UK schools asked to donate used heat detectors for fire safety research

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire Detection

FIA and BRE request heat detectors from school upgrades for testing

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has asked fire alarm professionals to retain and donate used but functioning heat detectors removed during school maintenance work.

According to the FIA, this appeal supports a joint research project with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to investigate how environmental conditions affect heat detector performance.

The FIA stated that summer holidays are an ideal period for this collection, as many schools schedule system upgrades during this time.

Research aims to study environmental impact on fire detection

The Fire Industry Association explained that the project with BRE focuses on how real-life conditions influence the operation and lifespan of heat detectors.

The FIA said the results will contribute to updated standards, new maintenance advice and improved product design for the wider fire detection sector.

The organisation added that understanding long-term detector performance is essential to ensuring effective fire safety in varied built environments.

Donated devices must be working and accompanied by usage data

The Fire Industry Association confirmed that only working heat detectors will be accepted for the study.

It specified that each unit must be submitted with a completed questionnaire detailing its usage location and environmental context.

The FIA said that this contextual information is necessary for the research to deliver relevant and practical insights for future applications.

How to participate in the collection initiative

The FIA stated that heat detectors can be donated by contacting gemma.sambells@bregroup.com for shipping details.

It also asked contributors to send completed questionnaires to the same address.

The Fire Industry Association and the Building Research Establishment expressed their thanks to those who have already donated.

They noted that with the upcoming summer upgrades, now is a useful opportunity for others in the sector to contribute.

UK schools asked to donate used heat detectors for fire safety research: Summary

The Fire Industry Association is collecting used, working heat detectors during school summer upgrades.

The detectors will support a joint research project with the Building Research Establishment.

The research aims to analyse how environmental conditions affect heat detector performance.

Only devices in working order will be accepted for study.

Each donated detector must be accompanied by a completed questionnaire.

The questionnaire collects data on where and how the detector was used.

The findings will support the development of future detection standards and maintenance guidance.

Contact gemma.sambells@bregroup.com to participate or submit a device.

Apollo Fire Detectors deployed in Ulster Bank

by Products

Apollo Fire Detectors’ SOTERIA ® range of detectors has been chosen to protect Ulster Bank’s headquarters in Belfast. Owned by RBS, Ulster Bank Group moved its headquarters to a development in Donegall Square East in Belfast in 2000. The building required a life cycle replacement of its existing fire alarm system, which had been in service for 18 years, along with additional detection as necessary to validate L1 coverage.

The development was created around the façade of an old Methodist church designed by Dublin architect, Isaac Farrell, and consists of a reinforced concrete frame with flat slab floor construction including a double storey basement.

In order to cause the least amount of disruption to staff, the work was all carried out after-hours and at weekends over a 12-week period, while also making sure the system was fully functional and all work areas clean and tidy for staff coming in the next day.

Integrated services supplier Aramark Ireland was selected by Ulster Bank to perform the role of main contractor for the works. Following a tender process, fire alarm specialist Ashdale Engineering Ltd was appointed to replace the existing closed protocol fire alarm system and PAVA system.

Aramark project manager Michael Hyland said: “We were pleased to be able to appoint Ashdale for the key role of fire alarm replacement. Having delivered a similar project with them in 2015 for the same client we had total confidence in their ability. Ashdale performed flawlessly and the project was delivered on time and within budget.”

In the role as principal contractor Aramark were also responsible for all the health and safety management relating to the project. Some of the work involved detection replacement in the 25-metre-high atrium, working at height over areas of plant, lift shafts and HV switch rooms.

Health and Safety Consultant for Aramark, Gary Henderson said: “The project certainly had its challenges but with planning, consultation and coordination with Ashdale and other contractors we were able to deliver the project safely and without incident.”

Apollo’s SOTERIA® range of devices were chosen for this project, which included the optical smoke detector, heat detectors, multisensors, manual call points and interfaces. Covering a range of areas from open plan offices, carpark, plant rooms, kitchens and canteen, SOTERIA® reportedly met the customers’ expectations of enhanced detection to minimise the risk of false alarms and provide a future proof system using next generation technology.

A total of 645 optical detectors, 89 heat detectors, 24 multisensors, 83 manual call points and 78 interfaces combine to provide the ideal solution for Ulster Bank. All controlled by a fire panel from Advanced.

David Moore, Team Leader at Ashdale, said: “The decision to select the Apollo SOTERIA® range of device for this project was an easy one. Having used SOTERIA® on a number of other projects recently we knew the devices were easy to install and commission. They also provide a modern aesthetically pleasing look in a modern office environment.”