Wireless technology is quickly taking over all aspects of life. We have already grown accustomed to wireless devices such as mobile phones and laptops; however, the technology can also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of buildings and their inhabitants. Embracing this technology can not only help usher in a new age of fire safety but also safeguard ambitious works of engineering such as the growing number of high-rise buildings.
The Future is Wireless
While wired fire alarm systems have long been a reliable method for protecting buildings and people, wireless systems offer several advantages that are increasingly difficult to overlook in today’s architectural landscape. Robert Bruce, Hyfire’s UK and Ireland Sales Manager, shares his insights: “Wireless fire alarm systems remove the need for costly and time-consuming wiring, streamlining installation and significantly reducing setup time. This is especially beneficial for buildings with complex layouts or where wiring would be challenging or disruptive. Their flexibility allows for easy expansion or modifications without requiring additional cabling, making them ideal for buildings that may undergo future changes in use.”
The fear is that wireless devices, which rely on radio frequency technology, are subject to interference, however devices like those from Hyfire devices are designed with multiple communication paths to ensure continuous connectivity, even if one signal is lost. The development of reliable wireless fire alarm systems isn’t just part of the shift toward a wireless future, it’s essential for protecting today’s buildings.
Innovation and Risk: Ensuring the Safety of High-Rise Buildings
High-rise buildings may have become the new norm, but there is nothing normal about them as they truly are an exceptional stage of engineering. However, such colossal structures don’t come without a unique set of challenges. The concept of being punished for creating something “larger than life” has been discussed and passed down for millennia, from the myth of Icarus to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Although high-rise buildings are not as unrealistic as the aforementioned stories, we still mustn’t arrogantly assume that constructing and maintaining a thousand-foot tower won’t come with specific safety concerns.
“The landscape of fire safety in high-rise residential buildings in the UK has undergone significant transformation in recent years. – Robert Bruce explains – The Grenfell Tower tragedy acted as a sombre catalyst, compelling the government to re-evaluate and bolster regulations to ensure the safety of residents in multi-storey dwellings. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations is a testament to these efforts, outlining stringent measures for high-rise structures, even if it is an imperfect piece of legislation that leaves many details open to interpretation.”
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 crystallises many of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations into enforceable actions. At its heart, it serves to bolster the defensive and responsive measures available to fire and rescue services. By mandating the provision of up-to-date electronic building plans, detailing the design and materials of external walls, it equips these services with critical knowledge. This enables more informed decision making during emergencies and supports proactive fire safety planning.
The West Country aApartment bBlock cCase sStudy
A recent example of how wireless fire alarm systems have revolutionised fire safety is the installation of Hyfire’s Taurus Wireless Fire Alarm system in a West Country apartment block. The system enabled residents to return home swiftly after the building underwent major renovations. The Taurus system was chosen for its ease of installation, adaptability to unexpected structural changes, and ability to be pre-programmed before deployment, reducing on-site labor. The project, which involved fitting 706 devices and 48 translators onto an advanced eight-loop panel, was completed in just six weeks, a testament to the efficiency of wireless fire technology.
The Taurus system exemplifies wireless expertise, featuring a robust wireless protocol and cutting-edge TauREX software that streamlines design and deployment. Its rapid installation not only expedited the reoccupation of the building but also highlighted the broader benefits of wireless fire alarms in enhancing fire safety with minimal disruption. As demand for scalable, intelligent fire safety solutions grows, systems like Taurus demonstrate how wireless technology is shaping the future of building safety.
Safety iis nnot a Lone Effort: the Importance of Collaboration and Planning
Despite the impressive technology, realistic training, preparedness and alarm verification are still the pillars of fire safety. Robert Bruce explains how: “The London Fire Brigade’s training protocols have faced scrutiny, emphasising the vital need for realistic training. Moreover, an emerging challenge across many fire brigades, including Scotland, is the revised approach to automated fire alarms (AFAs). Many brigades no longer respond to AFAs unless there’s manual confirmation of a fire. This shift underscores the urgency for robust fire safety measures and the need for occupants to be more vigilant and involved.”
High-rise buildings, predominantly in larger cities like London, present unique challenges in the event of fires. Their vertical nature means that understanding building layouts, ensuring clear communication channels, and swiftly assessing risks are crucial. Training for such emergencies needs to extend beyond textbook learning. It demands practical exercises that mirror the intense realities of a high-rise blaze. It’s not merely about familiarising with equipment, but conditioning responders to anticipate challenges, from physical barriers to human panic.
This need for realism in training is accentuated by the policy changes around AFAs. With brigades awaiting manual confirmation before dispatching resources, the first line of defence becomes the building’s occupants and their immediate response mechanisms. This development places an increased onus on building management to ensure that systems are not only in place but that occupants are well-informed about them. It brings to light the importance of reliable fire detection systems, where false alarms are minimised, and genuine threats are quickly identified and verified.
“Wireless fire system solutions, such as those provided by Hyfire, are invaluable in this context, – says Robert Bruce -. Their flexibility and efficiency enable residents and building managers to quickly verify and communicate the legitimacy of an alarm, bridging the gap between automated alerts and manual confirmation.”
The Imperative for BS8629 Evacuation Control Systems
One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the introduction of BS8629. This standard specifically focuses on fire evacuation alert systems for buildings that are more than 18 metres in height. Its core objective is to provide a means of communication that enables the fire brigade to advise occupants in particular areas to evacuate during an emergency.
According to Robert Bruce: “The significance of BS8629 is paramount in the world of high-rise residential fire safety. Traditionally, the ‘stay put’ policy was often advocated for multi-storey buildings, relying on the building’s compartmentalisation to contain fires. However, in cases where this fails, a system that can guide a partial or full evacuation becomes indispensable.”
Wireless Audible Visual devices are carving a niche in this landscape due to their adaptability and efficiency. Their integration with BS8629 systems ensures real-time communication, rapid response, and enhanced safety measures. Hyfire, as a forerunner in this domain, offers devices that not only meet the criteria set by BS8629 but elevate the standard of fire safety further. Their technology ensures seamless communication with the evacuation control, facilitating prompt and safe evacuations when needed.
More Than Just Compliance
The UK’s push for more regulation around High-Rise buildings has made way for safer cities, however it shouldn’t take a tragedy to inspire change. Robert Bruce concludes: “The conversation around fire safety in high-rise residential buildings, driven by past tragedies and evolving regulations, highlights our shared responsibility. It goes beyond mere compliance, it’s about ensuring every resident has peace of mind. Wireless fire devices, exemplified by brands like Hyfire, represent more than just technological advancement; they reflect a deeper commitment to safety. As we move into this new era, their role will be crucial in shaping a future where safety is not a privilege but a standard for all.”