New practice guide launched: ‘Firestopping of service penetrations’

by Projects

To assist in the design, specification and installation of building services penetrations to ensure fire compartmentation is maintained, five organisations have launched a Best Practice Design and Installation Guide, Firestopping of Service Penetrations.

The aim of the guide is to encourage all stakeholders in construction to consider firestopping design earlier in the process in order to avoid problems at a later stage in construction. Those involved in the project would like to highlight that it is not an installation manual, but guidance to a good practice approach.

The guide is broken down to provide information on actions that should be carried out during each of the stages one to seven as defined in the RIBA Plan of Work.

With a foreword by Dame Judith Hackitt, who was the Chair of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the Best Practice Guide will enable a project team to meet its obligations to deliver a safe and secure project in terms of penetration seals.

The guide was produced collaboratively by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and the Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA) to address service penetrations in buildings and ensure the spread of fire due to inappropriate or poorly installed service penetrations can be eliminated.

Commenting on the launch of the guide, Dame Judith Hackitt said: “This document is the result of a collaboration between a number of relevant trade bodies and organisations representing the wider construction and fire safety industries, and it is an example of the collaborative working and acceptance of professional responsibility throughout the supply chain that must become a feature of the industry’s culture from now on.”

Commenting on the launch of the guide, Nick Mead, Mei Systems And Assurance Lead – Meica Systems, Laing O’Rourke Europe said: “Service penetrations in fire-separating elements are in part a minor element of a compartment wall or floor, yet in truth they are one of the most important elements when it comes to ensuring the performance of any compartment wall or floor is maintained.”

The guide was produced with the support of stakeholders across the industry including manufacturers, designers, contractors and specialist fire companies. Those who produced the guide would like to thank Rockwool, FSi Ltd, and Warringtonfire in particular.

The Best Practice Design and Installation Guide, Firestopping of Service Penetrations is available to download on each of the association’s websites

https://data.asfp.org.uk/default.php?cmd=210&doc_category=715

New NFPA fact sheet provides guidance to schools as they prepare to re-open

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As schools prepare to re-open their doors in the days and weeks ahead, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed a new fact sheet, Building and Life Safety Issues for Safely Reopening Schools, which provides fire and life safety considerations for building modifications like door operability, classroom usage, seating arrangements, and partitions, as well egress management and storage of hand sanitizer and cleaning products.

“School and local officials are working diligently to implement measures that help minimize exposure to and spread of COVID-19,” said Kristin Bigda, technical lead for building and life safety at NFPA. “While much emphasis has understandably been placed on associated issues and concerns, it’s critical that adequate levels of fire and life safety continue to be maintained.”

Many of the issues addressed in the fact sheet require review and input from the local AHJ, as all changes and modifications must be implemented in accordance with local codes and standards. School fire drills are also briefly covered in the fact sheet, but more specific details around these requirements, as outlined in NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, are covered in a separate resource.

“The risk of fires and other emergencies has not disappeared in the midst of the pandemic,” said Bigda. “It’s imperative that measures remain in place to adequately protect students, faculty and staff from these potential threats, even at a time when they’re not necessarily at the forefront of many people’s minds.”
For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.

As all of us continue to navigate the evolving situation with COVID-19, NFPA remains committed to supporting you with the resources you need to minimize risk and help prevent loss, injuries, and death from fire, electrical, and other hazards.

www.nfpa.org/

Cardinus Risk Management partners with FR Consultants to improve safety in British buildings

by Projects

Risk management specialists Cardinus Risk Management have formed an alliance with UK’s top façade risk advisors FR Consultants to offer a complete solution to the UK’s crisis with façade combustibility, which has gained significant attention since the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017.

As regulatory reform (through The Building Safety Bill and The Fire Safety Bill) strives to address issues that are present, those responsible for the management of buildings are having to undertake a process of checking the fire safety compliance of their properties and potentially commissioning remediation work.

As part of this process, Cardinus is identifying potential “at-risk” buildings and will now offer a wider EWS1 reporting service through FR Consultants who can also offer a full suite of services to achieve compliance.

Between the two technical partners, the entire process of ensuring Fire Safety can be covered:

Non-Destructive Fire Risk Assessments, Fire training, Fire Safety e-learning, Reinstatement Cost Assessments, Fire related Insurer surveys and consultancy and Building Health and Safety Audits (undertaken by Cardinus Risk Management).

Destructive Fire Risk Assessments, Exterior Wall Systems survey (EWS1), Fire Engineering reports and assistance, Façade Surveys, Remedial Specification, Clerk of Works, Principle Designer, Budgeting Assistance and Lead Consultant services (offered by FR Consulting).

The combination will allow a complete service Freeholders, Landlords and Agents to get assistance to meet any fire safety compliance they may need.

Jamie Truscott AIIRSM, Managing Director Property and Insurance, Cardinus Risk Management said: “With legislation surrounding building safety evolving rapidly, Cardinus, as a BAFE GOLD assessor, and RICS accredited surveyor is delighted with this alliance with FR Consultants, who are one of only a few companies with the expertise in building façade fire safety.

“FR Consultants is respected and trusted in our industry, as safety is at the heart of everything we do. Rather than just seeing the process as a ‘tick-box’ exercise, between us we can offer consultancy and services tailored to each specific building, working closely with clients to help them with every step of their journey to compliance.

“We are pleased that, through our technical partnership with Cardinus, we can assist their large client base with our technical knowledge and at the same time widen our range of services to include Cardinus BAFE accredited Fire Risk Assessments.”

www.cardinus.com/

Dräger launches ‘Health for the Firefighter’ campaign in response to firefighters’ health concerns

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Dräger is launching its ‘Health for the Firefighter’ campaign to support fire services in driving the cultural changes that are required to protect firefighter health.

The launch follows a survey* of UK firefighters that found considerable concern over the impact of exposure to contaminants on long-term health. Some 84% admitted they were concerned about the risk of cancer – a disease highlighted in some scientific reports to be the leading cause of death within the service.

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) reports that nearly two out of three (61%) firefighter line-of-duty deaths between 2002 and 2017 were caused by cancer. Embedded carcinogens in any equipment can easily be absorbed by the men and women using it.

The survey by Dräger also found that more than two thirds (68%) of firefighters fear the impact of Covid-19 on their long-term health, a point picked up by Brian Hesler, Consultant and Specialist Advisor at Draeger Safety UK and former Chief Fire Officer for the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service:

“The Covid-19 pandemic, and the ongoing fears over cancer, have highlighted the critical importance of hygiene, and a significant cultural change is required. We need to move away from firefighters wearing dirty kit like a badge of honour that proves their hard work and value, to understanding that clean and well-maintained kit supported by detailed and robust hygiene processes that mitigate every contact with contaminants are essential.

“One firefighter surveyed said ‘they had always been a bit blasé about invisible contaminants’. This has got to change.”

The Health for the Firefighter campaign will support the fire services in helping to communicate and provide training on the importance of detailed hygiene processes; from the handling and storage of masks and breathing apparatus (BA) equipment through to the subsequent cleaning of the kit after an incident has occurred.

It will also provide bespoke workshop solutions that guide the potentially contaminated kit from entering the station, to washing and drying processes through to leaving the station to be used again.

In addition to providing detailed advice for manual washing processes including on detergent use and drying techniques, Dräger is the first company in the Emergency Services space to launch specialist BA and mask cleaning equipment and dedicated solutions, including mechanical washing systems that provide complete consistency in washing temperatures, the amount of detergent used, speed and temperature of drying – which can all work together to disinfect contaminants and to protect the longevity of the kit.  Support also encompasses logistical support for installation, the ongoing maintenance of equipment and the quantity of stock required.

The survey revealed the most important factors in combating firefighter concerns over contaminants were the cleaning of masks with 97% rating this as very or extremely important, closely followed by the cleaning of BA equipment (95%) and cleaning of PPE (94%).

While manual cleaning of equipment is still generally the norm within UK Fire Services, the survey revealed three quarters (75%) believed that mechanical equipment washing would improve their health, and 80% agreed that as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic more emphasis should be placed on cleaning equipment and hygiene control. However, only 23% said that the pandemic had significantly changed their approach to cleaning equipment.

“There is obvious concern over cleaning of equipment following the pandemic,” adds Brian. “One surveyed firefighter said ‘they clean to the best of their ability’ – the point is that a person’s ability should not be a factor in the cleaning process. Consistency has to be key and manufacturers of medical and safety technology products have a responsibility to innovate solutions that support change. We are not here to tell brigades how to operate, rather to provide a range of solutions that support them and their firefighters’ health.”

*Survey conducted in July 2020, including 122 responses from people working in the UK Fire Services.

www.draeger.com/en_uk/Home

New ASSA ABLOY white paper explains why architects and specifiers should care about inclusive design

by Projects

With misunderstandings around inclusive design potentially leading to discrimination charges, costly legal disputes and damaged brand reputations, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland has published a free new white paper advising architects and specifiers on the standards door opening solutions need to meet.

Titled ‘Inclusive design – why should you care?’, the new white paper can be downloaded here. The paper provides best practice advice on how to ensure door opening solutions can meet the requirements for inclusive building designs, and the risks of not complying with these.

When talking about inclusive design, many people immediately think of those with a disability or specific, specialist requirements. While inclusive design encompasses the needs of these people, its key objective is to make a site inclusive for all, no matter what. In fact, despite public perception and the wheelchair being the symbol for accessibility, less than 8 per cent of disabilities require the use of a wheelchair[1]. Whether it’s the elderly, disabled or children, everyone should be able to access and use a building and its facilities easily and safely.

Inclusive design is a key consideration for most architects and specifiers today, ensuring any barriers that might prevent an individual from using an environment freely and easily are removed. This approach must be reviewed in line with the guidelines governing inclusive design, which includes Approved Document M, the Equality Act 2010 and, crucially, BS 8300-1 and 8300-2:2018, which sets out how buildings should be designed, constructed and maintained to create an accessible and inclusive environment for all. It applies to both new builds and refurbishments.

The white paper explains the factors that architects and specifiers need to take into account for door opening solutions to be inclusive. It also covers some of the common issues with many door opening solutions available on the market, which might claim to comply with standards such as BS 8300-1 and 8300-2:2018 but do not.

For instance, many suppliers will claim to offer compliant solutions by ‘winding down’ a door closer and its spring to power setting EN1. However, while this may help people open a door more easily, it will not provide the necessary closing force. As a result, the door will not deliver the safety and security assurances demanded of an inclusive environment. It is also important to note that fire doors must have a minimum power setting of EN3 at all times, to meet these needs.

In addition to covering what the guidelines governing inclusive design state for door opening solutions, the white paper advises on how architects and specifiers can ensure these meet the necessary fire safety standards too. While fire safety has always been critical, incidents such as the Grenfell tragedy have highlighted how this issue can never afford to be an afterthought.

“Inclusive design is viewed by most architects and specifiers nowadays as a non-negotiable,” explains Eryl Jones, Manging Director of the ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group. “While it is the owner that ultimately bears responsibility for the design of a building, should a legal dispute arise then an architect or specifier would be called upon to explain why a solution was recommended. In the event of a discrimination claim, those that can demonstrate that they have adhered to standards such as BS 8300-1 and 8300-2:2018 will be on safer ground than those that cannot.

“Our new white paper aims to offer architects and specifiers a helpful and informative overview of why inclusive design is so important, what the guidelines governing this state, and the considerations that they need to think about when specifying a door opening solution. This means they can be confident when recommending door opening solutions for projects, ensuring everyone – from the elderly to those with a disability and children – can access and use a building and its facilities safely.

“Furthermore, with some architects and specifiers potentially facing clients that might want to do the bare legal minimum when it comes to inclusive design, the white paper also helps outline why the approach is not only the right thing to do from a social point of view, but the impact it can have commercially too. Market drivers such as an ageing population and consumer buying power mean brands that prioritise inclusive building design can enjoy greater consumer loyalty and spending opportunities, as well as increased differentiation, credibility and brand awareness. We hope that the findings included in the white paper can help support this case for architects and specifiers, when having these conversations with clients.”

Douglas Masterson, Technical Manager at the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), adds: “It is refreshing in the current climate to see accessibility being placed firmly on the agenda through this white paper. At the moment, the headlines are rightly dominated by fire safety – following the Grenfell tragedy – and on-going issues related to the Covid-19 pandemic. While these are of huge importance, accessibility must always have room in any discussion relating to the construction industry.

“This paper states: ‘All those involved in the design and construction of a building should not simply be working towards inclusivity but demanding it every single time.’ The GAI is firmly in favour of this statement, and the correct specification of hardware in a building must have the issues of accessibility and inclusive design at its heart.”

Bob Perry, CEO of the Door Hardware Federation (DHF), comments: “It’s really good to see such an important message being highlighted in this white paper. Our society is changing – both in its demographics and its attitudes – and it is clear that any company that fails on inclusivity will be left behind. At the same time, however, the requirements around inclusive design are somewhat opaque and there is still much confusion in the industry.

“What this white paper from ASSA ABLOY does is present everything the industry needs to know about the issue. It outlines the relevant standards, explains what they really mean, and tells them exactly what they need to do to make sure their door hardware is compliant. On behalf of DHF, I recommend that it is essential reading.”

[1] Disability Sport, ‘Facts and Figures About Disabled People in the UK’, http://www.disabilitysport.org.uk/facts-and-figures-about-disabled-people-in-the-uk.html

DHS promotes smart city IoT solutions for first responders

by Projects

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding the variety of technical capabilities deployed in the interest of public safety, and smart cities are leveraging IoT data to provide insights and improve operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is promoting technology development through its Science and Technology Directorate’s SCITI (pronounced “city”) solutions lab. SCITI stands for Smart City and Internet of Things Innovation.

SCITI innovations promote public safety in urban environments to expand capabilities of first responders, including law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, and the associated commercial sector.

The initiative focuses on integrating new and existing technologies to serve public safety needs, with emphasis on validation and go-to-market support through industry partners. A streamlined process is aimed at getting new capabilities commercialized and available to users.

Supporting First Responders

The program seeks to provide new capabilities to support first responders and the associated commercial sector in three areas. They are:

Autonomous navigation for indoor Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to support search and rescue missions in difficult environments.

Intelligent building sensors to be mounted on fixed indoor building features, such as smoke detectors or exit signs. Sensors provide a mechanism to rapidly prioritize areas for search and rescue.

A body-worn interoperable platform (“SmartHub”) that integrates personal network communications with third-party sensors to improve situational awareness.

Collaborations For Development

DHS Science and Technology is leveraging a “commercial first” approach by working with technology innovation companies, government public safety officials, infrastructure owners and private sector investment partners to promote the design, development and operational testing and evaluation of suitability for commercial adoption. The program has been instrumental in developing and commercializing a number of products.

Improving communication is one area of development. For example, Zello, Austin, Texas, provides a push-to-talk smartphone app that is a low-cost, reliable and secure alternative to traditional radios. Wireless System Solutions, Morrisville, North Carolina, has developed end-to-end multi-standard/band wireless network solutions that provide connectivity from the macro cellular network to the end-point gateway and/or sensor.

Emergency Situational Awareness

To provide situational awareness in an emergency, Known Quantity Sensors Inc., Atlanta, offers an IoT edge sensor platform that uses AI-backed, image-based processing to quantify and locate human occupancy.

CommandWear Systems, Vancouver, British Columbia, provides a simple, secure, mobile situational awareness platform that runs on existing smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops and desktop PC. The system enables users to prepare for events and incidents in advance, know where personnel and assets are, communicate with them securely, and then review and analyze a mission after the fact.

Other solutions promote teamwork and collaboration. Mutualink, Wallingford, Connecticut, connect voice, video and information sources so any agency can talk to and share information with partners on-demand, providing instant emergency collaboration, situational awareness and coordination. Coolfire Solutions, St. Louis, Missouri, provides collaboration software that synchronizes data, content and communications to enable people to work together more effectively.

Artificial Intelligence

Providing automation to operate in an emergency, Airgility, College Park, Maryland, provides multi-mission unmanned aerial vehicles that can conduct search and rescue operations or protect the nation’s borders, including onboard artificial intelligence.

Thirteen companies in all were selected in the first phase of the program, and additional companies were added in Phase II. The SCITI solutions lab was created in collaboration with Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology, TechNexus in Chicago, and Smart City Works venture labs in Washington, D.C.

www.dhs.gov/

Kentec Installer Programme branches out internationally

by Projects

The Kentec Installer Programme (KIP), launched by the leading manufacturer of life-critical control systems at last year’s Firex, is now expanding to include Kentec’s vast international installation customer network. To date it has registered more than 100 installers, making it one of the largest partner programmes in the fire industry.

The scheme provides Kentec’s registered customers with a wide-ranging programme of bespoke training and best-in-class technical support, as well as dedicated software and enhanced product functionality. It has been designed to further professionalism within the industry and assure end users that their installations take best advantage of even Kentec’s most advanced and sophisticated panels.

It also provides access to Kentec’s protected partner site, Virtual Resource, as well as Taktis LE2 commissioning software and enhanced Bridge Functionality – the solution for migrating Syncro panel networks to the latest Taktis technology.

A dedicated KIP technical support helpline provides installers with access to Kentec’s experienced team, training is providing on Kentec’s full fire product range and all KIP members can promote their Kentec product expertise with the KIP logo on their websites and marketing collateral. Kentec also features a list of its KIP partners on its own website.

Kentec’s approach is about considering the evolving market place and the requirements of installers to demonstrate competency on the manufacturers equipment, whilst not leaving its core values of being ‘open protocol’ behind.

Mark Wheeler, Managing Director of EA-RS Fire Engineering Ltd, says the Covid-19 outbreak has been a good opportunity to invest in training:

“We predict there will be a surge in business in coming months with projects that were put on hold due to Covid-19 being re-scheduled. It therefore makes sense to use training to put the company in the strongest position to meet additional demand,” he says.

“Creating the KIP scheme was a bold step for Kentec, acknowledging that a higher industry standard was required. It has been an important step in furthering the assurance we provide end users that critical life safety systems are only being installed by fully-competent firms, that have received training on the latest industry innovations. This ultimately ensures that life safety systems are optimised.”

Daren Pool, Managing Director of Triple Star Fire & Security Limited, joined the scheme as his business saw Kentec’s Taktis panel becoming increasingly prevalent:

“Taktis has become one of our preferred panel choices for its networking capabilities and easy-to-use interface. As we are installing the panel into more and more customer sites, across a range of critical sectors, I felt it was important that myself and engineers fully understood the latest developments and full capabilities of the panel in order that our customers are able to realise its full potential. The scheme has worked very well in providing us with full confidence that we are providing all our customers with this service.”

Derrick Hall, Director of Sales at Kentec, says he is proud of what the KIP scheme has achieved so far:

“Our KIP partners have been carefully selected based on their skill, expertise, experience and accreditations. We are proud to have developed a system that installers find useful in optimising installations of our highly-sophisticated fire panels. We’ve adapting to lockdown to make sure training can be delivered online and this has worked very well.”

https://kentec.co.uk/

BAFE acquires operations of the FIA AO

by Projects

Following extensive and detailed discussions with BAFE, the independent register of Third Party Certificated fire safety service providers, the FIA has announced that BAFE will be acquiring the operation of the FIA AO.

BAFE will be establishing FireQual Ltd as an OFQUAL-approved Awarding Body to run the existing Fire Detection and Alarm qualification examinations and to develop new qualifications across the fire sector that will support the call for greater competence and availability of verification of skills for those engaged in fire safety across the UK.

BAFE FireQual will be using qualifications industry experts to operate the business and bring experienced industry and awarding body expertise onto the FireQual Board.

The existing FIA FD&A qualifications will be transferred to BAFE and the FIA will continue to include these in their successful range of training courses. FireQual will be offering these essential qualifications to all industry trainers who meet the stringent training centre requirements.

All of the existing assets of FIA AO, including the current extensive question banks, are included in the sale. FIA AO will continue to operate the exams until such time as BAFE FireQual is in a position to be fully operational. All delegates [including those that are in mid-process] can be fully assured that the priority for the FIA and BAFE is the seamless handover of the examination regime.

It is anticipated that the transfer will be completed by the end of October 2020.

Ian Moore, Chief Executive of the Fire Industry Association, says: “The FIA has allocated considerable resource to bring the first OFQUAL-approved FD&A qualifications to the industry. We are delighted to be passing this on to BAFE in its independent competency role.”

“It was the FIA that originally formed BAFE as the registration body for third party certified fire engineering specialist companies across the UK. As it developed, the FIA supported BAFE to become the fully independent registration body. We now feel that the FIA AO has reached that same level of development and for the same reasons of true independence [from the FIA Training Centre], is undertaking the transfer of the FIA AO to BAFE”.

Stephen Adams, Chief Executive of BAFE, says: ‘We believe that this will be a significant development for the UK fire protection industry and indeed BAFE’s role as the independent competency body. The FIA has made a major contribution to introducing qualifications for FD&A technicians with the development of the FIA AO and we look forward to building on this considerable achievement for the benefit of the wider fire industry. BAFE already invigilates the exams for a large number of fire extinguisher technicians and our aim is to work with Trade Associations and other trainers to develop a comprehensive range of OFQUAL approved qualification exams across the whole fire sector’.

www.fia.uk.com/

www.bafe.org.uk/

Scottish Government explores potential for firestopping certification scheme

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A sample of stakeholders, including local authorities, contractors and insurers were interviewed as part of the research, which concluded that “a certification scheme in firestopping is seen as potentially beneficial for public safety, consistency and customer confidence.”

The report, commissioned by the Building Standards Division, consequently concluded that a certification scheme should be introduced on firestopping to cover both active and passive fire safety measures.

It should be noted that within this investigation, the term ‘firestopping’ referred to all aspects – both passive and active – of the protection of buildings from fire. Certification currently operates under The Building (Scotland) Act 2003, which allows “suitably qualified and experienced building professionals to act as Approved Certifiers”.

Research participants were however divided on the potential commercial/financial benefits, with contractors concerned that it would just add another layer of bureaucracy and costs to their roles. There are, after all, already four approved certification schemes in Scotland – all voluntary – where Approved Certifiers undertake regular audits which are managed via approved Scheme Providers.

Local authorities also raised concerns that a scheme would be unlikely to relieve pressure and the workload related to building inspections, as inspection standards would still need to be met to the same degree.

A consensus was not reached on whether the scheme should be made mandatory – this was deemed the best long-term approach, but difficult to implement in practice.

Overall, based on the results, the report made several key recommendations:

  • The scheme should be introduced on a gradual process and be supported via a fee-paying system to provide a solid financial basis. It was noted that this may require economic support to upskill those involved in firestopping.
  • The scheme should remain voluntary
  • The scheme should focus on construction (concerns over fire safety were primarily related to construction work)
  • Reviews should be undertaken on existing qualifications and training

The immediate first steps proposed are to “focus activities on improving and reinforcing all the training and qualifications related to fire safety”.

www.gov.scot/

Vimpex’s Smart+Guard installed at huge new Amazon fulfilment centre

by Projects

A new Amazon fulfilment centre on the outskirts of Bristol has installed Vimpex Smart+Guard tough polycarbonate hinged protective covers to protect the building’s alarm call-points from accidental or malicious activation, which could trigger costly building evacuations resulting in lost production and missed logistical connections.

Amazon’s new 500,000 sq ft fulfilment centre at Severn Beac is designed to ensure that more people in the Bristol region receive next-day deliveries. When it is fully operational in September the centre will employ around 1,000 people and will be equipped with advanced robotics technology to help lift and move products around the plant.

Fire Detection specialists AFS, engaged to engineer and install a whole life protection systemat the fulfilment centre site, fitted with Vimpex Smart+Guard to all the relevant manual call points across the site to protect the system from malicious activation.

Smart+Guard, manufactured in the UK by Vimpex, is a tough hinged protective cover that can be easily installed over a range of emergency switches and other devices to provide protection from vandalism, accidental damage or misuse that can cause unwanted alarms. Misuse of manual call points or pull station resulting in false or nuisance alarmsis a costly and troublesome interruption to business continutiy. BS 5839 – The British Standard for Fire Alarm Installations recommends the use of manual call point covers in vulnerable areas to mitigate against false alarms.

Vimpex Limited’s Managing Director, James Jones, comments “When we acquired the SmartGuard range of products and merged production of the range into our operations, we knew there was a massive scope for developing the business. This is evidenced by the growing list of high-profile end users now specifying the product for use in their facilities. The recent news that Amazon have installed the product into their newest fulfilment centre in Bristol is testament to our great levels of customer service and our willingness to go that extra mile for our customers.”

Vimpex is Europe’s leading independent manufacturer and distributor of high quality fire evacuation and alarm system products for installers, distributors and OEM manufacturers. The company are also specialists in the supply of technical rescue and PPE equipment for the UK fire, rescue, police, military and emergency services teams.

www.vimpex.co.uk/