Comelit facilitates new fire detection regime for Art Hub Studios

The inclusive studios support over 235 ‘creatives’, offering 24/7 access for artists with free use of the facilities. A community gallery realises an affordable platform for exhibiting studio members’ work alongside that of local artists and students.

Given the high volume of members, clients and visitors to the studios, including those individuals attending dedicated art courses, fire safety and security is necessarily an integral component of building maintenance. 

Ozzas Security Systems was called to the site following a risk assessment conducted on the fire alarm and detection system. With recommendations made for a new system to be installed, Comelit’s Atena Easy single loop system was then fitted with point detection and beam detectors to offer simple and quick installation without impacting on site aesthetics.

Regular checks and assessments

A representative of Art Hub Studios informed Fire Safety Matters: “We’ve been running Art Hub Studios in East London for over 20 years now with the basic aim of raising the profile of talented artists across our region. We welcome clients and visitors to view our members’ work alongside that of local artists, students and community groups.”

The representative went on to state: “With so many people present at any one time, we need to ensure their safety and security. On that basis, we plan and conduct regular checks and assessments. When issues were raised with our fire alarm and detection systems, we instantly contacted Ozzas Security Systems who are our local fire safety specialist. The company fitted the Atena system quickly and efficiently. It’s end user friendly, which is a welcome bonus.”

Comelit’s Atena Easy single loop solution is a compact, entry level and fully addressable system. It can accommodate up to 500 devices over two loops, making it ideal for smaller and medium-sized applications, and can be expanded to suit the changing requirements of a facility or building.

Ozzas Security Systems has also installed eight beam detectors at the Art Hub Studios equipped with an integral laser and set of passive reflectors to allow for simple auto-alignment.

Fire safety considerations

Rytis Ozolas of Ozzas Security Systems observed: “Any artists’ studio is something of a specialist consideration when it comes to fire safety, especially so given the use of different materials and substances in work transacted by the artists on site. The Art Hub Studios demonstrates good practice in having regular fire alarm system risk assessments and maintenance checks, subsequently calling on specialists to update equipment if any issues are raised.  Comelit’s Atena Easy is simple and quick to install, with beam detectors aiding alignment for the large open plan areas.”

Mandy Bowden, business development manager for fire solutions at Comelit, explained: “What’s demonstrated in terms of fire safety at the Art Hub Studios is the significance of regular fire safety checks and the ability of approved installers and dedicated systems to react quickly when required.”

Bowden added: “The beam detectors are definitely an added advantage. As demonstrated by the installation at the Art Hub Studios, they’re suitable in those buildings where point detection isn’t opportune for use due to the height of the structure. The project has amounted to a seamless customer experience from risk identification right though to project completion.”

*Further information concerning Comelit’s fire detection range is available online at www.comelitgroup.com