Due to rising standards in health and safety legislation, partly due to disasters like Grenfell, VESDA installation is becoming a more sought after requirement by our commercial clients. VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) systems provide early detection of potential fires, before they break out. This innovative technology is designed to constantly sample air quality within buildings, identifying changes that could contain smoke and potentially be the start of a fire threat.
We were recently contacted by a London-based corporation that sought an advanced fire system to protect the safety of its premises and staff. The corporation required a solution that would provide high-level detection, maintain the architectural integrity of their property, and function effectively in their demanding environment. After careful consideration, they opted for a VESDA system install.
The corporation’s headquarters, located in a bustling area of London, comprises a complex network of office spaces, meeting rooms, and technical areas. The building’s architectural design emphasised aesthetic appeal and functionality, necessitating a discreet yet effective fire detection system. The corporation’s environment also presented challenges, including varying temperature zones and areas difficult to access for maintenance.
Choosing VESDA
Given these requirements, the corporation turned to WLS. With over 40 years of installing, and maintaining VESDA fire detection systems, they knew they could trust us to get the job done not only well, but excellently.
The VESDA system was recommended for several reasons:
- High-Level Detection: Capable of detecting smoke up to 40 metres, far surpassing traditional point-type alarms limited to 10.5 metres.
- Discreet Installation: The system’s air sampling pipework could be hidden within ceiling voids, ensuring the building’s aesthetic was preserved.
- Adaptability to Harsh Environments: VESDA’s ability to function in difficult environments, including areas with fluctuating temperatures, made it an ideal choice.
- Ease of Servicing: Maintenance could be conducted at the main control panel, eliminating the need to access ceiling or floor voids, thereby minimising disruption.
Installation Process
The installation process began with a thorough assessment of the building’s layout and environmental conditions. We deployed a 25mm continuous plastic tube throughout the premises. Small holes were drilled into the pipe to allow air samples to be drawn in and “sniffed” by the system’s advanced laser-based technology housed in the main control panel.
The intelligent system continuously monitored the air for the presence of smoke, ensuring any potential fire hazards were detected at the earliest possible stage. The discreet installation ensured the system was virtually invisible, seamlessly integrating with the building’s design.
Results
Post-installation, the corporation benefited from enhanced fire safety measures. The VESDA system’s early smoke detection capabilities provided peace of mind, knowing that any sign of fire would be identified long before it became a significant threat. This early detection allowed for rapid response, minimising potential damage and ensuring the safety of employees.
The ease of servicing the VESDA system meant that regular maintenance could be conducted with minimal disruption to the company’s operations. The ability to service the system from the control panel without needing to access ceiling or floor voids was particularly advantageous, given the busy nature of the corporate environment.
The installation of the VESDA system in the corporation’s London headquarters exemplified the importance of choosing the right fire detection solution for complex environments. The combination of high-level detection, discreet installation, adaptability to harsh conditions, and ease of servicing made VESDA the perfect choice for the corporation’s needs.