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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.

On Friday 25^th November 2022, Diamond Systems held a Fire Detection Design Conference in the Crowne Plaza, Belfast, in conjunction with our fire alarm partner, Siemens. This was an opportunity to bring together a range of stakeholders from across the fire sector, to hear from some of the UK’s Leading Experts in Fire Detection and Alarm Systems.

Diamond Systems’ Joint Managing Director, Angela Bennett opened the conference, with a welcome address that included the “premiere” of a short video, marking the company’s 35 year anniversary in business in 2022. You can watch the video here.

Will Lloyd, Technical Manager of the Fire Industry Association (FIA) was the first to present, and delivered an excellent summary of the common fire alarm design pitfalls, which was highly informative and useful to the many designers who were in attendance.

Rob Yates, Head of Fire Products Siemens UK and Ireland, presented next, and shared some of the latest digitalisation innovations from Siemens in relation to fire alarm connectivity, information and automation. A “fire alarm in your pocket” is now possible thanks to cloud connectivity and app technology, giving fire alarm users huge benefits and greater transparency on testing carried out.

Colin Todd MBE, Managing Director of CS Todd & Associates Ltd was the keynote speaker and delivered an impactful presentation on BS5839-1 – When Things Go Wrong. Real life examples reinforced the need for adequately designed, installed, commissioned and maintained fire alarm systems, which play an essential role in life safety.

We are grateful to all those who supported the conference and we look forward to hosting similar future events.

To view a list of our CPD training events currently on offer please click here.

The Diamond team attended the inaugural Business Eye Northern Ireland Family Business Awards, in the Culloden Hotel on 19 May, 2002.

Diamond Systems was shortlisted in three categories:

• Fastest Growing Family Business
• Family Business Legacy Award
• Overall Family Business of the Year

We were delighted to be presented with the Family Business Legacy Award, an award for the Northern Ireland based family enterprise which has demonstrated extraordinary business achievement over the years, has contributed positively to the local community and economy and which sets an example for others to follow. This category was sponsored by Harbinson Mulholland Chartered Accountants.

Collecting the award on behalf of the company, Joint Managing Director, Angela Bennett, paid tribute to company founder, Tom Snoddon, and her brother Steve Snoddon, for the successful partnership and transition from first to second generation family business. “As a family business since 1987, we are very proud of our roots, and we have always strived to lead the way in the local fire and security sector. This award is testament to all the hard work of my dad, my brother and I, and the entire team throughout all the years”.

 

International Women’s Day (8th March) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme this year is “Break the Bias”, as the day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

To celebrate #IWD2022, some of the females on the team at Diamond Systems told us who their female role models are, and a little bit about their hopes for future female generations.

Q1 – Who are the female role models in your life & why?

Amy:  It’s hard to pick just a few! I like to think that I’ve always managed to surround myself with great women who have been influential to me throughout my life. My mother is one of the smartest people I know and her perception is second to none, while my sister has talent radiating out of her! And between my two closest friends, they’ve shown me what it is to be caring, humorous and empathetic. One in particular has shown me what it is to have an unwavering confidence in herself, along with her sharpness, passion for life and drive. They (as well as many, many other women I’ve had the pleasure of knowing) have all helped to shape me into the woman that I am.

Angela: Like Amy, too many to mention! That’s the great thing about networking, you meet so many inspirational women in business from all walks of life. When I first started my career, as a trainee chartered accountant, there were a small number of females in management and leadership positions within the firm I worked for, but although few in number, they were great role models. My mum also inspired me when I was growing up, as she worked full time, along with raising two children, and helping my dad in the early days of setting up his business.

Emma: My female role model is my Mum.  She has always taught me to be respectful, kind, patient.  To have passion and believe in yourself. Also to have acceptance of others.

Julieann: My amazing Mum is my female role model.  She has been my personal coach and number one supporter during every stage of life’s journey! She is selfless, has taught me many qualities in life including being honest, appreciative, taught me right from wrong and shown me that if you really want something you need to work hard for it! I admire her strength, having dealt with many obstacles and struggles in life – in my eyes she is the world’s strongest woman!

Q2 – If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give your teenage self?

Emma: I would tell my younger self not to worry too much, everything will work out in the end.  Be kind to yourself.  On a practical level, learn how to manage /save money.

Amy: I’d also tell myself not to worry so much! Don’t worry about what other people think, and don’t worry about situations that are out of your control. They’ll work themselves out and it’ll never be as bad as you think.

Julieann: Focus more on your education. Be patient, give yourself time to work it out! Take those opportunities with confidence, Don’t let your fear or self-doubt get in the way. Confidence is key! I’d also say listen to your parents and the wise people around you more. Above all, follow your dreams!

Angela: Yes, definately not to worry as much! But I would also say, if you can afford it and have the opportunity, do some travelling before you start your working life! Never again will you have the freedom and flexibility to travel for as long as you like.  I think there are very useful life skills to be be gained from spending some time travelling, and it is something I wish I had done.

Q3 – International Women’s Day hopes to help shape the future for women. How do you think the future generation of women will differ from your own generation?

 Amy: It’s hard to say or predict, but I hope the future generation of women to come will be able to feel completely equal to their male counterparts, proper pay parity across all job sectors and that there will be more women in positions of power to affect real change for the betterment of society… Surely not a big ask!

Emma: Being a mum to two young girls, I think the next generation of women will have more leadership roles. We will have more gender equality, more flexible working, and childcare duties will be more balanced between couples.

Julieann: I think females in today’s society have better opportunities to go far in life. Women today can accomplish anything, if they have the right mind set and work hard to succeed. For me feminism means equality, and that’s something I hope future generations will have.

Angela: The next generation are a force to be reckoned with! I see it in my own children and their friends. They have grown up seeing females in top positions, be it in school, politics, business – it is normal to them, as it should be, and always should have been. I have very few concerns for this future generation of females, my concern is, will the future generation of men be able to handle it!

Thanks to the Diamond ladies for sharing their thoughts this International Women’s Day 2022. One thing’s for sure, they all love their mums!

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