Author name: mfsdraft.com

Open or Closed Protocols? – there is a very expensive hidden cost in many fire detection systems that most people are unaware of… …Software Ownership   Many suppliers will sell you a system, but they won’t tell you that the price does not include the software. So, if you need to re-configure your system, service/maintain it, or carry out repairs, you can’t – unless you use that supplier. You can’t shop around for cheaper quotes. You can’t handle minor tasks in-house. You’re stuck with their prices and level of service. We’re different When you buy a system from FAFS Fire & Security, it’s yours – and that includes the system software. Naturally, we’d like you to choose our service and maintenance options because we offer good service at a competitive price. If you’re getting a competitive price for a new system, you may want to ask: 1. Does it include the software? 2. What are the costs for maintenance? By asking these 2 simple questions, and getting positive answers, you will dramatically reduce the long term cost of ownership of your new system and put you in control.

Is your server room a fire risk?   Server rooms are integral to the upkeep of business functions; running hundreds of computers, telecommunications operations and housing irreplaceable data storage. However, a server room is vulnerable to fire. A server room fire can be one of the worst disasters that can befall a business. Taking steps to protect your server room from fire does more than protect your computer equipment—it helps to safeguard your entire business. Common causes of a server room fire Electrical failure of equipment – Overloading plug sockets is a common problem that is overlooked. So too is short circuiting of electrical components such as switched or power inverters. Overheating electronics – Cooling systems can fail or the room is not specified with enough ventilation which then cause components to overheat to the point that ignition is inevitable. Subfloor wiring problems – Subfloor wiring can become damaged when subfloors are not strong enough, which will cause any number of problems, including overheating or sparks. Fires that ignite nearby – Because server room walls often have many holes and conduits for cables to pass into adjoining rooms and offices, they are more vulnerable to fires that ignite nearby. When the fire reaches the server room it quickly engulfs it and it then becomes a dangerous source of deadly noxious gases. Dirt and grease buildup – Cooling fans and other pieces of equipment readily attract dust and when this builds up it insulates the components and causes overheating. Once ignition occurs the dust is yet another ready source of fuel to the fire. What can you do to mitigate the risk of a server room fire? Carry out a Fire Risk Assessment A professional Fire Risk Assessment is the first step in preventing a server room fire. When designing a brand new server room, having a risk assessment as part of the design process will help make sure the server room is compliant with legislation from day one. You then simply have to update the risk assessment when your server room changes in any way. Good Housekeeping Keeping your server room clean, clutter-free and well-maintained can help minimise the risk of fire. Unfortunately server rooms can sometimes end up becoming unofficial storage rooms too and the more combustible the materials in there, the higher the chance of a fire igniting and spreading quickly. Carry out regular inspections Schedule periodic inspections, both by employees and third parties, to check that your server room is safe and compliant. Visually check wires and power leads to make sure they aren’t frayed or damaged and get any problems fixed quickly. Get regular tests done on your power supply too. Keep equipment cool Keeping the server room cool helps to prevent equipment overheating and therefore contributes to lowering the fire risk. Install suitable cooling equipment and, given that it is likely it will be running continually, make sure it is well maintained to avoid it becoming a fire hazard in itself. Install good fire detection and fire fighting equipment Water can potentially do as much damage to your equipment as fire itself. Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems limit damage to computer equipment and require little or no clean up after deploying. These systems are gas-based instead of fluid-based. They respond and suppress fire quickly and cleanly. Clean agent fire suppression systems can also extinguish fires inside enclosed equipment, making them ideal for technology applications. You should also ensure you have the necessary Portable Fire Extinguisher provision available too; make sure employees are properly trained on the right extinguishers to use and know how to discharge them safely in the server room environment. Ensure the room is well ventilated Cooling the room sufficiently is half the battle. If the room isn’t reaching high temperatures then the chances of overheating are minimised and you are therefore preventing one of the causes of server room fires. Protecting your server room from fire not only protects your computer equipment, it helps to safeguard your entire business and the people that work there. If you would like some further guidance about steps you can take to reduce fire risks in your server room please Contact Us.

Did you know that you could get a discount on your annual fire alarm insurance premiums if you enhance your fire alarm system?   Discounts can range from 5% up to a maximum of 15%, depending upon attendance times of the fire brigade, your history and your specific risk. Typical Fire Alarm System requirements include: L1 or P1 category Automatically connected to the Fire Brigade via Alarm Receiving Centre Intelligent Addressable system with keypad controls Designed, installed, commissioned and maintained by a BAFE SP203 – 1 accredited company What do you need to do? STEP ONE – Consult with your Insurers Advise them of your plans and let them know you expect a discount on your premium if you have a system installed that meets the ‘Typical Requirements’ Read more STEP TWO – Ensure your system is: Specified to L1 or P1 category as defined in BS5839 Intelligent Addressable system Designed, installed, tested and commissioned by company certificated to BAFE SP203 – 1 STEP THREE – Contact us As a Company certificated to BAFE SP203 – 1, Contact Us for free impartial advice, surveys, designs, specifications and cost plans

As the Autumn nights start to draw in, we know that winter is just around the corner. That means colder weather with the possibility of freezing temperatures.   Bearing this in mind and to be sure you are prepared, if you store any fire safety equipment outdoors or in unheated rooms, then you need to think about protecting it from extreme weather conditions to ensure that, in the case of a fire, your fire extinguishers will be in full working order and not frozen solid or full of rust. Spend some time now making sure your important fire safety equipment is protected from the elements to ensure you are ready for whatever the weather may bring. What can you do to protect your fire safety equipment? BS 5306 outlines a requirement for protective measures to be taken for extinguishers or alternatively, opt for extinguishers designed to withstand certain environments. Manufactured from ABS plastic, a material which is durable, shatter-proof and long-lasting, our Fire Extinguisher Cabinets are a great way to protect your extinguishers from extreme weather conditions and vandalism. Our Fire Extinguisher Cabinets come with weather seals which protect them from rain, snow and ice as well as preventing unnecessary corrosion. Cabinets can be used both indoors and out, and can be securely fitted onto any surface in most situations. For extra security, you have the option of choosing one with either a lock, alarm, or both. These security measures won’t hamper the use of an extinguisher in case of a fire as keys are visible and accessible from the front of the cabinet. Cabinets are available in different sizes, and we also provide Double Extinguisher Cabinets which fit two extinguishers, ideal for locations with various risks. Protecting against freezing temperatures Fire Extinguisher Cabinets are great for all-round fire extinguisher protection and keeping cold, wet weather at bay. However, certain extinguishers need extra protection from freezing weather temperatures. Water and foam extinguishers installed outdoors (or in areas with no heating) are particularly vulnerable and their contents may freeze and the internal lining become damaged. This renders them useless should they ever be needed. An anti-freeze fire extinguisher provides a solution for those environments that can reach bitterly cold temperatures. These will still operate in temperatures of minus 9 degrees centigrade, with others freezing at 0. *You can only get anti-freeze extinguishers which contain water. This means that only Class A fires (wood, paper, fabric, etc.) can be tackled with these types of extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is ideal for building sites and construction sites, as well as other outdoor settings like holiday parks, campsites, farms and places of education. An anti-freeze extinguisher ensures that, should you need to use the equipment in winter, it’s functional and its contents haven’t frozen.

If you discover a fire or see smoke in your work area, the first thing you should do is sound the alarm. By sounding the alarm, you put into practice a safety system which allows everyone in the workplace to make their means of escape to a predetermined place of safety.   In order to assist or enable your escape you may need to use a Portable Fire Extinguisher. There are many types of fire extinguisher because there are many types of fire. Each extinguisher is designed to be used on a specific class of fire. It is important to know which one to use to ensure that your actions are as effective as possible. Our Fire Extinguisher Information & User Guide explains each type of Portable Fire Extinguisher and how to use it in case of an emergency.