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

UK’s dark homes contributing to ill-health

Damp and dark homes across the UK are having a direct impact on the levels of serious health conditions being reported, according to a new report by leading roof window manufacturer VELUX®.

This VELUX Healthy Homes Barometer highlights a clear correlation between poor housing stock and ill-health in all countries across Europe. UK residents living in dark homes are revealed to be 27% more likely to report poor health conditions including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, people living in unhealthy buildings in the UK with damp are 34% more likely to be suffering from health conditions.

Across Europe, one in six households are currently living in an “unhealthy” (meaning damp or mouldy) building, increasing their chances of illness by 66%.

Developed in collaboration with Ecofys, a Navigant company, Fraunhofer IBP, and Copenhagen Economics, the VELUX Healthy Homes Barometer examines the effects of housing on the health of people living in countries across Europe, along with the associated costs to society and ways to tackle the problem.

On the back of the findings, VELUX is calling for buildings to become more energy efficient and for the UK’s housing stock to be brought up to par.

Grant Sneddon, Product Manager at VELUX-GBI said “We know instinctively that living in unhealthy surroundings is bad for our health. This study reveals to just what extent those in the UK and Europe are suffering on account of their homes; and also the staggering financial costs to society of not bringing our aging housing stock up to par.”

Europeans living in an “unhealthy” building are more than 1.5 times (66%) more likely to report poor health, and 40% more likely to suffer from asthma, as those who do not.

Meanwhile, Europeans who suffer energy poverty – meaning they are unable to keep their homes comfortably warm in winter – are twice as likely to report poor health and nearly three times more likely to report damp in the home.

The costs of unhealthy buildings are not just felt by individuals either. The overall (direct and indirect) costs to European governments and societies of just two of the many diseases associated with damp living environments – asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – reach a staggering EUR 82 billion per year.

One solution is to modernise Europe’s existing buildings through energy efficient and healthy renovations. This would not only lead to improved health outcomes, lower societal costs and reduced CO2 emissions, but would also provide a much-needed catalyst to European economies. The Healthy Homes Barometer 2017 goes on to examine the level of private capital available for renovation in EU member states – EUR 30 trillion – and what would be required to help unlock some of that total to invest in renovation.

For the first time, using data from the European Commission’s vast Eurostat Database, the analysis provides new evidence on the relationship between housing and health.

The full report can be accessed by visiting http://www.velux.com/health/healthy-homes-barometer-2017
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Gradus ensures student safety at the London School Of Economics

Gradus is contributing to safety for students at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Situated in Houghton Street, Central London and originally constructed in the 1920’s, the Main Building of the London School of Economics and Political Science has recently undergone a restoration project to the North Eastern side of the building, which saw the installation of a brand new staircase.

ASXT11 stair edgings from Gradus were specified for the project to ensure the safety of the staircase, while maintaining a clean and contemporary aesthetic. XT stair edgings comprise an aluminium channel with a slip-resistant insert that extends around the leading edge of the profile to increase underfoot contact with the slip-resistant element of the stair edging. Selected with Glacier standard interior inserts, the stair edgings define the step edge by providing a suitable colour contrast with the floor covering, in line with BS 8300:2009+A1:2010 and Approved Document M of The Building Regulations 2010.

Gabija Bingelyte, Project Manager for the London School of Economics refurbishment said: “Thousands of people pass through the campus each year and, as such, the university needs to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for students, staff and visitors.

“As the market leader with 50 years’ experience in the industry, it was an easy choice to specify Gradus for the project. We chose market-leading XT stair edgings, as they complement the contemporary staircase whilst also providing a superior level of safety.”

Anthony Roberts, Product Manager for Gradus, added: “The XT range offers the ultimate solution for protection against the risk of slips, trips and falls, which are one of the main causes of injuries on stairs.

All of Gradus’ XT stair edgings are available to download as BIM objects. Gradus’ BIM objects provide up-to-date, accurate data about products providing you with the relevant technical information to build into your projects.

For further information on Gradus’ full range of XT stair edgings, or for any other queries, please call 01625 428922 or visit www.gradus.com.
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Kemmlit lockers specified for Brighton’s £3.5 million premier office refurbishment project

Mocatta House is part of the Trafalgar Place flagship development in Brighton.

Named after David Mocatta the architect who designed the original building in the 1890’s and also Brighton’s Railway Station, Mocatta House has recently been refurbished at a cost of £3.7 million.

The building has been extended vertically by developers Faithdean to provide high end office accommodation including a new sixth floor and roof terrace.

Kemmlit R2Z lockers with electronic locks were specified by architects Morrow & Lorrainne for one of the main office suites.

The Type R2Z Locker System, which has a 20-year guarantee, utilises high quality 100% corrosion resistant aluminium for the locker carcass with a choice of two high quality door options – solid grade laminate finished in a special overlay to protect against scratching or a double shelled aluminium door with a ‘Crystal Coat’ stove enamelled finish.

For this project, 13mm solid grade laminate (HPL) doors with rounded edges were specified.

The Type R2Z locker from Kemmlit UK is part of a comprehensive range of high performance cubicle and locker systems offered by the company, designed and engineered for a wide range of applications and environments.

Kemmlit also provide a design and installation service.

For more information please visit www.kemmlituk.com or follow @Kemmlituk on twitter.
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Aico expands training facilities

Aico Ltd., the market leader in residential Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms in the UK, has expanded and enhanced its training and support services for customers. This includes two new Mobile Training & Demonstration Units plus an extended Centre of Excellence at Aico’s premises in Oswestry, Shropshire.

Aico’s new fully fitted Mobile Training & Demonstration vehicles enable the company to deliver detailed product and alarm technology information, plus its CPD accredited Expert Installer training, right to customers’ very doors.

Information boards on all Aico technologies, such as RadioLINK+ and AudioLINK, and alarm ranges – with fully functional product attached – are installed within the units, along with a virtual tour of the company’s manufacturing process in Shannon, Ireland.

The internal layout is highly flexible and can be configured to meet different requirements, be it a hands on training session with Aico alarms and technologies, a product demonstration, or working on bespoke specification projects.

In addition to the new Mobile Training & Demonstration Units, Aico also provides training, product demonstrations and much more at its Centre of Excellence, in Oswestry, Shropshire. Opened to great acclaim in 2015 as part of Aico’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the Centre has been expanded to twice its size to meet the demand for its use.

The new extension, officially opened at a launch Event in January, houses a dedicated training facility, with a large Conference Room which seats up to 150 people and is kitted out with the latest Audio Visual facilities. The Workshop allows for 20 people to comfortably attend a hands on training session and view alarms in action with the use of a smoke chamber. A new wholesaler area, with its imitation trade counter, has been set up to look familiar to wholesalers whilst showing the latest product and merchandise available to them.

The existing facilities at the Centre of Excellence remain, including ‘Ember Place’, which emulates a furnished home with typical room layouts including a lounge, kitchen and bedroom, with suitable Aico alarms and accessories fitted. In addition, there is a large modern meeting room which can accommodate up to 40 people; break out areas with seating and desks; and a Heritage and Manufacturing Area featuring a virtual tour of the Ei factory in Ireland.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico is the market leader 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 UK 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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High quality building design is key to meeting noise challenges in London

In conjunction with International Noise Awareness Day this week, manufacturer ROCKWOOL UK published a report on the impact of noise in London. Entitled, ‘Good Growth, Quiet Buildings: Exploring the impact of noise in a growing city and solutions in the built environment’, the report draws together information on health impacts, costs and government policy and highlights how growth in high density living coupled with the move towards a 24-hour economy means that London will continue to face challenges in achieving good growth and a good night’s sleep.

Key points:

  • Trends such as urbanisation, high density living and the 24-hour economy result in more noise – London has more noise complaints than anywhere else in the UK
  • 48% of people across the UK say their home life is spoilt by noise, whilst 41% of Londoners cite noise as a main reason for leaving the city
  • Noise is costing the UK £7-10 billion a year due to ill health consequences, loss of amenity and loss of productivity
  • Good design can and should create buildings that support health and well-being

Noise is already the number one complaint in hotels in London, whilst it’s also one of the main reasons given by Londoners for moving out of the city – with 41% citing it as a reason for leaving. Meanwhile, a World Health Organization (WHO) study found that at least 1 million healthy life years are lost every year in Western Europe as result of exposure to environmental noise. That makes noise the second largest environmental cause of ill health after air pollution, with the social cost of environmental noise placed at £7-10bn a year in the UK alone.

So, despite the pressure to rapidly deliver many more homes, hotels and commercial premises in London, noise mitigation must not be forgotten. Research also shows that quiet sells. For example, Premier Inn’s sound conscious hotel in Leicester Square is one of the best-performing hotels in London, with occupancy rates of 95%.

Managing Director of ROCKWOOL UK, Rory Moss, said “Building in noise considerations from the outset of a project is the most straightforward and cost effective route to achieving quiet buildings. By considering noise as an integral part of the design process, alongside factors such as aesthetics, lighting and layout, materials can be carefully selected to meet real life performance needs. With so many developments in the pipeline for London, now is the time to ensure we’re building to support our health and well-being. ”

Good Growth, Quiet Buildings: Exploring the impact of noise in a growing city and solutions in the built environment is available to download via the ROCKWOOL website. Visit www.rockwool.co.uk/about-us/news/noise-report for more information.
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Securikey’s unique Mini Vault Range Gen 5 stands apart in market space

Building on the success of its bestselling Mini Vault range, leading supplier of physical security products Securikey has launched the Mini Vault Generation 5. All safes in the new range are EN14450 S2 approved and listed in the AiS Safe Book to offer you maximum security.

As with all Securikey safes, each model is either fitted with a robust key-lock as standard with the option of a manual or electronic digital lock to cater for individual requirements. Securikey’s ‘Safe Logic‘ lock is a high quality option which has been designed based on user feedback from the previous bestselling Mini Vault range.

Most importantly, users can now register their safes against a unique identity number with Securikey. In case a user forgets or misplaces their six digit code, Securikey will use the identity number to provide a unique code to override the lock on the safe, therefore gaining entry at times of emergency. This feature adds an extra layer of functionality that is unique to the Mini Vault Generation 5.

The Mini Vault Silver and Mini Vault Gold Fire Resistant Generation 5 have an 8mm anti-bludgeon door that prevents attack by prying and brute force and is laser cut to fit flush to the sides of the safe. The entire range has been approved as a quality security product by Secured by Design, a group of national police projects which acknowledge products on the principles of designing out crime.

Furthermore, the Mini Vault Gold Generation 5 range offers the additional benefit of double walled construction using a fire resistant barrier material to meet standard DIN 410, and gives the Gold range a light fire rating

In order to ensure ease of installation within suitable items of furniture, such as wardrobes, fixing options are available on the base and rear of each safe, and high quality fixings are supplied.

Both variations in the Mini Vault Generation 5 range, the Mini Vault Silver and the Mini Vault Gold Fire Resistant have a high quality paint finish to RAL 7001 and now also offer branded livery for easy identification. As quality reassurance, the safes display the complete list of accreditations that each safe in the range fulfils, and a Sold Secure approved blue badge is fixed inside each safe.

The Mini Vault range Generation 5 forms part of the comprehensive range of Securikey products encompassing cash safes, fire safes, key control systems, padlocks, personal security items, convex mirrors and digital door locks.

For more information, please contact Securikey on 01252 311888, email enquiries@securikey.co.uk or go to securikey.co.uk.
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Intratone launches new products with pre-paid 3G communications

Intratone, one of Europe’s largest access control specialists, has launched Intracall, a new one-way intercom system that includes a pre-paid, 3G communications module with 15 years of unlimited audio communications.

The system, which is easy to install and can operate seven pre-set phone numbers (each allocated to a different time), overcomes one of the major headaches of existing systems that are ‘pay as you go’ as Nicolas Gaine, Export Sales Manager at Intratone, explains: “The problem with systems using 3G and SIM cards is what happens once the credit has expired,” he says, “and who is responsible for meeting the ongoing cost.

“In developing Intracall, we have removed this problem completely by providing a pre-paid SIM that lasts for 15 years. Not only does this remove the risk of a new system becoming redundant through lack of funds, but it also brings more certainty and visibility to pricing and future running costs.”

Ideally suited for multi-use and 24/7 premises including car parks, commercial businesses and hospitals, Intracall includes the option to integrate a remote analogue PAL camera to enable operators to both hear and ‘see’ their visitors. The system itself is also easy to use; a single button dials one of the seven pre-programmed phone numbers, depending on the time of day and the operators’ specific settings.

In addition to Intracall, Intratone has also launched a new coded keypad that is ideal for gate automation and access control professionals. The new keypad comes in an INTRABOX package that includes the coded keypad and a GPRS data module with an integrated RF receiver.

“Code management for many installers and property managers can be a challenge,” Nicolas continues. “A code’s life expectancy is short and needs to be regularly changed as a large number of people can know the code.”

“Changing a code often requires lengthy trips to sites, which are inefficient and expensive for installers. Intratone’s new coded keypad solves this by being web-based, so the code can be changed remotely and at any time. Time profiles can be added to the codes, ensuring operators can keep them secret for longer, while it also comes with ten years of pre-paid data to pay for the 3G web-based communications.”

For more information please visit www.intratone.com.

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Kee Klamp® expands its range of tubular fittings

Kee Safety, a leading global supplier of safety railing systems, has expanded its Kee Klamp® range with the introduction of 12 new types of tubular fittings. Designed for installation on steeper gradients, the new slope fittings offer builders and specifiers an aesthetically pleasing option.

The latest addition to the Kee Klamp® portfolio is an extension to the current range of slope fittings. The new components have been designed to enhance the building of guardrail along staircases and ramps, particularly when the slope is greater than 30 degrees. The new range introduces single fittings to cater for situations where currently a combination of fittings is required. Not only does this improve the aesthetics of the finished guardrail but it also allows for a quicker and easier installation.

The new range of slope fittings is available in the two most common sizes for handrails; size 7 (outside diameter 42.4mm) and size 8 (outside diameter 48.3mm). The new components form part of an extensive range of tubular fittings, the widest on the market. With so many fittings available, Kee Safety can provide a solution for all handrail designs.

Kee Klamp® is a range of cast iron tubular fittings that can be installed using a standard hex key. Each fitting incorporates an internal set screw to lock the respective fitting safely and securely onto the tube to create a strong, stable and safe structure. This method eliminates the need for time-consuming welding or specialist skills. Since no special tools are needed, workers can change and reconfigure Kee Klamp® structures quickly and easily. The Kee Klamp® system securely joins structural steel tube into almost any conceivable configuration across a variety of angles and is also capable of accommodating on-site variations.

“Kee Klamp® carries over 80 years of expertise in developing safe, secure and cost-effective tubular fittings,” says Vernon Barry, Product Manager at Kee Safety. “Aesthetically pleasing handrails are sought after by specifiers, so we are pleased to have been able to fill this gap in the market with our new range. Not only do the new Kee Klamp® fittings tick the design box, they also provide builders with a quick, easy and cost-effective solution. The fittings are suited for use in a number of applications, including the highway, railways, retail and education sectors.”

Kee Safety provides great customer service to support its Kee Klamp® range by offering technical advice, project drawing and an installation service. For more information, visit www.keesafety.co.uk.
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North Wales RSL standardises on Aico Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm for safer homes

Cartrefi Conwy, a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) in Conwy, North Wales has announced its decision to fit Aico’s mains powered Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e as standard across its entire housing stock.

Having achieved the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, Cartrefi Conwy is one of North Wales’ foremost providers of affordable, high quality homes. It places the safety of its tenants at the highest priority and has a commendable 100% coverage of mains powered alarms across its 3,800 properties. A long standing Aico customer of over ten years, Cartrefi Conwy had been using Aico Ei160RC alarms, but has upgraded the specification to the premium Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e.

The Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e 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 was a key factor for Cartrefi Conwy as Property Services Manager Wayne Bannister explains: “Due to the combination of smoke and heat working in tandem we expect there to be fewer false alarms. They also offer reassurance to our tenants that they have a device that is cutting edge technology that will keep them safer in their homes.”

Cartrefi Conwy will be installing the Ei2110e to a minimum category of LD3, which requires alarms in all circulation spaces that form part of the escape routes from the premises. For its sheltered flats, it will increase the coverage to category LD2 which sees the addition of alarms in all rooms that present a high risk of fire to occupants. The alarms will be fitted during planned installation programmes and also reactively as required. In addition, they will be fitted as standard in Cartrefi Conwy’s new build development programme.

A feature rich device, the Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e comes with sophisticated data extraction technology in the form of AudioLINK for single alarm data and RadioLINK+ for whole system data. “AudioLINK is definitely a technology we will be utilising especially where we have an incident” comments Wayne. AudioLINK enables real time data to be extracted from each alarm using its sounder directly to a smartphone or tablet via a free 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 activations, with details of when it occurred – all in a simple easy to read format.

RadioLINK+ technology will also be used to wirelessly interconnect Aico’s Ei450 Alarm Controller in all sheltered housing schemes and in properties where Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms are present; and the Ei414 Fire/CO Alarm Interface which is installed in properties that are covered by a warden call scheme and have different detection types i.e. smoke, heats CO.

“Cartrefi Conwy use RadioLINK extensively and find it to be a huge cost benefit to us with reducing wiring costs” states Wayne. “The tenants have less or no decoration and the installation process is far less intrusive.”

Wayne is appreciative not only of the technology and sophisticated features of Aico’s alarms and accessories, but also of the customer service: “The service is excellent. Steve Trafford [Aico Regional Specification Manager] is always available to advise and calls in regularly providing me with updates. I’ve always been impressed with the customer focus of Aico and the user-friendliness of their products. I have made a point of standardising Cartrefi Conwy’s domestic fire detection to be solely Aico”.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico is the market leader 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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World famous restaurants enjoy Advanced protection

Two of London’s most exclusive restaurants, including the world-renowned Ivy, are now protected by industry-leading fire panels from Advanced.

Both The Ivy and Sexy Fish in Berkeley Square, which are both owned by Caprice Holdings, have been fitted with MxPro 4 fire panels from Advanced. The Ivy has recently been subject to a full refurbishment, overseen by the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. The work included a comprehensive overhaul of the building’s fire system by experts from Sussex-based ROC Solutions, who also installed the brand-new system at Sexy Fish, as well as the existing fire panels in The Club at The Ivy.

Dean O’Brien, Director at ROC Solutions, commented: “The Ivy project was not only high-profile, but also logistically challenging, working around the quick refit schedule and interfacing with the neighbouring The Ivy Club, which remained open. In comparison, installation of the new system at Sexy Fish was not quite so complex, but still just as vital.

“For both projects, Advanced panels were the obvious choice, offering the right mix of features, reliability and adaptability to safeguard customers, staff and the fabric of the restaurants. Careful planning was needed to ensure that the fire system components did not encroach on the luxurious finishes in each establishment, while the Sexy Fish system needed to be integrated with the existing network in Berkeley Square House, one of London’s most desirable addresses.”

MxPro is the fire industry’s leading multiprotocol fire solution, offering customers a choice of two panel ranges, four detector protocols and a completely open installer network that enjoys free training and support. MxPro panels can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into multi-loop, high speed, 200 panel networks covering huge areas and controlling up to 254 individual devices per loop

The Ivy system which is integrated with the existing EMS radio system in Ivy Club, covers both the public and private areas of the West End restaurant, including the dining rooms, kitchens and other back of house areas, while the brand new fire system at Sexy Fish covers all areas of the Mayfair restaurant.

Neil Parkin, Sales Manager for the North at Advanced, said: “Advanced panels are already installed in several Caprice Holdings venues, so we were very pleased to supply MxPro-based systems for The Ivy and Sexy Fish. Our products bring with them an enviable reputation for performance and ease-of-use, which has led to their installation in buildings as diverse as The Shard and Iona Abbey. We have worked closely with Dean and his team for a number of years and MxPro is now Roc Solutions’ first choice of panel for all new installations and upgrade projects.”

MxPro 4 is fully compliant with EN54 Parts 2 and 4. The MxPro 5 is Advanced’s highest performance analogue panel. It is EN54 2, 4 & 13 approved and is backward compatible with MxPro 4, offering long-term security for MxPro customers.

Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The legendary performance, quality and ease-of-use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management systems.

More details can be found on the website at www.advancedco.com.
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