Category: Uncategorized

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.

Angela Bennett, our Joint Managing Director, recently helped organise a charity dinner in conjunction with ReformNet, in aid of local charity – Cancer Fund for Children.

ReformNet is a Belfast based business networking group which Angela has been a member of for several years. Its inaugural Gala Ball, held in the Crowne Plaza, Belfast, had over 190 guests in attendance.

The ReformNet group, which has been in existence for over 15 years, meets monthly for networking luncheons in the Ulster Reform Club, Belfast. The ethos of the group is “Business Through Introduction”, and at each event, members and their invited guests, hear from a range of Guest Speakers, and enjoy first class networking opportunities.

The Gala Ball was the beneficiary of some very generous prizes for the charity auction. This, along with ticket sales, and a raffle resulted in raising over £12,000 for the Charity, Cancer Fund for Children. This money will go towards the wonderful facility, Daisy Lodge located in Newcastle, Co. Down. Daisy Lodge is a purpose-built therapeutic centre for families affected by cancer where they can spend time together in a safe and supportive environment.

 

Technical Focus: Is your CCTV system compliant with GDPR?

This month our technical focus is on the impact of GDPR on CCTV systems, since the implementation date of 25^th May 2018.

The GDPR sets out how organisations can handle personal data; what principles they must abide by when processing personal data; and the technical and organizational measures they should have in place to safeguard the information.  This personal data relates to images captured by CCTV, as well as personal details held about individuals.

It is important for businesses who operate a CCTV system to be aware of potential GDPR pitfalls.

Here’s 7 tips to help you stay GDPR compliant:

1. Display Signage – The CCTV operator must let people know they are using CCTV. Signs are the most common way of doing this. The signs must be clearly visible and readable, and should include the details of the organisation operating the system.

2. Register with the ICO – All companies operating a CCTV system must register with the Information Commissioner’s Office on an annual basis. Failure to do so may result in footage being deemed inadmissible in a court case. You can find out more on the ICO website.

3. Assign Responsibility for CCTV –  Make sure someone in the organisation has been assigned responsibility for CCTV images, deciding what is recorded, how images should be used, who has access to footage and who images can be disclosed to. Have clear procedures on how to use the system. As a business owner, you should make regular checks to ensure the procedures are followed.

4. Consider the Coverage area – If a camera is being positioned in a public place, the operator may need to complete a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), which is a risk assessment documenting the reason for the camera, and the measures to protect the personal information captured. More information on DPIA’s can be found in our partner, Axis Communications white paper on CCTV and GDPR.

5. Be aware of Retention Periods – CCTV operators are not allowed to retain images indefinitely – organisations should have a retention policy and should only keep images for as long as necessary to meet the purpose of recording them. Where multiple recorders are in operation, they should have a standard retention period.

6. Respond to Subject Access Requests – Under GDPR, anyone can make a “Subject Access Request” for the footage held on CCTV of themselves. If a CCTV operator is asked to provide CCTV images through a Subject Access Request, they will have 30 calendar days to provide these images. This is assuming the individual requesting the images can help to prove they are the individual in the images.

7. Disclosure restrictions – CCTV operators are not allowed to disclose images of identifiable people to the media – or to put them on the internet for entertainment.  A key point in terms of disclosure is that images of members of the public within the CCTV footage are masked BEFORE the footage is given out under a subject access request. Our CCTV partner, Axis Communications demonstrates how this can be achieved with the Axis Camera Station in the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwK15VNdtU8&t=1s

To discuss making your CCTV system comply with GDPR, or with help designing a compliant system, please email design@diamondsystems.co.uk or click here to get in touch.

 

 

 

This month, our Technical Focus is on Life Safety, and in particular – Emergency Lighting Systems. Joint Managing Director of Diamond, Steve Snoddon, explains when Emergency Lighting Systems are needed and what role they play in Life Safety.

What is Emergency Lighting and why is it needed?

Emergency Lighting is installed to provide illumination when the normal lighting fails. It plays an essential role in a premises’ overall Life Safety risk management. When a fire occurs within a premises, heat on the lighting circuits will often result in lighting failure.

The three key functions of an Emergency Lighting system are:

• To indicate the escape routes;
• To allow safe movement towards the escape routes, whilst minimising panic;
• To locate fire fighting equipment and fire detection equipment e.g. manual call points

When is Emergency Lighting a requirement?

In the UK, Fire Safety legislation requires emergency lighting systems to be provided in the following premises types:

• Offices and shops
• Community halls
• Schools
• Hotels and Hostels
• Premises that provide care
• Pubs, clubs and restaurants
• Tents and marquees
• Factories and warehouses
• Common areas in houses in multiple occupation

What is the applicable legislation governing Emergency Lighting systems?

In the UK, the applicable standard is BS 5266 parts 1, 7 and 8. But there may also be additional requirements for higher risk premises e.g. premises licensed for the sale of alcohol; very old premises; or premises where large numbers of people are gathered together. It is worth checking with your Local Authority for any additional requirements.

How complex is the design of Emergency Lighting Systems?

In basic terms, the correct positioning of signage and emergency lighting is essential in saving lives. On a more complex level, the position, angle and distance of escape signage, the luminarie spacing, mode of operation and lux levels are all really important, which is why a competent designer should always be involved when upgrading or installing the system.

Where are the Areas of Particular Risk?

• Points of emphasis – changes in floor level (steps/stairs), changes of direction (corners), first aid points, manual call points are all points of emphasis and the emergency lighting system should highlight these areas
• Areas requiring normal activities to be terminated safely e.g. kitchens, first aid rooms, treatment rooms, refuge areas for mobility impaired people
• Other areas of particular risk, including – passenger lifts; plant rooms; escalators and moving walkways; escape routes in multi-storey car parks
• Areas requiring illumination for investigation e.g. at the Fire Alarm Control and Indicating Equipment, to enable the fire and rescue officers to locate the source of the fire, and operate controls.

What maintenance requirements do Emergency Lighting systems have?

Emergency Lighting should be subject to daily, monthly and annual checks.

• Daily – the premises owner, or responsible person should visually inspect the lighting and escape signage for any visible defects
• Monthly – This is a short functional test. The premises owner, or responsible person should briefly activate the emergency lighting system via the test switch, and check that it operates
• Annually – a competent technician should carry out a full discharge of the system to ensure that the emergency lighting system stays on for a sufficient duration to allow for evacuation and/or immediate reoccupation (may be 1 hour or 3 hours depending on premises). He/she will also conduct a full inspection of escape signage and provide a general report on the status of the overall system. Maintenance only requires a test of the “as fitted” system, therefore it is really important that a competent designer has been involved at the outset. In some very high risk premises e.g. sleeping accommodation, testing may be carried out bi-annually.

What is the future for Emergency Lighting systems?

Lower energy consumption, LED technology and low maintenance is the way forward. Systems are now available which integrate with Fire Detection and Alarm systems, with lighting units fitting directly onto the sensor bases. Unique intelligent, addressable technology allows control and testing of individual luminaires, with graphics software allowing instant overview of the complete system, assisting maintenance tasks. Self-testing systems provide added peace of mind for the responsible person, and also reduce the maintenance requirements.

Contact the team at Diamond to discuss your Life Safety design, maintenance or installation requirements.

Angela Bennett, Joint Managing Director of Diamond, was recently honoured by picking up two IoD Director of the Year awards in Belfast.

Angela was awarded Director of the Year in both the Family Business and SME categories, at the prestigious awards ceremony in The Merchant Hotel earlier this month.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Gordon Milligan, IoD NI Chairman, said:

“Congratulations go to all this year’s winners that prove once again that the Northern Ireland economy benefits from leaders across the private and public sector, performing to the very highest standards.”

Adrian Moynihan, Head of First Trust Bank, who were the lead sponsors of the event, added:

“The IoD Director of the Year Awards programme is a fantastic way for us to highlight the importance of leadership within the business community and given the uncertain times we live in, we must ensure that our business leaders voices are heard loud and clear. Each of the finalists demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, innovation and visionary thinking – truly inspiring qualities which help drive Northern Ireland’s growing business community.”

Angela will now  progress to be considered for the national IoD Director of the Year Awards taking place in London later this year.

Diamond are delighted to promote the Axis Companion range, which offers professional CCTV solutions at an affordable price.

Features of the Companion range include:

• Professional solution with affordable cameras, recorders, software and accessories that leverage Axis quality
• User friendly software and system components that meet the requirements of small business
• Secure access to video from remote using mobile device or PC

Simplicity from system set-up to usage

Watch this short clip to find out more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5crR9_6Fcw

Get in touch with our team to discuss your CCTV requirements. Diamond are an Axis Gold Partner.

The recent Business Ladies into Golf programme at Dunmurry Golf Club was a huge success. Diamond’s Joint Managing Director, Angela Bennett, tells us a bit about the programme, and how business and golf can come together with great results.

Q: What was the programme all about?

Angela: Last year I decided I wanted to learn to play golf, but I wasn’t sure where to start and it was all a bit daunting. I regularly attend business networking events and wondered if there was a way of combining business with learning a new skill such as golf. I approached our customer, Dunmurry Golf Club, to see if they would support me with the idea of putting together a small group of business ladies who had an interest in learning to play. The Club were hugely supportive and created a twelve week coaching programme, while I drummed up the interest amongst my business connections.

Q: How many ladies signed up to the programme?

Angela: Twenty signed up, and others were interested but due to work or family commitments couldn’t partake in this particular programme. We held a launch night at the Club in November, and it was a chance for everyone to meet and hear a little bit more about the coaching. The coaching sessions started in January and we met on alternate Friday afternoons for an hour through the winter, and out the other side into the better weather in April.

Q: How did you find the coaching programme and did the ladies enjoy it?

Angela: I found the coaching really beneficial. Our coach, Chris Carroll, was very patient and explained things really well, as most of us were complete beginners. It was great craic on the Friday afternoons, and a fantastic way to unwind after a busy week in work. There was also networking going on, and business being done as friendships developed and our skills progressed. Feedback from the other ladies was great, and we have all stayed in touch.

“Above all it has been satisfying for me to support a club which has been a customer of ours since 1991.”

Q: Would you recommend golf to other women in business?

Angela: Absolutely. There is no better way to unwind and forget the stresses and strains of the workplace, even just for a few hours. I would love to see more women taking up the sport, and I am looking forward to attending corporate golf days, whereas previously I would have had to decline these invitations. Golf is great for mental as well as physical health and that is so important because we all lead such busy and demanding lives.

Q: Will you continue to play golf?

Angela: Yes, I am really enjoying it. I recently joined as an Associate member at Dunmurry, along with a few of the other ladies on the programme.  The Lady Captain, Immediate Past Lady Captain, and Lady Vice Captain have given us tremendous support, along with the Lady Members who gave up their time to attend the coaching and offer their guidance. It has been a great experience and above all it has been satisfying for me to support a club which has been a customer of ours since 1991.