
GBSG has implemented its latest fire alarm system for local vegetable processing company, Manor Fresh Ltd.
Manor Fresh Ltd, based in Holbeach, Lincolnshire are specialist suppliers of potatoes and vegetables to leading retailers. Working with 98 growers, they supply 24 varieties of potato from 5 different countries and their reputation is excellent. As part of their business development the company recently built a dedicated potato grading and bagging plant as a demonstration area for prestigious customers like M&S.
How did GBSG get involved with supplying the fire alarm?
GBSG had supplied and installed a new fire alarm throughout the factory and offices in 2023 as a replacement for the old system. The most recent project is an addition to this and is for the purpose built demonstration area.
“We use GBSG due to their local presence, competitive pricing and excellent customer service,” said Vera Figueiredo, Safety, Health & Wellbeing Business Partner
What fire alarm products were installed?
Automatic smoke detection for the fire alarm was provided using Fire Beams projecting across the roof line. Manual call points were also installed adjacent to exits (places of ultimate safety) and warning devices fitted throughout the property.
GBSG also installed a CCTV system that covers production lines and has the ability to be observed locally in the plant control office, meeting rooms and on smart devices. This provides the team onsite with ultimate control both on and offsite. The system is also maintained and monitored by GBSG’s team nearby in Donington.
What are the features and benefits of a fire beam?
Fire Beam detection is an economical way to protect large areas. The detector can provide coverage up to a range of 160 metre. The device will automatically compensate for building movement through a motorised beam head that continually self-aligns itself to the centre of the reflector when commissioning and will automatically keep alignment when movement occurs. The device incorporates a low-level control that once the head is in place and set up, you can make any changes and adjustments you want from ground level. You can:
- commission the beam from ground level
- manually move the beam head
- view the air quality
- view the status of the beam
- change sensitivity thresholds
- change the time to fire and fault
- make the alarm latching or non latching
- turn on and off the green flashing light
- see fire and fault counts
- see how much compensation has been made for dirt build up (you will only have to clean the head and reflector when it needs it)
- complete a self test
- turn the beam on and off (it will reset itself after 8 hours)
- adjust output and receiver settings
- and even monitor the temperature at the beam head!
What challenges were there with this project?
Due to the dusty environment of a potato processing area, there was a potential issue with the reliability and stability of the system. As a result, a cleaning routine has been demonstrated to staff to minimise false activations that can occur in such environments.
The specification and installation of the new fire alarm system went extremely smoothly.
“Both teams went above and beyond what was expected when they installed the fire system and cameras on the new grader,” Vera Figueiredo, Safety, Health & Wellbeing Business Partner.