Hochiki fire safety system installed at Merriman Grange Care Home

Offering exceptional care across three floors, including a dedicated Dementia Unit, the Care Home prioritises the well-being of its vulnerable residents. Ensuring comprehensive fire safety in such a complex environment is paramount, requiring a tailored approach that balances robust protection with the specific needs of the residents.

Care Home fire safety is multifaceted in nature. It demands a system that not only detects fires rapidly, but also integrates seamlessly with other building systems, minimises disruption during installation and provides reliable and user-friendly ongoing maintenance regimes.

For Merriman Grange, Southern Fire Alarms was entrusted with the crucial task of designing and installing a state-of-the-art fire safety system. Due to the project being a new build, Southern Fire Alarms had the opportunity to implement a comprehensive solution from the ground up.

The business chose Hochiki as its primary life safety manufacturer, citing the ESP range’s reputation for ease of installation and excellent compatibility with other building management systems. This integration was crucial for Merriman Grange, allowing for streamlined and efficient operation of all building services.

L1 category set-up

The solution installed is a full L1 category fire alarm system, providing complete smoke and fire detection coverage across all three floors of the property. This comprehensive approach ensures that every area, from communal spaces through to individual rooms, is protected.

The presence of a Dementia Unit presented something of a unique challenge, requiring a system that would not cause undue stress or panic among residents. Hochiki’s devices were selected specifically for their flexibility in terms of alarm volumes and tones, thereby minimising potential distress for these particularly vulnerable individuals.

The ease of use for staff was another key consideration. Hochiki’s devices are designed to be intuitive, simplifying routine testing by maintenance teams. This user-friendliness ensures that staff can respond effectively to any fire safety event, providing peace of mind for both residents and their families alike.

Integration capabilities

“When it comes to reliability and ease of installation, Hochiki is our go-to manufacturer,” explained Naomi Fell, contracts manager at Southern Fire Alarms. “The ESP range of addressable products is high-quality and the integration capabilities are second to none.”

Fell continued: “For a complex project like Merriman Grange, where we needed a robust and dependable system that also considered the specific needs of dementia residents, Hochiki was the perfect choice. The company’s devices are designed to minimise false alarms and provide clear and reliable warnings, which is crucial in a Care Home environment. We know that, with Hochiki, we’re providing our clients with the best possible protection.”

The successful installation of the Hochiki fire safety system at Merriman Grange underscores the importance of a well-planned and expertly executed fire safety strategy. By partnering with Southern Fire Alarms and using Hochiki’s advanced technology, The Cinnamon Care Collection has created a safe and secure environment for its residents, ensuring their comfort and well-being for many years to come.

*Further information is available online at www.hochikieurope.com