Blog | Fire Alarm Systems

The Importance of Fire Alarm Systems

The UK Fire and Rescue Service attend over 600,000 fires each year, resulting in over 800 deaths. Early fire and smoke detection is critical in mitigating the consequences of building fires and saving lives.

Across buildings of all sizes, the risk of fire must be considered and addressed. Check out our guide to find out why fire detection and alarm systems are important and to decide what type is most suited to your project’s needs.

What is a Fire Detection and Alarm System and How Does It Work?

Fire is the product of a chemical reaction resulting from the combination of oxygen, fuel and heat. Fire detection and alarm systems utilise smoke and heat detectors to identify the presence of smoke, fire or carbon monoxide. When a fire is detected, an alarm is sounded to alert those in the building that there is a fire and that they should evacuate the building. Advanced systems even incorporate remote signalling equipment to alert the fire services

The main function of these systems is to provide warning to individuals and allow urgent decisions to be made and action to be taken as quickly as possible.

Prior to designing a fire detection and alarm system for your project, it is vital to consider what type of system best suits your building.

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

The two main types of fire detection systems are:

1. Conventional Systems

Within conventional systems, the components are wired to a control panel which allows for monitoring and managing their activation, deactivation and resetting. Since separate circuits are used for different ‘zones’ (for example, different floors), this allows for a general identification of where the situation has developed and thus enables the appropriate response to be taken.

This system is relatively inexpensive and performs particularly well within smaller buildings. However, this system does not enable exact identification of where issues have arisen.

2. Addressable Systems

Addressable systems operate similarly to conventional systems but can directly identify where a fault has occurred, or exactly which detector was triggered. The circuit is wired in a loop, with numerous call points or detectors on each loop. The control panel can be programmed to display specific details or trigger specific responses from detectors.

These systems are most effective for large facilities and not only require reduced wiring, but also offer more accurate detection which proves crucial in time-sensitive scenarios.

Moreover, analogue addressable systems are particularly advanced, and detectors can determine whether there is a fire, a defect or a maintenance issue. This reduces the occurrence of false alarms.

It is vital that fire detection and alarm systems are regularly monitored and serviced with frequent fire drills to ensure they are operating smoothly.

Why Are These Systems Necessary?

Most importantly, fire detection is concerned with protecting human lives. However, there are also regulations that a building must comply with regarding fire safety. These are updated regularly and dictate the expectations a building must meet regarding the early warning of fire, measures to prevent the spread of fire, etc.

Fire detectors provide early warning which is critical in subsiding the impact of a fire, allowing individuals to evacuate the premises in plenty of time and tackle the situation before it gets out of hand.

The number of detectors needed will vary dependent on each building. Nonetheless, higher numbers of detectors in place will result in improved safety and increase the chances of detecting fire as early as possible.

Summary

Fire alarm systems are vital for detecting fires early, allowing for action to be taken quickly to tackle the situation before it gets out of control. While conventional systems are highly effective for small facilities, addressable systems allow for the exact place where a fire has broken out or an alarm has been triggered to be pinpointed, saving time and protecting lives.

DARe-me Consulting Engineers offer fire detection and alarm system design for a wide range of projects and buildings. Contact our experienced team today to find out more.

Current Job Vacancies

Our Current Vacancies ... to apply email your CV to jobs@dare-me.co.uk

Position: Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Glasgow

Employment Type: Full time / Permanent

Experience: Minimum 5 years relevant design experience

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Excellent / Dependant on experience

Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Building Services or Mechanical Engineering.

Chartered status: IMECHE/CIBSE is preferred or progression towards chartership.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Proficiency in AutoCAD with a working knowledge of Revit.

2. Technical proficiency, strong communication skills, effective time management, and a collaborative team approach.

3. Demonstrated ability to exercise financial control and project management skills would be advantageous.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct mechanical design and consulting tasks encompassing systems design, production, specifications, and scheduling.

2. Provide comprehensive reports and guidance to clients.

3. Coordinate with internal and external design team members, representing the company in meetings.

4. Serve as the primary contact for clients, ensuring their needs are met efficiently by leading or assisting consultants.

5. Foster effective collaboration with all stakeholders impacted by your work.

6. Demonstrate accountability in project management and actively mentor junior staff through training initiatives.

7. Monitor and adjust personal and team workload schedules regularly. Establish and update task priority lists accordingly.

8. Review the accuracy and completeness of documentation produced by colleagues.

9. Uphold adherence to all Quality System protocols.

10. Fulfill administrative duties including tracking project-related man-hour commitments and providing monthly reports on project fee details.

11. Oversee project management activities, including the coordination of junior staff and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

12. Adhere to security protocols and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial information.

13. Fulfill any additional responsibilities required to support the company's core objectives as directed by the Directors.

14. Contribute to compliance with relevant ISO standards and national regulations in all operational activities.

Our Current Vacancies ... to apply email your CV to jobs@dare-me.co.uk

Position: Associate Electrical Design Engineer

Location: Glasgow

Employment Type: Full time / Permanent

Experience: 10+ years relevant design experience

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Excellent / Dependant on experience

Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Building Services or Electrical Engineering.

Chartered status: IET/CIBSE is preferred or progression towards chartership.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Generate electrical design drawings, conduct calculations using software such as Amtech, Hevacomp, IES, Relux, and Dialux, and prepare reports, specifications, and schedules.

2. Play a role in achieving BREEAM or equivalent regulatory compliance.

3. Contribute to compliance with Building Regulations Part F, Part L, or Section 6 through modeling efforts.

4. Participate in witnessing tests for the proving and commissioning of final installations.

5. Aid in the training and development of junior engineers.

6. Adhere to internal and external project timelines efficiently.

7. Adhere to the company's Quality Assurance management systems.

8. Provide support to Directors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct mechanical design and consulting tasks encompassing systems design, production, specifications, and scheduling.

2. Provide comprehensive reports and guidance to clients.

3. Coordinate with internal and external design team members, representing the company in meetings.

4. Serve as the primary contact for clients, ensuring their needs are met efficiently by leading or assisting consultants.

5. Foster effective collaboration with all stakeholders impacted by your work.

6. Demonstrate accountability in project management and actively mentor junior staff through training initiatives.

7. Monitor and adjust personal and team workload schedules regularly. Establish and update task priority lists accordingly.

8. Review the accuracy and completeness of documentation produced by colleagues.

9. Uphold adherence to all Quality System protocols.

10. Fulfill administrative duties including tracking project-related man-hour commitments and providing monthly reports on project fee details.

11. Oversee project management activities, including the coordination of junior staff and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

12. Adhere to security protocols and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial information.

13. Fulfill any additional responsibilities required to support the company's core objectives as directed by the Directors.

14. Contribute to compliance with relevant ISO standards and national regulations in all operational activities.

DARe-me Consulting Engineers

Core Values

Technical Excellence

Our commitment to quality service extends beyond external interactions with clients, designers, contractors, and industry stakeholders. Internally, we foster a collaborative environment where teamwork is paramount. Our aim is to be the dependable choice for clients and fellow team members alike. Upholding a consistently high level of service is essential in maintaining our reputation as trusted partners.

Excellence in Deliverables

Renowned for delivering superior end-products, we prioritise the continuous development of our workforce. We meticulously review and refine our methodologies, processes, and outputs to ensure unparalleled quality. Our focus on people development drives our relentless pursuit of excellence. We embrace innovation and adaptability to remain at the forefront of our industry, consistently exceeding expectations as the consultant of choice.

Innovation

Innovation lies at the heart of our operations, and we leverage advanced technologies such as the latest computer software and even drones for surveying to enhance our services. By integrating drones into our surveying process, we achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and safety standards. This innovative approach not only sets us apart but also ensures that we deliver exceptional results to our clients, reinforcing our position as industry leaders.

Empowerment and Growth

Central to our values is the empowerment and growth of our staff. We invest in their professional development through robust technical support and training programs, instilling confidence in their abilities. Additionally, we prioritise streamlining processes to promote a healthy work-life balance, enabling our team members to thrive personally and professionally. Our comprehensive benefits package underscores our commitment to their wellbeing, health, and financial security.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

We are dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility in all aspects of our operations. From minimising our environmental footprint to actively contributing to community and charitable initiatives, we strive to make a positive impact. Our sustainable practices not only align with our core values but also reflect our commitment to creating a better future for generations to come.

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Get in Touch

83 Old Castle Road, Glasgow, G44 5TG

Glasgow: 0141 374 2965

Edinburgh: 0131 235 2965

London: 0208 087 2965

enquiries@dare-me.co.uk

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Photo By: John Doe
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