Simply put, life safety systems are put in place to save lives.

From the initial detection of an emergency, such as a smoke alarm, to evacuation and response systems, such as fire exits, extinguishers and more, life safety systems exist to make our homes and workplaces safer for those who use it.

Over time, and as a result of learning from unfortunate previous disasters, these systems have evolved to become the most advanced and sophisticated detection, alarm and response systems ever used. Many of which, are mandatory for any interior space, and especially those with occupants – be it a lone occupant or multiple occupants.

Generally speaking, life safety systems encompass any element of a building which exist in order to protect it from damage and reduce the risk of injury or loss of life to its occupants in an emergency situation.

Let’s delve a little deeper into those all-important elements that make up our life safety systems.

As one of the UK’s leading fire and security firms, we specialise in installing and maintaining a range of innovative fire and security systems. To learn more about the services we offer contact us below and book in your free survey.

Examples of Life Safety Systems

Early Detection

Smoke and the toxic gases it produces can easily go unnoticed. Without a smoke detector, a small home or office fire could develop into a large blaze before people have the chance to notice and as a result, they may find themselves trapped inside. Thankfully, smoke detectors are inexpensive products and can help facilitate a rapid response to early signs of a fire by detecting it in its early stages. The same goes for a carbon monoxide detector by alerting you to any potential gas leak as soon as it starts.

Aspirating systems provide a more advanced technology for smoke detection suitable to a variety of settings where a home smoke detector may not be suitable. They draw air into a system of pipes so detection is early and may be particularly useful in a data or comms room where even the early stages of smoke can result in serious damage to hardware. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are required by law and you should be familiar with the minimum requirements for your building. For guidance, our team at Sovereign Fire and Security can help, with all our systems meeting current legislation including forthcoming compliance with the new regulatory reform order.

Alarm Systems

Not only does a fire alarm have the obvious advantage of having the potential to save lives by giving people prompt warning to evacuate before a fire develops and potentially leaving them trapped inside, having one installed can also see your home or building insurance reduced. It shows insurance companies you are taking responsibility over potential emergencies and also decreases the extent of damage that could be caused should a fire break out and subsequent value of any claim.

Sprinklers

For areas where a small fire can rapidly grow, like a large warehouse, an automated sprinkler system can see the chance of a fire spreading and damage caused significantly reduced. What’s more, releasing water onto a fire early can help to combat smoke and the level of heat produced by the fire, increasing the chance of survival should people be trapped inside.

Extinguishing Systems

A fire extinguisher is not simply a case of a one size fits all. Different types exist for different purposes and a good starting point is to understand the class of materials inside a building. A fire containing cooking oils for example would require a different class of extinguisher to a fire containing flammable liquids such as petrol. Here at Sovereign, our gas suppression systems extinguish fires using gas rather than water, thus helping to reduce the damage. For more information on the benefits of gas extinguishing systems, ask a member of our friendly team today.

Video Smoke Detection

Video smoke detectors are able to detect smoke from the way it distorts and blurs the imagery. In comparison to the spot detection of the smoke detectors that monitor the air, the video system allows vast expanses to be monitored, making it an excellent life safety system for large areas such as a warehouse or industrial plants.

Emergency and Exit Lighting

Should an emergency situation occur, you need to ensure occupants can clearly see their exit route from the building so that they can leave promptly and in a safe and orderly fashion. Emergency and exit lighting is a prime example of an inexpensive life safety system that can significantly reduce the risk of injury or loss of life in cases where a building needs to be evacuated.

PAV Voice Systems

This life safety system comes into its element in public buildings. A PAV voice system allows you to quickly announce any important information that might help to respond to an emergency situation including evacuation procedures.

Lone Worker Systems

Understanding the best life safety systems for your building may depend on the number of people you need to protect. If your business involves lone workers in your building and you want to find out the best life safety systems for this situation, Sovereign Fire and Security can offer you expert guidance.

Learn More About Sovereign Fire and Security

When it comes to life safety systems, aside from the fact many elements are mandatory by law, this is certainly not an aspect of your business or home to cut corners on. It is of paramount importance the systems in place suit the needs of the building and those who use it.

From design advice, to installation, service and maintenance, here at Sovereign, we pride ourselves on our personal approach to meeting our client’s individual needs and objectives. With over three decades in the business, our award-winning company has brought peace of mind and protected both people and reputations with our reliable and robust fire, life safety and security systems.

For more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our friendly team today.