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Highlander was contracted by one of Scotland’s largest structural steelwork contractors to design and install two fire alarm systems across their premises. The office required a traditional wired fire alarm system, while the larger manufacturing facility needed a two-panel networked system to ensure complete coverage. Both systems were designed and installed to comply with BS 5839-1:2025 and BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020, meeting insurance and regulatory standards. The project required extensive pre-installation work, including risk assessments, method statements, and health and safety checks.
Complexity of the manufacturing facility:
The manufacturing area was filled with state-of-the-art machinery, making it challenging to route cables efficiently without disturbing operations. Precise planning and non-invasive installation techniques were critical to ensuring that installation would not cause unnecessary downtime.
Coordinating installation around shift patterns:
The client operates on a shift-based schedule, requiring careful coordination for access to the site and flats. This scheduling had to minimise any impact on factory operations and ensure that work was completed on time.
Cable routing in a large facility:
The manufacturing floor was vast, and finding appropriate cable routes posed a logistical challenge. We had to ensure that cables were routed in a way that met fire safety regulations without damaging existing infrastructure or interfering with the factory’s operations.
Pre-installation risk assessments:
Before installation could begin, we conducted detailed risk assessments of both the office and the manufacturing facility. These assessments helped identify potential fire hazards, ensuring that the systems we installed would provide full coverage and adhere to BS 5839-1:2025.
Site survey & system design
A thorough site survey was performed to assess the existing fire safety systems, the layout of the premises, and specific needs for both the office and manufacturing facility. Based on this, two distinct fire alarm systems were designed.
Installation process
The installation was carried out in phases to ensure minimal disruption.
Testing & commissioning
Following installation, each system underwent a comprehensive commissioning process to ensure full functionality.
Training & support
After the system was commissioned, we provided hands-on training to the client’s maintenance team, ensuring they understood the operation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting for both systems. An ongoing support contract was arranged, which included:
Machinery integration:
The placement of fire alarm devices in proximity to sensitive machinery required careful planning and non-invasive installation techniques. We used modular cable trays and laser-guided planning to route cables without interfering with equipment.
Navigating complex cable runs:
The size and layout of the factory required long cable runs. Through strategic planning and using fire-resistant materials, we ensured the installation adhered to the highest fire safety standards while avoiding damage to the facility.
Shift scheduling & coordination:
Scheduling work around factory shift patterns posed a logistical challenge, but by working closely with the client, we were able to minimise downtime and complete the installation without disrupting operations.
This project successfully delivered two fully compliant fire alarm systems for one of Scotland’s largest structural steelwork contractors. The use of wired and networked fire alarm solutions, coupled with precise planning and comprehensive testing, ensured that the systems provided complete fire detection coverage across both the office and manufacturing areas. Regular support and maintenance are now in place to ensure the systems remain reliable and compliant with the latest fire safety regulations.
The project demonstrated Highlander’s ability to tackle complex fire alarm installations and deliver safety and operational continuity without compromising on quality or compliance.