In a recent edition of Hi-Tech Security Solutions, much mention was made of key projects and flagship sites where high profile or technically advanced access control and CCTV installations have been completed.
What is interesting to note though is that although the term 'integrated solution' is freely utilised, most of these projects do not encompass the full spectrum of protection.
The one that is missing is fire!
A 39 000 m² warehouse has just had a state-of-the-art access and CCTV system of some proportion installed to prevent unauthorised access and the theft of high-volume turnover, but low-value, goods, but no smoke detection system.
Differently worded, they have spent a large sum of money to stop people stealing low-value goods while ignoring the fact that even a small fire that went undetected could result in the total loss of the facility and its contents even though the smoke detection system would have cost substantially less to supply and install.
We are back to the 'it will never happen to us' mindset again. That is true... until it does!
The fault lies with one of three parties: the end-user (client), the installer or the consulting engineer.
Often the installer or engineer suggests it, but the client overrules this due to the above-stated mentality or due to budget constraints. Most often though, it is because the client does not fully understand the level of fire risk to which he is exposed.
Unfortunately, just as often neither the engineer or installer sales person is aware of this either.
While in their minds, the access and CCTV are mandatory; unfortunately the smoke detection is not.
Once this risk has been correctly assessed, only then can the correct form of detection for that environment be established, costs calculated and decisions made. This, however, should take place when budgets for a project are calculated, not once the structure is in place.
The 'do not worry, we have got a sprinkler system' mentality is also as bad in some cases. Why would one want to spray thousands of litres of water onto the product in a warehouse when this could be avoided by installing a smoke detection system in the first place?
What we need is a change in mentality. There is opportunity for installation companies and engineers to add fire to their portfolio of services. All they need to do is make their client aware of the risk.
The end-users need to be educated in terms of risk assessment and potential loss.
This way everyone benefits. The installers get to sell full scope integrated systems, the consultants have additional income generating services to offer, the end-user has greater protection against total loss and hopefully there are fewer fires.
Dave Boyack can be contacted on +27 (0)82 906 0219 or dboyack@xtralis.com
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