FIRE SAFETY & SECURITY
Interlinking alarm systems that save lives
Lee Parsons, chief executive of Arctic Hayes discusses the complexities and solutions surrounding fire safety in multi- dwelling, multi-floor buildings and how to safeguard their occupants
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ou only need to look at the skyline of the UK’s major cities to see that the construction landscape has evolved, with an increasing focus on multi- dwelling, multi-floor buildings.
While these structures offer convenience and efficiency, they also present unique challenges when it comes to ensuring fire safety.
Navigating the regulatory landscape is crucial for installers and they must stay abreast of regulations governing fire safety systems, including fire alarms, smoke detection, sprinkler systems and emergency lighting. Additionally, implementing best practices such as compartmentation and fire-resistant materials can help mitigate risks. Innovations in fire safety technology play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of multi-dwelling buildings. There have been significant advancements in fire detection and suppression systems, such as smart smoke detectors, wireless alarm systems and automated fire suppression solutions. These technologies not only enhance early detection and response but also offer remote monitoring capabilities, enabling faster intervention and improved safety outcomes. Installing smoke alarms, heat and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors is a primary but essential safety measure and provides early warning of two potent dangers: fires and CO poisoning. Together, they play a critical role in safeguarding lives, reducing injury and minimising property damage by offering an early detection system that allows for quick action and timely intervention by emergency services.
Landlords
In October 2022, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 came into force, broadening a public sector landlord’s responsibility where smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are concerned. Private landlords have been required to install a smoke detector on each storey where there is a room used as living accommodation since 2015. With the update to the regulations, it is now mandatory for CO alarms to be installed in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance (other than a gas cooker) which could include gas boilers, gas fires, log burners or open fires, or oil fuelled appliances.
The biggest change for landlords is that, while previously they were responsible only for installing and testing an alarm at the start of the tenancy (it was the tenant’s responsibility to repair or replace from then on), landlords are now responsible for repairing or replacing any smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once they have been informed by their tenant that there is a problem.
Although no alarms are specified in the
regulations, an alarm with a long-life 10-year battery is an important consideration for landlords. This type of alarm has a battery that lasts the full lifetime of the alarm and so will not require anyone to change the batteries. Long- life alarms are also tamper-proof and offer good value for money.
Interlink
Interlinked smoke alarms are a transformative solution, allowing multiple alarms to communicate with each other. Interlinked systems use wireless technology to connect the alarms, making installation flexible and less invasive in terms of building structure. For installers, the practicality of interlinking alarms means they can offer more effective safety solutions to large residential buildings. The Arctic Hayes range of SleepSafe heat and smoke detectors, for instance, offers a wireless interlink capability, allowing the units to communicate with each other and alert building users, homeowners and tenants to danger. The SleepSafe range includes the Wireless Interlinked Smoke Alarm (Order code SM10L) and equivalent Heat Alarm (Code HT10L), which are ideally suited for a wide range of applications, including landlords, local authority properties, educational institutions, and multi- dwelling units like blocks of flats. Thanks to their ease of installation, without the need for extensive wiring, the detectors are also a practical choice for retrofitting in existing buildings or incorporating into new builds. When one alarm detects a danger, all connected alarms sound, ensuring that everyone in the property is alerted, regardless of their location. This feature is particularly advantageous in larger homes, multi-floor buildings, and complexes such as local authorities and blocks of flats, where timely warning can save lives.
Best practice
With around 60% of fires in the home starting in the kitchen, a heat alarm is also strongly recommended in or near the kitchen area. Heat alarms react to a sharp rise in heat rather than smoke or fumes and are not triggered by cooking fumes or someone burning the toast. This eliminates the annoyance of false alarms that can lead to tenants tampering with smoke alarms. Installers must be diligent in following best practices while fitting each alarm. They should ensure that smoke alarms are placed correctly, typically on ceilings and away from dead air spaces where smoke might not reach. It’s essential that the selected alarms meet the relevant standards and are installed according to manufacturer instructions and local regulations. Installers should remind homeowners
Installers, building owners, landlords, property managers and regulatory authorities must work together to address the complex challenges of fire safety in multi-dwelling buildings. By fostering open communication, sharing expertise, and prioritising safety, we can create environments that are resilient to fire risks and provide peace of mind for occupants. By staying informed about regulatory
requirements, leveraging technological innovations, investing in training and education, and fostering partnerships, installers can play a vital role in safeguarding these environments and protecting the lives and property of those who inhabit them.
and tenants about regular maintenance, such as testing alarms monthly and if a fault appears, report the issue to the landlord.
Personal safety
The risk of CO exposure can be particularly high when working on boilers, heating systems and in environments where there is incomplete combustion of fuel. In confined or poorly ventilated spaces CO can accumulate to dangerous levels quickly. Carrying a personal CO alarm is a simple yet effective measure that can provide early warning against this invisible, odourless and potentially lethal gas. The SleepSafe Personal Carbon Monoxide Detector is a device that combines functionality with life-saving technology. Its design is centred around the critical need for early detection, sounding an alarm when CO levels exceed 30 parts per million (ppm), a threshold where prolonged exposure can start to have harmful effects on health. Whether on site or at home, this detector provides peace of mind, knowing that you and your colleagues are protected against the dangers of CO exposure.
10 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JUNE 2024
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