Latest innovations and products in the Fire, Security and Safety sections of the construction industry.

Fall protection takes off at Virgin Atlantic with Safesite

Safesite, a supplier of fall protection solutions, has provided Virgin Atlantic with a collective roof edge protection system that ensures optimum roof top safety for maintenance and inspection teams and complies with all relevant health and safety regulations.

Located in Crawley, ‘The Base’ is one of two Virgin Atlantic buildings that house its global Headquarters. Situated in close proximity to Gatwick Airport and Crawley’s city centre, the building provides training and technical facility for cabin crews, pilots and engineers. Built in the 70s, the building includes an extensive flat PVC roof which is split over several levels.

The building previously featured partially installed guardrails and failed demarcation systems which were deemed not fit-for-purpose. It therefore became necessary for the building to have a roof top safety upgrade comprising a complete roof protection system that enables safe access to the entire roof.

Work began in December 2015 to provide a continuous, co-ordinated roof safety system to the roof perimeter of the building and surrounding the roof lights enabling safer roof access. Norland-based commercial property adviser, CBRE Group managed this project and contracted Safesite to specify and install a full guardrail scheme. After removing all existing guardrails, demarcation bases and chain, Safesite installed 900 Lm raked and standard KeeGuard® systems.

“Once we became aware that the previous systems wasn’t performing correctly, we wanted to ensure that the new system was compliant with regulations, provided a full safety solution and wasn’t obtrusive to the design of the building” says Stephen Earl, Project Manager, CBRE (Norland). “Safesite is the expert in this area, and as they can offer the full service, from site surveys to installation, it was clear that they were the right choice for this project. The system that they have installed ticks all the boxes for us, and provides the client with the assurance that anyone accessing the roof will be safe.”

The KeeGuard® range includes standard vertical, raked, radiused and folding systems. The modular design features Kee Klamp® open-style fittings, which facilitate quick and easy installation of the horizontal rails and 100% recycled PVC counterweights. No welding, threading or bolting is required on site, which further speeds up and simplifies the installation process.

Suitable for installation on any flat roof up to a 10° slope, and compatible with concrete, asphalt, PVC membrane and felt roof surfaces, KeeGuard® can be used where a restraining wall is in place or where the rooftop is completely open around the perimeter. The flexible guardrail system can be used for retrofitting to older buildings as well as for new constructions.

The range is fully tested and either meets or exceeds current rooftop safety requirements, including EN13374 Class A, EN ISO 14122 Part 3 and BS 6399: Part 2 1995 Wind Codes.

For further information, please visit www.safesite.co.uk/
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Berwickshire HA installs cutting edge products from Aico to keep tenants “safe in their homes”

Berwickshire Housing Association (BHA) has announced its decision to install sophisticated Aico Smoke and Heat Alarm system solutions to reduce call outs, provide tenants with more control, enable alarm data extraction and connect with external telecare systems.

BHA has 1800 homes in Berwickshire and Berwick-upon-Tweed, from single’s flats and family homes to bungalows adapted for disabled people and sheltered housing for older people. Aico’s new mains powered Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e, will be installed throughout all of these properties over the coming years.

David Gray, Assistant Technical Services Manager at BHA, explains the organisation’s decision to fit the new Aico Multi-Sensors throughout these properties: “BHA have decided to install Multi Sensor alarms as part of our ongoing works and specification. Due to the dual sensors communicating with each other, BHA foresees a reduction in call outs to electricians for alarms sounding when no fire is present.”

The Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm contains two sensor types, optical and heat, to constantly monitor smoke and heat levels, sending and receiving information via its intelligent detection software. This sensor information alters the alarm’s sensitivity and trigger points, automatically providing the best response to all fire types and reduces potential false alarms.

This alarm comes with a host of sophisticated features, including data extraction technology AudioLINK. AudioLINK is an award winningtechnology that enables real time data to be extracted from each alarm using its sounder directly to a smartphone or tablet via an App to create an Alarm Status Report. The Report displays useful information about the alarm, such as battery life, alarm sensors status, number of times tested and removed; and any alarm activation, with details of when it occurred – all in a simple format. AudioLINK is installed in all Ei2110e models as standard.

In addition, Ei2110e alarms also have RadioLINK+ capability. RadioLINK+ goes a step further, enabling whole system data to be extracted, such as the number and location of alarms and Radio Frequency (RF) signal strength between alarms, which can be accessed securely from within or even outside a property if access is an issue. This alarm system technology can also help with maintenance of asset management records as details are recorded for each individual alarm system. RadioLINK+ is also used to interconnect alarms on the system without the need to hard wire them together. It comes as a plug in module, which has the added benefit of negating the need for a separate RadioLINK base.

BHA is keen to make the most of this cutting edge technology, as David states: “BHA intends using the AudioLINK App as well as developing the use of the RadioLINK+ functionality to eventually integrate with our systems here. This will also ensure our staff utilise all our electronic mobile working solutions.”

In addition to the Multi-Sensors, BHA will be installing Ei450 Alarm Controllers to allow tenants to test and silence alarms on the system, plus locate the trigger alarm, all from a safe, accessible location.

Aico’s Fire/CO Alarm Interface, Ei414, will also be installed. “Our intention is to link these systems to any Telecare or adaptation equipment within the property as well as the Fire Detection systems” states David. “We are currently working with Aico on our Sheltered Housing complexes to install these systems.”

The installation work has already begun, starting in BHA’s empty properties, with the aim of bringing them up to the more stringent LD2 category of fire protection. To meet this, Multi-Sensors will be installed in the main living area and will be replacing Optical and Ionisation alarms on exit routes. This will be rolled out to all BHA’s housing stock over time.

“BHA look to future proof our fire detection equipment and liaise closely with Aico on new products available,” comments David. “The service from Aico has been first class and gives BHA the confidence going forward that our properties have market leading products installed. This ensures our customers are safe in their homes.”

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico are market leaders in residential fire and CO protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations.

With more mains powered domestic smoke alarms installed in the UK’s social housing than any other manufacturer, Aico is tried, tested and trusted.

For more information please go to www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or enquiries@aico.co.uk.
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Exova BM TRADA offers free training on the importance of fire protection measures

Exova BM TRADA offers free training on the importance of fire protection measures.

Expert industry training provider, Exova BM TRADA, will be holding its next free ‘Fire Protection Measures – understanding your responsibilities’ training on 12 July at Sheffield Hallam University.

This popular event includes a number of short seminars over a half day which will provide participants with critical guidance on how to fulfil their obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO).

Under the legislation, the ‘Responsible Person’, which can include the building’s owner, the employer where they have control over the building or if not the employer, the person who has control of the premises, have a legal requirement to comply with RRFSO. This course covers why the RRFSO matters and what it means in practice for the responsible person. It also covers the importance of the risk assessment and of having a competent fire risk assessor, the role of third party certification and of the enforcing officer; and the legal obligations of the fire risk assessor.

The course will run on 12 July at Sheffield Hallam University, with breakfast provided.

The panel of experts providing the training are from senior roles across the fire safety profession, all with first-hand knowledge and experience of fire protection measures:

  • Simon Bailey is a senior fire protection consultant with extensive experience in assessment, testing and site surveys
  • Niall Rowan is the Association for Specialist Fire Protection’s technical officer and has over 30 years’ experience
  • Steve Skarratt heads the Fire Service College’s protection and prevention training
  • Carl May-Smith is a barrister with in-depth legal experience on the RRFSO, having advised fire authorities and other public bodies on the order
  • The Chief Fire Officers Association will also have one of its enforcement team leaders present, completing the panel of experts.

Exova BM TRADA runs additional courses throughout the year which can be offered in-house or within a client’s premises. Exova BM TRADA also provides management systems courses and general management training.

For more information on these and other courses, or to book a place, go to: http://www.exovabmtrada.com/en-gb/training or contact 01494 569 750 or courses@exova.com

Download the full Fire Protection Measures programme here: http://www.exovabmtrada.com/Uploads/MediaLibrary/BMTrada/Training-Brochures/Fire_Protection_Measures_2016.pdf

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Factory installed fire protection

MMC Magazine examines the potential of a proven fire-stopping product range to help offsite manufacturers protect their systems against the spread of flame and other products of combustion.

Prefabrication is viewed by many in the industry as the best means of ensuring new properties match up to their target performance standards in terms of insulation and airtightness, but the controlled conditions of a factory environment also offer the opportunity to optimize the fire engineering of structures. And this is an area where Manchester based Tenmat UK can offer its considerable experience and expertise.

The company whose Firefly range of Ventilated Fire Barriers, Fire Sleeves and other intumescent products are widely used on sites around the country, is also specified by some of the UK’s largest offsite specialists. Furthermore, the company has the development facilities and the resources to take a new concept from a client and develop it into a fully tested product solution.

Mark Davies is Product Manager for Tenmat and recounts: “We provide viable, installer friendly fire protection products to clients right across the building industry, including the trade contractors such as bricklayers and electricians who want products which are quick and easy to fit. Our range enables areas such as cavities and service penetrations to be protected while we are also used to catering for the differences in building regulations.

“In terms of the offsite sector, we are seeing our products used extensively in projects such as the construction of high-rise student accommodation blocks in locations throughout the UK. On some contracts the products will be employed both during the factory fabrication process and also when installing the mechanical and electrical services on site.”

The options employed include Ventilated Fire Barriers which can provide compartmentalisation in the external wall for up to 2 hours. Other products include Penetration Seals for Pipes & Ducting, as well as fire protection for Downlights and Electrical Services.

Tenmat also supplies bespoke intumescent barriers to the manufacturers of electrical consumer units and offers a solution to not only protect the area where switches have been recessed into a wall, but also prevent them being a path for air leakage.

Mark Davies continued: “Our wide range of products are accredited to all the latest British and European standards and are independently tested by BM TRADA to ensure they will perform in practice. Fire protection products should meet the most stringent standards and be made under strictly controlled production processes. This is achieved by Tenmat through rigorous internal and external auditing; which is why we are regularly invited to take part in fire safety committees and stakeholder groups.”

For further information please visit www.tenmat.com.
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Saving money saving lives

Kidde Safety’s Firex range of smoke and heat alarms offers opportunities to improve fire safety during refurbishments at lower costs.

Hard-wired, interconnected smoke and heat alarms, with reliable power back-up should now be the norm for all housing, whether existing or new-build. This is spelled out in the Code of Practice BS 5839-6:2013, which takes the form of guidance and recommendations. Although not in itself mandatory, it does form the basis for Building Regulations and is used as a benchmark in housing standards (including HHSRS), specifications, legal, insurance or other situations.

Minimum Standard

While BS 5839-6 is based on a risk assessment approach, it recognises that in most cases guidance tabulated in the Code can be applied as a minimum standard. It lists the minimum Categories (locations for alarms) and Grades (power sources) recommended for different types of housing. Typically, for houses up to 3 storey and individual flats, the Code recommends Category LD2. This means smoke alarms in all escape routes and any areas where fires might start, such as living rooms, plus heat alarms in all kitchens.

The Code also recommends Grade D hard-wired, interconnected smoke and heat alarms with back-up power. This is demanded by Building Regulations for new housing and changes of use, where battery-only smoke alarms are not permitted. But Grade D is also important for existing buildings. In another important change, the 2013 edition of the Code now excludes Grade F battery-only systems from all rented homes.

Long-life Low-cost

The resulting growth of hard-wired systems has developed interest in energy saving products. In response, Firex smoke and heat alarms offer a much lower, maximum mains consumption, with substantial energy savings over previous models and significantly lower running costs. Other features include an Alarm Memory Function, identifying which alarm has triggered, as well as dust compensation and bug screens on all optical alarms to minimise nuisance alarms and call-backs. Accessories include a wired, remote ‘Test and Hush’ switch, and a relay pattress to operate other devices.

An important Firex innovation is the introduction of long-life lithium battery back-up options for all three sensing technologies (ionization, optical and heat), alongside the usual loose battery and integral rechargeable battery versions. This innovation ensures reliable back-up throughout the whole alarm life, without the need to change batteries, at a much lower price than rechargeable products.

Firex alarms can also interconnect with Kidde’s 4MCO and 4MDCO hard-wired carbon monoxide alarms, as well as with each other, using the unique ‘Smart Interconnect’ feature. Here, the alarms have different, distinct alarm sounder patterns for carbon monoxide and fire – an essential facility, supported by different display messages on the 4MDCO model. So, without the need for any further operation of the system (such as remote switches), Smart Interconnect automatically alerts occupants throughout the property of the specific hazard that confronts them. It allows them to respond quickly, making the right choice from the very different actions for either fire or carbon monoxide.

Firex is manufactured and supplied exclusively by Kidde Safety. For more information, call: 01753 766392, email: sales@kiddesafety.co.uk or visit: www. kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk.
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Fire safety, smoke control and compliance – charting a path through the regulations

The legislative environment governing the smoke control and fire safety industry is, unsurprisingly, complex, far-reaching and absolutely vital to ensure that these systems not only operate faultlessly when they’re needed, but also provide effective safety protection and allow people to escape.

Even so, you would probably be surprised by the number of construction companies that contact us after they have completed a block of apartments and find that Building Control has rejected the structure due to the omission of a smoke ventilation system, which is required by law for any residential building of 3 storeys and above.

Clearly, there’s no suggestion that designers, specifiers and building companies are brazenly flouting the regulations, but it is apparent that the main issue is ignorance of the complex and essential regulatory framework that governs this sector. But, as is often quoted, “Ignorance is no defence.”

Navigating the maze

Building Regulations Approved Document B, The Machinery Directive and The Construction Product Regulations, via the various parts of the European EN12101 standard, provide a tight and far-reaching regulatory framework. Yet, this is only part of the story.

The Smoke Control Association’s (SCA) ‘Guidance on Smoke Control to common escape routes in apartment buildings’ quickly became the default reference document for many designers, installers and approving authorities throughout the UK, when first published in 2012 and has since been updated with even more key information.

Alongside this, BS 9991:2015, which covers ‘Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings – code of practice’ is also a vital reference when addressing fire safety specification and requirements.

However, if your seeking a signpost to provide an effective route to achieving compliance, then, arguably, the best start point is the BS7346 – Part 8 Code of Practice. Prior to this, no single document existed that provided guidance for the industry from initial design, through installation to maintenance.

The core benefit of BS7346-8 is that by adhering to its guidelines; designers, installers, commissioning engineers and maintenance teams can create, install and operate a fully compliant smoke control system.

Clearly, providing any definitive guidance in the space available is impossible, but as the penalties for non-compliance are punitive and can involve imprisonment, it is always advisable to seek professional specialised input from organisations such as SE Controls, that work with the regulations on a daily basis.

The main things to remember is that you have obligations for safety, design and construction, which cannot be avoided.

For more information please visit www.secontrols.com.

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Securikey works the room with its new Modulprim features

Leading physical security specialist, Securikey, has made innovative modifications to its range of Modulprim security rooms. The Modulprim is a bespoke modular vault solution for both new builds and existing buildings and is a convenient and cost effective method of adding a high security strong-room to a building. The Modulprim offers a complete storage facility for money, documents and pharmaceuticals and is adaptable to most building specifications, even those with limited space or those located on upper floors. This impressive level of adaptability has now been increased further with the introduction of new lighter-weight materials to offer even further convenience and more storage space.

Securikey’s Modulprim components have now been adapted, using new materials, to provide further options, ease of installation and accessible space. New light-weight panels combined with reduced steel work decrease the weight of the original Modulprim by up to 25%. In addition, the new method allows for unsupported space of up to 12 metres with no internal pillars, compared to 7.4 metres on the original, providing the customer with a much greater amount of useable space along with increased flexibility in layout.

Pre-fabricated off-site to precisely fit a detailed floor plan drawn up by Securikey, the Modulprim components are welded together from smaller panels allowing installation in difficult to reach locations which means that it can be easily modified at a future date and it is also possible to disassemble the vault and transfer it to another location.

The Modulprim can be installed on any floor capable of taking the minimum load capacity, the scope of which has now been widened with the introduction of the new lighter weight components and, although extremely robust, the walls are relatively small in width enabling the Modulprim to be installed in more compact areas without compromising on security.

Consisting of four walls, a floor, celing and vault door as standard, the Modulprim can also be supplied as a five sided solution if desired, as is often a requirement for the pharmaceuticals market. The Modulprim door, which is manufactured from steel and delivers a level of protection that is equal to or higher than the vault room itself, is available in Grades ranging from 0-9 depending on the level of security required. All vault elements are subjected to exhaustive tests to meet European security standard EN1143-1, ensuring European wide approval and, in addition, each product is branded with the appropriate badge as proof of certification – the Modluprim also has the approval of SBD (Secured By Design), the official UK Police flagship initiative combining the principles of ‘designing out crime’ with physical security.

As testimony to Securikey’s reputation for efficient and user-friendly products, the unique construction of the Modulprim also allows for the space above the Modulprim to be used for storage of up to 500kg per square meter if required, meaning that not an inch of space is wasted.

For more information about Securikey’s Modulprim or to download the latest strong-room catalogue, visit www.securikey.co.uk/vaults-and-safe-deposit or call 01252 311 888.

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Lucideon launches new balustrade testing service

Lucideon, the international materials technology company, has launched a new balustrade testing service. The testing covers free standing glass, post, rail, spindle and infill balustrades to BS 6180: 2011 ‘Barriers in and about buildings’ and Eurocode 1.

The new service will allow designers, manufacturers, distributors, importers and suppliers of new balustrades, and Health and Safety and Facilities Managers of existing in-situ balustrades, to obtain performance testing to ensure that the temporary or permanent barriers (panels and structural components) protect people from hazards or restrict access.

Balustrades can be tested in Lucideon’s large-scale construction laboratory in Stoke-on-Trent or on-site, if the system is already in place. It is crucial that balustrades are safe and fit for purpose before installation and during service.

Steve Newman, Product Manager, Lucideon said “Balustrades can look great in any setting, but without complying with regulations and meeting specifications, they can pose a serious risk. Loading tests ensure the safety and performance of balustrades and their components.”

In addition to balustrades, Lucideon also offers testing for staircases, balconies, handrails, and Glass-reinforced Plastic (GRP) products. The GRP products include canopies, chimneys and dormer windows.

To find out more about Lucideon’s balustrade testing services, visit www.lucideon.com/balustrades.

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Kee Safety provides safe access with self-closing safety gates

Kee Safety, a global supplier of fall protection equipment and safety railing systems, has launched Kee Gate, a range of self-closing safety gates, which provides industrial workers with a safety solution when working at height and on ground level.

Designed to work both internally and externally, on ladder and stair access points, roof hatches, walkways and roof tops, Kee Gate, ensures maintenance, inspection and warehouse staff can fulfil their job, follow best practices and comply with current safety standards, without putting their safety at risk. Kee Gates are spring loaded so can automatically close behind the user, providing an added level of security and overcoming the potential for human error. This type of system is the preferred solution to chains, bars or sliding tubes, as these traditional forms of protection can lead to a hazardous void, when used incorrectly.

Kee Safety self-closing safety gates are available in galvanised steel and if required can be powder coated in safety yellow. The safety gate is available with standard ‘U’ bolts for fixing to uprights of 33.7, 42.4 and 48.3 mm diameter, enabling the gate to be fixed quickly to existing supporting structures, posts or stringers. An additional fixing pack is provided which allows the gate to be fixed to square, flat or angle uprights. Easy to install on all types of handrails or to retro-fit existing structures, such as galvanised handrails and roof edge protection systems, Kee Gate is 1 metre wide. Designed to be trimmed on-site, this solution saves companies the time and money it takes to fabricate their own gates.

Kee Gate is compliant with the requirements of EN 13374 Class A, EN ISO 14122 Part 3 & Part 4 and is CE marked to EN 1090. The range is also compliant with international standards, meeting OSHA, O.B.C and I.B.C requirements. The system has undergone extensive testing to ensure total reliability of the gates. These include salt spray testing to ASTM B117-11 Neutral solutions over 200 hours to assess the coating’s corrosion resistance, life cycle testing to BS 6375-2:2009 Clause 6.5 – Opening and closing of Gate through 90 degrees 50,000 cycles and Abuse Testing where 9 x 25kg weights were suspended from the gate to test what happens if pressure is applied. This ensures durability, superior corrosion resistance and defence against signs of wear.

For more information, please visit www.keesafety.co.uk.
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IAQ and the safe opening of high level windows

By Dr Chris Iddon CEng MCIBSE – Natural Ventilation Design Manager with SE Controls

For centuries, windows have been the preferred and sometimes the only means of ventilating buildings to ensure that carbon dioxide, temperatures and pollutants can be vented and replenished by fresh air.

They remain an important part of the ventilation solution as windows can provide greater air flow rates and the capacity for purge ventilation required by Building Regulations ADF (for example to vent odours caused by spillages) and also the greater flow rates required for cooling during the warmer summer months, both during the day and as part of a night purge strategy.

Ensuring openable windows comply with Building regulations

Nevertheless, designers should be aware that any window upgrade undertaken as part of a building refurbishment or repurposing project that incorporates the replacement of high-level openable windows, must comply with Building Regulations Part K (Part N in Wales). They stipulate that window opening controls must be accessible and located no more than 1900mm above floor level (AFL) or 1700mm AFL, if obstructed.

Consequently, ordinary window handles on such high level vents do not meet building control requirements and alternative opening control methods should be considered. The regulations clearly specify that if the window controls cannot comply, then an alternative remote electrical or safe manual solution should be provided.

At SE Controls, we provide a range of solutions for the operation of high level windows; using push button operated electrical actuators, either stand-alone or linked to automatic indoor air quality monitors, such as our NVLogiQ system, or via a manual winding mechanism. We can also provide assistance to help designers specify the most appropriate solution.

Whatever method is used, windows still provide a simple, effective and economic route to air quality and temperature management, whilst allowing the all important ability for them to be controlled by building’s occupants.

Ventilation is not just about ensuring that fresh air can enter a building, but enabling contaminants to be removed, or at least diluted, to improve overall air quality. Although there are numerous methods of improving air quality, just opening a window is one of the easiest and most accessible, but it must be compliant.

For more information please visit www.secontrols.com.
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