Latest News

FIA Guides as well as other publications are now available on line

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:39:00 GMT

The FIA Guides, as well as other publications are now available on line from Detect Ltd (on this website) or directly from the FIA website.

It is vitally important that you keep up to date with the legislation, whether you are the Responsible Person or not. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse should the worst happen. Therefore, Detect Ltd are keen to help publicise the information from the FIA Guides and any other sources to help people receive the best and most up to date information.

The FIA Guides are recommendations and interpretations compiled by the FIA (written by Council, Committee, and Secretariat etc) to give help and guidance to members and non-members on technical subjects, legislative matters, FIA processes/procedures etc.

If you would like a practical interpretation of the FIA Guides and how they apply to you we would be happy to discuss these with you.

However, for those of you that wish to read them fully on your own the guides are as follows:

FIA Guide to Fire Alarm: Category Selection

A guidance document on the selection and specification of fire alarm category in accordance with BS 5839-1.

FIA Fact File 51

Government guidance on fire alarm systems, which provides guidance on what the English, Welsh and Scottish legislation recommends as the minimum category of fire alarm systems for various building occupancies.

FIA Fact File 52

The Equality Act 2010 discusses some of the possible effects of the Equality Act on fire alarm and detection systems.

FIA Fact File 53

A guide to test and inspections, which highlights the service intervals for fire protection systems, their frequency, actions to be carried out and what should be recorded and where.

Please Note This Disclaimer:

Please note that these Guidance Notes are just that, guidance notes. They are intended as general guidance only and are not a substitute for detailed advice in specific circumstances. Although great care has been taken in the compilation and preparation of these publications to ensure accuracy, Detect Ltd or the FIA cannot in any circumstances accept responsibility for errors, omissions or advice given or for any losses arising from reliance upon information contained in these publications.

Detect Apprentice Completes Alarm System Qualification

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Detect Ltd offer their congratulations to Chris Hall who has just completed his 3 year apprenticeship at Chichester College. Chris has passed City & Guilds 1852, NVQ Level 3, Knowledge of Security and Emergency Alarm Systems.

This award provides the theoretical knowledge needed by engineers in the systems engineering sector of the security industry. The qualification is broken down into four main areas (intruder alarms, access control, electrical principles and fire detection and alarms), which can be taken individually or altogether.

We are very proud and pleased for Chris. This also sets the benchmark for our other two apprentices Chris and Jamie, who have recently started the same apprenticeship.

Detect Apprenticeship Scheme Boosts Youth Employment

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:01:00 GMT

Detect are committed to the ongoing training and development of our staff at all levels. We are proud of the highly skilled engineers we already have as employees but we also believe in the value of ongoing training.

We are currently supporting the apprenticeship scheme through Chichester College so we can help train the next generation of engineers and other staff, to benefit our clients and provide them with the high quality service they expect from Detect at all times. Apprentices gain practical skills in a real workplace environment to compliment their more formal learning, which for our apprentices at Detect means that they learn first hand about fire protection and security systems.

Two of our apprentices, Jamie and Chris are currently completing NVQs at Chichester College in City & Guilds 2882 – NVQ Level 2 – Certificate & Diploma in providing Electronic Security and Emergency Systems and City & Guilds 1852 – Technical Certificate - Knowledge of Security and Emergency Alarm Systems. We have been pleased to hear back from Michael Marrinan, Section Leader for Building Services: Plumbing, Electrical & Alarms at Chichester College, who has commented upon their enthusiasm and politeness in the college environment, qualities we have also found reflected at our company.

By investing in the skills of our engineers, Detect can continue to offer the highest quality of service for companies in Hampshire and across the South. We would recommend the apprenticeship scheme to other employers in the region.

Paxton releases Net 2 PaxLock wireless access control in a door handle

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:05:00 GMT

Paxton have added to their access control and door entry systems with the addition of the Net2 PaxLock. This electronic lock is built into a door handle, and is completely wireless, allowing it to be installed quickly and easily in a wide range of situations. The most popular versions have a combination of contactless RFID keycards and physical override keys.

The Paxton Net2 PaxLock Electronic lock boasts:

Simple to use Net2 software and reliable Net2Air technology
An online wireless Net2 system with events reported back to the Net2 software in real time
Long battery life and battery management system to keep maintenance to a minimum
Flexible installation options to suit most security needs
Robust mechanical design

Detect can provide a complete range of Door Entry and Access control solutions to suit your needs - from single doors to entire buildings. Contact Us today to discuss your security needs.

Fire, Intruder and Access Control Systems at University of Winchester

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:47:00 GMT

Detect have been re-awarded for a further 3 years the term service and maintenance package to University of Winchester. This package covers the service responsibility for all electronic fire, intruder and access control systems across the academic and halls of residence buildings.

We are extremely proud to have been chosen again as service provider and system installer to this important educational client. This is a true testament to the service delivery that we provide to our clientele and cements even further our credentials and understanding of the needs of those in the educational sector to their life and security systems.

Major Fire at Totton Dry Cleaners

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:17:00 GMT

Sixty firefighters have been tackling a major fire at a Dry Cleaners that has left three buildings on the industrial estate damaged.

Fire Crews from stations across the region were called to Lulworth Business Centre in Totton at 1.30am on Friday after the fire broke out at an industrial dry cleaners. Eight fire engines arrived, and the crews brought the blaze under control by 5.15am.

One of the industrial units was severely damaged, with another two receiving more minor damage from smoke.

Dan Trasker, Group Manager at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said

“Firefighters gained access to the premises using specialist cutting equipment and crews ventilated the premises. The blaze was tackled using a combination of dowsing the flames from above with the aerial ladder platform monitor, and traditional methods on the ground.”

“Firefighters worked extremely hard to contain the fire to the unit of origin and did a sterling job in stopping the fire from spreading to the neighbouring two units.”

Hampshire Fire and Rescue has started investigating the cause of the fire.

Chris Ellis, Director of Detect Fire & Security commented:

"All businesses need to be aware of fire risks, and work to reduce the risks by completing regular Fire Risk Assessments and acting on the findings. As this incident demonstrated, a fire can happen at any time of the day or night, so Fire Protection Systems should be designed to minimise the risk to both lives and property."

Image © Hampshire Fire and Rescue

Eastleigh, Hampshire: Retailer fined for fire safety breaches

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:08:00 GMT

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have prosecuted a local shop owner for breaching a Prohibition Order.

Iskender Anik operates a shop in Eastleigh, Hampshire and has just failed his appeal against a fine originally handed down in 2000. He was originally fined at Southampton Magistrates’ Court when he pleaded guilty to breaching a Prohibition Order that prevented sleeping at Istanbul Grill, Eastleigh, Hampshire, along with four other offences against the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Mr Anik was fined £3,300 for breaching the Prohibition Order and £2,100 for each of the remaining offences. The Prohibition Order was originally served by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in December 2009 following inspections of the premises by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, during which a number of serious fire safety hazards had been identified.

Area Manager Mick Crennell of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service supports the decision taken at this appeal as this is justification of such a serious breach of fire safety.

We will continue to protect our communities through a robust risk management process that identifies the areas of highest risk and takes necessary steps to ensure their continued safety. Prohibition Orders are only issued in the most severe circumstances, to prevent a risk of death or serious injury in the event of a fire, breaching these Orders can have very serious consequences. Working in partnership with local authorities, we will continue to use the Service’s powers where necessary in order to improve the standards of safety throughout the county.”

This fairly hefty fine issued for a small premises shows the importance or regular fire risk assessments and acting on the results, even for small companies. Not only is the fine painful financially, leaving high risk fire issues unresolved could lead to loss of life.

New Website Launched

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:55:00 GMT

As you can see, we have launched a completely revised version of our website. We hope you find it useful - please let us know if you have any comments!

Regards, Detect Fire & Security

Fire risk assessor and hotel manager jailed for fire safety offences

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:27:00 GMT

An external fire risk assessor and a hotel manager have both been jailed for eight months for fire safety offences.

David Liu, who runs The Dial Hotel and Market Inn, both in Mansfield, had previously pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court to 15 offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, while John O’Rourke of Mansfield Fire Protection Services pleaded guilty to two offences under the legislation.

The Judge said that the time had come to send out a message to those who conduct fire risk assessments, and to hoteliers who are prepared to put profit before safety.

Officers from Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service visited both hotels as part of a routine inspection. They found that both premises were being used to provide sleeping accommodation on the upper floors and that fire precautions, which should have been provided to safeguard the occupants in the event of a fire, were inadequate.

Due to the serious risk to life, they issued prohibition notices preventing any further use of both premises for sleeping accommodation until suitable improvements had been made.

Mr O’Rourke was prosecuted because he had prepared fire risk assessments for both premises. However the fire risk assessments failed to identify a number of significant deficiencies, said the prosecution, which would have placed the occupants at serious risk in the event of a fire.

The offences common to both hotels to which Mr Liu, as the responsible person, pleaded guilty were:

A lack of a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment
A failure to ensure effective means of escape with doors leading onto corridors not being fire resisting or having self-closers fitted
A failure to ensure that emergency routes and exits were provided with emergency lighting
A failure to ensure the premises were equipped with appropriate firefighting equipment, detectors and alarms in that there was no fire detection within the bedrooms
A failure to ensure that equipment and devices provided were subject to a suitable system of maintenance in that the fire alarm system, emergency lighting system and firefighting equipment were not tested.

In addition at the Dial Hotel, officers found both staircases from upper levels terminating in the same ground floor area with no alternative escape routes or separation, a locked fire exit door, and exit routes obstructed by combustible materials.

The other offence at the Market Inn related to a missing fire door and a window not being fire resisting.

Mr Liu was also ordered to pay costs of £15,000. John O’Rourke, as a person other than the responsible person who had some control of the premises, pleaded guilty to two counts (one for each hotel) of failing to provide a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. He was ordered to pay costs of £5,860.

Fire Alarm Maintainer fined under the Fire Regulatory Reform Order 2005

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:20:00 GMT

Christopher Morris, 56, of Llandudno, a former retained fire fighter, appeared at Manchester Crown Court yesterday and was fined £5000 and ordered to pay £6000 in costs.

Last week at Trafford Magistrates Court, Mr Morris pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to maintain a fire detection and alarm system at a care home in Trafford, Greater Manchester, and failing to inform the owners of the deficiencies in the system.

Magistrates heard that enforcement officers commissioned a specialist examination of the fire alarm panel after a fire at the care home in May 2009. Among the deficiencies found were:

A blown fuse overridden with a piece of wire
An electronic component suspended between two terminal bocks instead of being attached to the circuit board
An alarm silence/fault warning buzzer missing from the circuit board
The fault warning light on the front face of the panel had been almost covered by paint

According to the prosecution, Christopher Morris, an electrician who had taken over the maintenance of the system in 2006, had issued several annual certificates of worthiness to the care home owner.

Deputy county fire officer, Jim Owen, said:

"Whilst many owners have been prosecuted under the Fire Safety Order, this may be the first time a fire and rescue authority has prosecuted someone contracted by the owner of a property to maintain a fire alarm. Taking on such a contract extends the requirements of the Order to the fire alarm maintainer. Anyone we find who doesn't carry out their work to recognised standards is a danger, and we will not hesitate to take action."

Detect Fire & Security are a recognised approved maintainer for Fire Alarm Systems. Do not risk being on the wrong side of the law for a saving of a few pounds!

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) 2005 Guidance

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:17:00 GMT

We've written a new article for business owners who may be confused about their liabilities regarding fire safety. Our guidance notes to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) 2005 Act gives an outline of the main areas of the legislation, and your responsibility to staff, customers and the general public.

The new guidance note can be found here: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) 2005 Guide.

University of Southampton awards Detect with 5 year Fire Alarm servicing contract

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:18:00 GMT

One of the largest universities in the South has chosen Detect to service,maintain and replace their fire alarm systems for the following 5 years.

The University of Southampton have a portfolio in excess of 120 academic and halls of residence buildings with a variety of fire systems within, from conventional to fully addressable with complex cause and effect attributes.

Detect were chosen from a list of 20 interested tenderers and we were predominately awarded for our experience and knowledge through the servicing we currently carry out for the Universities of Winchester & Chichester and our approach given at interview stage to how we will be raising the service standard for the University. With an onsite dedicated engineering team of 3, support Accounts Administrator and Account Manager our mantra to deliver what we say is now in place.

Fire Alarm Statistics Monitor Released

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:29:00 GMT

The latest National Statistics on fires, casualties, false alarms and non-fire incidents attended by the Fire and Rescue Services in England, produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government, were released on Friday 28 January 2011 under the auspices of the UK Statistics Authority. Statistics in this release are the latest available figures for England which are for the period April to September 2010. Key points of the data are:

Fatal and non-fatal casualties

In the six months from April to September 2010 there were 140 fatalities (12 per cent) less than in April to September 2009.
Accidental dwelling fires fatalities, which account for almost two thirds of all fire fatalities, were down by 10 from 98 in April to September 2009 to 88 in April to September 2010.
In the six months from April to September 2010, there were 4,300 non-fatal casualties from fires 3 per cent higher than in April to September 2009, though 33 per cent lower than in April to September 2000.

Fire incident types

In England, Fire and Rescue Services attended 289,000 fire and false alarm incidents in the six months from April to September 2010 - a 6 per cent decrease on April to September 2009.
Total fires fell by 3 per cent to 136,000.
Dwelling fires were unchanged at 19,000, and fires in other buildings were down by 6 per cent to 29,000. Road vehicle fires fell by 16 per cent to 15,000.
Attendances at false alarms decreased by 8 per cent to 137,000. Within this, there was a 19 per cent fall (to 5,500) in malicious false alarms and a 7 per cent fall (to 92,000) in false alarms due to apparatus.
Fire and Rescue Services attended 66,000 non-fire incidents in 2009-10, down 9 per cent from April to September 2009.

While preventing a fire is always preferable, our range of fire detection systems and fire safety training can help reduce the impact of a fire at your business.

A few words can say so much...

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:18:00 GMT

The following words were received via an email from Mr Anthony Stone, Site Security Supervisor – GE Aviation:

"I would like to provide to you feedback on your engineer Mr Mike Henning.

Mike attended site today, his help and understanding of the system was outstanding. Mike went the extra mile to help us and to get the problem resolved quickly.

It is not often that feedback and appraisals are given, so please accept.

Regards, Tony"

Detect extends its services to the University of Chichester

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:19:00 GMT

Detect has been awarded the term maintenance contractor for the University of Chichesters electronic security systems.

Having been the term contractor for the Univesities fire alarm systems for the past 3 years, the opportunity to expand our services to this important educational establishment is testament to the high levels of service that Detect has provided to the University.