FIRE SAFETY


means that these are not always convenient. In some areas, it can be costly or difficult to install cabling, as well as causing disruption to staff and patients. In a busy healthcare setting it is now always possible to shut down areas for installation, while further sensitivity needs to be considered for critical care units such as intensive care. Wireless devices are an increasingly popular solution for areas where downtime is not feasible or re-wiring would prove too disruptive. Installation is quicker and cheaper than wired options, minimising distraction from patient care. These devices also tend to be more discrete, lowering visual and physical impact. Two- way communication with the panel, battery replacement, and fault reporting can also be worked into the ongoing maintenance schedule via the panel service tools. Open protocol panels and fire systems


that offer a versatile range of devices give the greatest flexibility to opt for both wired and wireless devices. This gives greater freedom and flexibility to design a fully wired, wireless, or hybrid system that best suits the needs of the site.


False alarm management False and unwanted fire alarms are one of the biggest issues in fire safety and building management today. They not only leave occupants confused and troubled but can also lead to complacency and a failure to take proper action if/when a real fire occurs. They are also increasingly subject to penalty charges from fire and rescue services across the globe. A high-performance fire system should


offer the flexibility to accommodate the various evacuation strategies required in healthcare settings. False alarm management (FAM) generally uses detection methods and human verification of alarms to help reduce the incidence of false alarms. For example, algorithms in detection heads can increasingly differentiate between false signals such as steam or burning toast and actual fires. Panels can also allow detectors to work


smarter, using double knock (operation of two detectors) or coincidence (both combined smoke and heat detection elements operating) to confirm a fire. The system can respond differently to heat and smoke (with multi-sensors) and for programmable detector sensitivities. Alarm verification times and investigation delays can be programmed to operate at different times of day, allowing strategies to be configured relevant to the level of staff on duty or if the usage of an area changes. Systems can also include dedicated input devices that are manually operated when a false alarm is suspected to allow trained staff to extend an investigation period, so that a local alarm signal can be verified before escalating.


IFHE DIGEST 2024


On larger sites, seconds count, and fast systems are highlyvaluable in maximising the time for verification, escape, and firefighting


Integration with third-party systems A sophisticated fire system, capable of interfacing with third-party BMS, smoke damper control, sprinkler monitoring or HVAC systems, offers the user a host of advantages. By consolidating data from HVAC, energy, security, CCTV and life safety applications onto one system, the user gains facility-wide insight from a single workstation – benefiting from improved reporting, information management, and decision making. Against a backdrop of increasing


pressures to drive down costs amongst healthcare operators without compromising protection, operational efficiencies can be gained through the integration of the fire system and BMS, thanks to the reduced requirement for additional staffing, simplified training, and fewer false alarms. The integration of BMS and fire system


allows the fire system to be managed using existing fire or facilities management systems. In larger sites, such as hospitals, multiple BMS interfaces can be connected to an AdNet network allowing independent connections to a wide range of control systems.


Remote monitoring Smart buildings are on the rise and an increasing number of healthcare facilities are adopting sophisticated technology to maintain operational advantage. One of the most recent innovations in this area is the option to monitor a building’s fire alarm system remotely using a specialist platform.


Designed with Facilities Managers


(FMs) in mind, the latest platforms combine fire system monitoring, instant incident notifications, and remote fire system control all in one software, allowing users to both view and control elements of their fire system from any internet-enabled device, at any location. They also provide users with day-to-


day reassurance that their fire system is working as intended, with instant notifications to alert them of critical incidents and status changes, as well as flexible secure access methods to keep their data safe. On a large hospital site, remote fire


system control offers significant time and cost savings. Traditionally, FMs spend time and leg work setting and ending isolations on chosen devices on different panels. Remote control overcomes this by allowing FMs to make the changes on the software without needing to be at the panel. To both save time but also to ensure


security, upon an alarm, immediate access to the software is available via instant text notification link. Text alerts notify users of fire events as they occur – and as they evolve – allowing for safer, informed decision-making to maximise safety, minimise disruption to staff and patients, and ensure the fastest possible response time.


Safe evacuation


Hospitals pose unique challenges in the event of an emergency. Sites are often large and likely to have high numbers of people who are unfamiliar with the layout, slowing down safe evacuation of staff, patients, and visitors. Emergency exit signs are a vital tool to


assist people in safely navigating out of a building during an emergency. However, research has shown that people often ignore conventional signage, resulting in emergency exits being underused and causing dangerous bottlenecks in the main entrance. An intelligent emergency lighting


system, such as a Dynamic Safety Signage System (DSSS), is proven to make building evacuations faster and safer. The DSSS can be used as a standalone system or integrated with a fire alarm panel to trigger emergency lighting if an incident occurs. Unlike traditional static signage, DSSS uses green moving and pulsing LED arrows to clearly indicate safe exits and red LED crosses to boldly show no-go areas, aiding safe means of escape. When integrated with an addressable


fire system, the DSSS has the capability to tell it where the fire is within the building. This enables the lighting system to indicate the routes that are viable for evacuation in real-time via green arrows, while also showing the routes that are no longer viable with red crosses as the situation evolves. Fire system integration means it is also


possible to program cause and effect, allowing DSS to be used adaptively. This ensures that as evacuation situations evolve, only the safest escape routes are highlighted while unviable exits are clearly marked as no-go areas. As we have seen, the fire protection


requirements for healthcare premises are wide-ranging. They require meticulous planning and customisation to accommodate an array of building uses, staff and patient needs. Ensuring that the systems installed are completely reliable and fully functioning at all times has to be given the highest priority in these critical settings.


IFHE 55


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