Nittan installs fire detection system at Ashburton Triangle development

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Manufacturer of conventional and addressable fire detection products, Nittan Europe, has installed its Evolution analogue addressable fire detection system installed throughout Ashburton Triangle, the mixed-use development situated on the Emirates Stadium site in North London.

The development, owned and managed by Newlon Housing Trust, is made up of 249 flats over 12 floors, along with the Arsenal Museum, and encloses a landscaped communal garden. 

Nittan’s fire detection system was chosen for the development due to its reliability and protection against unwanted false alarms, as well as it flexible protocol which allows for large levels of information to be transmitted at high speed, supporting the cause and effect programming which also was a key factor in the decision-making process. 

Over 3,500 Nittan devices have been installed throughout Ashburton Triangle, including a large number of Evolution EV-DP smoke detectors, which are designed to reduce false alarms caused by non-combustion products such as steam, dust and aerosols. 

The EV-DP does this by measuring the exact particle size in the chamber via its combined IR and blue LED technology – as steam and dust are much larger particles than smoke, the detector won’t false alarm. 

The Nittan Evolution devices feed back to eight Advanced MxPro 5 panels which together cater for very comprehensive, but simple to use cause and effect capabilities. 

The fire detection system integrates with a wide range of third-party safety systems installed throughout the premises, including a sprinkler system, intelligent escape signage, lifts, door entry and access control systems, and dampers for both individual apartments and rooftops.

The system was supplied and commissioned by Nittan Elite Partner Coomber Fire and Security Systems on on the extensive project. Commenting on this latest project between the two companies, Adam Pitman, Senior Fire Systems Engineer at Coomber Fire and Security Systems, said: “As a Nittan Elite Partner and long standing customer, we have extensive product knowledge of Nittan’s Evolution range and know from first hand experience just how reliable and flexible it is. 

“The requirements for the Ashburton Triangle development were relatively complex, with extensive cause and effect programming and the necessity for staged evacuation.

“The high number of dwellings and potential for unwanted alarms also made false alarm management a key driver in our choice and we know the highly resilient Nittan EV-DP with the Dual Photoelectric sensor is more than capable of meeting these needs.”

Robin Edmunds, Nittan Sales General Manager added: “Nittan are delighted that Coomber continue to see not only the benefits of being a Nittan Elite Partner, but also the strengths of our individual products such as EV-DP. We look forward to working with Coomber and supporting them on many future projects of this nature.”

Kentec uses Intersec to showcase life safety systems

by Active

Kentec Electronics, a leading manufacturer of life-critical control systems, will be utilising Intersec 2022 to showcase how its latest wireless detection technology, Sigma and Taktis control panels have been designed to make the lives of installers and end users easier.  

Taking centre stage will be Kentec’s latest wireless mesh technology, which not only reduces installation costs and timescales, but also removes the design limitations associated with wired systems, such as building work, fire stopping and containment systems. The mesh technology provides enhanced reliability by providing multiple wireless communication routes between field devices and wireless translators, which provides unrivalled levels of redundancy.  

The Kentec team will be highlighting how a wireless translator module, which sits at the centre of the system, is hard-wired to the fire alarm control panel loop and communicates continuously with the wireless devices.   

The wireless systems’ next-generation capabilities include: a communication range of 1200 metres, up to eight times further than typical wireless devices; and detection device battery life of 10 years, twice that of typical systems. In addition to the devices all having LPCB approval, the system is also EN54-25 certified, and it is also the only wireless full-range fire detection system to have the radio equipment directive (RED) approval, which sets essential requirements for safety and health, electromagnetic compatibility, and the efficient use of the radio spectrum.  

Now available for general purchase following full BETA field testing in the UK, Europe and South Africa Kentec’s Sigma ZXT single-area extinguishing control panel will be another principal element of the Kentec stand. New functionality, improved display and multiple configuration options for a targeted response to a fire incident further Sigma XT’s market-leading reputation for user-friendly reliability.    

Building on hundreds of thousands Sigma XT sales in nearly 90 countries, the Sigma ZXT provides additional features, controls and indications for a single-area extinguishing release system, enabling targeted extinguishing that limits damage and reduces costs. Three conventional detection zones provide the alarm ‘trigger’ required to activate the release of extinguishant, and the system can be configured to release the extinguishant on an alarm from any single zone or combination of multiple zones.  

A new feature on the Sigma ZXT is the event log which records event data from the panel such as alarms, faults, operation, configuration changes etc. along with a time and date stamp. This historical visibility is critical for diagnostics, identifying the cause of alarms and faults, as well as reasons for activations. Up to 1000 events can be stored within the panel which can be viewed through the LCD or can be downloaded and saved using Kentec’s LE2 software.  

As Kentec’s flagship control panel, Taktis will be a vital part of its Intersec demonstrations and industry discussions. Available in up to 16 loops, it provides up to 144 zone indications, and supports more than 2,000 detection devices. It can network up to 127 panels, making it ideal for the largest sites such as schools, hospitals, multi-site retail/supermarkets, critical infrastructure and major commercial and industrial facilities.   

Kevin Swann, Managing Director at Kentec, says the business is eager to showcase Kentec’s life safety systems’ latest developments and what benefits they are bringing to installers and end users:   

“The Sigma ZXT, for example, is fully programmable through the front fascia, with clear password and access menu structures for easy configuration,” he says. “With straight-forward separate access for users and engineers the product is designed to be easy to use for both installer and end user. Single-area functionality enables targeted extinguishing that has clear benefits for the end user and installer. And to support our existing Sigma XT customers, the Sigma ZXT is fully backward compatible with the legacy SI status units, along with all the ancillary devices and components.” 

Commenting on the Kentec’s wireless technology, Kevin adds: “It is simple to design and enables fast commissioning, which means systems can be installed in a matter of days – and because it can be designed, programmed and commissioned from the complementary software prior to installation, there is less time required on site – also important for Covid-safety measures,” he says.  

Kentec stand number: Hall 4, Stand A20 

Case study

Alien Systems and Technologies, based in South Africa, was one of the Kentec Authorised Distributors (KAD) involved in the Sigma ZXT BETA testing. It installed the Sigma ZXT at a Motor Control Centre (MCC) substation with a total of 15 Pyroshield IG55 cylinders and an Oil Lubrication Room using a Pyrostorm dry chemical powder automatic extinguishing system. Grant Wilkinson of Alien Systems and Technologies says the customer originally ordered Kentec’s Sigma XT panels, but was so taken by the ZXT’s extra features they decided to upscale:   

“The key selling point was the secure event logger, and also compelling was the option of a programmable second actuation circuit meaning the customer can add rooms to the fire protection system as and when required.”   Summarising the business’ take on the ZXT, Grant adds: “Most of us here are Star Trek fans, you can see by the name of the company. I always like Romulan War Bird Disruptors. Now Kentec has a disruptor and it’s called the ZXT.”

Patrick Carnell, Managing Director of PJC Electrical, an installer on the KIP scheme that installed Kentec’s wireless technology, says the range’s ‘self-healing’ mesh technology significantly increases its reliability and system performance:   

“It means the system utilises additional transmission routes if one signal is broken and adapts automatically to changing operating conditions.”   Commenting on its ease of use, he says: “We were able to programme the devices at our offices, so when we got on site it was just a matter of fixing and turning them on. Spending less time on site benefits us, and also provides peace of mind to the occupiers. I will definitely be using and recommending for future projects.”

NFPA releases Fire Loss in the U.S report findings

by Americas - Projects

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released findings from its latest “Fire Loss in the U.S.” report, which shows that the total number of U.S. fires overall rose eight percent from 2019 to 2020. While some year-to-year fluctuation is normal, this increase reflects a far from typical year due to the pandemic.

“In 2020, more people were working and studying at home, commuting far less, and spending more time socialising outside,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “It appears that the fires followed these shifts.”

According to the report, which provides a broad overview of how, when, and where U.S. fires occur and their impact on life and property, residential structure fires rose five percent from 2019 to 2020, while non-residential structure fires fell eight percent. Highway vehicle fires fell nine percent; outside and other fires rose 17 percent. Civilian deaths and injuries fell six percent and eight percent, respectively.

Over the long-term, much progress has been made in reducing the U.S. fire problem. The estimated total of fires was 54 percent lower in 2020 than in 1980, while fire death and injury estimates were 46 percent and 50 percent lower, respectively, over the same period. Because the U.S. population has grown since 1980, population-based rates have dropped even more than the estimates have.

“Overall, we’ve seen significant declines in the total number of fires and fire deaths over the past 40 years. That’s the good news,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “At the same time, most of the reduction in reported fires and fire losses occurred more than a decade ago. There is still more work to do, particularly around home fires.”

The report notes that less progress has been made in preventing fire deaths and injuries associated with reported home fires; three-quarters (74 percent) of all U.S. fire deaths occur in homes. The rate of 7.2 deaths per 1,000 reported home fires was almost identical to the rate of 7.1 in 1980.

“While home fires are happening less often, when they do occur, people are struggling to escape safely,” said Carli. “These findings reinforce the critical importance of better educating the public about how fast today’s home fires grow and spread, how little time they have to escape from the time the smoke alarm sounds, and the know-how to use that time wisely in the event of a home fire.”

Key findings from the report include the following:

  • Overall, local fire departments responded to an estimated 1,388,500 fires in 2020, resulting in 3,500 civilian deaths, 15,200 civilian injuries and $21.9 billion in direct property damage.
  • Every 23 seconds, a fire department in the United States responds to a fire somewhere in the nation.
  • A fire occurs in a structure at the rate of one every 64 seconds, and a home fire occurs every 89 seconds.
  • The death rate per 1,000 reported one- or two-family home fires was 16 percent higher than in 1980, while the comparable rate for apartment fires was 43 percent lower.
  • Sixty-four percent of all U.S. home fire deaths occurred in one- or two-family homes; the other 10 percent occurred in apartments or other multi-family housing.
  • Eighteen percent of fire deaths were caused by vehicle fires.

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

Work lights from Peli: turning night into day

by Products

Work lights are highly powerful, high-lumen industrial lights, akin to floodlights, that are usually fixed to adjustable stands or tripods that allow you to light up large areas. They can also be called light towers, generator lights, scene lights, site lights, spot lights and task lights. They are usually portable and powered through gas or electric generators or they can be cordless work lights powered by rechargeable batteries.

Peli’s work lights (RALS) provide increased performance and safer working conditions. Portability, a long run-time and easy setup makes them ideal for work in dark so you can keep your efforts moving through the night.

“Getting the job done isn’t always a 9 to 5 operation,” said Piero Marigo, Peli Products EMEA Managing Director. “The bottom line is that a properly lit job site is safer and RALS lighting systems provide that.”

PELI™ RALS: Energy-efficient, Self-Contained Flood Lights

Extremely powerful, rechargeable lighting for your work area without the use of cables or generators. With up to 24.000 lumens and a run time that lasts an entire workshift, features include multiple heads, multi-position deployable masts with 360º rotating heads and swappable battery (selected models).

PELI™ 9600 LINEAR LIGHT: The First Linear Lighting Without Dark Spots

Now it’s easy to light up long stretches of construction sites, rail tracks or tunnels without the hassles of conventional heavyweight light towers. The Peli™ 9600 Linear Light allows you to connect multiple light heads from one power source and eliminates dark spots thanks to the specialist optics.

Although there are still work light bulbs of the halogen, fluorescent and incandescent variety, its more common these days to see LED work lights. LED lighting is very popular for a number of reasons including that they are more cost and energy efficient and produce little to no heat compared to other bulb types. Work lights are an important tool to have on a job site, as they enhance safety and efficiency, allowing the worker to see better, which lessens the possibility of accidents or mishaps.

Work lights aren’t necessarily only useful at night, but can also be handy on overcast days or when working in the shade or in a dark place like a workshop, to help you see exactly what you’re doing. Speaking of who or where one might use a work light, there are many industry and leisure applications for work lights.

Emergency, Fire and Rescue Services

EMS professionals and first responders will be able to light up remote areas and emergency scenes in seconds. Fire and rescue professionals as well will need scene lights to ensure they are able to fight fires or secure scenes of an accident.

Police and Military

Work lights will allow for quick deployment of police checkpoints and crime or emergency scenes. Crime scene investigation is another application for work lights, so that coroners and law enforcement can assess scenes in dark or remote areas.

Some other applications for military and police would be field hospitals, command centers, landing zone lighting for helicopters and other aerial vehicles, clean-up operations, walkways and perimeter lighting, sobriety stops and security checkpoints to name just a few.

 

https://blog.peli.com/

Getac deliver technology upgrade to Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team

by Products

Getac, a rugged mobile computing manufacturer, has come to the aid of the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team (CBMRT) with the donation of powerful rugged mobile devices, along with accompanying accessories from its partners.  The new solutions replace the CBMRT’s original IT equipment – which was lost during a devastating fire at its base of operations in Merthyr Tydfil – and provide a significant technology upgrade in the process.

The CBMRT is a voluntary organisation covering the central Brecon Beacons, including South Wales’ highest mountain, Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Corn Du, as well as the Ystradfellte waterfalls. It responds to over 120 incidents a year, with rescues often taking place in extremely challenging conditions. Many areas of the national park are also very remote, which can make effective coordination between rescue teams difficult without the right equipment.

The ZX70 fully rugged Android tablets and F110 fully rugged Windows tablets donated by Getac both feature a host of innovative technologies that greatly enhance CBMRT capabilities during time sensitive operations. Getac’s revolutionary Lumibond® touchscreen technology means rescuers can view and operate the devices in all weather conditions, from bright sunlight to heavy rain, and even whilst wearing gloves. Powerful inbuilt 4G LTE connectivity also enables team members to remotely log-in to the SARCALL incident management platform from any location, where they can liaise with other rescue parties, coordinate searches and provide real-time updates.

Secure vehicle docking stations with compact and robust Zirkona mounting brackets were also donated by Gamber-Johnson, while Lind Electronics provided high quality, rugged vehicle power adaptors that together meet the requirements of the most demanding and harsh environments. These have been used to create fully integrated solutions in both the front and rear of the CBMRT’s three new response vehicles, allowing the devices to be safely used when in transit, then detached and taken into the field once teams are at the scene of an incident.

“When we’re trying locate a person in need of our help, the last thing we want to worry about is our devices,” says Penny Brockman, Team Leader, Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team. “Mountain rescue can be very hard on equipment, but our Getac tablets and accompanying accessories perform flawlessly in even the toughest conditions, meaning we can stay focussed on the task at hand, which is saving lives.”

“Technology is playing an increasingly important role in frontline emergency response and when the CBMRT lost all of its equipment in the fire, both ourselves and our partners were more than happy to step in,” says Chris Bye, President, Getac UK Ltd. “With the new rugged solutions in place, rescue teams have everything they need to communicate and coordinate effectively in the field, giving the best possible chance of success.”

www.getac.com/

Firefighters tackle residential London fire

by ActiveBreaking News

Firefighters are warning smokers to discard cigarettes carefully after eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a flat fire on Otto Street in Kennington.

Half of a flat on the first floor of the building was damaged by fire and the remaining part of the property suffered severe smoke and heat damage. Thirteen adults and five children were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by a cigarette being discarded from an upper floor and coming into contact with combustible materials stored on a first floor balcony.

Station Commander Ned Alexander who was at the scene said: “Firefighters have worked exceptionally hard to get this flat fire under control. The first floor flat was damaged by the blaze but crews prevented it from spreading further.

“Around 100 people self evacuated from the building and a number of other residents stayed within their flats.

“Fires caused by smoking materials including cigarettes, roll-ups, cigars and pipes, result in more deaths than any other type of fire. Stub cigarettes out properly and always dispose of them carefully.

“Make sure smoking materials are cold before emptying ashtrays. Preferably wet stubs before throwing them into a bin.”

“The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took sixty 999 calls in the early stages.”

Firefighters’ smoking safety tips

  1. It’s safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
  2. Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.
  3. Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
  4. Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
  5. Don’t balance cigars or cigarettes on the edge of an ashtray, or anything else – they can tip and fall as they burn away and cause a fire.
  6. Don’t leave lit pipes or cigarettes unattended.
  7. Always empty ashtrays carefully. Make sure smoking materials are out, cold and preferably wet them before throwing into a bin – never use a wastepaper basket.
  8. Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach, and buy child resistant lighters.
  9. Never smoke if you use healthcare equipment like medical oxygen or an air flow pressure relief mattress. If you use paraffin-based emollient creams, ask for non-flammable alternatives instead.
  10. Consider additional safety measures such as fire retardant bedding or nightwear.

Oxfordshire firefighters launch new lightweight uniform

by Featured NewsProducts

Thanks to a new lightweight, fire resistant uniforms, Oxfordshire firefighters will be better equipped to keep residents safe.

The new highly visible ‘rescue jackets’ with updated safety tunics offer enhanced fire protection and are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate both male and female firefighters. They are reportedly lighter to wear; essential as crews often attend incidents for lengthy periods of time.

Rob MacDougall, Chief Fire Officer, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our crews need first-class uniforms to protect them when fighting fires, freeing people trapped in cars, during water rescues, and entering collapsed structures.

“It is essential they are wearing kit that’s designed with the latest safety features. A uniform that gives them complete confidence.”

The gold-coloured kit clearly shows signs of dirt, such as soot or other contamination, meaning it can be spotted quickly and removed; a simple but innovative feature.

Firefighters begin wearing the new kit, designed and supplied by Bristol Uniforms, this month. The uniforms will be standard across the region, following a national collaborative procurement process.