Guardian Fire & Security - Blog

Guardian to bring FireClass Technology to Ireland

Guardian — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:18:52 +0000

Darren Whitefoot, FireClass welcomes Brendan Stamp, Guardian Fire & Security to FireClass stand at IFSEC 2012

Brendan and Alan are just back from IFSEC 2012, the leading international Fire & Security expo which showcases the latest technologies, innovations and fire safety solutions on the market.

This years event also marked the official launch of the FireClass range of commercial fire detection products which includes conventional and addressable fire control panels, gas extinguishing control panels and a full suite of ancillaries including detectors, call points, sounders etc.

Developed and supported by Tyco, a world class leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of fire protection products, Guardian Fire & Security has been announced as the Irish distributor.

At the Official FireClass Launch L to R: Darren Whitefoot/FireClass, Alan Walsh/Guardian Fire, Ken Walters/FireClass and Brendan Stamp/Guardian Fire

Commenting on the announcement, Brendan Stamp, M.D./Guardian Fire & Security stated

“ We are really excited to add this fully approved open protocol solution to our product range and look forward to introducing it to our Irish clientele”

To view the FireClass range, please click here…

For FireClass sales queries, please contact Brendan Stamp on 051 448774.

TOP TIPS to reduce False Fire Alarm Activations Part Two

Guardian — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:52:59 +0000

Today I will consider a further three common causes of false fire alarm activations and again offer your business further tips to help you reduce the risk of a false alarm.

1.Malicious/Accidental Damage
All systems are prone to malicious/accidental damage; however, the risk factor can vary greatly depending on the nature of your business.

For example: If your business has a large footfall of traffic through the door, the risk of malicious/accidental damage is greater than that of a business to business company. Apartment Complexes, Sports & Community Halls would also be classed as high risk.

Top Tip:

Here’s some food for thought for high risk area’s…

Use “Resettable” Break Glass Units. The resettable units are not only convenient but they are also cost effective as they remove the need to keep a supply of spare glass at your premises. They can also be easily reset by any member of staff, thus reducing related call out charges.

Protective Cages/Covers are also an inexpensive way of reducing the risk of accidental or malicious damage. We highly recommend the use of break glass unit protective covers especially in high traffic areas. These should be readily available from any good service provider retailing at somewhere between €5 – €8 per cover.
Cages also come in all shapes and sizes and are ideal in areas prone to vandalism. These can be fitted to any device including the Fire Alarm control panel itself.

It is also worth noting that CCTV Systems can act as deterrent in area’s which are prone to vandalism/malicious damage.

Above all, I cannot over emphasise the importance of logging all false fire alarm activations in the false alarm section of your Fire & General Register/Logbook. Aside from being a requirement, this will allow you to monitor trends and take action where needed. We also recommend reporting all false alarms to your maintenance/service provider.

2.Poor Maintenance
As with any system or machine, regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimum performance. Most addressable Fire Alarm panels monitor what is called the “analogue values” of devices. Devices with a high reading pose a greater risk of causing a false alarm. During routine service/maintenance visits engineer’s can identify devices with a high reading and take action before a false alarm occurs.

Top Tip:
Ensure you have a Fire Alarm Service/Maintenance Contract in place, and that your provider is competent to carry out the contract in accordance with Irish Standards 3218:2009.

Monitor the Fire Alarm Control Panel on a daily basis for any pre alarms and notify such to your service provider. This duty should fall under the remit of your nominated “Responsible Person”.

3. Plan for Upgrade
Detection devices such as smoke detectors, heat detectors etc generally have a life Span of 10 – 15 years. Beyond this the likelihood of false alarm activations increases.

Top Tip:
Whilst proper maintenance will prolong the life of detection devices, we recommend that you consult with your service provider regarding a Phased Upgrade Plan. Not only will this spread the cost of the upgrade over a number of years, it should also considerably reduce the cost of the upgrade if devices can be changed out during a routine service visit.

I do hope that you have found this two part series useful, if so, we would love to hear from you. Remember, to check back with us regularly for news, offers and tips!

Brendan supports Ministers proposals for improvements in Fire Safety.

Guardian — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:46:33 +0000

Brendan Stamp, M.D/Guardian Fire & Security supports Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan’s proposals for improvements in fire safety in an Irish Times article today. The article outlines that the department is proposing a system of compulsory certificates by architects of buildings, with agreed wording and supporting documentation to avoid a repeat of Priory Hall. To read this article in full, please click here
Brendan has always advocated developments in this area, with Guardian Fire & Security the first company in Ireland to achieve accreditation to IS3218:2009, the Irish Standards governing Fire Detection & Alarm Systems for buildings in 2010.

In response to today’s article, the company would like to clarify that whilst Brendan is an industry expert in the field of Fire & Life Safety Systems, he is not a Fire Safety Consultant as reported.

TOP TIPS to Reduce False Fire Alarm Activations

Guardian — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:13:48 +0000

False fire alarm activations are not only disruptive to your business, but they can also prove costly, in terms of downtime and service charges should the fire services respond to the activation.

In this two part series, I will consider the common causes of false fire alarm activations and offer your business some top tips to help you reduce the risk of a false alarm.

1.Design
The design of your fire alarm system should be fit for purpose and take account of the nature of your business and environmental conditions in which it operates for e.g. will the system be exposed to heat, cold, moisture, vibrations etc.

For example: A high heat temperature detector would be preferable than a smoke detector as a means of detection in the cooking area of a restaurant/hotel kitchen.

Top Tip:
You may not be aware that under the Irish Standard 3218:2009 your contractor should involve you (end user) in the design process. Make it your business to get involved at this stage as mistakes early on can prove extremely costly.

If you are moving into new premises with an existing fire alarm, consider how this change of use may affect the system? Consult with your service provider if you have any concerns or questions.

2.New Conditions
The introduction of new conditions can lead to an increase in false alarm activations. New Conditions could include for example refurbishment or repair of office space, new machinery, increased traffic etc. It important to note that such activations may not present immediately.

Top Tip:
If repair or refurbishment works are taking place, you should protect the smoke, heat or multi sensor detectors in that area. Your service provider should be able to supply you with temporary covers free of charge to protect these devices.

Note: We always recommend that you liaise with your provider about fitting of same to ensure detection is not compromised during such works.

3.Aerosols
Related to my second point, but worthy of being addressed separately is the use of aerosols. This build up of aerosol particles from air fresheners, polishes and cleaning materials can contribute greatly to false fire alarm activations.

Top Tip:
If possible minimise the use of aerosols near smoke/heat and multi sensors detectors. If they must be used, ensure aerosols are not sprayed in the direct path of a detector.

Part 2 … coming soon. Remember to check back with us regularly for up to date news, offers and tips. In the meantime, we would love to hear from you! Maybe you have a question or query you would like advice on? Feel free to leave us a message…

Project Completions Spring 2012

Guardian — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:00:39 +0000

We have had an extremely busy few months here at Guardian Fire & Security and completed a number of exciting projects including

Odeon Cinema, The Point Village, Dublin 1.

Located beside the O2, on the 3rd floor of The Point Village Shopping Centre, the new Odeon cinema which is fully wheelchair accessible comprises of 6 auditoriums, boasting the latest in digital and sound technology as well as a coffee and ice cream counter. As part of this project, we supplied and comissioned a Sigtel Disabled Refuge System comprising of a 4 Way Master Controller and Single Surface mount refuge call point.

http://www.odeoncinemas.ie

St. Patricks National School, Crossabeg, Co. Wexford

An impressive extension to the existing facilities at St. Patricks National School, Crossabeg reached completion this February with 5 classroom teachers and their pupils moving into the new section . The fire protection system provided by Guardian Fire & Security comprises of an addressable Voyager 1 Loop Panel together with audible and visual warning devices.

http://www.crossabegnationalschool.ie/

Sam McCauleys, Showgrounds Shopping Centre, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Leading retailer Sam McCauley opened the doors of its 26th store at the Showgrounds Shopping Centre in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary earlier this month. The Showgrounds store offers a full pharmacy service, the first benefit cosmetics counter, clarins counter as well as a State of the Art Digital Centre. The store is protected by an addressable system linking a Voyager Control Panel to Optical and Heat Detectors which interface with the Control Centre at the Shopping Centre.

http://www.showgrounds.ie/

Apartments at 42, Thomas Street, Waterford

A Conventional Fire Alarm system was supplied and commissioned at 42, Thomas Street in Waterford. The 3 story premises which houses apartments is protected by a 4 Zone Duo Cel Panel. Commenting on Guardian Fire & Security, Installer Cyril Murphy said

“Thanks again for all your help. It was a pleasure dealing with you and i must add that Alan was A1 today also.”

Control Room at Millstreet Windfarm, Co, Cork

Works carried out at the ancillary structure at Millstreet Windfarm included the suppy & commissioning of a conventional Duo Cel 4 Zone Panel. The structure comprises of a Subststation Control Room for 12 Wind Turbines which are located between Millstreet and Mallow.

Brendan on South East Radio’s Business Matters Show

Guardian — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:37:38 +0000

Be sure to tune in to South East Radio Business Matters Show this coming Saturday 24th March from 10.30 am when Brendan Stamp joins Karl Fitzpatrick to chat about the successes of Guardian Fire & Security and the challenges facing the industry in general.

This Saturday’s show also features Patrick Mc Cormack from the Sam Mc Cauley Chemist Group and George Delaney from Delaney Corporate Finance. Promises to be a great show!!

Listen to Brendan’s Interview with Karl Fitzpatrick by clicking here…

Guardian take Business to Business Title at FBD Business & Community Awards 2012

Guardian — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:51:49 +0000

Pictured at the FBD Business & Community Awards 2012

From Left:
Margaret Goldsmith, James Stamp, Brendan Stamp and Jackie Carthy

There was a great buzz at The Brandon House Hotel, New Ross on Friday night as over 34 finalists gathered across 10 categories to celebrate the annual FBD Business & Community Awards 2012 in association with New Ross Chamber.

We were joined in the Business to Business category by Angel Marketing, Easycom, Visi Connex Ltd and Web Content Partners and managed to beat off the competition to take the coveted title.

In selecting the winner, the judges from the School of Business at W.I.T. considered how each company actively managed its relationships with its key customers. It also looked at business growth, innovation and management systems and procedures.

“ We are absolutely honoured to accept this award” said Brendan Stamp, Managing Director. “This is two in a row for us, having won the Best Small Business category in the 2011 Awards and it recognises our commitment to best practice and to ensuring that our customers get the most from their relationship with us”

As part of the prize, each category winner was asked to select a charity and a €100.00 donation was made on their behalf. We at Guardian Fire & Security were delighted to select the Wexford Hospice Homecare as the beneficiary, a cause very close to our hearts.

Other category winners included:

Best New Business Award – Web Content Partners
Best Small Business Award – Anna Furlong’s Hair Salon
Community Services Award – Horeswood Community Childcare Ltd
Green Award – Donard National School
Food & Agri Enterprise Award – Kehoe Farming Ltd
Tourism & Hospitality Award – Corcoran’s Bar
Customer Service Award – H2O Creative Hair
Best Shop Front Award – Corcoran’s Bar
Best School Enterprise Award – St. Mary’s Secondary School
Person Of The Year Award – Ann Somers

Category Winners at the FBD Business & Community Awards 2012

Fire Safety in Apartment Blocks

Guardian — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:04:11 +0000

I feel it is an important time to comment on what has been a much talked about topic in recent months, that is: Fire Safety in Apartment Blocks.

In October, 2011 we learned of the major fire safety risks at the 187 apartment complex, Priory Hall in Donaghmede which included inadequate fire resistant materials and an inadequate fire detection & alarm system amongst others. This resulted in residents being evacuated and rehoused.

This week we learned, that up to 300 houses and apartments in another north Dublin housing estate; Belmayne, are in need of extensive repair work due to fire safety problems. According to an article in Thursday’s Irish Times, an inspection by Dublin Fire Brigade revealed defects in the timber framed construction of the houses which means they cannot meet fire safety regulations. For more on this story, please click here. This news comes as the deadline was reached (Friday at Noon) for submission of suggestions to the Department of the Environment on how to improve fire safety in apartment blocks. What is shocking, is that this comes over 20 years after the introduction of the Building Control Act of 1990. Had all of the terms of this act been enforced, I may not be writing this article today!

Fire in apartment blocks is a REAL risk and it is exasaberated by the mere complexity and use of the building itself. I only have to look back to Friday 20th January this year, when a fire destroyed the Kennedy Plaza apartment block in our town of New Ross, Co. Wexford. Whilst, no one was seriously injured, residents are still feeling the pain and coming to terms with what has happened and worst still what could have happened.

The introduction of The Multi – Unit Development (MUD) Act which came into effect on April 1st 2011 now places an obligation on the owner’s management company to provide a statement setting out the fire safety equipment installed in the development together with maintenance arrangements. Whilst this is a very welcome development for residents of such blocks, it may do little to improve safety measures without proper enforcement.

Following Friday’s deadline we now await the government’s proposals to be published. This will most likely be sometime later in the year. God know’s what we face in the intervening period. We truly hope not another Stardust. What we need now is a real committment in terms of resources for enforcement and we need it quickly.

However, whilst we can apportion blame to government, builders, architects and service providers, my point in writing this article is to drive home the reality – that we all have a responsibility for fire safety, that is each and everyone of us, whether that be in our home, our place of work or our profession. Fire safety cannot and should not be compromised.

I urge you to take that responsibility today! As any road user has a responsibility for road safety, you too have a responsibility for fire safety. Look around you and consider what steps you can take as an individual to improve fire safety? Perhaps its the testing of the smoke alarm in your home, the preparation of an evacuation plan, testing of fire extinguishers or the reporting of fire hazards in your workplace. We all need to do our bit to make fire safety a priorty! Don’t delay…..

Author: Brendan Stamp, Tech IEI, IS3218:2009 Qualified
Managing Director Guardian Fire & Security

Manufacturers Cranford Controls and Ampac Europe Join Forces

Guardian — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:19:21 +0000

In a recent announcement, Ampac, one of our supply partners confirmed that Cranford Controls, UK manufactuers of quality Fire & Security Products have now joined the Ampac Group of companies.

Cranford, who specialise in the design and manufacture of approved and independently tested sounders, beacons and ancillary fire alarm devices will compliment Ampac’s exisiting product line which includes fire detection & alarm control panels.

“ We are delighted to hear the news that Cranford and Ampac have joined forces” said Brendan Stamp, Managing Director of Guardian Fire & Security “ … and we look forward to the development of some new and exciting products as well as lower prices for the end consumer in the months to come”

Christmas Holiday Arrangements 2011

Guardian — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:09:44 +0000

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their loyal support in 2011.

We wish you all a Safe & Happy Christmas and look forward to a bright and prosperous 2012.

Our offices will close at 1.00 pm on Friday 23^rd December 2011 and re open on Tuesday 3^rd January 2012 at 9.00 am.

Our 24 Hr Emergency Support Number will operate as normal during the holiday period. If you require assistance please call 087 6046204.

See you in January!!