In response to the escalating ‘crumbling concrete’ crisis in Britain’s schools, suppliers of temporary classrooms are supporting learning in institutions affected by the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) controversy.
Hyfire’s reports increased demand for its Taurus wireless fire devices which are being installed in the new modular classrooms to satisfy stringent fire safety requirements.
RAAC, a lightweight concrete alternative that was a regular component of UK public buildings from the 1950s to 1990s, has come under scrutiny for potential safety concerns.
Recent revelations suggest that many RAAC structures are now beyond their lifespan and pose a risk of sudden collapse.
This alarming news has resulted in urgent calls for immediate solutions, thrusting modular construction firms into the limelight.
Hyfire's Taurus wireless fire devices facilitate faster installation and commissioning of fire systems in these temporary structures, which also have the potential to be integrated with existing fire systems in other school buildings.
Oli Barker, Technical Manager at Hyfire installation partner SPG Fire and Security, says: "This is a growing and unexpected crisis, so modular building suppliers require an immediate and viable solution.
These systems have so far been installed in a dozen schools, all reaping the benefits of Hyfire technology."
We saw Hyfire as the obvious choice and, once a thorough bench test was carried out in a mock-up site environment
The flexibility of the wireless technology has enabled SPG and to meet tight deadlines, significantly reducing on-site labour time and allowing the temporary buildings to be erected and commissioned in record time.
Furthermore, the use of wireless solutions has enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the temporary structures, minimising the need for extensive cabling.
Compliant with BS5839 Part 1, fire panels are wired via a loop to translators, from which wireless devices can be used on their own to build fully wireless systems of virtually any size, or mixed with Hyfire wired products to provide seamless hybrid solutions, offering total flexibility to specifiers and installers.
Robert Bruce, National Key Account Manager at Hyfire, says: "Our wireless solutions are tailor-made for situations like this.
The urgent demand for safe and efficient temporary structures is seamlessly addressed by the adaptability and robustness of our Taurus devices, which are perfectly suited to modular building systems.”
Developed in Trieste, Italy, the global centre for wireless fire design, Taurus features Pathfinder Technology, which allows the devices to communicate over 1km, point to point in open air, and further where expansion hops are used.
Antenna technology has been optimised to allow communication across different frequencies and environments, which means that Taurus can do the job with less equipment and less batteries, thus saving on costs.
