Compared to smaller locations, the management and protection of warehousing and distribution centres can be difficult. When it comes to fire and security in particular, there are a number of extra considerations that have to be made. In the latest of our Sovereign Fire and Security insight blogs, we provide all the details you need to know to help provide optimum safety and security to your warehouse.

Fire systems to protect your warehouse

The nature of warehouses is high ceilings and open-plan spaces, providing a vulnerable environment for fire risk. By the time a fire has started and been detected, it may have already reached a catastrophic point whereby people, property, and supplies are at risk.  With this in mind, more care should be given to ensuring you have the best possible systems in place to help with the early detection of fire risks. Let’s explore some of these options for protecting your warehouse below.

Fire and life safety systems

It’s important that any building has the best fire safety systems in place to help mitigate risks to life during an emergency, from homes and small offices to large commercial premises. Some of the most effective and reliable solutions for warehouse fire detection and alarm include:

Conventional Fire Alarm Systems: These are the more traditional fire alarm systems found in buildings. Upon detecting a potential fire, they sound an alarm to raise awareness of the situation.

Analogue Addressable Fire Alarm Systems: These intelligent fire alarm systems are perfect for larger buildings and warehouses, providing specific details on individual fire detector locations, enabling the risk to be put out much faster.

Aspirating Air Fire Alarm Systems: This device works by sampling air through a high-sensitivity detector. Aspirating detection systems work by catching the smallest indication of fire at the pre-combustion stage before there is any visible evidence of smoke or flames.

Learn more about Aspirating Smoke Detection Systems>

Gas Suppression Systems: Also known as clean agent fire suppression, this system uses a combination of inert gasses, chemical agents, or vaporised liquids to control and extinguish fires. These fire systems become activated by a smoke detection system that detects the early presence of smoke.

Learn more about the benefits of Gas Suppression Systems >

Here at Sovereign Fire and Security, we have been helping our commercial clients protect their facilities from fire risks for over 25 years. We provide comprehensive fire prevention and detection measures that make a crucial difference when it comes to emergency situations, alongside offering regular routine maintenance checks to ensure everything is working as it should.

As well as the design, installation, service, and maintenance of the above fire protection systems, we also offer PAV Voice Systems, Video Smoke Detection, Lone Worker Systems, and more. All of our installations meet all current legislation and are designed and tailored to whatever your requirements may be. Check out our Fire and Life Safety services page for more information.

Security systems for warehouses

As your business grows, there is no doubt that your warehouse will grow along with it. But as an owner or manager of a warehouse facility, it’s important that you are considering the security risks including break-ins, vandalism, and both internal and external theft. With this in mind, it’s strongly advised that proper systems are in place in order to prevent some of these common problems from occurring. Some of the top warehouse security systems include:

CCTV for Warehouses: It’s not possible to keep an eye on your warehouse 24/7. This is where the value of CCTV comes into play. These advanced security systems allow warehouse owners and security teams to remotely monitor their facilities. With round-the-clock surveillance, you can mitigate risks before they cause damage, and also provides sturdy evidence should you need it. With an internet connection and a mobile app, you can literally watch from anywhere, giving you that extra peace of mind. At Sovereign Fire and Security, we handle every part of the CCTV process, making the whole experience seamless.

Check out our full CCTV services >

Intruder Alarm Systems: Commercial security alarms for warehouses serve two basic purposes; alerting people of an intrusion and as a deterrent for potential intruders who target your warehouse. When investing in the right product, these intruder alarms are reliable and robust security systems that stand the test of time. There’s a wide range of systems to suit every need.

Explore Intruder Alarm Systems >

Access Control: One of the ways in which warehouses can significantly enhance security is through access control systems. These help to limit employee access based on permissions, with the ability to give or withdraw access instantly. Access control pads are commonly installed at warehouse entrances and also in certain high-security areas of warehouses. They come in a range of designs dependent on budget, from small stand-alone key code entry systems to larger networked audio and video entry systems with a card, fob, or biometric systems.

Sovereign supplies and maintains fire alarms, intruder alarms and CCTV on three sites for the Mitsubishi Import Centre at Royal Portbury Docks near Bristol. The Centre is a vital part of Mitsubishi UK’s logistics pipeline with the company’s manufacturing plants in Japan and Thailand. The unique facility, which allows for final assembly to UK specification, has a capacity of 9,000 vehicles.

Since our CCTV security system was installed, thefts at the location have dropped dramatically. Rob Dickson is Security Manager for Elite Security and runs security at the Mitsubishi Import Centre at Royal Portbury Docks. He said:

“Sovereign provides a superb service. They respond quickly which is normally in two hours. They always fix any problem that might arise. If any new equipment is needed or upgraded they are always quick to carry the work. I think they do a marvellous job. They have a can do attitude and are very friendly.”

Read the full case study here.

Expert Fire and Security Systems for your Warehouse

If you’re looking for reliable, industry-leading fire and security systems for your warehouse, we would love to help. Based across Bristol, Plymouth, Cardiff, London, and the South West, our team of security and fire specialists are all accredited and able to offer bespoke advice and expert support to suit your business needs. Want to find out more? Reach out to our friendly team today.