Fire protection doesn’t need to be complicated
Clever fire safety systems that are easier to install and don’t cost the earth could bring significant advantages to all and importantly, be a life-saver, writes Nick Rutter (pictured) Managing Director of Sprue Safety Products.
Simplifying the fire safety process by aligning legislation to give the same level of protection to all and eliminating confusion surrounding technology, different types of smoke alarm and which to fit where, could be the key to saving hundreds of lives every year.
Significant strides have been made in the last decade thanks to the dedicated work of Fire & Rescue services and high profile national campaigning from bodies including Fire Kills, pushing out life-saving reminders urging people to install, test and change their smoke alarms regularly.
Better housing conditions have also improved the safety of tenants, but despite an overall drop in dwelling fires over the past 10 years and a reduction in the number of fire-related deaths and injuries, there is still work to be done.
Legislation is moving in the right direction but sadly, the more vulnerable groups – who are often those living in rented accommodation – continue to be most at risk. Statistics show that tenants and people living in shared accommodation are seven times more likely to have a fire in their property1.
The smoke alarm industry can’t afford to stand still. Rethinking the use of technology in modern smoke alarm systems can make life much easier for contractors and specifiers by simplifying choice and installation. Systems that are simple and inexpensive to install and save on running costs are less likely to be tampered with or deactivated.
Sprue Safety Products continually invests in research and development into the latest life-saving technological advances to bring new, simpler and affordable fire safety solutions.
Smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms
Its new SONA range brings together the latest advancements in eco-friendly technology in a simple range of three alarms – smoke, heat and carbon monoxide – with a control unit, diagnostic capability and wireless options to give occupants the best possible protection in a single, low cost system.
The SONA smoke alarm is the company’s most environmentally friendly mains powered smoke alarm and the only alarm to have a proven carbon footprint measurement2.
In rented housing where there is a higher risk of fire and alarms being disabled, mains powered alarms which provide constant power with tamper-proof back-up batteries are recommended to ensure tenants have continual protection.
However, where mains powered smoke alarms typically waste power, a smart circuit in SONA alarms adjusts the amount of power depending on what is required, much like a TV on standby.
SONA’s ground-breaking Thermoptek technology combines the latest in optical sensing with thermal enhancement to provide fast reaction to both slow smouldering and fast flaming fires in a single alarm. Featured in the smoke alarms fitted by 90% of the UK’s Fire & Rescue Services, this environmentally friendly sensing technology removes the confusion between ionisation or optical sensors and what type of alarm to fit where.
This confusion has been a contributing factor in the number of false alarms, which so often lead to devices being taken down from the ceiling, leaving occupants unprotected in the event of a fire.
The option of straightforward technology makes choice and installation much easier and will help to reduce these incidents, potentially saving hundreds of lives every year.
For installers, SONA’s ultra slim mounting base means quick and simple installation. The Wi-Safe 2 option removes the need for time-consuming channelling and trunking and allows easy wireless interlinking to up to 50 alarms in a single network within seconds.
The 10-year sealed for life battery backup across the range of alarms gives occupants peace of mind that all alarms will still work in the event of a power cut.
Fire safety doesn’t need to be complicated to be efficient and effective. Simpler, but robust solutions that are easy to install and can be used in all residential properties, will bring significant benefits and importantly, save lives.
Sources:
- http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_074034.pdf
- Results from tests undertaken by third party external verification body. The carbon footprint calculation of the SONA heat and smoke alarms over 10 years are as follows:
SM-SN-1 (smoke) = 13.9kg CO2 per alarm
HM-SN-1 (heat) = 13.6kg CO2 per alarm
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
