Merriman Grange, a beautiful new care home from Cinnamon Care Collection, located in Worthing, West Sussex, is designed to provide a warm, comfortable, and safe environment for its residents. Offering exceptional care across three floors, including a dedicated dementia unit, the home prioritises the well-being of its vulnerable residents. Ensuring comprehensive fire safety in such a complex environment is paramount, requiring a tailored approach that balances robust protection with the specific needs of the residents.
Care home fire safety is a multifaceted project. It demands a system that not only detects fires rapidly but also integrates seamlessly with other building systems, minimises disruption during installation, and provides reliable, user-friendly ongoing maintenance. For Merriman Grange, Southern Fire Alarms was entrusted with the crucial task of designing and installing a state-of-the-art fire safety system.
As a new build project, Southern Fire Alarms had the opportunity to implement a comprehensive solution from the ground up. They chose Hochiki as their primary life safety manufacturer, citing their ESP range’s reputation for ease of installation and excellent compatibility with other building management systems. This integration was crucial for Merriman Grange, allowing for a streamlined and efficient operation of all building services.
The system installed was a full L1 category fire alarm system, providing complete smoke and fire detection coverage across all three floors of the building. This comprehensive approach ensures that every area, from communal spaces to individual rooms, is protected. The presence of a dementia unit presented a unique challenge, requiring a system that would not cause undue stress or panic among residents. Hochiki devices were selected specifically for their flexibility in terms of alarm volumes and tones, minimising potential distress for these particularly vulnerable individuals.
The ease of use for staff was another key consideration. Hochiki devices are designed to be intuitive, simplifying routine testing by maintenance teams. This user-friendliness ensures that staff can respond effectively to any fire safety event, providing peace of mind for both residents and their families.
“When it comes to reliability and ease of installation, Hochiki is our go-to manufacturer,” said Naomi Fell of Southern Fire Alarms. “Their ESP range of addressable products are consistently high-quality, and their integration capabilities are second to none. For a complex project like Merriman Grange, where we needed a robust and dependable system that also considered the specific needs of dementia residents, Hochiki was the perfect choice. Their devices are designed to minimise false alarms and provide clear, reliable warnings, which is crucial in a care home environment. We know that with Hochiki, we’re providing our clients with the best possible protection.”
The successful installation of the Hochiki fire safety system at Merriman Grange underscores the importance of a well-planned and expertly executed fire safety strategy. By partnering with Southern Fire Alarms and utilising Hochiki’s advanced technology, Cinnamon Care Collection has created a safe and secure environment for its residents, ensuring their comfort and well-being for years to come.
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About the Author
Dave Staddon - Publisher
Co-Founder of MDM Publishing Ltd. He has worked in fire publishing for close to 30 years. The company's portfolio includes International Fire Protection, International Fire Fighter, Asia Pacific Fire, Gulf Fire & UK Fire.
