Shocked householders in West Lothian shocked at fire safety survey

Direct Action on Fire Safety

Concerned home-owners in a modern West Lothian development have taken joint action on fire safety by replacing ineffective smoke alarms with Kidde Fyrnetics Slick® models.

Tests of smoke alarms originally fitted during construction only five years ago – apparently complying with Scottish Technical Standards - gave residents of Glenisla Court, Whitburn some nasty surprises. Of the 20 ion type smoke alarms fitted in the ten detached homes, just 5 were found to be working. In some cases, different manufacturers’ alarms were interconnected in the same property, directly contravening installation instructions and British Standards. A similar result could be anticipated from the other 90 or so houses on this modern estate – and perhaps on a much wider basis, raising worrying issues.

The ten home-owners have now acted together and arranged for replacement of all the smoke alarms with interconnected Kidde Fyrnetics Slick® optical smoke alarms downstairs and ion type upstairs in each house. The ‘Slick’® range of mains powered hard-wired alarms is guaranteed for 6 years using Duracell’s Ultra MX1604 9V battery for backup - the best alkaline type available. Integral rechargeable lithium cell backup is also available in the range, particularly suited to social housing. All Slick® units have a neat, unobtrusive design and unique fast-fit facility which accommodates decorative ceiling finishes easily. Typical Kidde product features such as separate test & hush buttons aid clarity for the user, as do twin LED s showing the alarm’s current operational state. Separate Installer and User manuals are included.

Owners also plan to fit interconnected Slick® heat alarms in their kitchens when they next decorate. This is a sensible measure – recommended in the ‘Code of Practice for design, installation and maintenance of domestic smoke and heat alarm systems’ BS 5839-6: 2004 – as most house fires start in Kitchens. Surprisingly, the Scottish Technical Handbook 2 – part of the new regulatory system - does not call for heat alarms in any kitchens. In addition, some home-owners plan to go further and add Kidde’s new CO alarms. These offer the unique Smart Interconnect facility, enabling a CO alarm in the bedroom to act as the sounder for Kidde smoke and heat alarms elsewhere, as well as protecting sleeping occupants against carbon monoxide poisoning.