Kentec provides fire protection to Middle East oil and gas company

by Featured NewsProjects

Kentec Electronics, are helping a Middle Eastern oil and gas company to protect critical national infrastructure in the region by installing More than 40, 4- and 16-loop Taktis fire detection panels.

Khayber Fire and Security Systems WLL, a contractor of fire and security systems based in the Kingdom of Bahrain and a Kentec Installation Partner (KIP), is responsible for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the project’s fire protection, fire and gas detection systems.

The installation project features 41 panels, of which 32 are a part of one ring network. In the next stage of the project Khayber is working with Kentec to utilise Vizulinx, a fire alarm management solution that facilitates the integration of the Taktis system with the plant DCS via Modbus signals. This enables site managers to monitor and control fire detection systems remotely, in real time through the DCS graphic.

Future proof

The Taktis 16L provides up to 144 zone indications, supports more than 2,000 detection devices and can network up to 127 panels, making it ideal for the very largest sites. Furthermore, its scalable nature provides the highest level of future-proofing and networking possibilities.   

The Khayber Fire and Security Systems WLL Team working on the project confirms the company has completed numerous projects in the region utilising Kentec panels, in all cases with their clients fully satisfied: “This project is vast in scale and critical in its protection of nationally vital assets and infrastructure. While the project did not originally specify Taktis, we were able to convince stakeholders that the 4- and 16-loop Taktis panel has the required capabilities and scale to be the right system for the project.”

Kevin Swann, MD of Kentec, said that this project is one of Taktis’ most globally significant installations: “With more than 60 buildings, linked to several thousand devices, the fire protection system is one of the world’s largest and most complex. Our thanks go to the team at Khayber for their detailed understanding of the Taktis system’s features and benefits, and dedication to such an important installation.”

Comelit-PAC fire system installed at Booth Hall

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Comelit-PAC’s fire system has been installed by CFS Systems on an 800-room student accommodation complex at Crewe’s new medical health science campus.

The Apollo Buckingham Health Science Campus (ABHSC) offers degrees in biomedical sciences as well as medical foundation and conversion courses for health workers.  The campus is majority owned by the University of Buckingham and Apollo and could have at least 3,000 students at the Crewe site by 2024.

Offering on-campus student accommodation at Booth Hall, the development includes 800 bedrooms, with a mix of communal spaces and facilities, including extended learning zones, meeting rooms and a gymnasium.

CFS Systems carried out a full risk assessment of the site to install the latest fire safety systems, with a nine-panel network and over 2000 devices.

Amanda Watson, Head of Operations at Apollo Buckingham Health Science Campus said: “The University of Buckingham’s Crewe campus offers students the opportunity to gain experience and relevant skills, combining a variety of courses with authentic clinical and laboratory experiences in a multi-professional learning environment”.

“Situated on the grounds of the Crewe campus, the student-friendly town is ideal for both learning and socialising.  Student welfare is a top priority and this includes at Booth Hall, ensuring fire safety and security measures are kept up to date and compliant.  Here, CFS Systems carried out a complete risk assessment and made recommendations, advising us on the best course of action, including installation of Comelit-PAC systems.”

User friendly

CFS Systems selected Comelit-PAC’s specialist fire safety solution, featuring a user friendly touch screen system, installing eight addressable panels, one per block and a new style repeater panel in the main reception area.

Finished in line with Comelit-PAC’s focus on aesthetics, it is fully networkable with the opportunity to expand with a facility or building requirement.

Craig Forster, Operations Director at CFS Systems commented: “If you’re responsible for fire safety in any kind of accommodation – halls of residence, rented flats or privately rented accommodation – there are considerable obligations to do everything possible to minimise the risk of fire”. 

“This includes a great level of responsibility to carry out fire risk assessments, identifying potential fire hazards and ensuring complete fire safety.  We did this at Booth Hall and installed Comelit-Pac, quickly and efficiently, as a system that could accommodate the sheer size of the development and remain simple to use and operate for all students and staff on site.”

Mandy Bowden, Fire Manager at Comelit-PAC concluded: “Fire safety is essential to any premises. In a student accommodation complex, there are special considerations to comply with latest legislation and maintain the safety of students, visitors and all staff”.   

“We worked closely with CFS Systems from training and initial design of the system, paying close attention to the bespoke requirements of Booth Hall.  We ensured the products were delivered quickly, to negate any need for a delay in the installation programme of works.  The result is a high quality, robust fire safety system that complies with latest legislation to offer the essential protection required.”

Avon Fire and Rescue upgrades critical communications system

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Critical communications for Avon Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) will continue thanks to a network upgrade by communications specialist Telent.

Telent has designed, tested and deployed a future-proof solution to replace the back-up Paknet service connecting the station end to the control room. Station End systems are the critical link between control rooms and fire stations, firefighters and fire appliances and are connected using a network that has both primary and secondary back-up bearers.

Telent said that Avon FRS turned to them when the technology it was using for secondary back-up bearers was scheduled to be withdrawn from service. The new solution ensures firefighters can respond to an emergency even if the main network goes down. Telent also upgraded the organisation’s fire coders – the core hardware technology that mobilises crews.

Barry Zielinski, Telent’s Operations and Services Director said: “Avon FRS provides emergency and protection services to a population of over one million people and we helped the organisation replace existing systems that were imminent for retirement to ensure its fire stations remain connected. Telent is the partner of choice for emergency services organisations looking to work alongside a company with the knowledge, expertise and vision to innovate services in the years ahead.”

Replacing legacy technology

Telent’s solution, based on a powerful router device from technology partner Cradlepoint, uses a mobile network data service for over-the-air connectivity and is equipped with a multi network SIM. This allows the most appropriate mobile service provider to be automatically selected, eliminating any coverage issues in rural and remote based stations. It is also compatible with the ESN Connect service and ready for the future transition to the Emergency Services Network.

“Our collaboration with Telent has allowed us to upgrade and replace our legacy technology for our mission-critical station end communications in readiness for the transition to future technologies,” said John Craig, Station Manager at Avon Fire and Rescue Service. “Working with Telent has provided us with the complete confidence that our firefighters have access to unfailing and continuous communications to effectively and diligently undertake their daily duties.”

Many secondary bearers across the UK have been rapidly approaching end-of-life and need upgrading and replacing. PSTN is scheduled to be retired in 2025 and mobile operators announced the phased withdrawal of 3G and 2G networks from 2023.

Ministry of Justice enlists OFR for fire engineering guidance on new prisons

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Fire engineering consultancy OFR Consultants has been appointed to several high-profile projects throughout the UK, supporting clients in the custodial, aviation and healthcare sectors, including a body of work with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ)

OFR has been appointed to work on fire engineering strategies for new prisons in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Leicestershire and Buckinghamshire.

The new prisons will be created as part of the Alliance 4 New Prisons (A4NP) programme, a project that will see the development of four new adult male prisons built by ISG, Kier, Laing O’Rourke and Wates – a group of Tier 1 contractors working together as part of the government’s Construction Playbook.

The A4NP will develop a standardised design that will then be applied across each of the four prison sites, building on the approach of the MoJ pathfinder common design prisons at HMP Five Wells and Glen Parva.

Speaking of the appointment OFR design director Richard Rankin said: “This is a unique sector, and we are proud to be a part of this ambitious new approach by the MoJ.

“The custodial sector requires unique thinking, and my colleagues and I are preparing fire strategies that will consider the complexities and layout of prisons, evolving an idea that will accommodate each individual site, while also accounting for the standardised design approach. It is an exciting opportunity, and we are delighted to be involved.”

Hospital refurbishment

OFR has also undertaken a new £330m project with the Royal Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust to refurbish an existing hospital and build a new facility, with the news coming just weeks after OFR announced the appointment of more new colleagues to its team; the consultancy now employs 115-colleagues across seven UK offices in Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Oxford, Bath and London. In Q4 2022, the company also welcomed new graduates, part of its commitment to investing in and nurturing future engineering talent.

Rich added: “Since 2016, we have grown to become one of the UK’s leading fire engineering consultancies, developing our business and growing our team by nurturing a strong culture and investing in great people. The result is a motivated team working with clients across the world to deliver fire engineering strategies that protect people, place and planet.

“I’m really proud of the new work we are delivering together and look forward to bringing these new projects to fruition.”

Amthal secures fire safety for Gravity Media

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Amthal has worked with global media production company, Gravity Media to secure all of its sites across the UK, ensuring dedicated security, fire safety and ultimate site protection for its team and high-profile visitors.

Servicing international clients from five Production Centres in White City (London), Soho (London), Chiswick, Farnborough, and Watford, Amthal was sourced to review on-site fire safety and security. The security specialist made recommendations to create an integrated system where monitoring of each site could be carried out remotely.

Warren Symonds, Gravity Media Operations Director said: “Editing space to our capability needs to be practical, flexible and efficient, but also it needs to feel like a home. Within this, we have a duty of care to ensure our team as well as our prestigious clients, feel safe and secure, using our Gravity Media Production Centres at any time of day or night, to capture live coverage from across the globe.

“Amthal was quick to understand our requirements and carried out detailed site surveys at each Gravity Media location. The team worked closely with us and offered professional advice throughout, from initial design to the organisation of a smooth installation of the bespoke CCTV, intruder, door entry and access control. They also now ensure we achieve the necessary requirements for fire safety and continue to maintain security on our behalf.”

Integrate and communicate

Amthal worked with Gravity Media, completing a full risk assessment of all sites, to establish system requirements, taking in details including the need for 24 / 7 access by authorised personnel. The expensive equipment housed at each production centre location also needed controlled access alongside visual verification to optimise security.

Utilising a specialist Paxton solution, Amthal designed and installed a layered security system, integrating CCTV, door entry and intruder alarms to maintain an active presence for the safety of all staff and visitors.   From a fire safety perspective, Amthal now actively services its fire extinguishers for each site, including all necessary inspections to remain compliant with the latest standards.

David Williamson, Sales Manager Amthal added: “Gravity Media required a unique innovative security set up, which had to be replicated between each site and also have the mechanism to integrate and communicate. It is for this reason, we work in true partnership style, right from being assigned to a dedicated risk assessment of each premises.

“Our aim is always to fully meet expectations, and here, to install discreet security to work with everyday activity and blend with its surroundings.  This includes ensuring there is the sufficient capability to monitor the traffic across each site, at all times. We continue to work closely with the operations team and quickly respond to any issues, with the capability to scale security and fire safety arrangements as required for the benefit of staff and clients.”   

Rhino completes door installation work on major rail tunnel project

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UK manufacturer of high-performance engineered doors has successfully completed an 18-month project to design test and manufacture 19 fire-rated doors for a major North American rail tunnel.

The sliding, single-leaf fire-rated doors were designed at Rhino’s production facility in South Wales and built to withstand both positive and negative pressures from passing trains, as well as to combat fatigue from over one million loading cycles per year.

Built from carbon steel and protected with high-performance paint, the doors were tested to North American fire-rating standards (NFPA 252), subjected to 1,000-degree temperatures for 90 minutes and followed by shock loading from high-pressure fire-fighting hoses.

Following these rigorous physical fire tests, the doors were also assessed to BS 476 Part 22 and granted a 60-minute integrity rating.

The success of these tests demonstrated the doors’ ability in retaining structural integrity under harsh and challenging conditions, namely rapid changes in temperature.

Rhino, which has two manufacturing bases in the UK, recently scaled up the work taking place at its Lancashire site in order to meet this major project’s upcoming deadlines for delivery and installation.

Dr Chris Norris, Group Engineering Director at Rhino Engineering Group, commented: “After nearly two years of work designing, testing and manufacturing the doors, it’s great to see the hard work of our team pay off as the contract draws to a close.

“The success of this North American rail tunnel project, alongside our recent work at London Underground’s Bank Station, is cementing our reputation in the global transport sector.

“We’re now looking forward to putting our team’s expertise to task in future rail projects, continuing to provide our critical infrastructure clients with the strength to protect.”

This door type (Rhino-FD90SLP) is now available for future projects where fire-rated cross passage escape doors are required. Learn about Rhino’s work on major rail projects here and find out more about Rhino’s range of products by visiting the website here. 

Norwegian project selects Hyfire Wireless Fire Devices

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Following the recent announcement of its strategic partnership with Norwegian fire systems leader Holta & Håland Safety, Hyfire has unveiled the first project in Norway to feature its world-leading Taurus wireless fire devices.

Almost 200 Hyfire wireless devices, linked to Advanced MxPro panels, were installed as part of a complete revamp of the two fire systems at Niels Juels Gate 20-22, a 1985-built residential complex in Oslo. Wired detectors were used in the garage area and other common areas, with Taurus wireless detectors and other devices installed in lift shafts, stairwells, ventilation rooms and apartments.

‘Up to the challenge’

David Gulbrandsen, CEO of Branntek, the company that installed the new systems, said: “Although we have previously installed wireless fire devices, this was our first experience of the Hyfire brand, which was only recently introduced into Norway by Holta & Håland Safety. After evaluating two different options, we quickly discovered that Taurus was the only system on the market that was up to the challenge.

“A wireless installation is time-saving, reduces the need for cabling and removes the risks associated with drilling into floors and partitions. During the project, we discovered that there were small rooms that were not visible on old construction drawings. It was then very easy to expand with additional detectors instead of extending wired loops. This is both time-efficient and beneficial for the end customer.”

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 high performance and quality.

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 almost any size, or mixed with Hyfire wired products to provide seamless hybrid solutions, offering total flexibility to specifiers and installers.

‘A wide range of programming options’

Halvor Bergsaker, Managing Director of Holta & Håland Managing Director, added: “As Hyfire’s official partner in Norway, we are extremely proud to have completed our first project with Taurus wireless devices. The team at Branntek have extensive experience with wireless systems, but they told us they have never worked with a system that has such excellent coverage and a wide range of programming options.

“The fact that you can adjust the sensitivity of the detectors is also a big advantage, especially in residential buildings where this can present a challenge, and this will be the first of many installations using Hyfire devices in Norway.”

‘A gamechanger’

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.

Tom Crane, Hyfire International Director, said: “This was our first large-scale project in Norway and feedback has been fantastic. As Hyfire wireless devices are designed to international standards, they are finding homes around the world as more and more installers and end clients come to appreciate the inherent logistical and costs advantages of wireless technology.

“Taurus was a gamechanger when it launched in 2021 and we now working in close partnership with Holta & Håland to develop the Hyfire brand and Taurus products in the Norwegian marketplace.”

Comelit-PAC makes multi-million pound leisure complex fire safe

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A new multi-million pound leisure centre, owned by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, is now fire safe thanks to a partnership with Secur-It specifying Comelit-PAC’s integrated solution.

The new £26m Marina Centre leisure complex on Great Yarmouth’s seafront, was designed to replace the old 1980s built centre.  With work starting in January 2021, it reopened in August 2022.

Operated by Freedom Leisure, the new facility features a six-lane swimming pool, learner pool and aqua play area with flumes, a 120-station gym, a four court sports hall, 10m indoor climbing zone, three studios and community spaces.

Says Freedom Leisure Area Manager Martin Marsh: “The opening of our new centre is a very exciting chapter for Great Yarmouth, and a significant investment that we are thrilled to present to our guests.  Whilst its core objective is to offer the latest and greatest facilities; it’s integral that it can be enjoyed in a fire safe and secure environment.   

“We worked in partnership with the main contractors, right from the early stages of the design, and specification of fire safety was a key priority.  The team could offer advice, recommendations and practical support on how and where to install measures to blend with their surroundings, without affecting the experience for our staff and guests.”

Main contractors Morgan Sindall worked with Secur-It right from initial design processes to incorporate Comelit-PAC’s fire safety solutions. This included integrating the fire safety with the access control, turnstile and security services alongside the PA system. 

Arnaud Marosi, Secur It Commercial Director added: “By specifying Comelit-PAC at The Marina Centre, we could present a fire system that balances offering a high performance life safety solution, without interfering with the natural flow of a busy leisure centre.  

“With excellent technical support available, we were able to integrate seamlessly with the security and PA system to enable staff to speed up response time and advise guests about the safest emergency route.  We could also install around the facilities without impacting on look or feel.  The result is a wonderful example of a new complex that is already making a big impact on its community, secure in the knowledge it’s doing so with all due care and attention to fire safety.”

In total, for the Marina Leisure Centre complex, the 20 zone fire safety system specified from Comelit-PAC included a 4 loop addressable panel, a repeater and 383 devices which included detectors, call points, sounders and visual alarm devices.

Mandy Bowden, Comelit-PAC Fire Manager concluded: “By considering the fire detection and alarm systems early in the programme of works, we could specify a tailor made, integrated and inclusive solution without impacting on its function, aesthetics or appearance.  The result once installed is so much more than a safe and secure leisure centre, but also a fantastic facility for residents’ health and wellbeing, and for the visitors to Great Yarmouth to enjoy.”

C-TEC installs fire protection system at Welsh listed building

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C-TEC’s CAST XFP fire system has been installed at a spiritual retreat in Llangollen, North Wales.

Located in Ceiriog Valley, Tan-Y-Garth Hall is a Grade II listed house built in 1915. Owned by the International Hermeneutic Society, it provides a ‘spiritual haven’ for people interested in yoga, meditation, art, music and science.

The Society’s plans to additionally utilise the building as a hotel meant the existing manual fire alarm system had to be replaced to comply with the relevant regulations. Fire specialist company, Allied Fire Alarms & Escapes Ltd, specified an L1 category fire alarm system to provide the highest standard for the protection of life.

Featuring an XFP CAST panel connected to an array of heat, smoke and multi-sensor devices, the powerful system is designed to deliver the earliest possible warning should a fire occur at the historic 17-bedroomed hall, a popular venue for group workshops, location shoots, exhibitions and performances.

John Westerman, Allied’s Managing Director: “The entire project went exceptionally smoothly as CAST’s soft addressing feature makes installation and commissioning fast and easy – devices can be programmed at the panel so you don’t need to walk around site to physically program each one. The innate flexibility of the system also means that, if the needs of the site change in the future, devices can be easily adjusted via the panel’s programming tools to meet the client’s exact specification.”

“We chose CAST for its simplicity yet effectiveness in the field, specifically XFP CAST because of its compactness and functionality. When we handed over the system to our client, they were clearly impressed by its user-friendliness and capacity to be adapted in the future.”

Conceived and designed by C-TEC as part of a 10-year, multi-million-pound project, CAST is the world’s most-advanced ‘distributed intelligence’ fire alarm system protocol. CAST’s cutting-edge control panels, detection and alarm devices are all designed and manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art UK manufacturing facility to guarantee that every single component integrates to create systems that work perfectly – from a simple ‘one out, all out’ system to a sophisticated multi-panel networked system.

The Art of Banksy Exhibition gets protection from Advanced and Hyfire

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North west installers Fire Queen Limited combined an Advanced Go fire panel with wireless devices from Hyfire to protect artwork at The Art of Banksy exhibition, housed in a temporary venue at Media City, Manchester. 

The Fire Queen team were given just a week to survey, specify and install a BS5839-1-2017-compliant fire system to protect the exhibition, which housed a range of the street artist’s most iconic works.

Using a combination of the Advanced Go Quick Edit tool and the Hyfire Taurus app, combined with active support from the teams at both brands, it was possible to deliver a system in record time that met all the requirements of the event organisers and their insurers. 

Jan Myatt, Operations Manager at Fire Queen said: “We are familiar with carrying out wireless installations within realistic timescales, but the secrecy that surrounds anything to do with Banksy meant that this was really short notice.

“Luckily, thanks to our long-standing partnerships with Advanced and Hyfire, and in-depth knowledge of what their products can deliver, we were able to design and install the system in record time. It was a real team effort and we’re so grateful to both teams for their knowledge and support.” 

Mark Piert, Regional Sales Manager – North West at Hyfire, commented: “When the call came from Fire Queen, it was action stations. The good thing is that Hyfire devices are designed to work seamlessly with Advanced panels, and this is exactly the sort of installation where wireless comes into its own, so we were able to devise a suitable system in a matter of days. When you’re safeguarding artworks worth millions, as well as the people in the building, you feel a sense of responsibility, but we have 100% confidence in our product and its ability to deliver.” 

Phil Calvey, Sales Manager at Advanced added: “This is a great example of close collaboration to deliver on a complex and urgent brief. It’s so exciting to be protecting an internationally significant event like this and the fact that we were able to deliver the system so rapidly shows the level of support and expertise offered by all involved. The Go panel is the latest addition to our panel portfolio and as a single-loop, non-networkable panel it’s ideal for smaller, standalone installations, offering all the desired performance, quality and ease of use in locations where multi-panel networking is not required.”