildings, while reducing the required input from its staff and external fire engineers. This was achieved by streamlining the testing regime and decreasing the need for repairs and maintenance. Transitioning from a ‘make do and mend’ approach to the installation of a completely new fire system has significantly reduced the ongoing costs of testing and maintenance.”

Features and benefits of the new fire detection system

The fire detection devices installed are part of an innovative line of detectors, offering high versatility for complex environments. These detectors provide reliable fire detection and false alarm management, making them an ideal choice for facilities requiring a sophisticated fire system. The detectors feature five modes of operation, all approved to EN54-23 standards, allowing users to adjust the sensitivity based on the specific environment in which they are installed.

Roy Pinder, Fire Safety Advisor for the Dorset County Hospital, said: “The installation of the new fire system was particularly challenging during the pandemic, which consequently caused some delays. This has been a major project for the trust and could not have been delivered without the support of the staff and the estates team. Our new fire system provides greater versatility and flexibility.”

Superior detection capabilities and proactive safety measures

Apollos’ fire detection system is lauded for its superior detection capabilities, enhanced diagnostics, and maintenance features. The devices integrate seamlessly with the fire panel, providing a comprehensive fire safety solution. With self-monitoring capabilities, these detectors can identify and report potential issues before they escalate, ensuring the highest level of protection at all times. The range includes various detectors, including optical smoke detectors, heat detectors, and detectors with integrated carbon monoxide sensing, providing a holistic solution for diverse fire system needs.

The manufacturer of the fire detection devices, based in Havant, Hampshire, specialises in designing and manufacturing high-quality fire detection solutions. These protect people from fire in over 100 countries around the world. Since 1983, the company has been a part of a FTSE 100-listed group of life-saving technology companies.

Aico enhances resident safety in housing stock in Brentwood

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Plans for trial fitting 40 homes with upgraded life safety devices

Brentwood Borough Council has acknowledged the need to upgrade life safety products across its housing stock. Following discussions with Carol Burton, Interim Corporate Manager – Technical Services, the council will be launching a new trial that involves outfitting 40 properties with Aico’s enhanced heat, smoke, and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, home management gateways and environmental sensors throughout the borough.

Aiming for compliance with British Standards

This initiative will modernise the home life safety systems in line with British Standard BS5839-6 and BS50292. Properties involved in the trial will be chosen based on diverse factors, and their performance will be closely monitored before, during, and after the implementation of these upgrades, to ensure the wellbeing of the residents.

Brentwood Council utilises smart home technology for safety

By employing Aico’s connected home solution, Brentwood Borough Council will be able to connect every alarm in a property to a central portal, aggregating the data into a simplified report. These insights will facilitate preventative actions and proactive maintenance of the installed fire alarm systems. This remote management capability will not only save valuable time for the local authority but will also reduce call out costs and enhance their care for residents.

Borough council leading in tenant safety with innovative products

This approach will position Brentwood Borough Council at the cutting edge of tenant safety, thanks to the use of Aico’s innovative and reliable products. Aico is set to assist the council throughout this process, offering continuous training and support to maximise the potential benefits of this scheme.

Carol Burton said: “Brentwood Borough Council are looking forward to working with Aico. Installing the home management gateway and environmental sensors will complement the fire and carbon monoxide alarms we have already installed. This modern technology will empower our tenants to see in real time how their home is performing and will help Brentwood Council identify properties that are most at risk, enabling proactive measures and preventative maintenance of our assets.”

Proactive council embraces new system for tenant wellbeing

Matt Golding, Regional Specification Manager, praised the council’s readiness to adopt the new system: “It’s great to be working with such a proactive and keen Council who have embraced the concept straight away and can see the benefits of the home management system, not only making them more effective in their housing management but also supporting the health and well-being of their tenants. We will work closely together to ensure the right advice and training is supplied and engage with the residents to let them know fully how this can benefit the environment they live in.”

Cutlers’ Hall now safeguarded by Hyfire’s advanced wireless fire systems

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Wireless fire protection systems installed in London’s illustrious Cutlers’ Hall

London’s renowned Cutlers’ Hall, the ancient home of the Worshipful Company of Cutlers, has received a modern upgrade in the form of advanced wireless fire devices from Hyfire.

Dating back to 1888 and featuring a notable terracotta frieze and many Company treasures, the hall’s age-old fire systems needed replacement. Given the delicate state of the interior fabric, the use of wireless technology was an obvious choice for the task.

The innovative solution

Rory Foster of Blake Contractors, the Hyfire authorised partner in charge of the project, voiced his relief over the development. He said, “Installs in historic buildings are always a challenge, although…wireless technology has made them a lot less complex in recent years”. Notably, they were able to complete the swift installation of the 150-device system in a two weeks.

Hyfire is reputed for their extensive range of commercial standard wireless fire devices. They have offerings to suit all kinds of requirements, from optical, multi-criteria, and heat detectors to EN54-23 Approved VAD’s. All their products adhere to the highest industry standards and comply with BS5839 Part 1.

Ollie Murray, Head of Sales – UK at Hyfire, discussed the unique challenges posed by this installation. He acknowledged: “Even by Hyfire standards, this was a challenging installation…”, but praised the quick installation and minimal impact of their latest Taurus range. A standout feature of the installation was the inclusion of voice sounders in the public areas, replacing the traditional audible alarm.

The technologically-advanced Taurus range

Developed in Trieste, Italy, the Taurus range includes the ground-breaking Pathfinder Technology. This enables the devices to communicate over distances of more than a kilometre, offering both cost and energy efficiency.

A spokesperson for the Worshipful Company of Cutlers expressed satisfaction with the outcome. They highlighted the reliability of the new system and its minimal impact on their beloved building. Since its launch in 2007, Hyfire has consistently been associated with quality, reliability, and innovation in the commercial fire sector, and this project certainly attests to that reputation.

Royal Stoke University Hospital refurb implements TBA FIREFLY

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TBA FIREFLY, a provider of advanced fire barrier systems, has announced the incorporation of its APOLLO Lite 30:30 barrier system in the extensive refurbishment work at the Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent.

Cubic FM, a Birmingham-based specialist subcontractor renowned for its expertise in passive fire protection, is using FIREFLY’s APOLLO Lite 30:30 barrier system in conjunction with the widely specified Collaroll for the creation of half-hour fire barriers within ceiling voids. All barrier and ancillary products are being supplied by Encon, a Birmingham branch and a primary distributor of FIREFLY products.

Brett Kelly, Senior Contract Manager for Cubic, said: “This is a family run firm where passive fire protection forms one of our key divisions, serving both private and public sector clients: working in schools, prisons, police stations and MOD properties as well as hospitals.  The contract here in Stoke has been particularly challenging because the ceiling void of the Lower Trent Ward contains a variety of services – including gas and water – which could not be isolated due to having to keep adjoining areas of the hospital supplied.  Also the presence of steel beams meant the new drywall partitions could not be taken right up to the underside of the slab.”     

“We were first introduced to the FIREFLYTM range some three years ago when it was specified by a client, but we now prefer the systems to the rock mineral wool we used previously.  The FIREFLYTM barriers are quicker and easier to install, do not create dust or skin irritation and the company is always ready to provide design guidance or on–site assistance.  We currently have half a dozen operatives trained up by FIREFLYTM and another group due to attend the company’s training school soon.

FIREFLY APOLLO Lite 30:30

FIREFLY APOLLO Lite 30:30, a product designed for use in vertical separation situations, offers 30 minutes of integrity and insulation and can be sealed around various penetrations. The system is preferred for its easy-to-cut-and-fix material, enhanced cooling properties, and full compliance with BS 476 Parts 20 & 22 and third-party certification by IFC.

Alongside the APOLLO Lite 30:30, Cubic FM is also implementing FIREFLY’s Collaroll to wrap services penetrating barriers, providing further fire resistance. Collaroll is easily mouldable and can be neatly sealed to the upright barrier using high-temperature adhesive.

This collaboration with TBA FIREFLY underlines Cubic FM’s commitment to providing top-tier fire protection in both public and private sectors. The ongoing training of Cubic FM personnel by FIREFLY also demonstrates a mutual commitment to safety and upskilling within the industry.

For more information about TBA FIREFLY and its range of fire barrier systems, visit www.tbafirefly.com.

About TBA FIREFLY

TBA FIREFLY™ is a pioneering manufacturer and supplier of advanced fire barrier systems. Its cutting-edge products, including the APOLLO Lite™ 30:30 and Collaroll, are designed to protect people and property from fire in various sectors, including hospitals, schools, police stations, MOD properties, and more.

HMPPS selects Semmco LPS for essential breathing apparatus contract

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Semmco Life Protection Systems (LPS), a UK-based manufacturer of short-duration breathing apparatus, has secured a new contract with HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) worth £10m.

Under the terms of the deal, Semmco LPS will supply HMPPS with 4,500 of its HEAD RPE/CSRE (Cell Snatch Rescue Equipment) escape breathing sets, complete with comprehensive user training, technical support, user manuals, and a fully managed refurbishment and maintenance program.

The equipment is designed and manufactured in the UK at Semmco’s headquarters in Woking, Surrey, and will be delivered to prisons across England and Wales beginning in January 2024. Manufacturing is set to commence in July 2023 to replace all existing sets.

Semmco LPS’s range of escape and rescue breathing apparatus is lightweight, easy to use, and highly reliable, providing essential protection for users working in hazardous and potentially life-threatening environments.

The head-mounted apparatus is designed to avoid constraining the wearer with a cylinder or bag across their body, and its unique design using a latex neck seal and a molded oronasal mask ensures a secure face seal, eliminating the need for a fit test.

HMPPS, an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice, is committed to ensuring safe and supportive environments across all its prisons, with a strong focus on rehabilitation through education and employment. The safety and well-being of both staff and inmates are paramount, and HMPPS strives to ensure the health and safety of all those under its care in exceptional circumstances.

In the event of a cell fire, Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is essential to enable safe resolution of the situation and to protect those involved from harmful smoke and fumes. Since 2009, HMPPS has deployed over 3,000 RPE sets across the prison estate, with an average of two sets used per cell fire event.

Carl Bennett, General Manager of Semmco LPS, expressed his excitement about the contract and emphasised the company’s commitment to providing a full life service and refurbishment program for customers: As a UK design and manufacturing company, we are delighted to be awarded this contract by HMPPS. Our innovative rescue sets are easy to use and totally reliable, ensuring safety for the user in an emergency. We are able to provide a full life service and refurbishment programme for our customers, making the Semmco LPS Head Escape Breathing Apparatus a cost-effective and sustainable solution.”

Heineken Cork Brewery benefits from Advanced remote fire panel monitoring

by Featured NewsProjects

Heineken Ireland has upgraded its fire protection system with Advanced fire panels and AdvancedLive remote monitoring. The new system is helping to reduce false alarms, improve safety and provide peace of mind for the brewery’s employees and customers.

The Heineken Cork Brewery was founded in 1856 and is one of the oldest breweries in Ireland. The brewery produces a variety of beers, including Heineken, Murphy’s Irish Stout and Kaliber. The brewery employs over 400 people and is a major tourist attraction in Cork.

The brewery’s previous fire protection system was nearing the end of its life and was no longer meeting the brewery’s needs. The new system, which was installed by TEE Fire Safety Solutions, includes seven Advanced MxPro 5 panels and 1,055 devices, including cutting-edge Hochiki Ekho wireless detectors. The system also includes Patol linear heat detection and Wagner air sampling equipment.

The new system is monitored remotely by AdvancedLive, which provides instant notification of fire events and allows for remote troubleshooting. The system has already helped to reduce false alarms by 50%.

“We are delighted with the new fire protection system,” said Enda Buckley, Commissioning Engineer at TEE Fire Safety Solutions. “The Advanced panels are easy to use and provide excellent protection for the brewery. The AdvancedLive remote monitoring system gives us peace of mind knowing that our fire system is always being monitored.”

“Heineken Cork is a great example of a business seeing real benefits from remote panel monitoring,” said Neil Parkin, Advanced Sales Manager for Ireland. “Not only have false alarms been reduced thanks to a system upgrade, when they do occur, they can now be dealt with quickly and with minimal disruption, without the expense of keeping a trained individual on site at all times.”

Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The company’s products are used in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced is owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC – a global group of life-saving technology companies.

Image credit William Murphy licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

London tower blocks safeguarded by Kentec

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Kentec Electronics has installed its K-Mesh and Taktis systems at five residential tower blocks in Wapping, central London, providing residents with a highly sophisticated fire detection and alarm system.

The fire safety system was installed at 21 Wapping Lane by DPJ Fire and Security after the firm won a competitive tender issued by property developers, Ballymore. The system protects five mixed-use luxury and affordable housing residential complexes, including an 18-storey tower near St Katherine’s Dock. There are more than 380 dwellings over an area of 7,500 square metres.

A wireless solution was proposed due to the ease and speed of installation, less disruption to site occupants and aesthetics. The number of floors meant running cables was impractical, and so the wireless solution avoided costly builders’ work and fire stopping.

K-Mesh’s SmartGuide technology also supports safe and strategic building evacuation, meaning the fire detection system can be converted to an EVAC evacuation system easily as and when desired or practical.

The system, networked to K-Mesh, features five of Kentec’s 4-loop Taktis control panels and over 750 devices, including wireless heat sensors and sounders, and optical smoke detectors. K-Mesh was chosen for its impressive wireless network performance using a self-healing dynamic mesh network, making it easy to use, install and commission.

Reliable detection

Ultimately, the network provides a highly redundant and robust wireless network, providing assurance that fire incidents are detected and communicated immediately. A wireless translator module, which sits at the centre of the K-Mesh system, is hard-wired to the fire alarm control panel loop and communicates continuously with the wireless devices.

The detection range provides the highest reliability for automatic detection and includes Optical, Thermal and combined Optical and Thermal detectors that can respond to a wide spectrum of fire phenomena, while minimising false and unwanted activations.

Paul Fitzsimmons, Account Director of DPJ Fire and Security, said K-Mesh’s unique SmartGuide technology is a considerable benefit: “It wirelessly utilises sound, light and voice command functionality to provide clear evacuation instructions. And because it can be easily converted to an EVAC evacuation system it provides a future-proofed solution,” he says. “It was without doubt the best solution for this development.”

A complex installation

Lauryn Amara, Senior FM/Projects Manager of Ballymore, says the project was delivered on time and to budget: “A complex installation went well, and DPJ Fire and Security provided excellent communication throughout. Overall, we are very pleased to have furthered the safety of our residents.”

Derrick Hall, Director of Sales at Kentec Electronics, says K-Mesh overcomes all the traditional barriers to using wireless systems: “It has a seven-to-ten-year battery life, which is approximately twice that of the industry standard,” he explains. “The advanced technology is also fully expandable and configurable from anything from two to 2,000 devices, so even the largest, most disparate, and complex sites can now be protected wirelessly. It provides an easy-to-install and highly practical wireless solution, ideal for residential complexes.”

Ballymore is an independently-owned property developer responsible for some of Europe’s largest regeneration projects. 21 Wapping Lane provides a modern living space in one of London’s oldest maritime neighbourhoods.

Notts Golf Club implements Hyfire wireless detection

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The Notts Golf Club, also known as Hollinwell, a leading golf course in the UK, has implemented advanced fire protection with the installation of more than 100 wireless fire devices from Hyfire’s Taurus range. The historic club has been located in Nottinghamshire since 1901, playing host to prestigious tournaments such as the John Player Classic and the Open Championship Final Qualifying.

With a variety of different building types on site, including some dating back almost a century, this was a challenging installation project for PWP Fire & Security, who led the installation with Hyfire’s expertise. “Working closely with the Hyfire team, we were able to specify a system that was installed in record time, with almost zero impact on the original staircases, ornate ceilings, and cornices of the Hollinwell clubhouse,” said Gavin Clarke, Head of Fire at PWP Fire & Security.

Minimal disruption

The primary objective was to achieve a complete overhaul of the existing life-expired fire system with minimal disruption to the site’s operations, staff, and visitors. This was achieved by installing an Advanced Go single-loop panel linked to wireless devices, specified using Hyfire’s TauREX software. These were pre-programmed offsite and installed in minutes, using almost 90 percent less cabling than a traditional wired system.

Hyfire offers the most extensive range of commercial standard wireless fire devices on the market, ranging from optical, multi-criteria and heat detectors to EN54-23 Approved VAD’s, all fully certified to EN54. The products are of the highest performance and quality in the industry and are fully compliant with BS5839 Part 1. Fire panels are wired via a loop to translators, from which wireless devices can be used on their own to build fully wireless systems of virtually any size, or mixed with Hyfire wired products to provide seamless hybrid solutions, offering total flexibility to specifiers and installers.

The Notts Golf Club’s management expressed their satisfaction with the installation, with the new system providing the latest in fire protection technology, ensuring that the club’s legacy is preserved for generations to come.

Built-in advantages

Developed in Trieste, Italy, the global centre for wireless fire design, Taurus features Pathfinder Technology, which allows the devices to communicate over 1km, point to point in open air, and further where expansion hops are used. Antenna technology has been optimised to allow communication across different frequencies and environments, which means that Taurus can do the job with less equipment and less batteries, thus saving on costs.

Chris McGregor, Regional Sales Manager – East & Ireland for Hyfire, commented: “A golf club is busy throughout the day, with members playing and socialising, so it makes sense to limit the impact of a fire system installation as much as possible.

“By selecting the Hyfire Taurus range, the team at PWP were able to offer a product that is every bit as good as a wired alternative, but with a multitude of built-in advantages. With fire installers under pressure to deliver systems more quickly and efficiently than ever before, wireless is rapidly becoming the default choice.”

Nittan fire detection system protects historic steam mill in Slovakia

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Espat/Maxit Contracting has recently installed a Nittan Fire Detection System in a former steam mill building in Dolné Saliby, Slovakia, which was restored and preserved by the Trnava self-governing region.

The 100-year-old building is a crucial monument in the village and is now managed by the Heritage Museum in Galant, featuring an exhibition on the history of steam mills in the region and a depository for some of the museum’s collection of historic items.

The Nittan Evolution Series Detectors were primarily used for this project, including the Nittan EV-PYS Optical Detectors that come with a fully integrated sounder instead of a separate sounder base. These detectors are installed throughout the steam mill building to protect it from fire.

The sensor of the detector also drives and controls the EV-PYSVAD beacon base, and the entire Smoke/Sounder/Beacon assembly takes only one address for maximum system efficiency.

The installation of the Nittan Fire Detection System was conducted by Espat/Maxit Contracting. The systems is designed to provide quick and simple installation, saving time and money while remaining competitively priced. Additionally, it features a low profile and unobtrusive appearance.

For more information on the Nittan Fire Detection System and its installation, interested parties can contact Nittan by phone at 01483 769 555 or by email at sales@nittan.co.uk.

Hyfire and Absolute Security Protect HMS Victory

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As part of £35 million project to conserve HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, a complex fire system designed around Hyfire’s wireless Taurus range has been installed to provide protection during works on the world’s oldest commissioned warship.  

Launched in 1765, HMS Victory is currently undergoing a 10-year programme of works to make her ship-shape for the next generation. In 2022, as she celebrated 100 years in drydock in Portsmouth, Absolute Security Systems Ltd took on design responsibility for the fire system that is providing comprehensive cover within the temporary structure surrounding the ship. 

This is being used to provide protection and access during the works, with allowance for members of the public to continue to visit HMS Victory, and also to view the works being carried out. 

Comprehensive protection

The fire system was installed and interfaced into the existing onboard fire system, offering flexibility so it can be repositioned to suit the ongoing progress of the refurbishment, which also involves replacing rotten planking from her hull with new oak, repairing Victory’s structural framework, and finally fully re-rigging the historic flagship. 

“With the possible exception of Titanic, I don’t think there is a ship in the world that’s more famous than HMS Victory, so we took on this project with a mix of trepidation and excitement,” said Paul Waddon, Fire Alarm Division Manager at Absolute Security. “A wireless fire system is a no-brainer in this situation, as it offers comprehensive protection to the vessel with little or no impact on the fabric.

“Using the TauREX design tool, and with input from the Hyfire team, we’ve been able to specify, install and commission the new fire system in record time. It may not be the most visible element of the reconstruction, but an effective fire system is absolutely vital to the protection and preservation of HMS Victory as conservation experts and skilled shipwrights work to make her ship-shape for at least the next 50 years.” 

Hyfire offers a wide range of commercial standard wireless fire devices, ranging from optical, multi-criteria and heat detectors to EN54-23 Approved VAD’s, all fully certified to EN54. All products offer the highest performance and quality in the industry, and are also fully compliant with BS5839 Part 1.

Fire panels are wired via a loop to translators, from which wireless devices can be used on their own to build fully wireless systems of virtually any size, or mixed with Hyfire wired products to provide seamless hybrid solutions, offering total flexibility to specifiers and installers.  

‘No need for complex and unseemly wiring’

Ollie Murray, National Sales Manager ‑ South at Hyfire, commented: “I think lots of people dream about being involved with a project like this, and it’s been an amazing experience to play a part in the future preservation of HMS Victory. Taurus wireless devices are perfect for structures like a ship as they can cover every void, deck and hard to reach space with no need for complex and unseemly wiring.” 

Developed in Trieste, Italy, the global centre for wireless fire design, Taurus features Pathfinder Technology, which allows the devices to communicate over 1km, point to point in open air, and further where expansion hops are used. Antenna technology has been optimised to allow communication across different frequencies and environments, which means that Taurus can do the job with less equipment and less batteries, thus saving on costs.