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False alarms are all too common, and nowadays are generally accepted as an unavoidable by-product of having a fire detection and alarm system installed. The latest figures from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) show that there were over 10,000 mobilised responses to false alarms in twelve months, that’s on average 28 per day in Northern Ireland! This is a huge drain on the public purse, and diverts fire fighters away from essential training, community safety partnerships, and crucially, attending to a genuine emergency. Continue reading “What is the Real Cost of False Fire Alarms?”

On Wednesday 2nd August, we held our Annual Golf Day at Dunmurry Golf Club. The weather may not have been on our side, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of all who attended. Congratulations to Daniel Daly of Daly’s Garage for winning first prize on the day.

Other prize winners included Mark Brooks, Belfast Giants, and Brian Hughes, Odyssey Trust.  After a round of golf through mixed weather conditions, guests enjoyed a delicious three course meal in the Club’s Conservatory, followed by a great night’s craic with Magician Trevor Price.  We are all looking forward to next year’s event already!

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CCTV Solutions for SMART Retail

Diamond Systems recently exhibited their value added security solutions at SMART Retail.  Using CCTV and Analytics from global leader Axis Communications, the Diamond Systems team demonstrated how security systems can be used to add value to retailers.

SMART Retail is the first of its kind full day conference in Belfast.  The SMART Retail event was aimed at educating and inspiring retailers to equip them with the digital tools that they need to thrive and survive.

The conference in the Culloden Hotel, Belfast was well attended by a variety of delegates, including:

• Independent retailers
• Store owners
• Shopping Mall Centre Managers
• Business development managers
• eCommerce managers

Diamond Systems, an Axis Communications Gold Partner, showcased the Axis CCTV Analytics for retail package at the conference.

Using a single Axis CCTV camera, alongside the Axis CCTV Analytics software, visitors to the Diamond Systems stand saw a demonstration of how to convert more sales opportunities using data from CCTV to drive customer value.

The Axis CCTV Analytics software helps retailers answer key questions such as:

• How many customers did you attract today? Measure store occupancy, average visit times and average number of people to plan your operations precisely.
• Do you have the right staff / visitors ratio throughout the day? Predict peak traffic times to align customer-to-staff ratios.
• Are your campaign investments attracting the right audience? Get the insight you need about your visitors.
• Are you making the most of your customer opportunities? Work smarter and more proactively to cut time spent in queues – converting more sales opportunities with the shortest waiting times.
• How do your stores compare? Make the right decisions by comparing campaigns, staffing, opening hours and more.

Naomh McElhatton, organiser of SMART Retail and digital marketing speaker and lecturer, was keen to involve Diamond Systems in the event. “I was delighted to have the Diamond Systems team on board as our fire and security partner for the first ever SMART Retail event in Belfast” commented Naomh. “Diamond Systems are renowned for their innovative, intelligent solutions and they showcased their CCTV Analytics for retail at the event.  I am confident that the Diamond Systems CCTV analytics package can add real value to businesses across Northern Ireland”.

Visit our You Tube channel to view a short video of the Axis CCTV Analytics demonstration at the event: Watch our video on YouTube

If you would like to find out more about how CCTV can deliver Real Time Business Intelligence for your retail business contact us to arrange a free demonstration: sales@www.diamondsystems.co.uk / 02890 207 207.

Diamond Systems were recently appointed as a Nedap AEOS Channel Partner, further enhancing our electronic access control offering.

With headquarters in the Netherlands, Nedap are a market leader in integrated security management.  Nedap develop and produce future proof, open protocol, access control solutions which carry a guarantee of no end of life. The Nedap access control product range provides scope for integration into Diamond Systems’ video management solution from Milestone, the XProtect range.

Nedap have over 35 years’ experience in access control and developed the first software-based security management system, “AEOS”. Today the company has over 750 employees, based around the world.

Features of the AEOS product range include:

• Ease of use
• Multi-level authority
• Cost effective
• Future proof with no product end of life
• Card readers with inbuilt Secure Access Module (SAM) – essential for high security environments
• Integration with best of breed video management systems
• End-to-end security providing high levels of protection against both physical and digital attacks.

Geoff Seddon (Nedap’s CP Manager for Ireland) visited Diamond Systems in July and commented on the new partnership:

“Nedap GB are delighted to welcome Diamond Systems (Belfast) into its Channel Partner Program. Diamond Systems bring a rich pedigree of both market place presence and engineering excellence ideally suited to taking Nedap AEOS to the Northern Irish market place.  This partnership extends Nedap’s footprint within the UK and we are thrilled to be working with such a trusted and well respected security integrator in Diamond Systems. Naturally we look forward to developing this strategic partnership in the future in delivering profitable and incremental business growth for both parties.”

To learn more about our security product range, including electronic access control visit https://www.diamondsystems.co.uk/products/security/ or contact us to discuss your requirements.

 

BS5839-1 provides recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems.

BSI has revised BS 5839-1:2017, the Code of Practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic dwellings.  The revision was published on 31 August 2017 and supersedes BS 5839-1:2013 which is now withdrawn.

Who needs to know about the changes?

Anyone involved in the design and planning of fire detection and alarm systems, as well as installation and commissioning specialists such as Diamond Systems, need to know about these important changes to BS5839.

The BS5839-1 revision adopts the latest industry thinking and new technologies, including added guidance on the use of video fire detection and multi-sensor fire detectors, with the aim of reducing the incidence of false alarms.

What has changed in BS5839-1?

BS5839-1:2017 is a full revision of the Code of Practice and contains a number of changes over the previous version.

The revised standard takes into account the changes to other major fire safety standards including BS EN 54 standards for fire detection and alarm, and BS9999 for fire safety in commercial buildings. Diamond Systems can assist with your understanding of these changes, to ensure your fire alarm design fully complies with the new standard.

Some of the key changes are:

• To reduce the chance of either malicious or accidental activation it is recommended that all manual call points are fitted with a protective cover.  Fitting protective covers to manual call points is now the default recommendation.  A “variation” to the Code of Practice must be declared if covers are not fitted.
• Means of safe isolation for maintenance purposes must be provided however there is no longer a requirement to provide double pole isolation adjacent to control equipment and power supply units.
• Additional guidance on areas including the use of multi-sensor detectors; voice alarm systems; and new technology for fire detectors.

These changes aim to reduce the confusion in the marketplace around how to implement the recommendations given in BS5839-1.

To request a meeting with our design support team to discuss the changes in BS5839-1:2017 in more detail please email sales@diamondsystems.co.uk or telephone 02890 207 207.

Diamond Systems were recently promoted to Gold Partner status with Axis Communications, a global leader in network video surveillance.

Gold Partner status was awarded by Axis in recognition of Diamond Systems’ continued commitment to the Axis Communications brand; the successful delivery of recent network video solutions by the Diamond team; and the investment in the development of the Diamond engineering workforce, with two Axis Certified Professionals amongst the sixteen strong workforce.

Diamond Systems have a fully functioning Axis demonstration facility at their office in Heron Road, Belfast. Customers and consultants can avail of a demonstration of the full capabilities of the innovative technology from this market leader in network video solutions.

Diamond Systems are also pleased to partner with Axis Communications in the delivery of CPD accredited training on network video solutions.

Pictured are Stephen Snoddon, Managing Director, and Angela Bennett, Financial Director of Diamond Systems, with the Axis Communications Gold Partner plaque.

Axis Product Range

Why not visit our online shop to browse the extensive range of Axis products:

https://www.diamondsystems.co.uk/shop/index.php?route=product/manufacturer/info&manufacturer_id=17

False alarms from fire systems are a huge problem. The impact of false alarms varies between sectors, but common themes are:

• Downtime (e.g. manufacturing)
• Disturbance and disruption (e.g. healthcare)
• Damage to reputation (e.g. hospitality sector)

But arguably the greatest threat posed by repeated false alarms is that over time they undermine the integrity of the fire detection and alarm system, and can potentially endanger the lives of the building occupants the system is designed to protect.

What is the typical response to a fire alarm activation?

We have all experienced a scenario of being in a building when the fire alarm sounds and, many will agree, the typical reaction nowadays is to ignore it. The common reaction to fire alarms is indeed reminiscent of Aesop’s fable “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”. I recently attended an Awards dinner in a local hotel during which the fire alarm activated on three occasions within ten minutes, due to a dry ice machine being used. Needless to say, there was no sign of anyone even contemplating evacuation on any of the three occasions. But what if that had been a genuine alarm?

One of the primary reasons occupants fail to respond to fire alarms is a loss of confidence in the system due to false alarms, particularly when there have been more than 3 false alarms in a twelve month period. Continued complacency will only lead to grave consequences, as was the case for Peter and the Villagers in Aesop’s renowned fable.

What are the causes of False Alarms?

Statistics show that the majority of false alarms are “due to apparatus” i.e. the fire detection and alarm system. This could be due to badly designed, or poorly installed, fire detection and alarm system, or a lack of system maintenance. In any event, fire detection and alarm system will typically require replacement after ten years.

But is it simply a case of replacing dated fire alarm equipment that has reached its end of life with like for like technology? Often this will not solve the problem, particularly if it is a case of false alarms being generated due to cooking, manufacturing activities, or in the case of the hospitality sector – steam from hotel room showers, aerosol emissions, or even dry ice in entertainment venues.

What is the typical “solution” to False Alarms?

Traditionally the issue of false alarms has been addressed by one of the following means:

• Isolating zones
• Replacing smoke detectors with heat detectors
• Implementing time delay
• “Double-knock” detection.

Let’s consider each in the context of our Boy Who Cried Wolf story.

1. Isolating zones: A particular zone within a building is temporarily isolated to avoid false alarms being generated by deceptive phenomena such as dry ice. Not only does this reduce the detection capabilities of the system, but it introduces a risk that the operator may forget to restore the system to full functionality. Isolation of zones is often initiated at times when there is the highest risk of fire, during times of high population – but ironically the fire detection is reduced as a means of preventing false alarms. In the context of our story, the Villagers ignore the boy who cries wolf but all the while the wolf is approaching, undetected.
2. Heat Detectors: Consider next the irony of replacing a smoke detector with a heat detector, perhaps to solve a problem of false alarms within a cooking area. The kitchen area is the highest risk– yet in the event of a fire, by the time a heat detector activates the fire alarm, the occupants of the building will likely have perished from smoke inhalation. My advice would be don’t wait until you have found a dead sheep before confirming the presence of the wolf!
3. Time Delays: With time delays, the fire detection and alarm system does not go into full activation for a pre-programmed number of minutes, to allow a fire warden to investigate whether the alarm is genuine. Precious minutes may be lost during this investigative time, and could impact on the safe evacuation of all building occupants. In the context of our fable, the time taken in sending a villager to confirm the presence of the wolf may prove detrimental to the survival of the sheep…
4. Double-knock detection – this method requires two sensors to activate before the system will go into full alarm. Will the shepherd be able to protect his flock if he waits until not one but two have fallen victim to the wolf before reacting?

For many years, zone isolations, heat detectors, time delays, and double knock have been the only “solution” to the problem of false fire alarms…until now.

What is the real solution to false alarms?

Now you can go one step further with the level of protection afforded by fire detection and alarm system. Not only can you reduce the number of false alarms but you can eliminate them altogether, thanks to developments in fire detection and alarm technology.

The Siemens Cerberus Pro fire detection and alarm system uses Advanced Signal Analysis (ASA) technology designed specifically with the purpose of eliminating false alarms by offering fast, reliable detection alarm signalling and control. Even in the most complex environments, the intelligent optical detectors work effectively to eliminate false alarms due to steam, aerosols, exhaust fumes, cooking fumes, cigarette smoke, welding smoke, dust, insects, dry ice, and even burnt toast.

Diamond Systems are Northern Ireland’s sole Cerberus Pro partner and offer a genuine No False Alarm Guarantee with their fire detection and alarm system. The No False Alarm Guarantee states that in the event that one the system’s automatic detectors does respond to anything other than real fire phenomena or a fire condition, resulting in the attendance of the Fire and Rescue Services, Diamond Systems will pay up to £500 to cover the cost of disruption including downtime and emergency services penalties (charges have already started in parts of the UK for repeated false alarms).

So with this technology now available in Northern Ireland, you can be sure when you select a Siemens Cerberus Pro fire detection and alarm system from Diamond Systems, your system will not Cry Wolf!

To learn more about our No False Alarm Guarantee and the Siemens Cerberus Pro system click here and you too can eliminate false fire alarms for good.

We were recently awarded the contract to install, commission, and maintain all of the electronic life safety and security systems within the new Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Logistics Support Centre, currently under construction in Belfast.  The requirements include IP video surveillance, biometric access control, gas extinguishing, intruder and fire detection and alarm.

As a specialist provider of intelligent solutions, our team will be utilising the very latest technology to not only protect, but also add value.  Steve Snoddon, Managing Director, explains, “Today’s engineering solutions must deliver value added benefits, as well as robust functionality, and this is something we do very well. We are delighted to be working with Caldwell Consulting on the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Logistics Support Centre, with whom we have delivered projects in the past including the prestigious Ulster Bank Headquarters in Belfast; Victoria Apartments, Belfast; Ormeau Bakery Apartments, Belfast; and Whale Technology and Polymer Centre, Bangor.”

The life safety solution being delivered to Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service incorporates the Siemens Cerberus Pro ASA Technology, which provides the industry’s first product lifetime guarantee against false alarms. As the preferred Siemens Cerberus Pro Solution Partner in Northern Ireland, Diamond Systems is unique in its offering of this revolutionary technology, complete with financially backed guarantee against false alarms.

The security solution also incorporates the very latest technology, using HDTV cameras and a Video Management System from leading global brands, Axis and Milestone.  Steve Snoddon comments, “Diamond Systems partner with the world’s leading manufacturers of fire and security systems, to deliver a first class solution to our customers in Northern Ireland. Having recently attained Gold Partner status with Axis, the company which invented IP based video surveillance cameras some twenty years ago, we are delighted to be showcasing their innovative product range on this project”.

To arrange a demonstration of our false alarm free technology, please contact us.