Fire Alarms
BS 5839-1 is a British Standard that provides guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic buildings. It is part of the broader BS 5839 series, which addresses various aspects of fire alarm systems.
Key aspects of BS 5839-1 include:
System Design: It outlines the requirements for designing fire alarm systems, including the types of detectors to be used, the layout of the system, and the integration with other safety systems.
Installation: The standard specifies best practices for the installation of fire detection and alarm systems to ensure they function effectively and reliably.
Maintenance: It emphasises the importance of regular testing and maintenance to ensure that fire alarm systems remain operational and compliant with safety regulations.
Risk Assessment: The standard recommends conducting risk assessments to determine the appropriate level of fire protection required for different types of buildings and their usage.
Overall, BS 5839-1 aims to enhance fire safety in commercial and public buildings by providing a comprehensive framework for fire alarm systems.
To ensure optimal safety, it is recommended that you conduct a fire alarm test on a weekly basis at a designated time. Prior to initiating the test, please notify all persons within the building that this is a routine procedure and that no evacuation is necessary. Additionally, inform your Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) before the test begins to prevent any unnecessary alerts to Emergency Services.
For detailed instructions, please refer to our Guide on Conducting a Weekly Fire Alarm Test
In order to achieve this FRA are carried out and the risk assessor will state the category they recommend. That category is then the minimal level that needs to be achieved. Those alarm devices you want to purchase won’t comply with the FRA. If you feel that they are beneficial in the meantime then carry on. After all, it is better than nothing, but please bear in mind it won’t meet BS5839-1 as stated by the FRA.
CCTV
Accreditations are important indicators of quality and reliability, demonstrating that a security provider adheres to industry standards and regulations. It is essential to request proof of any accreditations your security provider holds.
Your provider should be compliant and registered with the SSAIB (Security Systems & Alarms Inspection Board). These certifications ensure that they meet recognised standards for security services.
Yes, there are specific legal regulations that must be followed when installing and operating a CCTV system. One of the primary regulations is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Under GDPR, it is crucial to ensure that any data collected through CCTV is stored securely and accessed only by authorised individuals. This includes implementing appropriate security measures to protect the footage.
Additionally, employees have the right to request access to any CCTV footage that pertains to them.
For more detailed information, please get in touch!
CCTV can seamlessly integrate with your current security setup and can also be combined with other IT systems, such as access control.
Many of our clients choose to implement access control simultaneously with their CCTV systems. This integration allows for real-time monitoring and documentation of individuals entering and exiting the building. In the event of an incident, it becomes possible to correlate access records with video footage, helping to identify individuals captured on camera.
Yes, you can view your CCTV remotely with a system provided by Shield. This can be accessed via mobile applications or PC software.
Access Control
For individuals concerned about privacy or the potential misuse of their fingerprint, it’s important to understand that biometric fingerprint readers do not store or replicate the actual fingerprint. Instead, these devices capture and analyse up to 100 unique reference points from the fingerprint.
These reference points and their spatial arrangement create a unique pattern that identifies the registered user. Importantly, it is not possible to reconstruct a usable fingerprint from these reference points. The resulting numerical codes and patterns derived from your fingerprint image are specifically designed for access control and have no practical use outside that context.
This means that law enforcement, hackers, or thieves cannot exploit the stored pattern. If someone were to attempt to compare this data with a criminal database, it would yield no results, ensuring the privacy and security of your biometric information.
Yes, access control systems can be seamlessly integrated with existing security systems, including automated gates, to facilitate efficient and secure access management. Both building access and gate automation utilise technologies such as PIN code keypads and RFID card readers.
Additionally, multiple access points can be managed under a single system, enabling comprehensive control over all entry points and restricted areas within the premises. This integration enhances overall security and simplifies access management across the entire facility.
According to the British Security Industry Association guidelines, access control points are classified based on the type of business and the associated security risks. Each grade is assigned to specific protected areas rather than the overall system, allowing for a mix of grades within a single premises. For example, you might have Grade 1 access points in certain areas while other locations may require Grade 4 protection, depending on the specific security needs of your building.
The assigned grade for your access points serves as a valuable indicator of the necessary security level and the recommended technology for each area. This classification helps business owners, installers, and designers effectively address the security requirements while staying within budget.
Access control is a security measure that regulates who can enter specific areas at any given time. Advanced access control systems ensure that only authorised users are permitted entry, verifying the identity of individuals as they enter or exit monitored spaces.
These systems employ various methods for controlling access, including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) locks, biometric scanners, electromagnetic locks, keycards, and smartphone applications.
When an individual attempts to access a restricted area, their credentials are authenticated. This could involve anything from a fingerprint scan to a security card read, which is then sent via the Access Control software. This software program determines whether the user should be granted access.
The Access Control software checks if the user has permission to enter the specific area by conducting a series of digital validations, including:
– Ensuring the correct type of credential is used for that area
– Verifying that access is attempted within an authorised timeframe
– Confirming the use of an appropriate trigger type
If the user successfully meets all these criteria’s, access is granted, and the security device is unlocked. The unlocking mechanism varies depending on the type of device in use. For instance, with an electromagnetic lock, the power supply is temporarily interrupted to release the lock, while for door strikes, the power is activated to unlock the door for a few seconds.
In the case of wireless locks, the latch engages only when an approved credential is presented, remaining disengaged at all other times. This setup allows for free exit from the area while preventing unauthorised entry.
Intruder alarms
A hybrid alarm system integrates wired and wireless technologies, providing a flexible security solution tailored to various installation needs. This approach is especially advantageous when certain detection can be conveniently wired, while others, situated in challenging locations, are better suited for wireless connectivity.
Additionally, hybrid systems can be graded according to the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) standards, which assess the security requirements of different areas. This means you can implement a graded approach, deploying high-security measures in critical areas while utilising less intensive solutions in lower-risk areas. This adaptability allows for a comprehensive security strategy that maximises coverage and efficiency while minimising disruption to the premises.
Absolutely. Most of the Intruder alarm systems we install come with remote control functionality, enabling you to manage your security system directly from your mobile device. This includes capabilities such as arming and disarming the system, isolating specific detectors, reviewing event history, and receiving real-time notifications for alarm events. Furthermore, the associated app can be customised to accommodate multiple users on different devices, providing enhanced flexibility and convenience for managing your security needs.
Yes, Shield Fire and Security LTD offers various maintenance packages and support on all of our services. We provide regular system checks, updates, repairs, and 24/7 customer support to ensure your system operates smoothly and reliably at all times.
Commitment to Quality: SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) registered installers are dedicated to delivering high-quality service. Each SSAIB Recognised companies undergoes an annual inspection to ensure compliance with established standards. These evaluations assess the quality of installed security systems as well as various management practices, including the security screening of personnel. If you are dissatisfied with the service provided, a formal complaint procedure is available for resolution. Firms that consistently fail to meet the required standards may face disciplinary actions, including fines or removal from the list of Recognised Firms.
Insurance Benefits: Many insurance providers recognise the elevated standards set by SSAIB for security alarm installers. As a result, numerous insurers offer discounts to homeowners who opt for electronic security systems installed by SSAIB Recognised Firms. For commercial properties, insurers often require that security systems be installed by SSAIB registered companies before granting coverage.
Police Recognition: The police acknowledge that SSAIB Recognised companies adhere to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) unified policy on intruder alarms. A security system installed by an SSAIB registered company is eligible for connection to an Alarm Receiving Centre, enabling prompt police response when necessary.
Choosing an SSAIB registered installer ensures you receive a reliable, high-quality service that not only meets industry standards but also offers potential insurance benefits and police recognition.
Yes, we offer installation of monitored alarm systems. These systems are designed to connect to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) through various communication methods, including traditional telephone lines (PSTN), mobile networks (GSM or GPRS), and broadband (IP).
It’s important to understand that different monitored alarm systems utilise various transmission methods, ensuring that you can benefit from a monitored solution regardless of your location. Our team is dedicated to providing a system that meets your specific security requirements.
Passive Fire Protection
A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is a systematic evaluation that identifies and analyses fire-related risks within a premises, assessing fire incidents’ likelihood and potential consequences.
The process involves four key steps:
• Identify Potential Fire Hazards: Recognising sources of ignition, such as naked flames or faulty electrical equipment.
• Decide Who May Be in Danger: Evaluating the occupants and any individuals who may be at risk in the event of a fire.
• Evaluate the Risk: Assessing the level of risk associated with identified hazards, considering the fire triangle—which categorizes fire hazards into three elements: ignition, fuel, and oxygen.
• Determine the Adequacy of Existing Fire Precautions: Reviewing current fire safety measures to ensure they are sufficient to mitigate identified risks.
While it may not be feasible to eliminate all fire hazards, the findings from the assessment provide valuable insights to help manage these risks effectively. The assessor documents all findings and maintains regular reviews, revising the assessment as necessary.
Upon completion of the initial evaluation, a ‘significant findings’ report is generated. This document is periodically reviewed to ensure that risks are continuously evaluated, managed, and minimized, thereby enhancing the preparedness of the business for any potential fire incidents.
Passive fire protection refers to the strategies and measures implemented to inhibit the spread of fire and smoke within a building. This includes using fire-resistant construction materials, such as fire-rated walls, floors, and doors. Additionally, it encompasses the installation of firestops, which serve as barriers to prevent fire from travelling through openings in walls and floors.
Passive fire protection is critical to building safety, as it helps to contain fires and mitigate potential damage. By incorporating fire-resistant materials and effective firestop solutions, building owners can enhance occupant safety and reduce property damage in the event of a fire.
Our passive fire protection services include installing and maintaining fire and cavity barriers, penetration sealing, and fire door solutions, ensuring comprehensive protection for your building.
Linear gap seals are essential components in fire-stopping systems. They are typically made from intumescent materials that are flexible and water-resistant, designed to expand when exposed to heat. These seals are used to close gaps that could allow the passage of fire and smoke, particularly in areas such as construction movement joints that require effective fire-stopping. Linear gap seals play a crucial role in enhancing overall fire safety within a building by preventing the spread of fire and smoke.
In the UK, fire doors must be installed by a competent individual who possesses the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience to ensure safe and correct installation. This is in accordance with UK regulations governing fire safety.
At Shield Fire and Security Ltd, we are proud to be Third Party Accredited by the IFC (IFC Certification Ltd is a independent UKAS accredited Organisation) and specialise in the installation and maintenance of fire door sets. Our team is trained to meet the highest standards, ensuring that your fire doors comply with all relevant safety regulations.
Speed Gates
Speed gates are equipped with sensors to detect and prevent unauthorised entry attempts, including tailgating, adding an extra layer of security.
Certain models are designed for outdoor environments, but it is essential to select weather-resistant materials and features.
Yes, we offer customisation options to align with your facility’s design and functional requirements.
Regular maintenance includes cleaning sensors, inspecting mechanical parts, and updating software to ensure optimal functionality.
