Fire and Security Installations

Fire Alarm Systems All existing buildings, with the exception of domestic premises, are subject to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This requires that a fire risk assessment should be undertaken by a responsible person. Lethd supply and install a range of systems dependent on the intended application. The most typical systems are category ‘L’ type, which are designed for the protection of life; there are 5 category ‘L’ type systems as follows:

• Category L1 system
  • Automatic detectors installed throughout all areas of the building including roof spaces and voids, apart from minor exceptions, with the aim of providing the earliest possible warning
  • Category L1 systems are likely to be appropriate for the majority of residential care premises

• Category L2 system
  • Automatic detectors installed in escape routes, rooms adjoining escape routes and high hazard rooms
  • Medium sized premises (sleeping no more than ten residents)
  • These fire alarm systems are identical to category L3 systems but with additional detection in high hazard areas such as kitchens or where the risk to people is particularly increased

• Category L3 system
  • Designed to give early warning to everyone to ensure that all are able to exit the building before escape routes become impassable
  • Automatic detectors placed in all escape routes and all rooms that open onto an escape route
  • Category L3 systems provide more extensive cover than category L4 systems

• Category L4 system
  • Designed to cover escape routes and circulation areas only
  • Automatic detectors will be placed in escape routes, although this may not be suitable depending on the risk assessment or if the size and complexity of a building is increased. %li Automatic detectors might be sited in other areas of the building, but the objective is to protect the escape route

• Category L5 system
  • Designed to cover situations not covered by L4 to L1 systems, e.g., computer rooms, which may be protected with an extinguishing system triggered by automatic detection
  • Category L5 systems are the ‘custom’ category and relate to special requirements that cannot be covered by any other category.

Security Installations  Home/residential security systems. It is a broad term which covers various aspects of home security and involves the use of a variety of means and devices. Among the simplest yet among the most effective home/residential security systems are locks, barred windows, fences, etc. Always ensure locks are approved to british standards. If you are conducting house extensions then ensure all the building controls and security measures are undertaken. In the recent decades, these systems were joined by technologically advanced and sophisticated equipment and technology which has dramatically improved security of households worldwide. Examples include fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, motion detectors, exterior lighting, etc., while apartment complexes often also use closed-circuit television monitoring of the entries, hallways and elevators as well as security guards. Neighbourhoods of larger cities may also employ patrol services or organize voluntary residential patrols. Commercial security systems. Businesses are vulnerable to the same hazards than private residences but they are also at risk of industrial espionage, internal theft, work-related accidents and injuries, etc. Commercial security systems therefore involve the use of more sophisticated technologies and equipment such as automatic access-control systems, button alarms, card readers, etc. as well as trained security staff from reputable firms . A special category are security systems which are intended for small businesses that cannot afford highly sophisticated technology. Some of these systems are technologically on the level of home/residential security systems which, however, does not necessarily mean they are inferior to those used by large firms and companies.