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The owners of Diamond Systems have collectively embarked upon a range of technical and business qualifications over the last 12 months. Due to the pandemic, much of the learning has taken place via online platforms, but this hasn’t deterred this ambitious team of family members.

Company founder, Tom Snoddon, has over 40 years’ experience in the fire and security sector, and is a former chairman of several leading industry associations. In Spring 2020, he completed the NEBOSH Fire Risk Assessment course, and is looking forward to delivering Fire Risk Assessments to new and existing clients. “Fire Risk Assessments are a legal requirement”, states Tom. “If you are responsible for a building other than a private home, you need to make sure a suitably competent person completes a Fire Risk Assessment for your premises. If there’s a fire and you haven’t met your legal duties to keep people safe, you could be fined and may even face imprisonment. That’s why it is vitally important to give this due attention.”

Tom’s son, Steve Snoddon, is Joint Managing Director and responsible for all technical aspects within the family business. With over 25 years’ industry experience, Steve first served as an apprentice engineer when he initially joined the family business in 1994.  He recently undertook and passed the new Fire Industry Association (FIA) Fire Detection and Alarm Advanced Designer qualification.  The qualification, the first of its kind in the UK, provides fire alarm specialists with the knowledge and skills necessary to work on the Design of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems. Learners apply the design principles gained through this qualification to produce system designs for comprehensive and effective coverage in accordance with the requirements of the premises, its use and the recommendations of the Fire Risk Assessment and Fire Strategy.  Alongside his technical role within the business, Steve delivers CIBSE approved CPD accredited training to electrical consultant engineers, to raise awareness of the intricacies of fire alarm design, and help improve the overall life safety of new construction projects.

Steve’s sister, Angela Bennett, is also Joint Managing Director and is responsible for Administration and Operations within the business. She has recently embarked upon a two-year, part-time Master’s Degree with the University of Ulster Business School. The MSc Business Improvement course equips senior leaders with the knowledge and skills required to better examine their processes and procedures in order to effect strategic improvements and change.

Commenting on the learning activities of the Senior Team, Angela said, “Now more than ever there is a need for businesses to focus on operational performance outcomes in order to deliver greater efficiency and effectiveness. As a long-established, specialised business, we recognise the collective skills and expertise within our team. We are working collaboratively with system designers, specifiers and clients to impart that knowledge, ultimately to protect lives through adequate fire alarm design, and appropriate risk management.”

John McKee, Non-Executive Director at Diamond Systems, and Managing Director of leadership consultancy firm, Linkubator is delighted with the appetite for continuous learning shown by the senior team: “We’re all familiar with the phrase, every day’s a school day, and this is an approach to life and to business that the Diamond team demonstrate in spades.  There is always something new to learn about the industry, about the market we operate in, and about our customers, because the world is moving under our feet every day.  This is one of the strengths commonly seen in family businesses; there is a long memory of just how much things have changed over the years, and the best commercial response is for everyone in the company to keep learning.”

Contact us if we can assist with your fire detection installation, commissioning or maintenance requirements, including assistance with fire alarm design, and Fire Risk Assessment. Email sales@diamondsystems.co.uk or call 02890 207 207.

Diamond Systems are pleased to introduce the Temperature Screening Thermal Solution, that will help premises managers, health and safety representatives, and employers manage risk amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Diamond’s Temperature Screening Thermal Solution uses CCTV analytics to detect the temperature of people within an indoor space.  A high temperature is a common symptom of COVID-19, and with more companies now returning to work, it is vital that appropriate risk management measures are adopted.

How does the Technology Work?

The system contains an optical and thermal camera, built into one unit. Building occupants flow freely past the system, and an alert is generated if a high temperature is detected. To minimise false alarms, the technology incorporates facial recognition, reading the temperature directly from a person’s forehead, thereby ignoring deceptive heat elements such as a coffee cup in hand.

What happens if a high temperature is detected?

The system can be programmed to generate an audible and visual alert, and can also play a pre-recorded message, in the event of a high temperature being detected. It is important that there is a management procedure in place to react to alerts, such as verifying the person’s temperature with a medical thermometer.

How accurate is the system?

The system utilises a very advanced sensor that provides accuracy within plus or minus 0.5 degrees. The system can be further enhanced with the incorporation of a calibration device, which increases accuracy to plus or minus 0.3 degrees. It is important to note that the system is a Temperature Screening Thermal Solution, and does not claim to detect COVID-19.

Can Access Control be incorporated into this system?

Yes, and this also solves the issue of contactless entry. Essentially a person’s face acts as their credentials for gaining entry, and at the same time reads their temperature, in line with the Temperature Screening Thermal Solution outlined above. This system also replaces traditional time and attendance systems, which typically require a thumb or finger print.

Does the system have any other benefits?

An optional feature is that the system can play a pre-recorded message if it detects someone is not wearing a facemask.

The technology is demonstrated in the video on the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3Ka7o1LF98

To request further information on this technology please contact us via email sales@diamondsystems.co.uk or telephone 02890 207 207.

It is likely that businesses across the country are currently reviewing and updating Business Continuity Plans, in light of the developing COVID-19 situation.

You may be making preparations for a temporary period of closure of your business premises. It could be this is still a number of weeks away, but now is the time for preparations of this nature.

In preparing for such a scenario, have you considered the security of your premises whilst your business is closed?

We have put together a short Q&A which you might find helpful in making preparations.

Q: Does your Business have a working intruder and fire alarm system?

A: If the answer is no, we would strongly recommend that you deem this a significant risk in your Business Continuity Planning and Impact Assessments. If the premises will be unoccupied for a time, there is a risk or theft or arson, which could have a major impact on your business.

Q: Do you know how to set and unset your intruder alarm?

A: If you do not regularly set your intruder alarm system, you need to ensure that you have the knowledge to do so. Having the alarm code or alarm fob handy is the first step, but you also need to know how to arm and disarm the system. If there are faults on the system, it may not set, so test this as soon as you can.

Q: Have you been carrying out weekly fire alarm tests?

A: This is something that the Appropriate Person within all businesses should be doing as a matter of course. It is essential for detecting any issues with the fire alarm in a timely manner, and you should begin doing this if you are not already.

Q: Has your alarm been serviced recently?

We recommend intruder and fire alarms are serviced at intervals of no more than 6 months. If you don’t have a maintenance agreement in place, this might be something to look into.

Q: Does your alarm company provide 24-hour support?

A: Choosing an NSI Gold accredited company such as Diamond, provides peace of mind that you will have access to 24 hour engineering support.

Q: Is your alarm monitored?

A: Having a maintained alarm system in place is good, but if the alarm activates, you need to know about it. Consider adding on alarm monitoring to your existing maintenance contract.

Q: Do you have police and/or fire brigade response to activations on your system?

A: In the event of an activation, your alarm monitoring company can alert the police and/or fire brigade. This will provide additional peace of mind, and will support your keyholders in the event of having to attend the premises.

Q: Is the keyholder list held by your alarm company up to date?

A: Contact your alarm company to check the current keyholders are still applicable. If they are incorrect, they cannot contact the right people in the event of an activation.

Q: My alarm system is old and no longer fit for purpose, what I can I do?

A: You could consider obtaining a quotation to upgrade your system, and spreading the cost over a number of years to make it affordable in the short term.

We hope that you have found this blog useful in taking measures to protect your property and the continuity of your business.

If you have any queries or if we can assist with any of these issues, email sales@diamondsystems.co.uk or telephone 02890 207 207.

 

This month in our Technical Focus, Steve Snoddon, Joint MD of Diamond discusses Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) and their appropriate use within  Fire Detection and Alarm Systems.

Q: Can you tell us what VADs are and why they are necessary?

A: A fire detection and alarm system that is well installed, used and maintained can provide a fast response to a fire outbreak, therefore greatly reducing the risk to life and limiting damage to property. Whilst the primary means of alerting people to fire remains the use of audible warnings, there may be circumstances when the usual audible fire warnings, sounders and voice alarms are not sufficient.  In these circumstances those responsible for the design and installation of the fire detection and alarm systems will have to consider alternative approaches to giving warning of fire. One such approach is the use of visual alarm devices (VADs), which as the name suggests, offer a visual warning of fire.

Q: So under what circumstances should the use of VADs be considered a necessity?

A: Broadly speaking there are two main instances where VADs will be appropriate-

(1) Based on the environment:

Where the person may not be able to hear the audible warning due to the environment – an example of this would be on a factory floor where there is high ambient noise and where hearing protection is required; or in buildings in which the initial warning of fire may be restricted to staff – an example would be certain public assembly buildings.

Also environments where audible alarms would not be appropriate due to the nature of the activities ongoing at those establishments – eg broadcasting studios, in which audible alarms would cause interruption to live broadcasts, or in hospital operating theatres where an audible alarm may be disruptive, or interrupt operating procedures.

(2) Where there may be people with a hearing impairment:

Under The Equality Act 2010, VADs are needed as a means of giving warning to deaf or hard of hearing people – examples might include hotel bedrooms, student accommodation, public washrooms etc.

Q: Who determines if VADs are needed?

A: The need for VADs in any specific building will always be determined at the design stage.  All VADs should be selected, installed and maintained to the relevant standards, these being BS 5839-1 and BS EN 54 part 23.

Q: What are the design considerations for VADs?

A: BS 5839-1 gives a number of recommendations to assist in the effective design and installation of VADs –

• Visual alarm signals should be provided in areas where ambient noise levels exceed 90 dB and in other areas where hearing protection is likely to be used under normal circumstances (e.g. factory floor)
• VADs should be sufficient in number and distribution to be readily visible from all normally accessible locations throughout the area in which they are provided, under normal ambient light levels. Siting of sensors is critical, consideration needs to be given to the height at which the sensor is to be installed, any fixed obstructions need to be factored into the design in terms of the reflectivity of adjacent surfaces
• The signal should be distinguishable from any other visual signals used in the premises, it should flash at a rate within the range of 30-130 flashes per minute and should be at an intensity sufficient to attract attention but not so high to cause difficulty with vision due to glare
• Where restrictions on the ability to hear are in place e.g. ear defenders or hard of hearing people, siting should ensure that there is not undue dependence on direct line of sight. For example, people spending their time looking at computer screens or focusing closely on a specific activity.

Design Considerations, including the use of visual alarm devices forms part of the Diamond Systems CIBSE approved CPD training on Fire Detection Design Considerations.  If you would be interested in booking this event, please contact us to discuss further. Email design@diamondsystems.co.uk.

This month in our Technical Focus, Steve Snoddon, Joint MD of Diamond discusses Manual Call Points, which are one element of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems.

Q: What are Manual Call Points?

A: Manual Call Points are devices for the manual initiation of an alarm. They are used to allow building occupants to signal that a fire or other emergency exists within the building. They are usually connected to a central fire alarm panel which is in turn connected to an alarm system in the building.

Q: What is the purpose of a Manual Call Point?

A: Manual call points help to ensure a timely evacuation of people in the event of a fire.

Q: Where should Manual Call Points be sited?

A: Manual call points need to be prominently sited, readily distinguishable from non-fire alarm call points, and distributed such that, from any point in the building, it is impossible to leave the storey or building itself without passing one. They must also be sufficient in number to ensure that the time between the discovery of a fire and the alarm being sounded is as short as possible – the 45m rule stipulates that no one needs to travel more than 45m to reach an MCP (measured along the actual route of travel) – 45m rule reduces to 25m if the person likely to actuate the alarm has impaired mobility or if rapid fire development in the area is likely due to processes in operation, or in high risk areas such as a kitchen or a paint spraying workshop.

Q: What changes to Manual Call Points were brought in under the 2017 revision of BS5839-1?

A: Manual Call Points must now be Type A, which is defined in BS EN 54-11 as follows “Type A Direct operation: A manual call point in which the change to the alarm condition is automatic (ie without the need for further manual action) when the frangible element is broken or displaced.”

There is also now a requirement for a plastic cover to be fitted on MCPs. The purpose of the plastic cover is to reduce the risk of false alarms in buildings with large footfall or a potentially malicious activation. Whilst it is not necessary to retrospectively apply this to MCPs, it is considered good practice.

Diamond Systems offer CPD accredited training on aspects of Fire Detection and Alarm Design, including MCPs.  For support, or to request CPD training for your design team, email design@diamondsystems.co.uk.

We are delighted to announce that we have been accredited by The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) to deliver Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training covering a variety of aspects relating to the design of security and life safety systems.

The training is for anyone involved in the design of security and life safety systems, including Consultant Engineers and Specifiers. The training would also benefit professionals who need to understand the design requirements of these systems, including building control officers, fire prevention officers, fire safety personnel, fire risk assessors, and local authorities.

Angela Bennett, Joint MD of Diamond explains why CPD is important: “In any profession, regular CPD is an essential way of keeping your skills and knowledge up to date. Our CPD courses take the form of a 1 hour presentation, in which we provide an update on recent changes to Codes of Practice, as well as highlighting some of the common pitfalls at design stage, based on our 30 plus years’ experience as specialists in this sector.”

Steve Snoddon, Joint MD of Diamond has over 25 years’ experience in the security and life safety industry and will deliver the technical content of the CPD training. Steve explains, “We have introduced CPD accredited training as an additional service, to help address some of the grey areas within security and life safety system design. It is important that designers fully understand the recommendations and requirements within the Codes of Practice, and applicable legislation such as The Equality Act.”

The courses are approved by CIBSE, who in reviewing the content of our course on Fire Detection Design Considerations commented,

“The presentation is high quality with lots of technical information and covers all our requirements”

Fire Detection Design Considerations

We are pleased to now invite expressions of interest for our Fire Detection Design Considerations course, full details of which can be found on the CIBSE website:

https://www.cibse.org/membership/continuing-professional-development-cpd/directory-of-cpd-course-providers/diamond-systems

The presentation begins by outlining the relevant Code of Practice for fire alarm design, and examining the various categories of fire alarm system. We then move into Common Design  Pitfalls, and discuss the design considerations of BS5839-1 in relation to point detectors, void detection, beam detection, aspirating smoke detectors, audible and visual alarm devices, manual call points, zone plans and product selection under CPR.  The presentation concludes by looking at design certification, and also some recent changes to BS5839-6 affecting the design considerations for sheltered housing and HMOs.

Future courses will include training on Voice Evacuation Design,  and Designing Fit for Purpose Security and CCTV Systems.

If you would like to make a booking for CPD accredited training on Fire Detection Design Considerations, or to register your interest for any of our future courses, please email design@diamondsystems.co.uk.

Diamond Systems reaffirmed their commitment to all aspects of staff welfare by registering with the Mates in Mind charity. Mates in Mind is a UK charity raising awareness and addressing the stigma of poor mental health, by promoting positive mental wellbeing across workplaces.

The charity helps to make sense of available options and support employers to address mental health within their workplace. Mates in Mind works across industries, focusing on construction, as well as related sectors including transport, logistics, manufacturing and others.

Angela Bennett, Joint Managing Director of Diamond Systems said: “A supportive culture is something that we strive for at Diamond, and something that is inherent within most family businesses. We are delighted to formally pledge our support to Mates in Mind, to help raise awareness of mental health issues within our organisation. We are encouraging our team to support one another by both talking and listening, and generally being there for each other. As a supporter of the charity, our team now also have access to a 24 hour mental health support helpline.”

For more information on how to become a supporter of Mates in Mind, visit their website: https://www.matesinmind.org/

 

Name: Ryan Wilkinson

Position: Apprentice Engineer

How long have you been in your role?

In September 2018, I started my City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Knowledge of Electronic Security & Emergency Systems apprenticeship. In my first year I spent 3 days at work with Diamond Systems and 2 days at Belfast Met. I am in my second year now and spend 4 days at work and 1 day at the Met. In my first year, one of my days at the Met was theory based while the other day was practical, where I build my own alarm system and get to know the different components included in the system.

Describe a typical day?

When I am out at work with an engineer we have set jobs to complete throughout the day, ranging from intruder alarms to fire alarms, CCTV and access control.  I am enjoying my work, and the most enjoyable aspect of my job is that every day is different, doing and learning different aspects. I think that this is important as I am learning various topics instead of just one.

How would you describe the culture within Diamond?

Focused on helping me to learn. In September 2019, as well as my NVQ, Diamond also offered me the chance to complete a secondary course with Belfast Met, this time specialising in Fire Detection and Alarm Systems. I attend this course on Thursday evenings. Doing this course broadens my knowledge on fire alarms, which is not covered as part of my NVQ L2.

What do you like most about your role? 

I am happy to work for Diamond Systems as they have welcomed me into their company and are keen to help me learn.

Prior to designing a fire detection and alarm system, it is necessary to consider the objectives of the system. Is the system designed to protect lives? Protect property? Or, both?

These design considerations are important when defining the “Category” of Fire detection and Alarm System which is most appropriate for the premises type.  It is also important to consider the level of risk, and this is normally determined by the Fire Risk Assessment.

BS5839-1:2017 –  the Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises, defines 3 basic categories of fire detection system:

• Category M
• Category L
• Category P

We will consider each of these categories in turn, and illustrate the differences between them.

Category M Systems

Category M systems rely on human intervention and use only manually operated fire detection such as break glass call points (MCPs).

A category M system should only be employed if no one will be sleeping in the building, and if a fire is likely to be detected by people before any escape routes are affected.

Category L Systems – Life Protection

Category L systems are automatic fire detection systems intended to protect life.

This category is further subdivided into the following:

Category L5: In a category L5 system certain areas within a building, defined by the fire system specification, are protected by automatic fire detection in order to reduce the risk of life. This category may also include manual fire protection.

Category L4: This category is designed to offer protection to the escape routes from a building. The system should comprise Category M plus smoke detectors in corridors and stairways.

Category L3: Intended to offer early enough notification of a fire to allow evacuation before escape routes become smoke logged. Protection should be as for category L4, with the addition of smoke or heat detectors in rooms opening onto escape routes.

Category L2: Objectives are similar to category L3, with the additional protection provided for rooms at higher risk. Protection should be as L3, plus smoke detectors in specified rooms at high risk.

Category L1: The highest category for the protection of life. Intended to give the earliest possible notification of a fire in order to allow maximum time for evacuation. Automatic and manual fire detection installed throughout all areas of the building. Smoke detectors should be employed wherever possible to protect rooms in which people can be expected to be present.

An example of an L1 category system being employed would be in a hotel or similar sleeping risk.

Category P Fire Alarm Systems – Property Protection

Fire detection systems whose primary objective is the protection of property, further subdivided into 2 categories:

P1 – The objective of a category P1 system is to reduce to a minimum the time from the ignition of a fire to the arrival of the fire brigade. In a P1 system, automatic fire detection should be installed throughout the building.

P2 – The objective of a category P2 system is to provide early warning of fire in areas of high hazard, or to protect high risk property. Automatic fire detection should be installed in defined areas of a building.

For advice on the design of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems, including system categories, or to enquire about training on system design considerations such as those outlined above, please email design@diamondsystems.co.uk.

 

 

This month in our Technical Focus, Steve Snoddon, Joint MD of Diamond explains a crucial element of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems – Fire Alarm Zone Plans.

Q: What is a Fire Alarm Zone Plan?

A: It’s a diagrammatic representation of a building, showing the division of the building into detection zones. It also shows the building’s exits and stairs. It is recognised that the provision of a zone plan is of benefit to life safety and as such its provision is now greatly emphasised.

Q: When is a Fire Alarm Zone Plan a requirement?

A: BS5839-1:2017 – The Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises, states that all non-domestic buildings must have fire alarm zone plans to fully comply with the Code of Practice. An accurate and up to date plan helps the fire service by quickly directing them to the source of the raised alarm, in the event of an emergency.

Q: Where should a Fire Alarm Zone Plan be located?

A: A zone plan should be adjacent to the Control and Indicating Equipment (CIE), i.e. the fire alarm panel. Accordingly, it is important to ensure that a suitable zone plan is provided adjacent to all CIE (including any repeat control and/or indicating equipment), unless the CIE incorporates a suitable display e.g. an illuminated mimic diagram. The objective is to ensure that those responding to a fire alarm signal (including staff on the premises and firefighters) are given unambiguous information as to the location of a fire.

Q: What are the implications of not having a Fire Alarm Zone Plan?

A: In at least one multiple fatality fire, it was determined that some or all of the deaths could have been avoided if a diagrammatic representation of the premises (zone plan) had been provided close to the Control and Indicating Equipment. The absence of a zone plan is regarded as a major variation to the British standard.

Q: How can I get a Fire Alarm Zone Plan?

A: Contact the team at Diamond to discuss obtaining a Fire Alarm Zone Plan, email design@diamondsystems.co.uk.