FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
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We hope the information in this section is useful...
Please contact us to see how BDS can help your business keep pace with current regulations.
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Fire Alarms
Q: Does a newly installed fire alarm system need a maintenance contract?
A: Yes, according to BS5839 Part 1, all fire alarm installations should be maintained in accordance with BS5839 Part 1by a competent service organisation, and are subject to annual maintenance.
Q: What is the life expectancy of my smoke detectors?
A: The manufacturers recommend that detectors should operate within design parameters for up to 10 years, and are subject to annual maintenance.
Q: What type of fire alarm system do I need?
A: This depends on the results of your risk assessment for your premises and following consultation with the relevant authorities (Building Inspector, Insurance Company, Fire Officer, District Surveyor, Landlord, Neighbours, Building Occupants/users).
Q: What exactly should I expect from my service provider?
A: We have produced detailed leaflets for all of the areas of our maintenance activities, entitled; "What to expect from a service visit"
- Fire Alarms
- Gas Extinguishent (FM200/Inergen)
- Access Control
- CCTV
- Intruder
- Sprinklers
- Dry Risers
- Emergency Lighting
- Extinguishers (Portable)
Access Control
Q: What happens in the event of a fire and people need to leave the building?
A: We can Interface the Access System into the Fire Alarm System thus when the Fire Alarm triggers it automatically releases the exit doors to enable a quick and safe evacuation.
Q: Can I log people's entry into and out of the premises?
A: There are various systems available that can show days and times of an individual entering the premises and also areas around the building. This can be via a print out or PC based software.
Q: Does everyone have the same access number?
A: You can allocate an individual code to all members of staff enabling you to maintain a high level of security e.g. if an employee leaves the company you only need to change their code. An I.D card can also be used which can have the employees photo on, and again if they left the company all you would need to do is delete their card.
Q: Can it be designed to enhance my general security around the building?
A: Very much so, it reduces the risk of any opportunist thief being able to gain access to your site. Also your fellow employees can work and know that the building is safe and secure.
CCTV
Q: What can CCTV offer me?
A: The benefits are wide reaching, and installation is designed individually to offer you the optimum requirements that you need.
Q: Is it only used as a deterrent?
A: Not at all, Loss Prevention within an organisation is becoming more of an issue and covert cameras are available to combat this.
Q: Can I use CCTV system to protect my building?
A: External cameras can be fitted with external PIR (Passive Infrared) detectors which, when triggered can send the pictures to a alarm receiving centre (ARC) who dial in to the site and advise the would be intruder that they are being watched and to leave the premises. Police can then be informed if required. They also do a 'tour' at set times during the night to establish all is well. Any faults also get transmitted to the receiving centre e.g. Camera 1 Fail.
Q: The picture quality on playback is very bad quality.
A: Digital multiplexes are available to provide pin sharp images. This information can now be loaded onto to R-CD thus eliminating changing VCR tapes every 6 months and being more user friendly to the customer in viewing recorded events.
Intruder Systems
Q: Can my Intruder Alarm be connected to an ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre)?
A: Yes, the system can be designed to do this and much more. Every installation is different depending on your own requirements.
Q: If the mains get turned off, will my system still operate?
A: Yes, there is a standby battery fitted, which maintains the system for 8 - 10 Hours. The keypad will also indicate to you that the power is off.
Q: What can cause false alarms on my Sensors?
A: There are various reasons such as, movement within the protected area this could be either be a heat source such as a heater causing false alarms. Balloons and display signs can activate and relocating the sensor can eliminate these problems.
Q: What happens in the middle of the night and the Intruder Alarm goes off?
A: We operate a 24hr Call Out Service, the Engineer will contact you first, and establish the fault and rectify remotely if possible. If this cannot be achieved the Engineer would attend site.
Any questions? Feel free to ask us
To speak to the team call: 020 8773 3377 or email service@bdsfireandsecurity.com