Fire Safety in Heritage Sites with APS: A Comprehensive Guide

by Eleasha Hylton-Rowe | June 19, 2024

Heritage sites stand as monumental testaments to our rich history and cultural heritage. These locations, often boasting unique architectural styles and invaluable artefacts, require special attention and care, particularly concerning fire safety. As APS is located in close proximity to numerous heritage sites, we understand the unique challenges these locations face and along with our sister company Bryland Fire, offer specialised products and services to ensure their protection. Additionally, integrating solutions from Drax Technology can further enhance the fire safety measures at these invaluable sites.

Understanding the Unique Fire Risks in Heritage Sites

Heritage sites often pose significant fire safety challenges due to their age, construction materials, and sometimes outdated infrastructure. These buildings were typically constructed long before modern fire safety standards were established, making them vulnerable to fire hazards. Key considerations include:

1. Structural Vulnerabilities: Many heritage buildings feature materials like timber beams and thatched roofs, which are highly susceptible to fire. Preserving the integrity of these structures while implementing fire safety measures is a delicate balance.
2. Irreplaceable Artefacts: Heritage sites often house artefacts, artworks, and historical documents that are invaluable and irreplaceable. Fire damage to these items can mean a permanent loss of cultural heritage.
3. Complex Layouts: The unique and often intricate designs of heritage buildings can complicate evacuation and fire suppression efforts. Narrow corridors, hidden passages, and multiple levels require tailored fire safety solutions.

APS’ Role in Protecting Heritage Sites

APS is ideally situated to serve heritage sites, offering advanced fire safety solutions that respect and preserve their historical significance. Our approach includes:

• Comprehensive Risk Assessments: We conduct thorough fire risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and tailor fire safety measures to each site’s unique needs.
• Advanced Detection Systems: We install state-of-the-art fire detection systems such as Hyfire that offer early warning without disrupting the site’s aesthetic or structural integrity.
• Regular Maintenance and Inspections: Ensuring that fire safety systems are functioning optimally through regular maintenance and inspections is a cornerstone of our service.

Implementing Fire Safety Measures with APS

Fire Prevention: At APS, we believe the first line of defence against fire in historic sites is prevention. This involves regular maintenance and inspection of electrical systems, heating sources, and any potential fire hazards. Installing fire-retardant materials where appropriate and ensuring that fire-prone areas are identified and managed can significantly reduce the risk of fire.

Early Detection and Response: Early detection systems, such as smoke detectors and fire alarms, are critical in historic sites. Our solutions at APS ensure these systems are linked to central monitoring stations that can alert emergency services promptly. Quick response is essential to minimising damage and preventing the spread of fire.

Suppression Systems: Installing fire suppression systems can be a delicate issue in historic buildings due to potential water damage and the need to preserve the site’s aesthetic and structural integrity.

Not only does APS offer suppression systems, our sister company, Bryland Fire Protection, also offers modern technologies that provide effective fire suppression without compromising sites. Bryland specialises in gas-based suppression systems, which do not cause water damage, making them ideal for protecting valuable contents without harming the structure. Their expertise ensures that historic sites are safeguarded with the most advanced and suitable fire suppression technologies available.

• Non-Invasive Fire Suppression: We offer advanced suppression systems like water mist and inert gas solutions, which are designed to minimise damage to sensitive materials and structures. These systems effectively control fires without the collateral damage associated with traditional water-based methods.
• Integration with Detection Systems: Bryland’s suppression systems integrate seamlessly with APS’s detection systems, ensuring a coordinated response in the event of a fire. This integration is crucial for protecting both the structural integrity of the building and its valuable contents.
• Tailored Solutions for Unique Sites: Recognising that each heritage site has its own set of challenges, we develop customised suppression solutions that address specific risks and architectural considerations.

Emergency Planning and Training: Developing and regularly updating a comprehensive fire emergency plan is crucial. We ensure that staff and volunteers are trained in fire safety protocols and emergency response procedures. Regular fire drills ensure that everyone knows their role in the event of a fire, which can save lives and reduce damage to the site and its contents.

Building Layouts: Heritage buildings often have complex layouts, including narrow corridors, hidden passages, and multiple levels, which can complicate fire safety implementations. APS addresses these challenges with the following custom fire detection placement strategies:

• Strategic Detector Placement: Our wireless smoke and heat detectors can be placed in hard-to-reach areas without extensive wiring, ensuring comprehensive coverage even in the most complex layouts.
• Zonal Detection Systems: Dividing the site into zones for more manageable and precise detection and response, reducing false alarms and ensuring targeted suppression efforts.

Compliance with Modern Standards: Balancing the need to meet modern fire safety standards while preserving the historical integrity of heritage sites is a delicate task. APS ensures compliance without compromising the site’s authenticity through the following approaches:

• Adaptive Safety Solutions: Our water mist and inert gas suppression systems provide effective fire protection without causing structural damage or leaving residue, crucial for maintaining the site’s historical integrity.
• Discreet Installation: Our systems are designed to blend seamlessly with the site’s architecture, ensuring that modern fire safety measures do not detract from the historical aesthetic.
• Ongoing Risk Assessments and Upgrades: Continuous evaluation and updating of fire safety measures ensure compliance with the latest standards. Our experts conduct regular audits to identify new risks and recommend upgrades to existing systems.
• Training and Preparedness: Collaborating with heritage site managers to develop and implement comprehensive emergency response plans, including training for staff and volunteers, ensures preparedness and compliance with safety regulations.

The Role of Drax Technology in Heritage Site Fire Safety

Drax Technology offers cutting-edge solutions that further enhance fire safety measures in heritage sites. Their advanced systems provide comprehensive monitoring and management, ensuring that fire threats are detected early and addressed promptly.

Advanced Monitoring and Analytics:

• AMX System: The AMX (Alarm Management and Control System) integrates with existing fire alarm systems, enhancing early detection with real-time monitoring and advanced alerting capabilities. This system ensures comprehensive coverage critical for protecting heritage sites.
• SafeVue Analytics Platform: SafeVue provides detailed analytics to optimise fire safety measures. It offers insights into the performance of fire safety systems, enabling site managers to place non-invasive suppression systems strategically. SafeVue’s analytics help predict potential fire risks and implement preventive measures.

Remote Monitoring with AMX Connect:

• Real-Time Alerts: AMX Connect provides instant alerts to designated personnel when a fire threat is detected, enabling faster response times crucial for minimising damage.
• Remote Access: Site managers can monitor fire safety systems from anywhere, ensuring they are always informed about the site’s safety status, which is particularly useful for large or multi-site heritage properties.
• Data Integration: AMX Connect integrates data from various fire detection and suppression systems, providing a comprehensive overview of the site’s fire safety status and helping make informed decisions about necessary safety upgrades and maintenance.

Fire safety in heritage sites is not just about preserving buildings; it’s about safeguarding the stories, cultures, and histories they represent. APS along with the wider Obsequio Group is dedicated to providing specialised fire safety solutions that protect these irreplaceable landmarks. By combining advanced detection, suppression, and monitoring technologies, we help ensure that heritage sites remain safe for future generations to study, enjoy, and learn from.