Watford Community Housing has upgraded two of its 16-storey tower blocks to a Grade D, LD1 fire detection system from Aico.
WCH’s high-rise blocks were recently chosen for mandated safety audits under Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue’s supervision. After an initial review of its housing stock, the housing provider decided to upgrade the buildings’ safety systems by working with Aico to install multi-sensor fire alarms to give them complete coverage.
The project began with WCH using Aico’s free FIA-accredited ‘expert installer’ training for all of its installation team. Aico’s mobile unit visited the site and WCH staff undertook training on alarm installation, maintenance, siting and standards. The mobile unit also allowed WCH’s residents to receive fire safety advice and information on how to test and maintain their alarms.
WCH chose Aico technology partly because of its simple data extraction tools. The housing provider’s newly-appointed building safety manager can now extract data from the multi-sensor alarms with ease using Aico’s RadioLink technology. Each property has had up to four multi-sensor alarms installed which monitor heat and smoke levels giving more complete coverage. Heat alarms have also been installed in each kitchen to complete the project, with an Ei450 switch added for easy testing capabilities.
The housing provider also chose to add an Ei414 Alarm interface, enabling the Part 6 fire alarm systems in the living spaces to connect to the Part 1 system in the communal hallways, giving comprehensive, integrated fire protection.
David Wright, surveying manager, Watford Community Housing, said, “Due to the known risks around high-rise buildings, we decided that full fire detection would be appropriate. We believe Aico products deliver the best in safety for our residents. We are also aware of what is required from a maintenance point of view, helping us to minimise the time we spend in the properties.”
