Mount St Mary’s College is a co-educational, Catholic independent day and boarding school for children aged 11-18 located in Derbyshire.
THE CHALLENGE
Maintaining high standards of pupil safety is of the utmost importance to Mount St Mary’s College and it had been identified that the existing wireless networked fire alarm system would benefit from an upgrade.
The project requirement was for the installation of a new, open protocol fire alarm system to the main school and the boarding/accommodation blocks, incorporating elements of the existing system where appropriate to do so.
A further challenge of this project was the need for work to be carried out during term time, working around live classes and students whilst maintaining the highest safety standards and minimising disruption to the day-to-day activities of the school. Of course, it was also essential to ensure that fire safety standards were maintained throughout the installation process.
THE SOLUTION
With the multi-discipline expertise in the specification and installation of bespoke security and safety systems, Reflex Systems also bring a proven track record of delivering solutions to the education sector, including The Wakefield Grammar School Foundation amongst others. A such, we were ideally positioned to meet the brief of this project.
Taking a phased approach, beginning with the accommodation buildings before moving on to the main school, Reflex Systems specified and delivered a fully hardwired, 5 panel Advanced network comprising in the region of 400 devices across the site. Where access and aesthetics were required; the system was also supplemented with wireless components. Existing Apollo detection and Advanced control panels were retained and integrated into the new system where appropriate, so reducing overall project costs.
Upgrade of the fire protection systems of St Mary’s College to current technologies has enhanced the safety of pupils and staff as well as bringing further benefit through future proofing and a reduction in maintenance costs.
Our final solution has delivered a fully compliant, open protocol networked fire alarm system in accordance with the BS5839 standard.
“The upgrade carried out by Reflex of our existing installation was carried out extremely professionally. This required a sympathetic approach, both in terms of the age of the building (approximately 175 years old) and the fact that as a live school, some works required completion in term time with the challenges this brings.
We continue to use Reflex both for routine inspections, servicing and to ensure compliance with Fire Safety as required.
I can confidently recommend Reflex Systems for all aspects of Fire Safety.”
