NewsSpreading The Knowledge - New ‘Application Expert’ For Contractors
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Aico has released 'Application Expert' - a support document designed to provide tried and tested solutions to difficult fire alarm applications. Not all alarm installations are straightforward, especially when dealing with older or sub divided properties. Over the years Aico has been applying its expertise to solving hundreds of tricky installation dilemmas and here, in Application Expert, it brings together the solutions. These include triggering a smoke / heat alarm from an external device (such as a sprinkler system) and vice versa (e.g. a Warden call System); alarm systems for the hearing impaired; adding alarms to an existing system; alarm systems for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and flats; and adding control switches and call points. Carbon Monoxide alarms are also addressed in Application Expert, along with a hassle free means of upgrading Aico alarms and how to fit temporary alarm systems (e.g. in timber frame buildings under construction).
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Warning of CO Danger from all Fossil Fuel Burning Appliances
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With much attention focussed on the importance of regular boiler maintenance, other sources of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in the home are often disregarded with potentially dangerous consequences. Aico's warning comes after a recent BBC report on a lady in Camelford, Cornwall, who despite having her gas boiler serviced every year, had been unknowingly breathing in CO for ten years from her cooker. Having become very ill over a long period of time and suffering a heart attack, she was finally diagnosed with CO poisoning but will now have to use a wheelchair for the rest of her life. "This tragic case goes to show that whilst servicing of boilers by Gas Safe Registered installers is vital, other fossil fuel burning appliances such as cookers and gas fires also pose a hazard and need regular maintenance" states Michael Wright, Product Manager at Aico. |
Aico and DCLG Launch Fire Safety Video for Private Rental Sector
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The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and Aico have joined forces as part of a Fire Kills campaign to promote the use of mains powered smoke alarms in privately rented properties. This work has included the production of a video film. The video, available to view on YouTube Fire Kills Campaign features Councillor Mark Healey, Chair of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority and the Fire Kills campaign advocate for the private and social rented sector. Mark guides us round a typical home pointing out the most important places to fit a smoke alarm, including hallways and landings as these are the escape routes and the lounge which is often the source of a fire. Mark recommends the use of mains powered smoke alarms fitted by a qualified electrician as opposed to battery only alarms, as these are the safest and most convenient option for a landlord. Government fire statistics show that 36% of battery powered alarms fail to operate in a fire – almost half because the battery was missing or dead. Installing mains powered alarms, interconnected together so they can be heard throughout the property, negates this problem and allows landlords to meet their Duty of Care. |
Almo Upgrades to Aico Smoke Alarms with RadioLINK
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Newark and Sherwood Homes has embarked on a major upgrade programme, installing Aico alarms into properties that have no smoke alarms and replacing old alarms in those that do. The first phase of the programme involves 700 properties, with a second phase just awarded on a further 500. Two to three Aico alarms have been fitted per property on average, many with RadioLINK bases which allow them to be wirelessly interconnected. Shane Cook, Electrical Compliance Engineer for Newark and Sherwood Homes, explains the organisation's choice: "The decision of installing the RadioLINK smoke alarms was to minimise the disturbance to our customers i.e. we did not take any carpets or floor boards up or install PVC trunking around the ceilings. "The service from Aico has been excellent; they provided Newark and Sherwood Homes with comprehensive product information, and are always there for advice to the contractors and myself if needed".
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Stop The Killer
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Carbon Monoxide is a killer. It's a poisonous gas that's colourless, odourless, and tasteless. Exposure to low levels of Carbon Monoxide can lead to headaches and nausea. High levels can cause death within minutes There are a number of possible sources of Carbon Monoxide within a typical home:
So how do you protect against it? Simple - fit Aico Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Click here for more info. |
