Aico enhances fire detection regime for Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group

Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group is a social landlord working across the North West of England. The region is experiencing a combination of significant housing challenges, including rising house prices, an increased demand for social housing and a growing homelessness rate.

In fact, at the end of 2023, the North West witnessed the highest number of rough sleepers, experiencing a 49% increase in 2022. That’s according to Petrus. This correlates with Centre Point’s statement that youth homelessness increased by 4%.

Mosscare St Vincent’s role is becoming increasingly essential as the Group specialises in providing safe and secure homes for many marginalised individuals. The former include Younger Person Foyers in Manchester and Blackburn, specialist housing for homeless individuals, Later Living Schemes for the over 55s and HAPPi Schemes for older people.

The Younger Person Foyers Scheme is targeted at some of Mosscare St Vincent’s sites occupied by younger people, typically aged between 16 and 25, who have experienced homelessness, trauma or other challenges. These young individuals are provided with self-contained flats wherein they can learn to live independently for up to two years.

The Younger Person Foyers Scheme offers a unique opportunity for young people who require some extra support, but are committed to training and/or education, providing them with their own flat, a bespoke support package, a security service and resident activities.

Compliance and safety

In providing these key services, Mosscare St Vincent must comply with BS 5839-6, which details the various grades and categories for fire alarm systems. The British Standard provides specific recommendations for fire alarm systems in all domestic properties, including where and how many alarms should be installed and also how they’re tested and maintained.

Within the Younger Person Foyers, Mosscare St Vincent unfortunately experiences issues including mains power failure (due to any lack of credit on the electricity metre), alarm head removals, damaged and misused devices and a lack of visibility of activation. These issues are frequent and can put the lives of residents at risk as the latter may not be alerted in the event of an emergency.

Further, such issues also prevent Mosscare St Vincent from being able to identify trends and repeated events within their properties.

In order to address these problems, Mosscare St Vincent has partnered with Aico to implement a new project focused on improving the visibility of BS 5839-6 and the fire detection systems installed within the apartments of the residential accommodation. The project involves installing state-of-the-art and interlinked fire alarm systems and providing a higher level of fire safety-related education for both staff and tenants alike.

By addressing these issues, Mosscare St Vincent will not only ensure compliance with the highest fire safety standards, but also create a safer living environment for young people, while reducing the risk of fire-related incidents.

Improving fire detection

The Ei3014 heat alarm system been installed across the properties to provide enhanced detection for heat build-up from large flaming fires. The system is equipped with a tried and tested high-performance thermistor heat sensor to provide a fast response when the trigger temperature of 58°C is reached. Additionally, it can differentiate smoke from steam in order to help reduce the number of false alarm activations.

The Ei3016 optical smoke alarm contains a high-performance optical smoke sensor to detect slow and smouldering fires. The alarm is fitted with an integrated mesh insect screen and built-in dust compensation complete with a self-monitoring mechanism.

Both alarms are also equipped with a ten-year tamper-proof lithium battery back-up, thereby ensuring that, even if mains power isn’t available for a given period of time, protection is maintained throughout the properties. By implementing Aico’s 3000 Series alarms, Mosscare St Vincent’s Younger Person Foyers Scheme has absolutely prioritised resident safety with a future-proof solution.

Further, the SmartLINK function has been enabled on some of the existing devices that were not replaced as part of the project, retrofitting the Ei3000MRF SmartLINK Module. This allows for SmartLINK interconnection and data extraction from Aico’s 3000 Series alarms via the gateway. It also allows for multiple alarms within the property to be interconnected such that, when an alarm is triggered, they all sound for audibility.

The Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway has been positioned throughout the properties in a suitable location that ensures both power and signalling requirements. The gateway collects real-time data from connected devices and transmits this to the online HomeLINK portal, providing full visibility on the existing fire alarms installed and facilitating informed maintenance decisions.

Enhancing peace of mind

Mosscare St Vincent’s staff have always been provided with training on the use and configuration of the HomeLINK portal and setting up alerts and notifications for activations. To account for out-of-hours incidents, the team purchased a specific device to be used by security and concierge support, ensuring full visibility on a 24/7 basis.

This increased visibility offers many benefits to Mosscare St Vincent and its residents in the Younger Person Foyers Scheme. Mosscare St Vincent’s implementation of the 3000 Series alarms exceeds the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations, thereby reflecting a commitment to safety and quality and fostering peace of mind for residents.

The advanced detection capabilities and reliability of the 3000 Series alarms provide early warnings of potential fire risks, while minimising the occurrence of false alarms and ensuring a much higher level of protection.

An improved knowledge and understanding of the fact that their homes are fitted with a reliable fire detection system can provide residents with greater peace of mind, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of the communities that Mosscare St Vincent works to create. This also provides reassurance for staff, especially so as the alerts and data given via the gateway provide full visibility of the properties.

Callum Jones, head of building safety and compliance at Mosscare St Vincent's Housing Group, stated: “Working with Aico’s regional specification and relationship manager Martin Przewozny on this project, and the company as a whole, has been a highly positive experience. My priority is the safety and well-being of our residents, notably so those in our higher-risk schemes for young people. Martin’s expertise and dedication have been instrumental in enhancing the fire detection systems across our properties, providing us with real-time visibility and peace of mind. His proactive approach and deep understanding of our needs have made this collaboration seamless. We are grateful for his partnership working and the tangible improvements we've seen as a result.”

Safe and secure housing

Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group has successfully implemented a comprehensive fire safety solution that not only meets regulatory requirements, but also prioritises the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents. By partnering with Aico to install advanced fire detection systems, Mosscare St Vincent has demonstrated a commitment to providing safe and secure housing.

Martin Przewozny commented: “We’re proud to support Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group in its ongoing mission to provide safe and secure homes for some of the most vulnerable communities across the North West of England. Mosscare St Vincent’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for young people is truly inspiring.”

Przewozny added: “By integrating advanced fire detection systems in Mosscare St Vincent’s residential accommodation, we’ve aimed to enhance safety and provide real-time monitoring that addresses any potential issues on a prompt basis. Together, we’re working to ensure that every resident can feel safe and supported in their home.”

*Further information about Aico’s 3000 Series alarms and how they offer ‘full circle’ protection is available online at www.aico.co.uk/series/3000-series/