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 about to undergo our fire alarm installation programme. 

However, following both consultation and communication from residents, we believe it is important to clarify on 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 the most commonly used daytime room, i.e. the living room.
• 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.   

Why have the works taken 2 years to begin? Have the buildings been compliant throughout this process? 

The recommendation has been to begin the design and evaluation process, not complete the installation. As these works require planning from Women’s Pioneer Housing and the contractors, as well as consultation with residents, this process has been extensive. However, it has been assessed by consultants that it is appropriate for the continued operation of these buildings throughout the planning of works. 

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 compliance@womenspioneer.co.uk. 

What will be the timeframe for implementation? 

The timeframe for implementation will be staggered across the properties, with the final list posted on our website. Please check online to see when your property will be attended. Furthermore, Evans & Shea will be in contact between two weeks to a month in advance to arrange your appointment.   

What are the costs of these works? 

This is an extensive and unavoidable work programme to upgrade fire alarms across our stock and we are investing over £1m in this project. In order to obtain the best value, we invited tenders from six contractors based on a specification of works prepared by our Mechanical and Electrical Consultants – David Miles and Partners. The results are set out below: 

The lowest tender submitted by Evans and Shea is considered to provide value for money and also scored highest on quality. 

There will be an increase in service charges to cover project costs, but we will keep the increase as low as possible by spreading the costs over a 15-year period. 

Within the tender submitted by Evans and Shea, a cost per building was provided. Therefore, the cost of the system replacement in your building will be £11,250. Once this is divided by the number of homes in the building and spread over a 15-year period the increase in the service charges will be approximately £8.93 per month.  

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 compliance@womenspioneer.co.uk.  

On behalf of the Property Services Team at 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. Please keep an eye out in the following weeks for your appointment with Evans & Shea for your alarm installation, and for any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact compliance@womenspioneer.co.uk.