New Fire Risk Assessment qualifications announced by IFE

by EventsFeatured NewsFire EngineeringTraining

Fire risk assessment qualifications announced

A new Fire Risk Assessment qualification suite will launch through The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) in its October 2026 exam session.

The IFE said the qualifications were developed in response to the UK government’s framework for the assessment of Fire Risk Assessor competency and align with BS 8674:2025.

The suite includes the Level 3 Award in Fire Risk Assessment and the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment.

It also includes the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment for professionals working in complex environments.

Successful candidates on the Level 3 and Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment will gain access to the IFE’s Fire Risk Register.

Those candidates will also meet the academic requirements for the Technician (TIFireE) membership grade.

Fire Safety Event details and qualification pathway

The IFE will formally announce the qualifications at the Fire Safety Event at the NEC, Birmingham from 28 – 30 April.

Delegates can meet the IFE team on stand 4/A90 for more information about the qualifications.

Day 2 of the show will feature IFE Chief Executive Steve Hamm and IFE Member and Education Services Director Jo Tedd in the compliance theatre.

The session will cover professional standards and how the qualifications support the next phase of regulatory change.

Hamm said: “Our new fire risk assessment qualifications have been carefully developed by the IFE and our team of fire risk assessment and fire safety specialists from across the private and public sectors.

“These qualifications launch at a critical time and support the BS 8674 tiered framework – Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced – ensuring assessors demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to meet nationally recognised competency benchmarks.

“The qualifications form the latest addition to the IFE’s online exam suite which has been developed over the past two years.

“This forward-thinking approach ensures greater flexibility and inclusivity, enabling candidates across the globe to complete their qualifications at a time and place that suits them.

“By removing barriers to access, the IFE is making professional development more convenient, equitable, and future-ready.”

October bookings open from June

According to David Escudier, Chair of the IFE’s Education Panel, the new exams provide a defined route for individual development and the wider profession.

Escudier added: “Clear, recognised qualifications are essential for maintaining trust and raising standards across the sector.

“The IFE’s new Fire Risk Assessment exams provide a much-needed pathway that supports both individual development and the wider profession.”

IFE exams use a self-study delivery model, allowing candidates to progress at their own pace alongside existing roles and responsibilities.

Bookings for the October 2026 session open on 1 June 2026.

Total Fire Group joins Ranger to expand fire risk assessment reach

by Featured NewsMergers & Acquisitions

Ranger expands risk assessment services

Ranger Fire and Security has acquired Bolton-based Total Fire Group to strengthen its fire risk assessment capability, with the deal announced in London on Tuesday 31 March 2026.

Ranger said the acquisition adds fire risk assessment, fire risk management and consultancy services to its existing offer and brings Total Fire Group into the wider business.

Total Fire Group has operated for more than 20 years and works with social housing providers, housing associations, commercial clients and public sector organisations.

The business also provides ongoing support, guidance and management of fire risk actions through long-term client partnerships.

Ranger said the acquisition is intended to link specialist fire risk assessment work with the wider Group’s delivery services, including follow-on remedial support through its regional businesses.

Ranger adds Total Fire Group leadership and client base

Darren Baird, Founder and Group Director of Total Fire Group, will remain with the business and continue leading its operations while working with the wider Ranger Group.

Ranger said Baird, a former firefighter who held senior roles within the fire service, will also support Group strategy on mitigating and managing risk across its customer base.

Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “Bringing Total Fire Group into Ranger is a critical step in strengthening our overall fire and security offering.

“As customer expectations and regulatory requirements continue to increase, having deep expertise in fire risk assessment and ongoing risk management is essential.

“Darren Baird and the team at Total Fire will help us to significantly enhance Ranger’s support for customers from the earliest stage of identifying and understanding risk, through to delivering the right solutions and long-term support.

“By working with local ‘hero’ businesses like Total Fire, we can ensure customers receive expert fire risk advice, with any issues seamlessly addressed through our wider team of experts.

“This strengthens our existing capabilities while unlocking further cross-selling opportunities, as we continue to build a national one-stop solution for all fire and security needs.”

Baird added: “Our focus has always been on helping organisations understand and manage their fire risk in a practical and effective way.

“By becoming part of Ranger, we can now take that approach further and at a larger scale, combining our consultancy expertise with Ranger’s extensive delivery capabilities.

“There is a clear opportunity to support customers more holistically, from identifying risks and then helping ensure they are properly addressed and managed over time.

“Being part of Ranger also gives us the platform to expand our reach and bring our services to more customers across the UK.”

Ranger records 17th acquisition since 2024

The deal is Ranger’s 17th acquisition since its formation in early 2024 and its fourth acquisition of 2026.

Ranger said the acquisition forms part of its strategy to bring together regional operators into a national platform serving customers across the UK and Ireland.

The company also said it has backing from Hyperion Equity Partners.

CROSS UK examines Glasgow Union Street fire lessons

by Featured NewsIncidents

Glasgow fire and historic building risk

A CROSS UK feature article reflects on the Glasgow Union Street fire on 8 March 2026 and sets out the fire safety issues that can affect older and listed buildings.

The article says the cause of the fire at the B-listed building on Union Street has not yet been determined and that investigations are ongoing.

Emergency services responded quickly and no injuries were reported. The fire destroyed the businesses within the building.

Damage to the structure also disrupted nearby businesses and transport infrastructure.

CROSS UK says incidents of this kind show how fires in historic buildings can affect city centres and local economies even when there are no casualties.

Glasgow lessons from older construction and change of use

Older and larger historic buildings often contain timber floor structures, lath and plaster walls and ceilings, cast iron frames and columns, along with hidden voids and complex roof spaces.

These features can affect how fire starts and spreads.

Timber floors, concealed cavities and linked roof spaces can allow fire and smoke to move through a building without being seen.

The article says many historic buildings also lack a clear documented fire strategy.

Original drawings may be incomplete or unavailable.

A building may also have changed use several times across its life, altering layouts, occupancy patterns and fire loading.

Service penetrations for ductwork, cables and pipework can also create routes for fire spread where openings are not properly fire stopped.

Managing fire safety in heritage buildings

CROSS UK says effective management in heritage buildings starts with a competent fire risk assessment that reflects the building’s construction, layout and current use.

The article says this work may require a fire risk assessor with experience of heritage buildings, especially where concealed spaces or older construction systems are involved.

It also calls for a formal fire strategy that addresses life safety and property protection.

That strategy should cover detection, compartmentation, suppression and management.

In leased buildings, leaseholders and landlords may each hold responsibilities for fire safety measures in different parts of the premises.

The article says coordination between responsible persons is needed so that fire risk assessments and fire strategies align across the whole building.

It also points to early detection, maintenance, housekeeping, control of contractors and hot work, protection of compartmentation and control of fire loads and ignition sources as parts of fire safety management in older buildings.

The article ends by stating that fires in historic buildings can leave lasting economic and cultural damage, and that protecting them depends on a proactive and coordinated fire safety approach.

Read the CROSS UK article here.

Lorna Smith appointed fire safety manager at Acorn Safety

by Featured NewsPeople

Fire safety manager promotion at Acorn Safety

Acorn Safety Services has promoted Lorna Smith to fire safety manager, placing her in charge of one of the Northamptonshire consultancy’s three divisions less than nine months after joining the company.

The company announced that Smith joined in August last year as a senior fire risk assessor and will now lead its Fire Safety department.

Smith previously worked as a Health and Safety consultant for a large insurance company.

She shares her knowledge with colleagues who visit a range of buildings including fast food outlets and care facilities, along with offices, warehouses and public buildings.

Team structure and quoted response

Acorn Safety Services said two other specialists lead the consultancy’s Health and Safety section and Legionella division.

Smith said: “I am delighted to have been promoted to Fire Safety Manager.

“The Acorn Safety team has been so welcoming, and I enjoy the wide variety of work that we do.

“Keeping people safe and protecting life is the key factor in all fire safety work and I am proud of how well we do that.

“It has been incredibly busy since I started here and we’re now in the process of growing the fire safety division in order to effectively meet customer demand.”

Operations director comments on fire appointment

Acorn Safety Services operations director Zeynep Guzelkasap said: “Lorna has been an incredible asset to our business from the moment she arrived.

“Her knowledge and expertise are second to none and she embodies everything we look for in a fire risk assessor.

“She is conscientious, meticulous, and passionate and this promotion is wholly deserved.”

Fire risk assessment qualifications launched by FPA with FireQual accreditation

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPassiveTraining

Fire risk assessment qualifications aligned to BS 8674

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has been approved by FireQual to deliver fire risk assessment qualifications aligned to BS 8674:2025, with the announcement dated 21 January 2026.

The FPA said the qualifications are designed to meet the competency levels set out in BS 8674:2025.

The suite includes a Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment and a Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment, with course dates available now.

It also includes a Level 5 Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment, with course dates described as coming soon.

Delivery options and supporting content

The FPA said its training will focus on the core competencies in BS 8674 and will cover interpreting fire safety plans and fire risk assessment action plans.

The training is also intended to support decisions on when specialist advice is needed, including technical input for assessing external walls using PAS 9980 guidance.

Lewis Ramsay, Group Chief Operating Officer of BAFE Holdings, said: “FireQual are at the front-end of leading the charge for high quality, regulated, competency-based qualifications in the fire safety sector to evidence skills and knowledge.

“These unique fire risk assessment qualifications are aligned to BS 8674:2025 and BAFE’s SP205 Scheme evidence requirements.

“We are proud to be working with the Fire Protection Association as one of our Approved Training Centres to award these qualifications which offer a progressive pathway for fire risk assessors and set a new benchmark for professional competence in the sector.”

Luke Ventura, Deputy Head of Training at the FPA, said: “We are delighted to announce our suite of new FireQual-accredited fire risk assessment qualifications.

“By aligning with BS 8674:2025, we are equipping fire risk assessors with the latest best practice and technical expertise, enabling them to further demonstrate competency to Duty Holders and Responsible Persons.

“We are in the process of creating a bridging course for existing learners, helping them close knowledge gaps, gain the equivalent FireQual qualification, and progress to the higher-level qualifications offered by the FPA.”

Learners can complete the qualifications at the FPA’s Training and Education Centre in Oxfordshire, online, or on-site at client premises.

The FPA also referenced a webinar recorded in November 2025 on the BS 8674:2025 competency framework and how the new qualifications map to its levels.

Prisons top Buckinghamshire fires list as deliberate incidents lead causes

by Featured NewsResearch

Prisons lead Buckinghamshire public building fire breakdown

Public buildings in Buckinghamshire have recorded 271 commercial fires per 250,000 people over the past five years.

Research by health and safety consultants Rhino Safety ranked Buckinghamshire third-highest in England on that measure.

The research listed Greater Manchester first with 285 fires per 250,000 people, followed by Staffordshire with 278.

Nottinghamshire and Shropshire completed the top five with 267 and 266 fires per 250,000 people respectively.

Within Buckinghamshire, prisons accounted for 36.9% of commercial fires, followed by retail buildings at 6.7% and industrial manufacturing buildings excluding factories at 4.6%.

Other building categories listed included offices and call centres at 3.5%, permanent agricultural buildings at 3.5%, pre-schools, nurseries or infant primary schools at 3.3%, pubs, wine bars and bars at 3.2%, nursing and care homes at 3.1% and restaurants and cafes at 2.8%.

Ignition sources and causes recorded in Buckinghamshire

A third of ignition sources in Buckinghamshire commercial fires were listed as unspecified at 32.7%.

Wiring, cabling and plugs were the largest listed source at 11.7%, followed by smoking materials at 7.3% and naked flames such as a lighted piece of paper or card at 6.2%.

Batteries and generators accounted for 5.2% pressures, while cookers including ovens accounted for 3.5%.

Other ignition sources listed included cigarette lighters at 2.9%, fluorescent lights at 2.7%, microwave ovens at 2.5%, other industrial equipment at 2.5% and deep fat fryers at 1.7%.

The dataset also reported that 44.4% of fires at Buckinghamshire establishments over the past five years were started deliberately.

Other accidental causes were listed at 18.2%, faulty appliances and leads at 13.5%, faulty fuel supplies at 10.2% and misuse of equipment and appliances at 6.6%.

Rhino Safety comments on end of year safety steps

Simon Walter from health and safety consultancy Rhino Safety said: “With the festive season upon us, safety should still be the number one priority for businesses in the Buckinghamshire area, which have experienced the third-highest number of public building fires since the pandemic.

“With the majority of fires being started deliberately, the first thing business-owners should do is ensure all smoke alarms and sprinkler systems are up to date and working, as well as ensuring access to the building after hours is secured and removing any/all flammable materials, which can help fires spread instantly.

“Almost a quarter (23.8%) of commercial fires are started via faulty appliances, leads or fuel supplies, so business owners must hire a licensed electrician to carry out any work on the premises, as well as carrying out checks on lighting, electricals or other elements that could cause a fire (this is usually covered as part of your annual Fire Risk Assessment).

“User error accounts for one in eight fires (11.7%), including the misuse of equipment or appliances, careless handling of fire or hot substances, or placing articles too close to a heat source.

“These are incidents that can easily be avoided with more fire safety education and training for all staff, as well as ensuring your Fire Risk Assessment is up to date, and that all fire safety equipment is present and in working order.”

The research also set out the building types, ignition sources and stated causes recorded across Buckinghamshire commercial fire incidents over the past five years.

What SFJ Awards changed in fire risk assessment

by Featured NewsTraining

New UK qualifications announced by SFJ Awards

SFJ Awards has launched two new UK fire risk assessment qualifications aligned to the BS 8674 standard, which was updated by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in August last year.

SFJ Awards said the new routes are an Ofqual-regulated Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment and a Level 4 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment.

The organisation said the updated standard is intended to improve consistency, quality and accountability in how fire risk assessments are carried out.

What the standards update aims to change

SFJ Awards said the BS 8674 standard was updated following Grenfell Tower and subsequent fire safety reforms.

The organisation said the standard aims to improve consistency, quality and accountability in fire risk assessment work.

SFJ Awards said fire risk assessments are a legal requirement in the UK.

The organisation said anyone responsible for a building, e.g., an employer, owner or occupier of premises that is not a single private dwelling, must ensure a suitably competent person completes a fire risk assessment.

How the qualifications were developed

SFJ Awards said it worked with fire and rescue services, the Ministry of Defence and other contributors to develop the new qualification routes.

The organisation said the qualification structure was designed to provide greater flexibility for learners.

SFJ Awards said the qualifications support the application of legislation and risk-based methods across a range of premises.

The organisation said the routes are intended to enable learners to produce clear findings and recommendations as part of the fire risk assessment process.

David Higham, Managing Director at SFJ Awards, commented: “Delivering improved standards in fire risk assessments relies upon having the learning architecture in place to support learners to acquire the requisite knowledge and apply it practically in the field.

“Bringing these new qualifications to market is a key step forward in supporting this aim and enabling alignment with BS 8674:2025.

“The introduction of the Level 4 Certificate and Level 4 Diploma offers two qualification routes to provide flexibility for learners and support greater coverage across the sector – as is needed – to drive up safety standards overall.”

Availability and progression routes in the UK

SFJ Awards said the Level 4 Certificate and Level 4 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment are now available for delivery at training centres across the UK.

The organisation said the routes support progression through supervised practice, workplace experience and ongoing continuing professional development (CPD).

Chris Wilson, Managing Director at The Fire Safety Academy, said: “BS 8674:2025 is an important step forward for assessing and mitigating fire risk in residential complexes, tall buildings, and business and mixed-use premises across the UK.

“The qualifications therefore provide a vital bridge between the new safety standards and learners and practitioners responsible for conducting fire risk assessments.”

SFJ Awards said Level 5 Certificate and Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment qualifications are also in development.

The organisation said these are intended to support progression to the advanced Fire Risk Assessor competencies set out in BS 8674:2025.

BS 8674 sets fire risk assessor competence standards in the UK

by Breaking NewsConstructionSafety

Publication of BS 8674 standard

The Fire Sector Confederation has reported that BS 8674:2025 has been published as a code of practice for the competence of fire risk assessors in the UK.

According to the Fire Sector Confederation, the British Standard provides a framework to evaluate competence for the first time across the profession.

It said the document was developed through industry collaboration, public consultation and alignment with BS 8670-1:2024.

The organisation noted that the code of practice defines the knowledge, skills, behaviours and experience expected at three levels: foundation, intermediate and advanced.

It added that the framework is intended to support assessors, regulators, professional bodies and duty holders by providing a consistent and transparent set of criteria.

Competence levels explained

The Fire Sector Confederation reported that the standard specifies progressive levels of practice.

It explained that the foundation level applies to those new to the profession or working on simple premises such as small offices or retail units.

The intermediate level is described as covering assessors with more experience who are responsible for medium complexity buildings, such as mid-rise residential blocks or public venues.

The advanced level is identified as being for highly experienced assessors working on complex or high-risk buildings, including hospitals, large public spaces and tall residential properties.

The organisation stated that the framework is designed to support both individual career development and wider professional regulation.

Government response to BS 8674

The Fire Sector Confederation reported that Building Safety Minister Alex Norris welcomed the publication.

Alex Norris said: “The introduction of this new standard marks a significant step forward in the collective effort to make buildings safer for residents.

“By improving safety and accountability, it helps ensure that a tragedy like Grenfell is never repeated, and it reflects a clear commitment to implementing the Inquiry’s recommendations.

“A clear and consistent benchmark for fire risk assessors will help to raise standards of competency across the profession and I’m grateful to the British Standards Institution and all committee members involved in making this happen.”

Links to wider UK reforms

The Fire Sector Confederation explained that the release of BS 8674 comes as the UK continues to implement changes from the Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

It stated that the government has indicated an intention to require independent, third-party certification of fire risk assessor competence.

It added that the new standard provides a framework that could support such future regulation.

The group noted that the standard reflects ongoing work to align professional practice with regulatory reforms introduced since the Grenfell Tower fire.

Industry collaboration and development

The Fire Sector Confederation stated that BS 8674 was shaped through a working group it led with regulators, government departments and industry stakeholders.

It reported that the initiative followed years of development aimed at strengthening standards in the profession.

The organisation explained that this work has been directed at building the competence, capability and capacity of fire risk assessors.

It added that the new framework provides an agreed reference point across the sector.

Dennis Davis, Competence Director at the Fire Sector Confederation, said: “The publication of BS 8674 is a significant achievement for the profession and a vital step towards building a safer future.

“It gives all stakeholders confidence that competence can now be clearly demonstrated against a professional framework capable of independent verification.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The publication of BS 8674 establishes a framework for assessing fire risk assessor competence, offering clarity for duty holders, regulators and professional bodies.

It supports assessors in understanding their career progression routes, from foundation through to advanced levels.

For organisations employing or contracting assessors, the framework provides a reference point to verify qualifications and experience against a nationally agreed standard.

The standard also connects to the government’s wider safety reforms, reinforcing the potential for regulation of competence in the future.

BS 8674 sets fire risk assessor competence standards in the UK: Summary

The Fire Sector Confederation reported that BS 8674:2025 has been published.

It sets out competence criteria for fire risk assessors in the UK.

The framework defines three levels of practice: foundation, intermediate and advanced.

The code of practice was developed through industry collaboration and consultation.

It aligns with BS 8670-1:2024.

The standard establishes criteria covering knowledge, skills, behaviours and experience.

Building Safety Minister Alex Norris welcomed the publication.

He said the standard supports accountability and the Inquiry’s recommendations.

The Fire Sector Confederation explained that the standard supports consistency, career development and regulation.

It stated that BS 8674 was developed with government, regulators and industry stakeholders.

Dennis Davis of the Fire Sector Confederation said it provides a framework for independent verification.

The government has indicated that independent certification of competence may be required.

The new standard reflects broader reforms including the Building Safety Act 2022.

It connects to changes from the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

The framework is intended to strengthen practice and raise standards.

It provides a benchmark for duty holders, regulators and professional bodies.

What’s changed in fire risk assessment? New UK code explains

by Breaking NewsSafety

Fire risk assessment code of practice updated for UK residential premises

BSI has published an updated fire risk assessment code for UK housing, replacing previous guidance with a new formal standard.

The new standard, BS 9792:2025, applies to a wide range of residential premises, including shared housing, flats, student housing and specialist accommodation.

According to BSI, the revised code replaces PAS 79-2:2020 and is designed to bring greater structure, clarity and consistency to the assessment process.

It includes updated templates, revised commentary, and new content addressing evacuation needs for individuals requiring support.

BSI said the guidance is intended to support fire risk assessors in determining proportionate fire safety measures and ensuring legal compliance.

New guidance replaces withdrawn PAS 79-2:2020

BS 9792:2025 has been introduced as a full revision and formal upgrade of PAS 79-2:2020, which was withdrawn in 2020.

According to BSI, the new code has been developed by an independent panel using PAS 79-2 as a base while updating it to meet current legal requirements and sector expectations.

It is intended for use by assessors working in different residential environments, including houses in multiple occupation, blocks of flats and supported housing.

The standard offers a structured approach to documenting fire risk assessments, supported by examples and commentary aimed at delivering consistency in practice.

BSI stated that the update includes measures to support individuals with specific evacuation needs and improve inclusivity in fire safety planning.

BS 9792:2025 aligns with related fire safety standards

BSI said the new code complements other recent publications, such as PAS 9980, which provides guidance for external wall assessments.

It also links to BS 8674, a forthcoming standard related to the competence of fire risk assessors, further strengthening the framework for residential fire safety.

The organisation added that aligning these standards helps ensure consistent expectations across the housing sector and among safety professionals.

By establishing a unified approach, BSI said the new document contributes to a more transparent and reliable basis for risk evaluation and mitigation.

Statement from BSI on sector impact

Anne Hayes, Director of Sectors and Standards Development at BSI, said the publication reflects the need to support safety in residential accommodation.

Hayes said: “The issue of fire risk in residential accommodation should be front of mind for the whole sector. To protect people it is critical that we ensure all standards reflect the latest evidence.

“The publication of this updated guidance marks a major step forward for residential fire safety. It is designed to deliver clarity, consistency, and assurance for housing providers, assessors, and all those committed to protecting lives.

“It sets a new benchmark for safety planning and reflects a strengthened and collaborative commitment to transparency and the needs of diverse housing communities.”

Development process and intentions behind the update

BSI confirmed that BS 9792:2025 was developed by a separate, independent panel of experts with the intention of ensuring modern relevance and impartiality.

The panel used previous guidance as a foundation while introducing updates aligned with current legal obligations and fire safety knowledge.

According to BSI, the intention behind the updated structure was to make the standard more user-friendly for assessors working across various types of housing stock.

The organisation said the revised pro forma and commentary provide practical support to those conducting fire risk assessments.

BSI said the updated code is part of its broader work to reinforce professional standards in the UK built environment sector.

BS 9792:2025 sets new framework for UK housing fire risk assessment: Summary

BSI has released a new standard for fire risk assessment in UK housing.

The new code is called BS 9792:2025.

It replaces PAS 79-2:2020, which was withdrawn in 2020.

BSI said the new standard provides a clearer structure and updated templates.

It is designed for assessors working in HMOs, flats, student housing and specialised housing.

The code includes new guidance for people with specific evacuation needs.

BSI said it complements PAS 9980 and the upcoming BS 8674.

The organisation said BS 9792:2025 was created by an independent panel.

BSI said the update focuses on legal compliance and best practice.

Anne Hayes from BSI said the standard supports clarity and safety in housing.

The guidance is intended to help assessors determine proportionate fire safety measures.

Cygnus SmartNet-100 installed by Cannon Fire & Security at Charles Pugh Glass

by Featured NewsFire DetectionPeople

Cannon Fire & Security has chosen Cygnus‘ EN 54 certified and 100% wireless SmartNet-100 fire detection and alarm system to deliver and install a solution in three days, for vehicle glass replacement company, Charles Pugh Glass.

The need for improvement

Charles Pugh Glass needed to replace its existing 25-year-old fire alarm system and asked Cannon Fire & Security to deliver a new system completed with modern standards. Cannon Fire & Security saw the potential of SmartNet-100 on this project. With 14 engineers now trained through the Cygnus Academy, Cannon Fire & Security are certified installers of the SmartNet system.

Charles Pugh Glass, a wholesaler of replacement vehicle glass, recognised the necessity of upgrading its fire detection and alarm systems following a fire risk assessment. The fire risk assessment revealed that the existing systems in their two buildings were no longer compliant with modern regulations and so they knew they needed to make a change.

SmartNet-100 is both EN 54 certified and BS 5839-1 compliant, providing Charles Pugh Glass assurance that the new system meets all relevant safety standards whilst still obtaining insurance requirements.

Charles Pugh Glass made the initial choice to upgrade its systems to satisfy fire risk assessment and insurance requirements but it was the benefits of 100% wireless and minimal disruption that made Cygnus’ SmartNet-100 stand out.

Features of the SmartNet-100

SmartNet-100 stands out because it is ideal for small to medium sized projects where the scalability of SmartNet-Pro is not required. The SmartNet-100 has many features and benefits of the SmartNet-Pro range, including the fact is is an EN 54 certified and 100% wireless fire detection and alarm system.

Built on a combination of radio devices, operating on a self-forming, self-healing wireless mesh network with multi path network redundancy utilising channel hopping technology that enhances reliability and robustness. Alongside all these features, SmartNet-100 is still up to 20 times faster to install than wired systems.

SmartNet-100 was installed into two buildings on the premises: the warehouse and the office and workshop, utilising two SmartNet panels with 75 devices, including smoke detectors, ceiling beacons and input/output units, connected to one panel and 85 on the second system.

Unlike other wireless options on the market, Cygnus provides a 100% wireless solution with no requirement for boosters and the mains power hardwiring which follows, allowing minimal disruption during an installation period of just three days.

Managing Director of Cannon Fire & Security, Dominic Gundry-White’s statement

“Choosing a 100% wireless solution has increased the speed and ease of installation. The installation only took three days to complete both buildings, where it would have taken 2-3 weeks for installation of a hard-wired solution”, states Dominic Gundry-White, Managing Director of Cannon Fire & Security.

Cannon Fire & Security choose Cygnus’ SmartNet-100 system to be installed at Charles Pugh Glass: Summary

Cygnus’ SmartNet-100 system has been chosen by Cannon Fire & Security to be installed at Charles Pugh Glass. This is following Charles Pugh’s request to find a replacement for their previous 25 year old fire alarm system that no longer met industry regulations.