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.

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

• Emergency lighting systems provide lighting in corridors, stairwells, ramps, escalators, aisles and exit passageways during power outages.
• You must be in compliance with I.S. 3217:2008. Any commercial building must have Emergency Lighting and the installation should follow the legislation criteria.
• Emergency lighting and exit signage are essential in the event of accidents or catastrophic events that require a safe and smooth evacuation from a building.
• There are different types of emergency lights available. Non-maintained, which only come on if the power fails; maintained which are always on but switch to battery-powered during a power failure; and sustained, which have two lamps – one which is normally powered via the building’s electricity and one which illuminates via battery power in an emergency.
• Make sure that the Exit sign (LED) is always illuminated (daily inspection).
• You must follow the Irish Standards testing requirements, so you will avoid the possibility of failure of the emergency lighting systems.

Cannon Fire Safety Group is certified and trained by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). Also, we provide the full range of Emergency Lighting Systems.