Development was built in the early 90’s and despite the fact that legislation in force at the time provided for such, no fire alarm system was installed.

The development comprised of 12 separate common areas giving access to a total of 66 apartments.

A typical common area was as follows:

-       Two flights of external entrance steps which led to the main entrance door of the common area at 2^nd storey level.  Underneath the external entrance steps was the electrical meter room/switch room.  Once you entered the common area door you were in a 1.5m wide lobby with an apartment on the left and on the right and in the middle was the stairs to the next level where you had 4 apartment entrance doors around a semi octagon shape landing.

The requirement of the recently granted building Fire Cert called for an L3X Fire Alarm System to be installed.  There was a definite argument to go with a wireless addressable fire alarm system due to the fact that it was a finished building and the challenge involved in carrying out cable runs taking into account the disruption to tenants, achieving the required sound levels and leaving the finished product aesthetically pleasing.  It is important to note that there were a variety of different apartment internal layouts.  Some with long Z-shaped corridors and some duplexes.  Achieving the necessary sound levels was not straightforward by any means and in most cases would involve more than one sounder within most of the apartments.  A sound level survey was carried out to establish this.

Once quantities were agreed on, we submitted a very detailed quotation, a fully transparent breakdown of the costs involved for both a wireless system and a hardwired system. With the quantities involved and high cost of wireless equipment not only did the initial installation costs come in one third more expensive than the hardwired system, but this combined with the higher maintenance of the wireless system including replacement batteries over its expected lifetime, made the hardwired system the definite option.

In order to comply with the requirements of I.S. 3218 Standard and also make the installation aesthetically pleasing it was decided to run PVC trunking with the fire rated cable fixed within trunking with fire rated cable cleats drilled and screwed to the wall at the relevant distances.  This not only secured the cable in compliance but also secured the trunking.  All the trunking joints were accurately mitred.

There are some steps we have to take before and during the fire alarm system installation, make sure that your fire safety company complies with all standards and requirements required by Irish legislation.

The L3X main building fire alarm system was complimented by the installation of an LD2 domestic smoke alarm system in each individual apartment,  The project was completed on time with the minimum inconvenience and the finished installation was found to be very satisfactory by all concerned.

CFSG is a one stop shop that supplies all your Fire Safety needs, email us info@cfsg.ie or call us 01 295 7540. CSFG operates a nationwide service backed up by a 24 hour call monitoring facility.

As the risk of fire is always there, your fire detection systems need to be ready to perform when you need them most.

Through our regular comprehensive servicing and maintenance services, our technicians aim to provide properly functioning fire equipment and systems. We service a huge range of fire protection systems for organisations large and small and home service.

24/7 support that comes to you

CFSG technicians are on 24-hour standby; ready to undertake emergency repairs to your fire-protection systems and products. Rapid response in Ireland.

All businesses must think before neglecting fire alarm maintenance.  It is really difficult to 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 3218:2013
  
• 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.

CFSG also offers SA3000 Silent Alert Commercial Fire Safe Paging System for people who are deaf

This is a deaf fire alarm interface that links with any existing commercial fire alarm system and complies with all the relevant parts of I.S. 3218:2013 and EN54-25 2008 & BS5839-1 2002. This system can help make you compliant with Part 3 of the Disability Act 2005. Other workplace alerting options can be integrated with this system such as telephone, intercom, etc.

CFSG is a one stop shop that supplies all your Fire Safety needs, email us info@cfsg.ie or call us 01 295 7540. CSFG operates a nationwide service backed up by a 24 hour call monitoring facility.

In this post, we are pointing out tips for you to know and remember during this week and carry out for your life.

• Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Smoke alarms save lives. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

1. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
2. Test your smoke alarms every month and change the batteries regurlaly
3. Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years
4. When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
5. In the event of a fire like evacuation, calling the fire brigade, call 999
6. People deaf and with hearing impairments can chose smoke alarms that sound an ultra-loud warning and others that have visual and vibrating indicators. CFSG and Silent Alert have a special range of general alerting (including smoke alarms) options for the commercial and the domestic markets. The Silent Alert Wireless Personal Paging System offers a choice of portable receivers to alert you to all the important sounds around the home (smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, burglar, car alarms, baby monitor, telephone, etc…).

• Fire Alarms

Fire alarm systems are expected to help protect people, property, and assets. Proper testing, inspection and maintenance can keep your fire alarm system at optimum operating performance. In addition to ensuring protection, keeping your system in good condition reduces expenses by preventing unbudgeted emergency repairs and costly false alarms. 

Silent Alert Commercial Firesafe Systems - This is a deaf fire alarm interface that links with any existing commercial fire alarm system and complies with all the relevant parts of I.S. 3218 2013 and EN54-25 2008 & BS5839-1 2002. This system can help make you compliant with Part 3 of the Disability Act 2005. Other workplace alerting options can be integrated with this system such as telephone, intercom, etc.

• Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers can be a small but important part of the home fire safety plan. They can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or suppressing it until the fire department arrives.

Check out our blog: What you should know about Fire Extinguishers?

CFSG can inspect the extinguishers at your facility. We schedule a time to service your facility, arrive on time with a smile, perform our inspections. While the job might seem simple, there is actually an extensive process behind the annual inspection. Each extinguisher requires individual attention and several detailed check points to ensure it will function as designed.

• Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting and exit signage are essential for accidents or catastrophic events that require a safe and smooth evacuation from a building. It provides illumination allowing people to see clearly, avoid obstacles and move confidently to the nearest exit in a crisis. Our range of emergency lighting products provides a flexible, cost effective solution to any emergency lighting testing and monitoring system.

• Safety Training

The importance of safety training extends beyond a worker’s introduction to the job. It also encompasses situations when his job changes or when working conditions change. Without an understanding of safety practices related to her job, a worker will be at a higher risk for workplace injury, illness or death.

CFSG has developed and increased its range of training courses ensuring that all trainers are fully up-to-date and compliant with the latest standards.

• Safety Kits

CFSG offers a range of safety kits: Medical Kits
- First Aid Boxes
- Home Safety Kits (Fire Extinguisher, Smoke Blanket & Smoke Alarm)
- Taxi Safety Kits (First Aid Box, Fire Extinguisher, Hi-Viz Vest, Warning Triangle, Torch, Pen & Notebook). To keep your family safe equip your home with the essential products you will need if an emergency occurs.

CFSG is one stop shop that supplies all your Fire Safety needs, email us info@cfsg.ie or call us 01 295 7540. CSFG operates a nationwide service backed up by a 24 hour call monitoring facility.

From September 1st 2014

Where a new or replacement open-flues or clueless combustion appliance, not designed solely for cooking purposes, is installed in a dwelling, a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm should be provided:

(a) in the room where the appliance is located, and

(b) either inside each bedroom or, within 5m (16ft.) of the bedroom door, measured along the path of the corridor.

Check out the building regulations (Technical Guidance Document B Fire Safety) at: http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/BuildingStandards/FileDownLoad,1640,en.pdf

Carbon Monoxide is highly dangerous. You can’t see it or smell it. In fact it is often called “the silent killer”. You can protect your home from the dangers of this deadly gas by taking preventive measures and by learning to recognise the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

CFSG is one stop shop that supplies all your Fire Safety needs, email us info@cfsg.ie or call us 01 295 7540. CSFG operates a nationwide service backed up by a 24 hour call monitoring facility.

“It shall be the duty of every person having control over premises to which this section applies to –
(a) take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire on such premises,
(b) provide reasonable fire safety measures for such premises and prepare and provide appropriate fire safety procedures for ensuring the safety of persons on such premises,
(c) ensure that the fire safety measures and procedures referred to in paragraph (b) are applied at all times, and
(d) ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire whether such outbreak has occurred or not.”

A person convicted of an offence under the above may be liable to a maximum fine of €12,697.38 and/or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.

Check the Code of Practice below:

• Guide to Fire Safety in Existing Nursing Homes and Similar Type Premises (1996)

Lets give a some brief Fire Safety tips for Nursing Homes and Hospitals

Nursing assistants, personal care aides and others who work in a hospital or nursing home must know about fires and fire safety. They must know how to prevent fires and how to act when a fire starts. They must also tell their patients and residents how to prevent fires and what to do if a fire starts.

HOW DO FIRES START? 

Fire needs three things.

• Something to burn. It needs a solid, liquid or gas that is able to burn.
• Air is always present. It cannot be taken away.
• Heat

Fire needs ALL three of these things.

If you take one of them away a fire cannot start. Air cannot be taken away but heat and something to burn can be taken away in order to prevent a fire.

You can prevent fires by keeping heat away from something that can burn. It is as simple as that. Keep heat away from something that can burn!

You can prevent fires by keeping the patient’s clothes (something that can burn) away from a damaged electrical wire (heat). You must keep cigarettes (heat) away from bed sheets (something that can burn). A fire will start if you do not keep heat away from something that can burn.

WHAT YOU MUST DO IF A FIRE STARTS

If a fire starts, you must act very fast. You must R-A-C-E and follow your fire plan. You must:
R- Rescue all the people that are in danger. The first thing you must do is rescue people that are in danger. Follow your fire plan. Get your patients and residents out of danger. Move them to a safe place inside if you can. Move them outside if there is no safe place indoors. Get them out of the area and keep them out.

A- Alarm. You must then pull the fire alarm.

C- Confine or contain the fire if you can. Close all of the doors and windows. Do NOT ever prop doors open. Fire doors must be able to freely close when there is a fire or smoke. These doors confine fires into small areas where they are free to move.

E- Extinguish the fire if you can safely. Do it without causing any danger to yourself and others. If the fire is a very small one that you can quickly and safely put out using water or a fire extinguisher, do it. If the fire is too big, get everyone out and pull the alarm.

All personal items should be left behind. No one should go back to get personal items. They may never get the chance to leave again.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 
Every nursing home and hospital must have fire extinguishers and all the staff must be trained to use them.

PLANNING FOR A FIRE EMERGENCY 
Be Able to Evacuate Your Patients and Residents Quickly and Safely

All hospitals and nursing homes must have stairway exits that are clearly marked with signs that are lit up so that all can see them. Nursing assistants must tell patients and residents to use the stairs and NOT the elevator if a fire starts in the area and they have to be moved to another floor of the facility for safety. Everyone must use the stairs.

If a patient or resident cannot walk down the stairs, the nursing assistant and other healthcare providers or a fireman must carry them down the stairs or gently slide the person down the stairs so that they can leave when they are in danger.

Know and Practice Your Fire Response Plan.
All health care providers must know how to respond to fires and other emergencies. All hospitals and nursing homes have a fire safety plan. If a fire starts we must all follow the plan.

It is also helpful to teach our patients and residents about fire safety and the proper response if a fire starts.

WHAT YOU MUST DO IF A ROOM IS FILLED WITH SMOKE

GET LOW AND GO if you are in a room filled with smoke.

HOW CAN I HELP A PATIENT WHEN THEIR CLOTHES ARE ON FIRE?

STOP, DROP & ROLL.

If a person’s clothes catch fire, tell them to STOP and NOT run. Tell them to lay down on the floor and cover their face with their hands. They should be told to then roll over and over to smother the flames. The nursing assistant should also cover the person with a blanket or another item to put out the flames.

Make sure that your Nursing Home/ Hospital 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, deaf blind, hard of hearing and elderly.

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

Certified by NSAI/ Member of FESA

Source: http://www.dublincity.ie/WATERWASTEENVIRONMENT/DUBLINFIREBRIGADE/FIREPREVENTION

Fire safety programs should cover all vital elements such as hazard recognition, prevention, and response. Use these fire safety basics to get you started.

Hazard Recognition and Prevention

To eliminate fire hazards, you have to know what to look for. Take the time to perform a workplace hazard assessment where you can search for and document known hazards. Once hazards have been identified, you’ll then be able to either control them if they are unavoidable or eliminate them altogether. Consider the following:

• Always practice good housekeeping. Keep work areas free of clutter and combustible waste.
• Make sure any heat-producing equipment (including office equipment like copiers or coffee makers) are kept away from materials that could burn.
• 39 percent of workplace fires are electrical. Ensure electrical cords are in good condition. Remove equipment from service if wires are found exposed or damaged until they have been repaired or replaced.
• Check that power outlets are not overloaded and that outlets and extension cords are capable of handling the voltage of connected equipment.
• Be on the lookout for equipment that overheats or gives off a burning odor.
• When plugging equipment into an outlet, the plug should correspond with the outlet; that is to say, do not plug a two-prong plug into a three-slot outlet.
• Store flammable work materials and chemicals in a safe location away from any ignition sources.
• Make sure there are unobstructed emergency exits and escape routes. Routes and evacuation instructions should be posted in locations visible to employees on every floor.
• Inspect fire response equipment regularly, including smoke detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers. Items not in working order need to be replaced right away.
• Fire extinguishers must be current on their inspections. Tags and service labels will indicate the most recent inspection.
• Communicate to all employees the hazards of smoking on site. Designate smoking areas outside and away from building entrances.
• Part of a preventative strategy includes written and practiced evacuation procedures. Your business should conduct regular fire drills where alarm recognition, safe evacuation, designated meeting location, and roll calls are performed. Use drills as an opportunity to identify flaws in your program and make any necessary changes.

Fire Response

If you see a fire break out, immediately sound the nearest alarm to alert other employees in the building and then determine your next step.

If the fire is small and controllable and you are trained in the use of a fire extinguisher, you may attempt to extinguish the fire. Be sure to leave yourself a clear escape route and know how to recognize when the fire grows out of your control. Instruct a nearby employee to dial 911 if your alarm system is not equipped to automatically communicate with local emergency responders.

If it’s clear the fire cannot be controlled by a fire extinguisher, evacuate immediately. Do not wait around or attempt to manage the fire on your own. Follow established evacuation procedures and assist fellow employees along the way.

Here are a few additional tips to elevate safety during fire response:

Choose the correct fire extinguisher for the job. Certain fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish particular types of fires. For example, an extinguisher designed to put out grease fires is not effective against fires caused by ordinary combustibles such as paper and cardboard. Please check this blog post to find more information about Fire Extinguishers

While nothing is an equal substitute for training on and familiarization with the use of fire extinguishers, the basics can be remembered with one simple acronym: PASS.

• P: Pull the pin
• A: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire where the source is, not at the flames themselves
• S: Squeeze the handle
• S: Sweep the nozzle back and forth from left to right until the fire has been extinguished

When evacuating the building, close doors behind you. This will help limit the spread of fire and smoke throughout the building.

Never use an elevator during a fire. This is important for three reasons:

1. Depending on the severity of the fire, electrical damage may shut elevators down mid-transit
2. Elevator shafts may fill up with smoke
3. Emergency responders and firefighters may need access to the elevators to address fires on upper levels.

It’s important all employees are trained in basic first aid skills. After evacuation, attend to any employees who may have been injured either by the flames or smoke inhalation while you wait for emergency responders.

In Ireland, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, which came into force on 1st September 2005, repealed and replaced the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989. It was brought in to make further provision for the safety, health and welfare of persons at work. This Act clarifies and enhances the responsibilities of employer’s, the self-employed, employees and various other parties in relation to safety and health at work. The Act also details the role and functions of the Health and Safety Authority, provides for a range of enforcement measures that may be applied and specifies penalties that may be applied for breach of occupational safety and health.

CFSG provides all your fire safety needs including a full Fire Warden training course. Check out our range of certified trainning courses at  Training webpage or contact us at info@cfsg.ie or call us 01 2957540

Sources: Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005; Safety Service Companies & IBOA

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

Is your smoke alarm still working? Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all.

A smoke alarm only works when it is properly installed and maintained. Depending on how your smoke alarm is powered (9-volt, 10-year lithium, or hardwired), you’ll have to maintain it according to manufacturer’s instructions. General guidelines for smoke alarm maintenance:

Smoke alarm powered by a 9-volt battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Replace the batteries at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long life”) battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Smoke alarm that is hardwired into the home’s electrical system

• Test the alarm monthly.
• The backup battery should be replaced at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

*** Testing your smoke detector is as important as brushing your teeth.***

Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking

A smoke alarm is just doing its job when it sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam.

• If a smoke alarm sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam, do not remove the battery. You should:
• Open a window or door and press the “hush” button,
• Wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air, or
• Move the entire alarm several feet away from the location.

Disabling a smoke alarm or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake.

Cannon Fire Safety Group provides all the Fire Safety appliances that your home or bussines need. Visit www.cfsg.ie or contact us by email info@cfsg.ie