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Introducing the P50 Fire extinguisher: the biggest innovation in portable fire fighting equipment this decade

Diamond Systems is thrilled to announce the introduction of the P50 fire extinguisher to the Northern Ireland market. Designed and manufactured in Great Britain from concept through to product, the P50 composite fire extinguisher is the biggest innovation in portable firefighting equipment this decade. The P50 fire extinguisher promises to revolutionise the Northern Ireland fire safety landscape, and delivers a sustainable solution to customers throughout the province.

The P50 fire extinguisher was designed and developed by Britannia Fire, a leading manufacturer of fire extinguishers for over 50 years. With its unique 10 year manufacturing and workmanship guarantee, the P50 fire extinguisher offers a solution that enables a simple in-house annual inspection, reducing both lifecycle cost and carbon footprint.

“We are excited to introduce the P50 fire extinguisher to the Northern Ireland market,” said Angela Bennett, Joint Managing Director of family owned and operated Diamond Systems:

“We wanted to partner with a manufacturer who strived to deliver highly sustainable products for our customers – saving lives and the environment. We believe that the P50 fire extinguisher range  will set a new standard in the Northern Ireland market and we are delighted to have been selected as the distributor for this region.”

Key features of the P50 fire extinguisher include:

– No annual service required by third party engineers

– Self maintained annual inspection

– 20 year manufacturers operational corrosion guarantee

– 10 year manufacturing faults and workmanship guarantee

– Environmentally friendly PFAS Free Foam

– Recyclable

– Accredited to the highest standards

– Manufactured using 50% electricity from Solar Panels

Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director of Britannia Fire said,

“I am really excited about the future of Northen Ireland, now that we have a credible, reliable, professional partner, as we do with Diamond Systems. The ability to offer our services and vast cost savings to the likes of the NHS, Universities and local government organisations, means it is a win, win situation as we are also helping the environment with Eco friendly products”.

For more information about the P50 product range, visit https://www.britannia-fire.co.uk/p50/ and contact Diamond Systems for all Northern Ireland enquiries at sales@diamondsystems.co.uk or 02890 207 207.

BSI are inviting comment on the draft of BS 5839-1, the Code of Practice for the Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for non-domestic premises.

Proposed Changes within BS5839-1

In the light of a number of fatal fires, the following variations are to be considered unacceptable:

• the absence of a zone plan in premises in which there is more than one zone on any storey, particularly in premises in which people sleep
• the absence of a facility for transmission of fire signals to an ARC in a residential care home, or in supported housing in which the facility is necessary to meet the recommendations of BS5839-6

The changes to BS5839-1 also recommended that, in rooms in which people sleep, preference is given to forms of automatic fire detection other than heat detectors.

The siting recommendations for manual call points in multi-storey buildings with phased evacuation, in which only a limited number of floors are evacuated at one time, have been simplified (“the manual call points should be sited only within the accomodation”).

There are also new recommendations on modifications and extensions of fire detection and fire alarm systems.

The public comment period for BS5839-1 ends on the 16th April 2024. Comment may be submitted via the BSI standards development web portal at: https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/Projects/2023-00932#/section

 

National Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing the vital role that apprenticeships play in shaping our workforce and promoting economic growth. This week-long event highlights the success stories of apprentices, employers, and training providers while inspiring others to embrace apprenticeships as a pathway to personal and professional growth.

Within any business, the value of apprentices cannot be overstated. Apprentices are the future of our business, the heart of our workforce, and the embodiment of dedication and growth. Joint Managing Director of Diamond Systems, Angela Bennett, is a firm advocate of apprenticeships:

“At Diamond Systems, we have a long history of promoting apprenticeships within the fire and security industry. All fire and security apprentices who join our business complete the Diamond Development Programme as part of their initial onboarding. This provides them with the skills and understanding of the basic tasks performed by alarm engineers, and empowers them with the ability to carry these out independently within their first few months”.

Why Apprenticeships Matter

1. Hands-On Learning: Apprenticeships provide a unique blend of hands-on learning and classroom instruction, ensuring that our apprentices acquire the practical skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles.
2. Innovation and Adaptability: Our apprentices often bring innovative ideas and a willingness to adapt to the latest industry trends, infusing our organization with the energy needed to stay competitive in a fast-paced world.
3. Career Development: We believe in the power of apprenticeships to transform careers. For many, it’s not just a job but the beginning of a fulfilling and rewarding career journey.

Diamond Systems collaborate with local schools in Northern Ireland to promote apprenticeships through careers fairs, Young Enterprise initiatives, and participating in mock interviews. We also work closely with local further educational colleges including SERC and Belfast Met. In conjunction with our fire alarm partner, Siemens, we donated a fire alarm training board to SERC, to assist the fire alarm apprentices with their practical skills development.

Robin Hamill, Lecturer at SERC was delighted with the new training equipment for the apprentices:

“The equipment donated by Diamond Systems and Siemens will enhance the apprentices learning experience in the college workshops. SERC appreciates the support and encouragement the college and apprentices receive from key stakeholders in the fire industry.”

By recognizing and promoting the value of apprenticeships, we can all contribute to a stronger, more skilled, and resilient workforce, driving economic growth and innovation for years to come.

To find out more about apprenticeship opportunities at SERC and Belfast Met, visit their websites or careers fairs.

 

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has revealed alarming new statistics on the rate of  fire false alarms in Northern Ireland, which it has branded as “unsustainable”.

Announcing the launch of a new False Alarm Policy which comes into effect in February 2024, NIFRS revealed today that 98.7% of automatic fire alarms in Northern Ireland were false alarms, with only a small proportion of the remaining 1.3% being actual fires. The shocking statistics reveal the extent of the problem locally. In England the proportion of total incidents that were false alarms in the year ending September 2022 was much lower, at 38% (Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fire-and-rescue-incident-statistics-england-year-ending-september-2022/fire-and-rescue-incident-statistics-england-year-ending-september-2022#ffAlarms).

So why are there so many fire false alarms in Northern Ireland?

Firstly, let’s consider what constitutes a “fire false alarm”.

Fire false alarms are where the Fire and Rescue Service attends a location believing there to be a fire incident but, on arrival, discovers that no such incident exists or existed. These are broadly categorised into ‘good intent’, ‘malicious’  and ‘due to apparatus’.

Due to apparatus calls are where a fire alarm or fire-fighting equipment operate (including accidental initiation by persons) in error.

We know from statistics published in England that the majority of fire false alarms, 68%, are attributed to apparatus (Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fire-and-rescue-incident-statistics-england-year-ending-september-2022/fire-and-rescue-incident-statistics-england-year-ending-september-2022#ffAlarms).

What changes are NIFRS introducing to tackle the problem?

From February 2024, how NIFRS responds to automatic fire alarms will change, with the new policy setting out specific responsibilities for fire alarm monitoring organisations, installers, maintainers, and users of fire alarm systems.

The key change is that duty holders in premises that are occupied and do not contain sleeping accommodation will be required to verify there is a fire before contacting emergency services. Signs of fire include visible flames, smoke, a smell of burning, or a strong indicator from a fire alarm system.

“Duty holders in premises that are occupied and do not contain sleeping accommodation will be required to verify there is a fire before contacting emergency services”

The changes won’t apply to:

• residential setttings, including hospitals, care homes, hotels, and dwellings

However, the changes will apply to:

• commercial premises, including factories, offices, and shops

The response will depend on the type of premises and the information provided at the time of an emergency call.

How can Fire False Alarms be Reduced?

The true solution to the unsustainable level of fire false alarms lies in getting to the root cause of the problem.

The Hackitt report produced after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, stated that there is a ‘lack of competency’ throughout the industry in almost every discipline and at every stage of construction and maintenance of a building.

We believe that until competency is enforced for any person working on a fire detection and alarm system, fire false alarms will continue to be a growing issue. Competency is required from the design stage, through to installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems.

Fire trade associations such as the Fire Industry Association are lobbying for minimum competency requirements for those working on fire alarm systems, and Diamond Systems have their full support. We have already put our design and engineering team through the rigourous new competency framework introduced by the FIA, with a 100% pass rate.

In addition to competency, we advocate the use of quality products and systems, many of which offer guarantees of false alarm immunity.

Get in touch to talk to our team of fire detection and alarm specialists.

 

 

A Voice Alarm System, also known as a Voice Evacuation System, is an essential accompaniment to a fire alarm system in buildings containing a large number of occupants. Typical applications include hotels, office blocks, entertainment venues, arenas, universities, shopping centres and airports. The primary purpose of a voice alarm system is to assist in the evacuation of a building or venue in the event of an emergency situation, such as a fire or bomb alert. Voice alarm systems are also suitable for daily use as public address systems, for the broadcast of music, promotional messages and staff paging.

The applicable codes of practice for voice alarm systems are BS5839-8, BS EN 54-16, and EN60849. In October 2023, an updated code of practice for Voice Alarm Systems, BS5839-8:2023, came into effect.

The BS5839-8:2023 code of practice gives recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of voice alarm systems which automatically broadcast speech or warning tones, in response to signals from their associated fire detection and fire alarm systems. It also covers systems that include a manual facility for the transmission of live voice messages as well as automatically generated messages for emergency purposes.

Voice alarm systems have a number of advantages:

• People typically react without confusion or panic if they receive clear, intelligible instructions
• Phased evacuation can be utilised, meaning that those most at risk are evacuated first
• Fire officers can broadcast “live” at any time

BS5839-8:2023 sets out recommendations for new voice alarm systems, and also applies to extensions and alterations to existing systems, at least in respect of the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and certification of the new work.

As well as installing and maintaining voice alarm systems, Diamond Systems offers a one hour CIBSE approved CPD course to consulting engineers on BS5839-8:2023, including the recent changes. To register your interest in CPD training contact us, or email design@diamondsystems.co.uk. For support with voice alarm systems, including new and existing installations, email sales@diamondsystems.co.uk.

 

Do I need to have a fire detection and alarm system installed in my premises?

In most non-domestic premises, a fire alarm system will be required. The regulations state that all business premises must have a fire detection and warning system. The complexity of the system will vary depending on the building layout, occupants, and the use of the premises. Insurance companies may also stipulate minimum standards for fire safety.

Do I need to have maintenance on the fire detection and alarm system?

If a fire detection and alarm system is deemed necessary then a system of maintenance is required, otherwise the user would be in breach of fire safety legislation and may be liable for prosecution. By arranging regular maintenance, you are demonstrating due diligence, and acting as a responsible employer, or premises owner.

Where is the legislation and guidance on this detailed?

This depends on where in the UK the premises are located. In England and Wales, the legislation is contained in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005; Scotland’s relevant legislation is the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006; whilst in Northern Ireland, the legislation is the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010. Guidance is also contained in BS5839-1:2017, the code of practice for fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises.

What is my first step towards complying with the legislation and guidance?

A single, named member of the premises management should be appointed to supervise all aspects of the fire detection and alarm system, and maintain all associated documentation. This individual is referred to as the “responsible person” in England and Wales, the “duty holder” in Scotland, and the “appropriate person” in Northern Ireland. Documentation should include the fire alarm log book, along with the as fitted fire alarm system drawings, and any inspection and servicing documents. All of these can be stored securely in a wall mounted fire alarm document box located beside the fire alarm control panel. The responsible person should also ensure an up-to-date fire alarm zone plan is mounted beside all fire alarm control panels, including repeater panels.

What are the ongoing duties of the responsible person with regards to the fire detection and alarm system?

• Carry out a daily visual check of the fire alarm control panel, reporting any fault lights to the fire alarm maintaining company immediately
• Carry out a weekly fire alarm test in accordance with the guidance
• Liaise with the fire alarm maintaining company to ensure testing and maintenance is carried out at regular intervals, not exceeding 6 months
• Ensure all building occupants are instructed in the use of the fire alarm system, in particular that they are able to recognise the warning which indicates fire
• Ensuring the fire alarm log book is kept up to date. All false alarms should be recorded in the log book, and it should be made available to the fire alarm engineers when on site
• Holding sufficient spare parts for the system, for example replacement frangible elements of manual call points

What formal testing needs to take place?

You should appoint a competent, third party accredited, fire alarm company to carry out regular servicing on the system. The maximum servicing interval for fire alarms in the UK is six months, but depending on the risk involved, servicing may be more frequent. During the service, a detailed check of the system will be carried out and you should receive documentation recording the checks and any recommendations. The fire alarm company should provide a 24-hour emergency response service, so that you can report any faults on your system immediately.

To obtain a quotation for fire detection and alarm system maintenance, or to arrange training for your team on the requirements for daily and weekly checks, contact us on 02890 207 207, or email info@diamondsystems.co.uk.

What is PSTN?

PSTN stands for Public Switch Telephone Network, and is the traditional copper wire, circuit-switched telephone network.

What is the PSTN Switch-off?

The PSTN switch-off is the process of migrating these old analogue phone lines to an all-IP network. It is currently happening across the United Kingdom, and will be fully complete by 31st December 2025.

How could this impact my alarm system?

It is not just telephones that rely on PSTN lines. Alarm systems also send signals down these lines. Unless your system already has an IP based signalling solution, it will likely be using the old PSTN network to dial out to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), when a signal needs to be sent – for example on alarm activation.

Once your premises switches over to the new digital service, alarm systems using PSTN will no longer be able to transmit signals. This may impact insurance policies, not to mention the safety of the building occupants and the security of the premises.

What types of alarm system will be affected?

Any type of alarm system could be affected – intruder alarms and fire alarms, if they transmit signals to Alarm Receiving Centres.

What action do I need to take to ensure continuity of signalling after the Switch-Off?

Contact Diamond Systems to discuss upgrading your alarm signalling to an IP based solution. There are a range of options and our team will advise you on the most suitable solution. Contact us on 02890 207 207 or email info@diamondsystems.co.uk.

In the event of an emergency, the last thing anyone wants is to be trapped in a building, by an escape door that fails to open. Many fire escape doors now incorporate electronic access control systems, which can malfunction in the event of a fire, or power failure.

Building owners must ensure that there is a ‘fail safe’ way of opening the escape door, in the event of an emergency.

As well as the risk of trapping building occupants, failure of electronically secured doors to open in the event of fire, can also hamper fire‑fighting and rescue operations.

To address this, BS7273-4:2015 exists as a UK code of practice, for the operation and release of electronically controlled escape doors. BS7273-4:2015 contains recommendations for the specification, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of the electrical control arrangements within electronically controlled escape doors.

The code of practice recommends how to actuate mechanisms that unlock, release or open doors, in the event of fire, in all buildings.  BS7273-4:2015 applies to all aspects of the interface between the door mechanisms and a fire detection and fire alarm system, including interfaces that incorporate acoustic coupling and radio transmission.

Amendment to BS7273-4:2015

BS7273-4:2015 has recently been amended, and BS 7273-4:2015+A2:2023 is now the latest version of this code of practice. This latest version features commentary that aims to further enhance safety for building occupants, who may need to use electronically controlled escape doors, in the event of an emergency.

The standard now directly refers to ‘BS EN 13637 Building hardware – Electrically controlled exit systems for use on escape routes’ in respect of any electrically locked door on an escape route. A BS EN 13637 exit system permits the safe and unimpeded exit of a building’s occupant in the event of an emergency, whilst retaining the measures required to secure the escape door from unauthorised access.

As well as being installed correctly, it is important that the components within the exit system are regularly tested by a competent individual, to ensure that the door continues to operate in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.

For advice regarding BS7273-4:2015, and fire safety in relation to electronically controlled escape doors, please contact us.

 

 

Crime in retail stores is an ongoing and increasing concern across the United Kingdom. Retail crime is not only a burden on businesses but can also have a detrimental effect on staff. Retailers Against Crime (RAC) is a not for profit retail crime partnership, committed to detecting and preventing crime, including acts of violence, by sharing information across the UK. The RAC held their annual Northern Ireland conference on 21st June 2023, at the iconic Titanic Belfast. Diamond Systems were delighted to support the event by taking an exhibition stand.

The conference focused on a range of issues including the wider economic effects of retail crime and the lived experience of retailers. Practical advice and insight was provded from expert speakers, and there were plenty of networking opportunities. Thank you to Maxine Fraser and Retailers Against Crime for letting us contribute to this excellent conference!

Sustainability is, more than likely, a key item on your agenda if you are fortunate to work for a responsible business.

But have you thought about how your premises fire and security systems can actually help move you closer to your sustainability goals?

Our Joint Managing Director, Angela Bennett, explains how Diamond Systems have implemented sustainable solutions, and how we can help our customers meet their sustainability goals.

Q: How important is sustainability and the environment within Diamond Systems?

We have, for many years, been aware of the impact of our business on the environment, which is why we have been operating a paperless service management system since 2007. Engineers are all equipped with handheld devices on which they receive their job instructions and capture customer signatures, on completion of the works. Communication between the office and customers is all electronic, from satisfaction surveys to invoicing.

We were also the first local fire and security company to achieve the NVIR-O-CERT accreditation, which is a construction-specific Environmental Management System, developed by the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) and supported by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the leading environmental professional body, the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.

How important is product selection in providing a sustainable service?

Our selection of manufacturing partners has always had sustainability in mind, and we offer a range of systems which are durable and highly effective, minimising both faults and false alarms and the associated environmental impact created therein.

Our systems have a much longer life-cycle, which for the intelligent buyer, offers a much higher return on investment.

Q: What changes to working practices have you implemented recently to further enhance sustainability?

This year we have invested in a new fleet of Hybrid vehicles, to reduce our CO2 emissions and obtain higher fuel efficiency. Our carbon footprint is reduced further by minimising engineer visits to site, thanks to the remote maintenance capabilities of our systems. We also now pre-configure systems at our Head Office, before the engineer goes to site. We currently have a big focus on reducing waste within our operations and are implementing lean working practices.

Q: How can you help customers with their sustainable goals?

The first thing we would do is review the current systems installed within the premises, and provide a report on their age and condition. Our recommendations thereafter would be based on the company’s desired level of sustainability. We can provide everything from a straightforward upgrade of the system to more modern and reliable technology, which will reduce call outs and the environmental impact of maintenance, through to a fully integrated cloud solution that will dramatically reduce the carbon footprint associated with fire and security systems.

Q: How can fire and security systems help customers with their sustainability goals?

Some practical examples of how intelligent fire and security systems can improve sustainability are:

• Cloud based systems which enable remote connection for both the user and Diamond engineers – dramatically reducing unnecessary motion to site, and the associated environmental impact
• Remote diagnostics which pre-empt potential system faults, minimising false alarms and eliminating business down time / waste
• Competently designed CCTV systems that can reduce video storage requirements, thus reducing total energy output
• Reliable, responsive fire detection and alarm systems, providing the earliest warning of fire. This could ultimately be the difference between the survival of your business, or not, should a fire break out.

Q: How can responsible businesses find out more?

To arrange a survey of your current fire and security systems, and to find out more about our sustainable solutions, please get in touch directly or Contact us via our website.