Fire detection systems aren’t just required by businesses of all sizes but also by public buildings that need to protect anyone using them. A recent example is Maidstone Baptist Church, located in the centre of the town on Knightrider Street. The church has recently had a new fire detection system installed by fire and security specialists SECOM.
Maidstone Baptist Church is a fairly large Edwardian building with a gothic style, and was first opened in the early 1900s. The original part of the church is made from ragstone (a hard sandstone or limestone that's often used in building projects) and has a low tower. Over the years, there have also been some brick-built extensions. Previously, there were various buildings on the site, dating back to the 15 th century, including a workhouse and a Bluecoat School.
Protecting the people
The church’s congregation now includes people from all walks of life and from different countries. However, the building had an old, non-compliant fire detection and alarm system that needed replacing. To ensure the safety of the congregation and other people who hire and use the building, the church decided it needed to carry out a fire risk assessment by a qualified fire risk assessor.
As a result of this, Maidstone Baptist Church called on the expertise of SECOM, which has been advising the church on different security issues since 1994. Helen Jones, the church’s Office Administrator, explains: “Because of our long-standing relationship with Secom, we knew we could trust the advice they offered. As an added bonus, their quote was within the budget we’d allocated to the project.”
Installing a wireless system
Two members of SECOM’s team – Regional Security Consultant Steve Kench-Cannon and Fire Designer Shane Fay – attended the site survey. In consultation with the church, Shane subsequently recommended a wireless fire detection system. This comprised the installation of a new fully compliant, audible fire alarm system. This includes an alarm panel with expanders; translators; smoke / heat detectors and manual call points.
A successful result
The system was safely installed by SECOM, on time and within budget and without any issues. Helen Jones continues: “The installation went very well and the engineer was fantastic, and tidied up after himself. He also provided an effective handover, so we would know exactly how to use our new system. SECOM also adopted a very flexible approach during the project – for instance, they rescheduled the installation as we needed the building for a funeral.”
She adds: “The new system has been well received by our members and church users and we are now carrying out our weekly tests. We’re very glad we chose SECOM once again – we’re confident in their expert advice, their careful work and their reliability throughout.”
