In this article in our feature on fire safety in hotels, we look at a new installation on the island of Jersey, where multi-function detectors combined with sounders, beacons and voice alarms were priorities.
The safe evacuation of a building’s occupants is the top priority in the event of any life-threatening incident, and a clear and unambiguous means of communicating with them is essential. This is especially so with hotels, where people are less familiar with their surroundings and the escape routes available.
The four-star Hotel de France in St. Helier, on the island of Jersey recently had a major extension built. Thought to be one of the largest family-owned conference venues in Europe, the hotel is a popular venue for both business people and tourists. It has comfortable and well appointed bedrooms and suites, plus comprehensive leisure facilities, including a new spa complex complete with ‘infinity’ pool, jacuzzi, hot and cold pools, sauna, steam room and gymnasium.
System integrator Smail and Richards provided the hotel’s management with a comprehensive fire detection and alarm system that includes early detection, a high immunity to false alarms, facilities for hearing or sight impaired guests, and controlled, phased evacuation.
As laid down in the initial remit to main contractor and design team, KMS Gebaeudeplanungf Gmbh, the Hotel de France installation required a reliable, cost-effective and adaptable system with first-rate design, in keeping with the hotel’s reputation for high quality. Being in contact with the hotel management at all stages, and in close co-operation with the main contractor, Gent’s system integrator Smail and Richards accommodated the hotel’s requirements by recommending a Gent Vigilon system with S-Quad detectors.
The detector uses a patented dual angle optical scatter smoke detection technology to improves both the speed and integrity of fire detection. As well as featuring smoke, heat and CO sensing elements, the detector has an integrated sounder which can provide speech capability, as well as a high intensity strobe. All the functions of the sensors are powered directly from the Vigilon panel loops, reducing installation time.
One for all
The detector’s integrated beacon function helps the hotel comply with the requirements of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act, even though that specific legislation does not apply to Jersey. It also means that the hotel management do not have to make specific provisions in specific rooms for particular guests, as all rooms are installed with the combined detector/sounder/strobe unit. Critical for hotel environments, the sensing technology is able to more accurately differentiate between smoke, steam and dust, and helps minimise false alarms often caused by steamy showers in hotel rooms.
The human factor
Voice messaging is fast becoming a popular option for the evacuation of public areas. It allows specific messages to be transmitted rather than (or as well as) an alarm tone, and this facility is integral to the system.
In large and complex buildings such as the Hotel de France, a system that allows phased evacuation – where people on the floor of the fire are evacuated first, followed by those on the floor immediately above it – helps avoid congestion on escape routes. Subsequent floors are then evacuated one by one. Vigilon fire control panels networked with S-Quad fire detection sensors have a voice chip capable of delivering synchronised messages throughout the building, via the sensors.
“From the initial concept of this project, we were supported by both the sales and technical teams at Gent by Honeywell,” commented Smail and Richards’ divisional manager (fire & security), Nigel Errington: “With their help, the process of supplying and integrating this large system was made smoother.”
He adds: “Large installations such as this are technically demanding, especially when it comes to multi-panel and phased installations. With our close working relationship with both the designers and electrical contractors, we managed to produce an end result that has pleased both the hotel and fire service. The S-Quad sensors, with their integrated voice messaging facility, have proved to be a winner. This is especially so when it is considered
that the S-Quads have allowed the Hotel de France to apply phased evacuation procedures, necessary because of its size and complexity.”
