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The Protect Duty, also known as Martyn’s Law, is a forthcoming UK legislation aimed at enhancing public safety by mandating certain venues and events to adopt measures to mitigate the risk of terrorist attacks. Named after Martyn Hett, who lost his life in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the legislation seeks to ensure better preparedness and protective security in public spaces. Twenty-two concert-goers and parents who were in the entrance waiting to pick up their children following the Ariana Grande show, lost their lives in the bombing, with a further 250 people injured. It was the deadliest act of terrorism and the first suicide bombing in the United Kingdom since the 7 July 2005 London bombings.

Who It Impacts

The Protect Duty impacts various public venues and events across the UK, including Northern Ireland, and is divided into two tiers:
1. Standard Duty: Applies to venues and events with a capacity of 100 to 799 people. These premises must conduct basic terrorism risk assessments and implement simple, low-cost security measures. Staff must also receive training on responding to terrorist threats.
2. Enhanced Duty: Applies to larger venues with a capacity of 800 or more. These locations must undertake comprehensive risk assessments, develop and maintain detailed security plans, appoint designated security personnel, and implement extensive protective measures.

Implementation Timeline

The draft bill was published in May 2023 and is expected to become law by the end of 2024. Once enacted, it will impose new mandatory security requirements for applicable public venues and events. Diamond Systems are already working with a number of venues in Northern Ireland to ensure they are prepared for the law coming into force.

Implications for Premises Owners and Businesses in Northern Ireland

Businesses and venue operators will need to:
– Conduct regular terrorism risk assessments.
– Provide terrorism protection training for staff.
– Develop and implement security plans tailored to their venue’s size and type.
– Appoint designated security personnel for high-capacity venues.
– Ensure compliance with the law to avoid penalties, which may include fines and other enforcement actions.

Importance of Adequate CCTV

Adequate CCTV systems play a crucial role in fulfilling the requirements of the Protect Duty by:
– Enhancing real-time surveillance and monitoring of public spaces, helping to detect suspicious activities early.
– Providing valuable evidence in the event of an incident, aiding investigations and prosecutions.
– Acting as a deterrent to potential terrorists by increasing the perceived risk of detection.

Why the Protect Duty is Being Introduced?

The Protect Duty addresses the current lack of mandatory security measures for public venues, aiming to enhance public safety in response to the evolving threat of terrorism. Its objectives include reducing the risk and impact of terrorist attacks through better preparedness and protective measures.

Challenges and Considerations

– Cost and Burden: Smaller businesses and venues may face financial and operational challenges in complying with the new requirements. The government aims to balance the need for security with the potential burden on businesses, providing guidance and support to help them comply without undue hardship.
– Regulatory Oversight: A national regulator will oversee compliance, conducting inspections and enforcing the law where necessary. The focus will be on education and support, with sanctions applied proportionately to the level of non-compliance.

Overall, the Protect Duty represents a significant step towards enhancing the security and safety of public spaces in Northern Ireland and across the UK, requiring businesses and venue operators to take proactive measures against the threat of terrorism. Adequately designed, installed and maintained CCTV systems, such as those provided by Diamond Systems, will be a key component in meeting these new security requirements.

How Diamond Systems can help

Diamond Systems, a long-standing NSI Gold accredited provider, offers comprehensive CCTV solutions that can help businesses and venues meet the requirements of the Protect Duty. Our advanced CCTV systems ensure high-quality surveillance, aiding in the proactive detection and prevention of terrorist activities. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership between Diamond Systems and Tio Fire Safety, ushering in a new era of innovation and efficiency in fire safety management. This collaboration is set to revolutionize the way we handle fire safety compliance, helping our clients transition to a completely paperless system by the end of 2024, in alignment with the UK government’s digital record-keeping initiatives.

Why Tio Fire Safety?

Tio Fire Safety is an award-winning app designed to make compliance simpler, smarter, and more efficient. By integrating Tio’s state-of-the-art digital logbooks, Diamond Systems will eliminate traditional paper-based fire logbooks, offering our clients a seamless, digital solution.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Comprehensive Digital Logbook: Tio’s 6-in-1 digital logbook covers fire safety, security, gas, electrical, and water safety, ensuring all compliance needs are met in one easy-to-use platform.
2. BS5839-1 Compliant: Stay compliant with industry standards effortlessly.
3. Custom Tasks and Built-in Guidance: Tailor tasks to specific needs and follow built-in guidance for regular checks and tests.
4. Document Storage: Securely store certificates, drawings, and other important documents.
5. Asset Management: Track and manage over 100 different types of assets with pre-configured templates, including fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lights, and more. The software auto calculates tested percentage i.e. 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, and you can also view the age profile of your assets, to assist budgeting.
6. Visitor Management: Enhance visitor experience with contactless QR code sign-ins, time-stamped arrivals, and check-out reminders.
7. GDPR Compliant: All data is stored on UK-based servers, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

How It Works

With Tio’s digital fire logbooks, accessing your fire safety records is easier than ever. Simply scan a QR code sticker placed on your fire panel or log in via a web browser. Tio will send customers an email invitation to activate their account, and Diamond engineers can assist with the set up on site, including asset labelling and capture on the software. The end result is a full, up to date electronic asset register of all your installed equipment, with scheduling programmed for in-house and external inspections, all viewed on a user friendly dashboard.

What This Means for You

– No More Paperwork: Say goodbye to cumbersome paper logbooks that can often go missing!
– Real-Time Access: Access your fire safety records anytime, anywhere.
– Enhanced Compliance: Automatically track and document compliance activities.

For more information on switching to digital fire logbooks for your premises, please email sales@diamondsystems.co.uk or get in touch via the website form – contact us.

Diamond Systems specialise in the design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of security and life safety systems.

Fire is one of the most serious threats to life safety and property, due to its speed and destructive force. Within minutes, fire can engulf a room and leave a building in a state beyond repair. Most businesses do not recover from a major fire, due to the delay in getting the operations back up and running following a major incident. In the UK there are over 20,000 fires per annum in non-residential premises, with an estimated 80% of these businesses failing within the subsequent eighteen months.

The legislation on fire safety in Northern Ireland is governed by the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and The Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. These regulations affect all business premises, with business owners given responsibility for ensuring their premises reach the required fire safety standard.

Those responsible, are required – by law – to have a fire risk assessment in place, carried out by a competent person. 

Under the governing legislation, the main requirements are –

• Carry out a fire risk assessment for the premises over which you have control;
• Identify the fire hazards and risks associated with the premises, materials/substances, activities etc;
• Identify the people, or groups of people at risk and anyone who may be especially at risk;
• Remove and reduce the risks as far as reasonably possible;
• Put in place general fire precautions to deal with any remaining risks;
• Implement additional preventative and protective measures if flammable or explosive substances are used or stored on the premises;
• Develop and implement appropriate emergency procedures in the event of fire.
• If you have five or more employees, or require a licence or registration, you must record the significant findings of the risk assessment and any actions you have taken to remove/reduce the risk;
• Review the risk assessment periodically or after significant changes in the workplace (including changes made due to COVID 19).

Carrying out a fire risk assessment will allow you to make an informed decision on whether you have taken sufficient precautions or whether you need to do more to minimise the risk from fire.  The considerations that you need to apply will vary depending on the type of premise you have responsibility for.

Diamond Systems, as fire safety specialists, can carry out and document the fire risk assessment for you. With over 35 years of experience and expertise in fire safety systems, we will help you meet your legal obligations under the fire safety regulations.

If you would like more information or a free quote, please email sales@diamondsystems.co.uk.

 

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.