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New standards with integrated gas/fire safety system

Setting new safety standards for tenants and the public, the R1,4 bn Canal Walk retail shopping complex at Century City on the outskirts of Cape Town incorporates a sophisticated, locally-designed gas safety system that interfaces directly with the fire detection/alarm system.

The technology is capable of detecting very small gas leaks, automatically shutting off the gas supply, and raising appropriate alarms.The interface with the fire system enables automatic shut-off of the gas supply in the event of a fire signal. Should this occur, the system will check for leaks in-line, and prevent the re-establishment of the gas supply in the event that gas flow is detected.

Manufactured and installed by Cape-based SureGas, it is the first system of its kind nationwide that combines gas and fire protection capabilities within the same grid.

It is also one of the first gas safety systems to be implemented in a local shopping complex.

"With over 6 million visitors in the first 14 weeks, Canal Walk offers the largest selection of shops and restaurants under one roof in Africa," comments Rob McNamara, Director at PMR, technical advisor to the Canal Walk project. "The safety of tenants and customers is paramount.

"The SureGas safety system provides continuous monitoring of gasflows and possible leaks throughout the more than 7 km of gas pipeline within Canal Walk. In addition, SureGas' technology forms an integral part of the overall fire safety system within the complex. SureGas went the extra mile to ensure their safety solution meets the requirements of all concerned, including the developers, Monex Limited, gas-utilising tenants and their customers."

Built in conjunction with the University of Cape Town, the Cape Technikon and engineering consultants, SureGas' fully customisable system is able to detect minute gas flows, both atmospheric and in-line, and offer early warning of a potentially serious gas leakage. Uniquely, SureGas technology can also shut off gas supplies automatically as soon as unauthorised flows are detected.

Users of SureGas safety solutions include many of SA's best known companies as well as leading hotels and restaurants.

For further details contact Simon Steward, SureGas, on tel: (021) 531 7462.

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