Fire presents one of the biggest risks to businesses and has devastating consequences for any business affected by it. Opticom offers a comprehensive range of Fire Safety systems which include stand-alone smoke and heat, convectional and addressable fire detection systems, fire suppression systems ( FM 200, ARGON, CO2), fire extinguishers, fire safety training including emergency evacuation procedures and emergency communications and lighting to significantly reduce the risks of fire-related damages and deaths in Kenya. We are experts in local and international fire code standards and our fire safety solutions help customers better manage employee safety, and protect data, assets and life.
According to Legal Notice 59, every workplace should have means of extinguishing and detecting fire, that is well maintained, conspicuously displayed and free from obstruction such that is readily accessible. Additionally, every employer has a legal responsibility to ensure people working in or using its premises are trained in the correct use of fire -fighting equipment.
We work closely with our customers from various sectors to design, install, maintain, train and monitor the right industry specific fire safety solutions.
Preventing Fire
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Preventing Fire
The goal of fire prevention is to ensure the relevant personnel such as family members and staffs are adequately educated so that they can take precautions to ensure they don’t start harmful fires and, in the event that they occur, how to survive them. This is a proactive method of reducing emergencies and damages caused by fire.
Opticom ensures that the relevant assessments and trainings are done by qualified personnel to satisfactory level. Fire prevention usually involves the following;
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Fire Risk Assessments
When it comes to safeguarding your business and personnel, fire risk assessment is crucial. While any appointed Responsible Person (RP) can undertake review and inspection, it is advisable to invest in a qualified third-party to provide proper insights and suggestions on how to bolster your safety precautions and ensure you’re operating well within regulation.
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Fire Safety Training
Opticom Kenya offers comprehensive fire safety training to empower employees and protect your organization. Their program covers identifying fire hazards, responding to emergencies, conducting safe evacuations, and using fire extinguishers. Benefits include reduced fire risk, enhanced emergency preparedness, improved employee safety, and compliance with local regulations.
Detecting Fire
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Detecting Fire
Whilst the main focus of your fire protection strategy should be to prevent fire, should a fire accidentally break out early, automatic fire detection is essential to help contain the fire. Fire detection systems provide the earliest possible warning of a developing emergency situation, which in turn, can facilitate safe and swift evacuation of people from the premises.
There are different types of fire alarm and detection systems and Opticom can design, supply, install and commission a fire alarm system to suit your needs.
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1.Addressable Systems
An addressable fire alarm system is made up of a series of fire detectors and devices that are connected back to a central control panel. With addressable systems, each device has an address or location, enabling the exact detector that was triggered to be quickly identified. This makes addressable alarm systems ideal for large buildings, particularly commercial premises spread over a wide area. Some of our systems offer remote alerts in form of an SMS to a designated phone number in the event of a fire breaking out.
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2.Wireless Addressable Systems
- Intelligent detection: Each device in an addressable system has a unique identifier, allowing the control panel to pinpoint the exact location of a fire alarm.
- Advanced features: Addressable systems often offer additional functionalities like pre-alarm warnings and programmable responses.
- Improved reliability: Their loop wiring design ensures continued operation even if a single wire is damaged.
- Ideal for: Larger or complex buildings, facilities requiring detailed fire location identification, and those seeking advanced fire safety features.
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3.Conventional Systems
Zone-based detection:Conventional systems divide buildings into zones. If a fire alarm is triggered ina zone, the control panel identifies the zone, but not the specific device.Simpler technology:Conventional systems are generally less expensive upfront.Limited information:They provide less information about the fire's location, making it harder topinpoint the source.Better suited for:Smaller buildings with straightforward layouts.
Containing Fire
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Containing Fire
This involves reducing the heat output of a fire, reducing the area over which the fire exists or suppressing or extinguishing the fire. In the event of a fire breaking out, Opticom can assist you to take steps to contain a small fire, stop it from spreading and becoming a major disaster.
Some of the solutions that we recommend and implement are:
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1. Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are active fire protection devices used to snuff out small fires in emergency situations. The various types of fire extinguisher put out fires started with different types of fuel; these are called ‘classes’ of fire. The fire risk from the different classes of fire in your business premises will determine which fire extinguisher types you need.
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2. Sprinkler Systems
These deliver a constant stream of water directly onto a fire, ideal for large spaces and early fire detection. -
3. Hydrant Systems
Firefighters readily access a high-volume water source through strategically placed hydrants, perfect for tackling extensive fires. -
4. Hose Reel Systems
Easily accessible and ideal for initial fire response by building occupants, hose reels provide a controlled water stream for small fires. -
5. Suppression Systems
This broader category encompasses various extinguishing agents like gas or foam, suited for specific fire types.
Escaping Fire
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Escaping Fire
No fire safety strategy is complete without the final part of the plan – escaping fire safely. In order to escape a fire, being prepared, having a plan, and practicing that plan are essential to successfully getting out. Craft your plan by considering your business’ and home’s particular layout and members. Opticom also offers and advice on the best escape means like fire escape route, escape chutes, fire escape ladders and fire evacuation procedures.
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1. Fire Safety Training
In Kenya, it’s a legal requirement for certain members of staff to be trained in fire safety procedures – becoming your environment’s designated fire wardens as a result. The person trained should have a clear understanding of the overall duties and responsibilities they have as a fire warden. This will include what action they should take on the discovery of a fire, know the difference between different fire classes, which extinguisher to use for which fire and what the evacuation procedure is.
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2. Emergency Lighting
Opticom Kenya offers advanced lighting solutions to ensure visibility and safety during emergencies, addressing the limitations of traditional lighting systems. Their options include emergency exit lights, photoluminescent lights, and addressable emergency lighting systems. These solutions enhance safety by providing clear visibility for evacuation, operate independently of traditional power sources, and comply with fire safety regulations in Kenya.