Alertex IP Bridges enable linked lockdown monitoring across UK school sites

by Featured NewsProductsSafety

Expanded device linking improves school-wide system coverage

Luminite has reported that Alertex IP Bridges can now be linked across a site, enabling remote monitoring and control of an unlimited number of lockdown devices on a school network.

The manufacturer stated that the update was introduced in response to requests from larger educational estates.

Each bridge connects Alertex devices to the local network.

The system identifies which units have been triggered, supports site-wide or individual testing, and reports battery status and signal strength.

The update to the IP Bridge software allows multiple bridges to be joined together without location restrictions.

According to Luminite, this enables trusts to monitor devices and activations across multiple sites, as long as the locations share the same network.

Centralised control and communication functions

Luminite explained that the system uses a master-slave configuration.

The master IP Bridge acts as the control point, with slave bridges relaying data and responding to instructions.

Each bridge works on a designated UHF frequency, which can be adjusted using a BLE terminal app to avoid interference.

Each slave bridge has a fixed IP address and a unique Device ID.

Luminite noted that these are connected through the master unit’s web interface, where individual zones can be named and configured.

The master interface allows full oversight of all devices in the network.

Site-wide alerts and performance tracking

The Alertex system allows text and email alerts to be sent to designated personnel.

This supports timely response to lockdown activations and provides updates on device status.

Low battery levels, weak signal strength, and unit-specific activations can all be reported automatically through the system.

The company stated that this capability is designed to help estates manage multiple buildings or geographically spread campuses.

By linking bridges and integrating alerts, schools can track the performance of all Alertex devices from a single dashboard.

Flexible application for educational trusts

Luminite reported that the software changes are aimed at making the system more applicable for multi-site trusts.

As long as schools are part of the same local network, they can share data from the IP Bridges without being physically connected.

This arrangement enables a single site to monitor lockdown activity or device health for other schools in the trust.

The system continues to operate independently if no slave bridges are installed, but additional zones can be added at any time.

Luminite confirmed that each device continues to operate on secure UHF frequencies to ensure stable communication.

Alertex IP Bridges enable linked lockdown monitoring across UK school sites: Summary

Luminite has reported that Alertex IP Bridges can now be linked across a local network.

The system enables remote monitoring of lockdown devices across large school estates.

It supports an unlimited number of devices when connected via linked bridges.

Bridges can now operate across multiple sites within a trust if they share a network.

Each bridge is assigned a static local IP and a unique Device ID.

A master-slave setup allows centralised control of all connected devices.

The master unit can operate independently for smaller systems.

Frequency settings are managed using a BLE terminal app.

The interface supports naming and zoning of connected devices.

Battery and signal strength status is reported via the bridge.

Text and email notifications can be sent to staff members.

Alerts show which specific device has been activated.

All devices communicate via UHF to prevent interference.

The system dashboard is accessed through the master unit.

The update responds to feedback from larger school estates.

It is currently in use across the United Kingdom.

Fire Door Safety Week: 60% of local authorities delay fire door programmes

by Passive

Fire Door Safety Week exists to stamp out the legacy of fire door neglect and to educate on the importance of fire door safety. To launch this year’s campaign, the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) have shared research into the state of fire door maintenance, inspection and replacement programmes across local authority owned and managed housing in the UK.

Over half (52%) of UK local authorities responding to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request reported delays to planned fire door maintenance and replacement in the first half of 2020. The number rises to 60% when inspection delays are also factored in.

According to the data obtained from 147 local authorities that own and manage their own housing stock, at least 26,318 fire doors were scheduled for maintenance or replacement between January and June 2020, but 16,580 did not progress – meaning 63% of individual planned works were delayed until at least the second half of the year, affecting a minimum of 9,954 individual properties.

In addition to delays to maintenance and replacement in the first half of the year, 31% of all responding local authorities stated their fire door inspection programmes were delayed, affecting at least 12,596 fire doors.

Not all responding local authorities provided reasons for delay, but over half (53%) of those experiencing delays cited COVID-19-related restrictions, including limited property access and availability of contractors due to social distancing guidelines. However, it was positive that several local authorities proactively mentioned that emergency repair works to fire doors continued throughout the lockdown period to maintain the safety of residents.

Of those local authorities that experienced delays, 65% intend to commence works by the end of the year. This signals that the majority recognise the importance of properly fitted and maintained fire doors. However, worryingly 31% of local authorities stated that they are yet to define a date for recommencing the planned works.

The findings follow an open letter from the London Fire Brigade to all housing providers in the Capital urging them to put plans in place ahead of new fire safety legislation coming into effect. The letter strongly advises building owners to consider the risks of existing fire doors in their fire risk assessments, regardless of the height of the building.

Fire’s don’t stop – it’s time to prioritise fire doors

It’s clear COVID-19 has understandably impacted on service delivery across a variety of sectors, but fires don’t stop. With the UK lockdown period forcing many people to spend more time at home, people without fit for purpose fire doors have been put at risk. There is a need for continued and urgent focus on ensuring the safety of all building occupants whether in local authority or privately-rented accommodation, workplaces or other building types.

Whilst we have focused upon local authority owned and managed housing stock, we strongly suspect that our insight reflects the wider market. We hope that through this years’ Fire Door Safety Week, we can draw attention to these important issues and encourage all with responsibility for fire doors to take urgent action across fire door maintenance, inspection and replacement.

When it comes to fire door inspections, fire doors can become damaged at any time, especially where they are frequently used. If a damaged door goes unidentified it cannot perform its life-saving role. Like previous years, this year’s Fire Door Safety Week campaign will emphasise the importance of regular inspections, carried out by trained and competent professionals.

https://www.bwf.org.uk/