Watford Community Housing utilise Aico Multi-Sensor technology to carry out fire-safety upgrades

Watford Community Housing has upgraded two of their 16-storey tower blocks to a Grade D, LD1 fire detection system using Aico’s revolutionary technology. Watford Community Housing own and manage over 5,000 homes and are always striving to implement all the necessary measures to keep their tenants safe.

Recently, their Abbey View and Munden View high-rise blocks were chosen for mandated safety audits under Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue supervision. After an initial review of their housing stock, they decided to upgrade these buildings’ safety systems, working closely with Aico they began work to install Multi-Sensor fire alarms giving them complete coverage.

The project began for Watford Community Housing by taking advantage of Aico’s free FIA-accredited Expert Installer Training for all of the installation team. Aico’s mobile unit visited the site and Watford Community Housing’s colleagues undertook training on alarm maintenance, siting and standards to assure the safety and accuracy of their installation process. The mobile unit also allowed the residents within the building to talk to the housing group, allaying any worries they might have about the installation process, as well as receiving fire-safety advice and information on how to test and maintain their alarms.

Watford Community Housing decided to utilise Aico technology for several reasons, with a key factor being the easy data extraction tools available. The newly appointed building safety manager will now be able to extract data from the newly installed multi-sensor alarms with ease using Aico’s RadioLINK technology. Each property has had up to four Multi-Sensor alarms installed, which intelligently monitor heat and smoke levels giving more complete coverage. Heat alarms have also been installed in each kitchen to complete the project, with an Ei450 switch added for easy testing capabilities.

The housing provider also opted to add an Ei414 Alarm interface, enabling the Part 6 fire alarm systems in the living spaces to connect to the Part 1 system in the communal hallways, giving comprehensive, integrated fire protection. Once the upgrades were complete, Watford Community Housing was delighted to welcome Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue for their safety audits, which they passed with ease and received commendation for the pre-training carried out by Aico colleagues.

Aico Regional Specification Manager Ben Malton commented: ‘Key to the successful delivery of the fire-safety upgrades to these tower blocks was to provide the installation team with Aico’s FIA accredited Expert Installer Training. In addition to this training, we deployed our mobile training unit to the site before the commencement of the works. This enabled us to engage directly with the residents to provide them with both fire-safety advice and show them how to test their alarms. It was great to hear that the provision of this training was commended by the fire service in their recent mandated inspection.’

Surveying Manager for Watford Community Housing David Wright added: ‘Our customers’ safety and wellbeing is our highest priority. With this in mind, and due to the known risks around high-rise buildings, we decided that full fire detection would be appropriate. We believe Aico products deliver the best in safety for our residents. We are also aware of what is required from a maintenance point of view, helping us to minimise the time we spend in the properties.’

By utilising Aico’s training scheme and innovative technology, Watford Community Housing can assure resident safety and carry out remote checks regularly, giving a more proactive and solution-focused approach to their housing stock.

For more information, go to www.aico.co.uk