Wireless Fire Detection for Heritage, Education and Hospitals
The complexities and responsibilities of running a large scale operation, such as a hospital or school, can be extremely intricate, and thinking about fire safety as part of this can be daunting.
Historical buildings and estates offer different challenges yet fire safety is still high on the agenda.
With tougher legislation introduced with the Fire Safety Order 2005, it is imperative that the correct action is taken and the necessary protection put into place as part of an overall fire strategy.
The EMS "Radio Fire and security Systems" wireless fire solution FireCell represents an easy way to meet both responsibilities to the law as well as to staff and visitors.
A wireless fire system from EMS provides a fast track installation with minimal disruption yet is cost effective in terms of capital expenditure, with expensive labour costs drastically reduced, as well as a low cost of ownership over the lifetime of the system.
The very nature of a hospital, caring for sick, injured and vulnerable people, puts it in a unique position in terms of fire safety. The evacuation of these people, many who cannot walk unaided or could be confused or disorientated, has to be avoided unless absolutely necessary. This means that any fire emergency situation must be handled effectively, the reduction or eradication of false alarms being high on the agenda.
Schools, colleges and universities present similar problems as there will large numbers of young people on site, but these will be mobile moving throughout the day. Add to this the added problem of arson, which is highly prevalent in education with around 3,000 attacks in 2 years. Of all fires in schools 50% are down to arson and the cost of this amounts to between £70 & 100 million a year which could of course be better spent on education.
The good news is that, with a few simple techniques and management processes, the threat of arson can be reduced. Additionally fire and security systems that are easy to install and operate could drastically minimise the risk still further.
EMS wireless systems can be installed very quickly, as wiring is eradicated, and it’s the installation of this wiring which typically costs around 60-70% of the overall project price!
Installations can be timed to fit into school holiday breaks with many EMS systems being installed and commissioned during half term breaks, significantly reducing any inconvenience and delay in providing fire protection.
Heritage properties cover a multitude of buildings, they can be hospitals, they can be schools, they may be residential homes or properties of historical significance. Whatever they are, they present huge challenges in providing fire protection, mainly due to the fabric of the property but also due to the fact that wires cannot be routed to areas of risk.
The answer is of course wireless, which has been the choice for many years. EMS has been providing wireless fire systems to the heritage sector probably longer than any other, and when you are asked to protect some of the nation’s best known and valued buildings it has to be the best protection with a long track record.
Fire systems must be reliable and trustworthy; the certification of FireCell to EN54-25 ensures that the EMS fire solution is just that!
Another element that is important is the networking of fire systems across various properties, something which can be costly to achieve. However with FireCell wireless network capabilities being launched in early 2012, this will be simple and easy to implement.
No more costly and time consuming ground works associated with the digging of trenches or pulling cables through overcrowded ducts is needed. Health and safety issues are avoided and protection across entire estates can be implemented quickly, without delay.
The EMS 5 year warranty on all manufactured products is your guarantee of a reliable route to ensuring both compliance with the Fire Safety Order 2005 as well as providing the fire safety that is demanded within the various environments detailed above.
