Commercial fire protection and alarm systems
Advantages of fire alarm and detection systems
- Early detection: Provides rapid detection of fires, enabling early intervention and evacuation.
- Life safety: Ensures that building occupants are quickly alerted to evacuate, reducing the risk of injury or death.
- Property protection: Helps minimise property damage by ensuring a swift response from fire services.
- Integration: Can be integrated with other building safety and automation systems, including sprinkler systems for comprehensive fire protection and management.
Â
A fire alarm and detection system is a vital element of fire safety in any building, providing early detection, effective notification, and integration with other safety measures to protect lives and property from fire emergencies.
Our fire protection services
Fire alarm systems
Fire alarm systems are the primary detection method in commercial buildings to detect fire and alert occupants to evacuate.
A typical fire alarm system consists of a central control panel, detection devices (smoke detectors, heat detectors, or multi-sensor detectors), manual call points, and alarm sounders.
When smoke, heat, or flames are detected, or when a manual call point is activated, the system triggers audible and visual alarms throughout the building to warn occupants of danger. The control panel identifies the exact location of the alarm activation, enabling a rapid response from building personnel or emergency services.
Modern fire alarm systems can be configured as conventional systems (where detectors are grouped into zones) or addressable systems (where each device has a unique identity, allowing precise location identification). Addressable systems offer enhanced fault monitoring, reduced false alarms, and detailed reporting capabilities, making them particularly suitable for larger or more complex commercial premises.
Fire alarm systems must be designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with British Standards (BS 5839) to ensure regulatory compliance and effective protection.
Aspirating smoke detection (ASD)
ASD is one of the quickest and most reliable detection types.
Based around a central detection unit, it uses powerful fans to draw air samples from the protected area into a detection chamber via a network of sampling pipes.
It actively analyses sampled air for minute combustion byproducts using lasers or optical sensors, ASD provides highly sensitive, reliable, pre-combustion detection, preventing significant damage and business interruption.
It is up to 100 times more sensitive than standard detectors.
Public address voice alarm (PAVA)
PAVA systems are installed within buildings to provide clear, concise spoken messages, either for general day-to-day messages or in the event of an emergency, to evacuate occupants safely.
In an emergency, such as a fire, it is essential that people be evacuated safely and as quickly as possible.
Electronic sounders and bells are commonly used for fire alarm warnings; however, research has shown that people are less likely to panic when presented with a clear, easily understood message.
Gas suppression
A gaseous suppression system is a fire protection uses inert or chemical gases to extinguish fires.
These systems are designed to protect sensitive environments where the use of water, foam, or other fire suppression agents could cause damage.
Common applications include data centres, server rooms, telecommunications facilities, museums, archives, and other areas containing valuable or irreplaceable assets.
Systems installed require integrity to ensure the calculated design concentrations can be achieved, whilst having the means to vent to the atmosphere following a discharge.
Disabled refuge and EVC systems
An EVC system is a monitored, battery-backed solution designed for use during building evacuations in an emergency.
It incorporates different types of outstations, including disabled refuge units, fire telephones, steward telephones, and accessible toilet alarms.
These outstations offer various methods of communication with the operator at the control panel.
Disabled refuge units serve anyone requiring assistance during evacuation, including physically impaired individuals, wheelchair users, pregnant women, and anyone needing help exiting a building safely.
Using these units, individuals in refuge areas can communicate directly with evacuation personnel, receiving reassurance, real-time updates, and confirmation of assistance.
Fire extinguishers and blankets
Fire extinguishers and blankets are essential tools for fire safety, offering the first line of defence in an emergency.
Whether for homes or businesses, understanding the different types of fire extinguishers and their applications is crucial for effective property protection.
Installing fire extinguishers in the right locations ensures they are easily accessible during an emergency. Godiva Fire & Security provides expert fire extinguisher installation services, ensuring regulatory compliance and maximum effectiveness.
Proper placement and clear signage are vital for quick response times.
What our clients say
