Fire Prevention - Fire hazards often exist in retail stores due to flammable and combustible materials, electrical malfunctions, open flames, sparks, hot surfaces, smoking and unsafe storage of chemical products. Workers must have an emergency plan for how to evacuate the store, who to call in case of fire, and job tasks for people responsible for evacuation. Exit paths should not be blocked and must be clearly marked with exit signs that are lighted. It is better to have a pre-emergency plan than for chaos to result when a fire breaks out, causing loss of life and property damage.

Fire extinguishers must be available, and workers should be trained in how to use them. They must be the correct type for the hazard: type A for combustibles, type C for electrical equipment and type ABC for general fires. Fire extinguishers must be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in good working order. The needle gauge must be at the 12:00 o’clock position and the nozzle in good shape. Sprinklers must be installed and inspected at least once a year.

Good housekeeping and proper storage and disposal of combustible and flammable materials are the most important steps in preventing fires in a retail store. The employer must allow time in the work day for this type of work to be done.

Floors - Slips, trips and falls are common causes of injuries in all retail stores. Wet, slippery floors around produce, meat, fish and freezer areas are especially hazardous in grocery supermarkets. Similarly, aisles that are cluttered with boxes, and uneven cracked flooring are all hazards commonly found in department stores.

All spills need to be cleaned promptly, and time needs to be allowed to clear clutter and waste from the aisles.

Fire Exits - There are several important points concerning fire exits:

1. There must be at least two exits which are separate from each other so that if one is blocked by fire another is available for escape. More than two exits may be required depending on the number of people to evacuate and the level of fire danger.
2. Exits should not be locked or blocked. If doors are locked for security reasons, they must be able to be opened immediately in an emergency.
3. Exits, and the pathways to exits, should be clearly marked, easy to get to and well lit. Every exit sign should be illuminated by a reliable light source. Doors and passageways that are not fire exits should be marked “NOT AN EXIT.”

 Fire Drills - Fire drills should be conducted on a regular basis so that every worker knows how to evacuate the building quickly. You need to know where your nearest exit and alternative exit are located.

Emergency Action Plan - Employers should develop an emergency action plan. This plan should include a written policy that includes at least the following:

1. How to report a fire
2. How and where employees will escape the building including how disabled employees and employees involved in shutting down critical plant equipment will be evacuated.
3. The type of emergency alarm system(s) to be used throughout the workplace.
4. Training and retraining on evacuation procedures for all employees.
5. Designation of fire wardens or other responsible individuals who can answer questions and give further information.

Evacuation Safety Points - If you are escaping from a building:

• Know your escape route
• Don’t use the elevator or escape to the roof
• Close all doors behind you to slow the spread of the fire.
• The smoke is often the most hazardous part of a fire. If it is smoky, stay close to the floor; crawl if necessary.
• Don’t open a door if it feels hot.

CFSG is a one-stop shop for all your Fire Safety needs, contact us now and arrange a free consultation info@cfsg.ie and the telephone number is  (01) 295 7540.

The full name of this Irish Standard explains its precise purpose: I.S. 3218:2013 Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings – System Design, Installation, Servicing and Maintenance.

Fire Engineering Systems Association

Within the Irish fire industry it was long recognised that the Fire Alarms Systems business was fragmented and lacked a cohesive representative association. In addition the Fire systems houses in Ireland are the principal source for Gaseous and fixed Fire extinguishing systems (excluding Sprinkler installation) and this part of the industry also lacked representation.

Over years many informal attempts had been made to unify the industry and possible association with UK establishments was also investigated.

In 2002/3 a concerted effort was made and the British Fire Protection Systems Association (B.F.B.S.A.) the representative body of the British Fire Alarm suppliers and manufacturers made representation to the Irish fire Industry with a view to establishing an Irish branch office.

The proposal was considered at length however it was established that the Irish Fire industry required representation with an emphasis on the Irish Standards/ Codes of practice ,the Irish Market and the unique Irish ways of conducting business.

With this in mind, and making every effort to maintain the new found momentum, it was agreed that an independent Irish representative body would first be established and thereafter consideration would be given to establishing associate status with various international bodies including the B.F.P.S.A.

The Association is now actively working on behalf of the membership. It is recognised throughout the Industry,by government and regulatory bodies and has established itself as the voice of the Fire Detection, Alarm and Extinguishing business in Ireland.

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (FDAS) – What are the transition arrangements of the Irish Standards?

I.S. 3218:1989 was a Code of Practice issued in 1989 and superseded by issue of Standard I.S. 3218:2009 on the 8th of May 2009.

Because of the duration of building projects any Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (FDAS) designed in accordance with I.S. 3218:1989 or I.S. 3218:2009 for which a Fire Safety Certificate under the Building Control Regulations has been granted, may proceed to completion but all reasonably practicable steps should be taken to bring such systems into conformity with I.S. 3218:20013.

A note on all System Certification documents stating that the design and installation is in accordance with I.S. 3218: 1989 or I.S. 3218:2009 shall be included.

All variations from the standard for which a Fire Safety Certificate under the Building Control Regulations has been granted shall be recorded on the System Certifications documents.

Fire Detection and Alarms Systems (whether new installations, extension/alterations or modifications to existing installations) shall be commissioned to I.S. 3218:2013. In addition, the areas covered in any new installation or any system extension/alteration or modifications shall be designed and installed to I.S. 3218:2013.

User responsibilities for all Fire Detection and Alarm Systems shall be in accordance with I.S. 3218:20013.

Serving and maintenance for all FDAS shall be in accordance with I.S, 3218:2013.

There is no requirement for a Fire Detection and Alarm System designed, installed and commissioned to a previous version of I.S. 3218 to be upgraded in whole or in part to the latest version of the standard unless:

a) The owner agrees to a fully up-to-date installation, or

b) The existing installation cannot be incorporated in a new system and would detrimentally affect either its operation or the effective operation of the new upgrade, or

c) an upgrade is required by a Fire Safety Certificate under the Building Control Regulations for material alterations, extensions or change of use of the premises.

Cannon Fire Safety Group provides a full range of Fire Alarm Systems to meet your requirements including the deaf fire alarm interface that links with any existing fire alarm system, catering for the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing. Call us 01 295 7540 or email us info@cfsg.ie. It is important to note that paragraph 6.6.7.1 of the IS 3218:2013 standard makes specific reference to making the necessary inclusions in your Fire Alarm System to facilitate deaf and hard of hearing.  It states that visual and/or tactile alarm devices “shall” be used. CFSG supply the Silent Alert Firesafe System which is fully compliant with all the relevant parts of IS3218.  There are products which you may be offered to fulfill your requirement to the deaf and hard of hearing but while a lot of these may seem to meet your requirements, in many cases they do not comply with the IS3218:2013 standard and therefore cannot be classed as a component part of an IS3218 fire alarm system.  This is very important to be aware of no matter which product you choose as there could be insurance and litigation issues in the event of an incident.

Member of FESA

Source: FESA; I.S. 3218:2013

Fire alarm systems are composed of alarm initiating devices (smoke detectors and heat sensors), alarm notification appliances (sirens or devices that produce loud noises), fire control units (sprinkler systems or fire extinguisher systems), power supplies and wirings.

Fire alarm systems notify the occupants of a building or a house of a possible fire so that the occupants can either evacuate for safety or extinguish the fire before it could spread out and become uncontrollable.

The modern fire alarm system is capable of detecting smoke and heat from a small flame, water flow in a sprinkler system or an activated pull station, and reporting this information to on-site personnel via dedicated phone line to any location in the world. Although a seemingly straightforward device from an installation standpoint, fire alarm work can be quite complex, especially when you consider the enormous moral and legal responsibilities involved.

So how does a fire alarm system work? The fire alarm system can be set off automatically by smoke detectors, heat detectors or manually. These sensors are set to detect certain levels of heat or smoke that could be an indication of fire. A loud bell or a siren, sometimes accompanied by blinking or flashing lights for individuals who have hearing problems, blasts to alert occupants in the building. To truly understand how a fire alarm system works, let us go further into the components of the fire alarm system. In a fire alarm system there is always a smoke detector to detect smoke or fire.

How does a fire alarm system work by way of smoke sensor? There are two types of smoke detectors. These are the optical detector and the ionization detector. The optical smoke detector detects smoke by using light sensors (infrared LED). When smoke particles pass thru the chamber of the optical detector, it scatters light that triggers the alarm. In the ionization detector, if the smoke particle enters the chamber of the ionization detector it will reduce air ionization inside the chamber of the ionization detector and triggers the alarm.

Another aspect of how a fire alarm system works is the heat sensor or also called thermal sensor. A fire alarm system works by way of heat sensor in quite simple way. The heat sensor monitors the temperature in a room and any abrupt rise or sudden extreme change in temperature triggers the fire alarm.

Some fire alarm systems have automatic dialers that could dial an emergency number to contact the local fire department.

Also all the companies and buildings must be aware and be according to the Irish Standards I.S. 3218:2013 for Fire Detection & Alarm Systems.

Cannon Fire Safety Group provides a full range of Fire Alarm Systems that you might need, highlighting the deaf fire alarm interface that links with any existing fire alarm system, catering for the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing.

Call us 01 295 7540 or email us info@cfsg.ie

Source: Alarm Systems

Fire safety is a much overlooked problem among people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They do not receive the same media, educational, or industry attention as the hearing population. Many advancements in fire injury and death prevention over the past century have not addressed the fire safety needs of the deaf community. A great invention is the audible smoke alarm, although it does not cover people who a deaf and hard of hearing.

There are various legislation and standards, both Irish and European, concerning fire alarms for disabled people.

The Silent Alert Fire Safe System offers service providers a simple and cost effective solution to the problem of providing fire alarm cover for people who are deaf/ hard of hearing within public buildings and workplaces.

The system includes a discreet Pager unit worn by the user. A special radio transmitter links directly to the existing Fire Alarm System and is triggered automatically when the Fire Alarm is activated. The Pager responds by vibrating and illuminating the fire key.

The New Fire Safe Compatible SignWave Portable Sounder Flasher is ideal for use in hotels, residential homes and other multiple occupancy accommodation as an alternative to a Pager unit.

The system is compliant with all relevant parts of :

• I.S. 3218:2013 - Updated standard for Fire Alarms which specifically states the requirements for deaf/hard of hearing systems with visual or hearing impairments.

• BS5839 part 1 2002 - Standard to cover paging systems for deaf people linked to fire alarms.

• EN BS54-25 – 2008 - Standard for Fire Detection & Fire Alarm systems which use RF (radio links) to communicate.

This system can help make you compliant with Part 3 of the Disability Act 2005.

The Fire Safe system has an open air operating range of 750 to 1000 metres & is radio licence exempt.

The system’s unique design helps service providers fulfil their obligations under the fully implemented Disability Discrimination Act.

Fire Safe is ideal for: Office Buildings/Factories; Hotels; Schools; Multiple Occupancy Buildings; Care Homes; Sheltered Accommodation etc.

For further information contact us by email info@cfsg.ie or 01 295 7540.  CFSG provides all your Fire Safety needs nationwide.

Your business is insured, it does not mean you are fully covered in the event of fire.

A fire insurance policy may contain exclusions based on the cause of the fire, such as if the fire alarm system was not working properly due to a lack of maintenance or if the business does not follow all the Irish Standards for Fire Safety issues.

Under I.S 3218: 2013 commercial fire alarm systems should be serviced quarterly per annum. Under I.S 3217:2013 emergency lighting systems require 3 x half hour test and 1 x x 3 hour test annually. Under I.S. 291 fire extinguishers should be serviced annually.

Cannon Fire Safety Group provides all the Fire Safety requirements that you might need, highlighting the deaf fire alarm interface that links with any existing commercial fire alarm system, catering for the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing.

Call us 01 295 7540 or email us info@cfsg.ie

Certified by NSAI/ Member of FESA

The current structure of the Fire Service in Ireland is based upon the legislation of the Fire Services Act of 1981 & 2003. While the “duty of care” in respect of Fire Safety in Buildings rests with the Owner/Occupier under the Fire Service Act, 1981, the Fire Authorities have various powers of inspection and enforcement for Fire Prevention/safety measures in existing Buildings. View relevant legislation.

A Fire Safety Certificate is also required for a hotel, hostel or guest building.  Also in 2001 Fire Safety in Guest Accommodation was published which is a guide to setting out the fire safety measures and procedures which should be considered, including recommendations for fire alarm systems.

Lets list some important points that you must be aware of:

A fire alarm system is required in every premises used for guest accommodation, to provide early warning of an outbreak of fire and to ensure that the escape routes can be safely used.

The amount and type of fire safety equipment in a hotel varies by the size of the building, its height and age. Hotels/guesthouses should be provided with a fire detection and alarm system, unless the premises is fully covered by an automatic sprinkler system. New installations of automatic fire detection and alarm systems should be in accordance with Fire Services Act of 1981 & 2003. Existing installations should be assessed for adequacy, and if serious deficiency exists should be upgraded. Adequate existing systems may continue in use, provided they were installed and commissioned as required and are maintained to these standards according to legislation.

Fire alarm systems in public buildings, including the provision of visual alarm systems, are also dealt with in the recommendations of Irish Standards I.S. 3218: 2009. This standard, published by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), makes detailed recommendations for planning, design, installation, commissioning, and servicing of fire detection and alarm systems in buildings. Paragraph 5.6.7.1 of the Standard states that in areas where a normal type of sounder may be ineffective, e.g. where the occupants are hearing impaired or may be sleeping, visual alarms and tactile alarm devices should be used. Please check I.S. 3218: 2009 for further details, also check Fire Safety Building Regulation

Make sure that your hotel/ hostel/ guesthouse has the Fire services according to the Irish legislation. Cannon Fire Safety Group provides all the Fire Safety requirements that you might need, highlighting the deaf fire alarm interface that links with any existing commercial fire alarm system, catering for the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing.

Call us 01 295 7540 or email us info@cfsg.ie

Certified by NSAI/ Member of FESA

To help you stay safe and warm this winter and to help reduce the number of accidents, CFSG gives you some TIPS that you should follow before buying your electric blanket and also when using it.

• Buy a new blanket from a reputable retailer
• Look out for Safety Standard mark

Using Electric Blankets:

• Always read and follow manufacturer’s instruction before use
• Check the type: i.e. over or under electric blanket
• Examine your blanket regularly for signs of wear or damage
• Check the manufacturer’s instructions for suitability to wash your blanket
• Do not plug the blanket into an adaptor or multi-socket block with another appliance plugged in
• Never use an electric blanket with a water bed
• Never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together
• Never leave clothes piled on an electric blanket if it is switched on – this can cause overheating and scorching
• Never use the blanket whilst it is still folded, rucked or creased
• Store your blanket carefully when you take it off your bed – see the manufacturer’s instructions on how best to do this

Visit our website: www.cfsg.ie

With a conventional system, there is no way of pinpointing the exact location of the fire. However, by wiring your building into different zones, you can get a general idea of where the fire is. For instance, if you have two floors, you could wire the first as ‘zone 1’ and the second as zone 2. So if a fire occurs in zone 1, you know that the fire is somewhere on the first floor.
Wiring differences
Addressable alarm systems connect devices using a loop. This is where one wire connects all devices to the control panel. Both ends of the wire loop connect to the control panel.

With a conventional alarm, each device will be connected to the control panel via its own wire, rather than a shared one. One end of the wire will be touching the device, and another touching the control panel.
Which is the cheaper option for you?
Conventional alarm panels cost a lot less to buy but are more expensive to install. This is because each device that is being connected needs its own wire. With addressable systems, one wire loop will connect several devices. This means conventional systems require more wire and more man hours during the installation phase.

Additionally, addressable systems have a range of other facilities that can help save money. For instance, addressable alarm panels monitor the air flow through smoke detectors to prevent the occurrence of false alarms, which can be costly to a business.
Which is more reliable?
The addressable alarm panel is also the more reliable of the two. This is because the wire connects to the control panel at both ends (see the diagram above). If one end of the loop becomes severed, signals can still be sent to the control panel via the other end of the loop. Loop isolation modules are also used to separate devices on the loop. This means that if one device becomes disconnected, it won’t disable the circuit. With a conventional system, if a wire has become severed, the device will become disconnected.
Overall
Functionally, the addressable fire alarm unit is superior, which can help prevent costly activities and save time when detecting a fire. It’s also cheaper and easier to install. But in terms of buying price, a conventional system is cheaper, and will meet the functional needs of small premises where a sophisticated system is not necessary.

Source: Fire Magazine

All the businesses must think before neglect fire alarm maintenance, it is really difficult run a business nowadays and to undertake this challenge you should consider many conditions. Safety is one of these, you are responsible for the lives under your ceiling.

• Facility owners and managers should evaluate their need for fire alarm systems. These are important devices to keep personnel and property safe.
• Fire alarm systems must be installed serviced and maintained under IS 3218:2009
  
• Experienced fire safety providers can help to evaluate your facility and determine how best to install the fire alarm systems as well as what types would work best.

Visit our website and get in touch now!

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Here is why smart people keep Fire Alarm up-to-date:

1. Protection of lives and protection of property
2. Fire alarms systems have become increasingly sophisticated and functionally more capable and reliable in recent years.
3. Fire detection systems are designed to discover fires early
4. Detectors are available in a wide variety of types, such as heat, smoke and flame detectors
5. Regular maintenance limits false/nuisance alarms
6. Compliance with the Legislation
7. Avoid to get a fine from Healthy and Safety department
8. Insurance cover

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