Fire Systems FAQs 

We are pleased to announce that following engagement with residents and through the agreement between staff, Board and our consultants at David Miles & Partners, we are nearing the completion of our fire alarm installation programme. 

However, following both consultation and communication from residents, we believe it is important to continue to clarify some of the more pressing concerns that have been raised.   

Why are these works necessary?   

As these works have been recommended in the 2023 Fire Risk Assessment (FRA), Women’s Pioneer Housing are obligated to follow under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 {amended by the Fire Safety Act 2021}. This is the legislation the enforcing authority (London Fire Brigade) use to determine if any criminality is taking or has taken place following a fire event. As these works have been recommended under the most recent FRA, it is compulsory that remedial works are carried through to ensure the safety of our residents.  

How will the new fire alarms work? 

The LD1 alarm systems being installed are wireless mains-powered devices backed up by batteries. The internal systems installed into the flats are standalone; only the common area systems will set off all alarms in the building. 

The system will include the following: 

• A minimum of one smoke alarm installed in all the most commonly used daytime room, i.e. the living room and bedrooms.
• A minimum of one smoke alarm installed in every circulation room, i.e. the hallway or landing.
• A minimum of one heat alarm installed in the kitchen.

Each detector normally has an inbuilt sounder, which will reach 75db per unit, increasing by 3db for any doubling of sound from a unit in the same flat. Additionally, the sounds decrease by 25db with each closed door. In some cases, such as bedsits and studio flats, one detector will not need to be a sounder.  

What is the difference between battery and wireless detectors?  

Unlike battery detectors, wireless smoke detectors use radios and other technologies to detect fires while being connected throughout your home's system. They will alert you if a fire starts in another area, giving you time to evacuate the home. Once they sense an issue, all the alarms in your home go off together to facilitate the location of potential dangers in other areas.   

Will the new alarms be easily disabled?  

The Hush and Test button that will be present on all of the new fire alarms will be located at a switch height of 1.2m from floor level. The Hush button that will be installed is no larger than a twin socket outlet.   

Is this system being provided to all buildings?   

The systems are being provided to a majority of Women’s Pioneer Housing properties on the basis of the requirements outlined in the most recent property Fire Risk Assessments (FRA’s). The scope of the works required differs according to the property, and costs are similarly separate. If you would like a copy of your property’s most recent FRA, please contact customerservices@womenspioneer.co.uk.  

What will the alarm units (including heat detectors) look like?

Why are Secure Information Boxes required in the corridors as a part of this work? 

Secure Information Boxes are required under Fire Safety (England) Regulation 2022. The primary developer of this was the national Fire Chiefs Council. They provide firefighters with valuable layout information, the location of fire resisting areas all to assist with an efficient fire and rescue strategy.    

What are the means of escape for properties? Does this include adjoining properties (where applicable)?  

The route into the adjoining property should discounted as a means of escape for the neighbouring building. In order for this route to be part of the evacuation strategy, both buildings should have a common fire alarm and emergency lighting system.  

With the staircase protected by suitable self-closing fire & smoke rating flat entrance doors, a common fire alarm for an Immediate Simultaneous evacuation policy, the single staircase scenario is adequate. 

Please note that all means of escape are clearly indicated and labelled within the communal areas of your property. If you feel that your current indicators are not clear, please contact customerservices@womenspioneer.co.uk.  

On behalf of Women’s Pioneer Housing, we would like to thank you for your continued input, interest, and support in our efforts to make WPH properties safer for all residents.