Misuse of manual call points or pull stations is a very significant factor in false or nuisance fire alarms. During 2015/2016, the Fire and Rescue Service attended 214,100 fire false alarms in England, which represents 40% of their total attendances during the year.
In fact, from 1st January 2019 the London Fire Brigade (LFB) became the first UK fire service to recover costs from buildings like hospitals, airports and student digs with a poor false alarm record. Amazingly, figures show that if charging had been in place in 2018 London hospitals alone would have faced a bill of £500,000 for the excessive number of times firefighters were called to a fire alarm sounding.
BS 5839-1:2017 – The British Standard for fire alarm installations recommends that in order to reduce the chance of either malicious or accidental activation, all manual call points should be fitted with
a protective cover, which is now the default recommendation. A’variation’ to the Code of Practice must be declared if covers are not fitted.
Vimpex’s Smart+ products assist in reducing malicious or accidental use of fire and security system components. The range has been designed to protect essential fire and security equipment and counteracts the effects of malicious false alarms, fire extinguisher theft or misuse, detector damage and the unauthorised use of emergency exit doors.
VIMPEX’S SMART+GUARD
Vimpex’s Smart+Guard is designed to protect the essential fire and security equipment and to reduce malicious or accidental false alarms. Smart+Guard is a tough polycarbonate hinged protective cover that can easily be installed over call points and emergency switches to provide protection from vandalism, accidental damage or misuse.
The red variant is commonly installed over fire alarm call points to protect the break glass from deliberate misuse or accidental damage. This reduces incidents of false fire alarms.
- Designed for ease of installation – can be fitted in minutes
- Optional battery-powered 90 dB alarm, increasing security and protection
- Break seal also available to increase visible deterrent against misuse
- Available as flush mount or can be surface mounted with an 18mm, 32mm or 50mm spacer
The Smart+Guard back box is designed to give greater protection from rain and water ingress when used with the Smart+Guard flush mount products.
SMART+GUARD 2
Sharing all of the features of the Smart+Guard, this product is designed to protect German call points, weatherproof call points and most US style pull stations.
SMART+GUARD ENVIRO
The Smart+Guard Enviro has been designed and engineered to provide protection for devices used in hostile environments. Applications include offshore, the food and beverage industry, swimming pools, leisure centres and underground installations.
SMART+CAGE
Smart+Cage protects essential fire, safety and security equipment from theft, vandalism or accidental damage. Constructed from PVC coated 4mm steel bar, these though, waterproof cages provide security for a wide range of devices.
Established in 1994, Vimpex is Europe’s leading independent manufacturer and distributor of Alarm and Evacuation products and accessories. The company manufactures and distributes a wide range of high-quality Evacuation, Signalling and Building Infrastructure System products. With the company’s factory process and products approved and audited by UL, LPCB and Intertek, Vimpex can now lay claim to being the leading independent European manufacturer / distributor of evacuation and notification devices.
For more information please visit: Vimpex.co.uk
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