Protecting the places that heal: Why UK healthcare estates can no longer ignore what lies below the sinks and basins.

Building Products Index Ltd Copper Tubes, Pipes Leave a Comment

View the Mueller Europe entry on BPindex

Visit the Mueller Europe website

Mueller Europe is already recognised as the largest manufacturer of copper tube and pipe in the UK. In January 2026, the Mueller Europe Healthcare & Life Sciences division was established to commercialise and deliver solutions into the NHS to aid in the fight against the transmission of deadly multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Mueller Europe are now proud suppliers to the NHS and broader healthcare markets through the Healthcare division.

Sink and drain infrastructure is widely recognised as a direct transmission pathway for these gram-negative bacteria to ascend back into clinically vulnerable areas. It is acknowledged that “splash-back” from plug outlets is a direct and specific mechanism by which pathogens move from drains / U-bends back into the clinical environment, onto hands, surfaces and then patients. It can happen every time a tap runs and for Estates and infection prevention teams, already stretched thin, that is a risk sitting in plain sight, within every sink, every day.

The scale of the problem is not abstract. NHS-attributable healthcare associated infections are estimated to cost the NHS £2.7 billion a year in England alone, contributing to roughly 28,500 patient deaths and over 7 million lost bed days, according to peer-reviewed analysis published in BMJ Open.

Globally, antimicrobial resistance already directly accounts for more than a million deaths a year, and that figure is projected to climb toward 10 million annually by 2050. Between now and 2050, the toll is expected to exceed 39 million lives. This is not a future problem. It is happening now and is why Mueller Europe Healthcare & Life Sciences was established.

This is where AseptiFlow changes the equation.

Invented by Dr James Soothill MBBS, MD, FRCPath, a Consultant Microbiologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, AseptiFlow is a passive mechanical device fitted to the drain outlet, sitting below the plug and above the U-Bend and iss engineered to prevent “splash-back” and aerosol transmission from ascending back into the clinical environment. There is no power requirement, no consumables, no maintenance contracts are required and most importantly, there is no impact to staff behaviour or working practices.

A randomised controlled trial published in the Journal of Hospital Infection in 2025 demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in contamination, giving estates and IPC teams something rare in this space, hard clinical evidence verifying a readily available product which directly aids in the fight against transmission risks associated with multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria.

Manufactured from the highest grade copper by Mueller Europe, AseptiFlow™ also carries copper’s inherent antimicrobial properties as a secondary benefit, on top of its primary mechanical function. This was one key reason why Great Ormond Street identified Mueller Europe as the perfect partner to manufacture and commercialise their invention, as the antimicrobial benefits of copper added an extra layer of defence into AseptiFlow.

For NHS Trusts, hospices, care homes, and any setting managing the risk of multidrug-resistant infections, or sites exposed to such infections, including hotels and leisure facilities, the case for action is straightforward. The transmission route is already documented and the solution to prevent the ascending of wastewater back into clinical environments now exists.

The only question is whether it gets addressed before or after the next outbreak, as Paul Owen from Mueller Europe Healthcare & Life Sciences was quoted as saying “AseptiFlow is a key tool to help fight antimicrobial resistance and nosocomial infections. Patient and people safety must be engineered into the built environment, not managed after failure. The cost of doing nothing, far outweighs the cost of doing something now.”

Specify AseptiFlow™. Close the pathway. Protect the places that heal.

For more information on how Mueller Europe Healthcare & Life Sciences can help you in your fight against multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria, please contact:

Paul Owen

Global Business Unit Manager, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Mueller Europe

Email: powen@muellereurope.com

Tel: 07467 707 838

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paulowen-mueller

New Transport Hub Opens with Effortless Automated Access (July 2026)

Building Products Index Ltd Automated systems, Automatic door system Leave a Comment

View the TORMAX UK entry on BPindex

Visit the TORMAX UK website

TORMAX UK has delivered a complete door automation solution for Frostree Ltd at the new Bishop Auckland Bus Station, on behalf of Durham County Council. The installation incorporates a combination of TORMAX iMotion door operators to automate 12 key passenger access points, creating efficient movement from the bus station interior, through to external boarding areas.

The installation includes 8 iMotion 2202a single sliding door operators, 2 iMotion 2203 bi-parting door operators and 2 iMotion 2203 single sliding door operators. Specified for their robust engineering and compact design, iMotion drives are designed to meet the demands of high-traffic environments where durability and ease of operation are essential.

Featuring intelligent door drive technology that allows precision control, the systems are designed to optimise energy efficiency. The iMotion motor’s gearless and brushless design reduces mechanical wear, minimises maintenance, and delivers consistent, reliable performance throughout an extended lifespan.

Funded through the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, secured by Durham County Council, the new Bishop Auckland bus station is part of an £11.8m investment in the town’s transport infrastructure, supporting improved connectivity and long-term regeneration. The modern passenger facility enhances the experience of bus travel by providing an accessible and comfortable environment for passengers before boarding.

As a busy public facility, the station needs to accommodate a wide range of users, including passengers with mobility challenges, wheelchair users, parents with buggies and travellers carrying luggage. The automated sliding door systems support inclusive design principles by providing controlled, effortless access whilst maintaining smooth passenger flow.

A Swiss company, TORMAX installed Europe’s first automatic door in 1951 and today designs and manufactures a complete range of automatic  door systems for applications

worldwide. The in-house engineered range of iMotion operators provide solutions that meet both the architectural aspirations and practical requirements of modern buildings.

Working alongside TORMAX on the project was Frostree Ltd, a leading manufacturer of architectural aluminium. With expertise in delivering bespoke glazing solutions, Frostree delivers high-quality fabricated systems for commercial and public-sector environments where precision, performance and finish are critical.

The Bishop Auckland bus station project shows how collaboration between fabricators and automation experts can deliver functional, durable access solutions that also improve user experience.

Cllr Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said: “Bishop Auckland’s new bus station is fitted with modern, up-to-date facilities and will be accessible to all passengers. The new station will play an important role in supporting the town’s regeneration journey, while serving as a positive welcome for visitors travelling to see the area’s growing culture, heritage and events offer.”

Building resilient homes with aircrete

Building Products Index Ltd Blocks, Concrete Leave a Comment

View the H+H entry on BPindex

Visit the H+H website

The impact of climate change must be considered when designing homes today. They will need resilience to cope not only with hotter summers with increased risk of fire but also wetter winters.

There’s a reason why around 25% of new British homes are built with H+H aircrete. As a masonry material, aircrete combines durability, thermal performance and non-combustibility. Few other building materials offer the same combination of benefits.

Homes built with aircrete are robust, with a design life of over a century – significantly longer than the 60-year lifespan accepted as standard within the industry. And importantly, homes built with aircrete are resilient.

When designing homes today we need to factor in the impact of climate change. This summer has brought another reminder of just how quickly our climate is changing, with a run of serious heatwaves. With hotter summers expected to continue, future-ready housing must be designed to stay cool and comfortable without excessive reliance on air conditioning.

Tackling overheating with thermal mass

Thermal mass – the ability of a material to absorb and store heat – plays a vital role in maintaining stable internal temperatures. Aircrete’s thermal mass helps absorb excess heat during the day and release it gradually at night, helping moderate internal temperature fluctuations and reduce the risk of overheating. This passive cooling effect can reduce reliance on mechanical cooling systems, helping to reduce both energy use and occupant discomfort.

Building in fire resistance

This summer we have seen a significant increase in wildfires across Britain with 1,132 reported between 1 January and 16 August 2026. Nearly 40 homes were damaged or destroyed by fires in Stourbridge in the West Midlands in August, including 19 houses that were fully destroyed.

Analysis carried out by Sky News using data from the European Forest Fire Information System shows that nearly one in five large wildfires (19%) in England and Wales came within 500m of built-up areas in 2026. It is a worrying statistic and highlights the importance of constructing homes with non-flammable materials.

Aircrete has an A1 fire classification, meaning it is classified as non-combustible. It won’t burn or contribute to the development of fire. We would argue that this attribute isn’t a ‘nice to have’ but an essential.

Preparing for increased flood risk

Another major climate risk is the increased frequency and severity of flooding. The Environment Agency has emphasised the importance of property-level flood resilience measures, particularly as 5.7 million properties in England are currently at risk.

Building with durable, non-degradable materials is key to reducing this risk. Masonry systems such as aircrete offer outstanding flood resilience. They don’t rot, warp or degrade over time, and their dimensional stability maintains structural soundness before, during, and after flood events. In contrast, timber construction can be more vulnerable to water damage and may require extensive replacement or remediation following flooding.

As the Mineral Products Association notes: “Masonry construction offers dimensional stability and structural integrity during and after flood events, a stable surface for waterproof membranes, fast restoration post-flood, and is a non-degradable material that doesn’t rot, rust or warp. No other construction method offers this level of resilience.”

As our climate continues to change it becomes ever more important to build resilient homes using materials that stand up to heat, flooding, and long-term environmental change. Aircrete offers a robust solution: durable, thermally efficient and fire-resistant.

Find out more and explore the H+H product range here: https://www.hplush.com/en-uk/

PermaQuik: The Foundation Beneath Meta’s Green Roof Vision

Building Products Index Ltd Green Roofing Leave a Comment

View the Radmat entry on BPindex

Visit the Radmat website

Architect: Bennetts Associates
Contractor: BAM

RADMAT PRODUCTS USED:

  • PermaQuik Hot-Melt Monolithic Membrane Waterproofing System
  • ProTherm Insulation (various)
  • proTherm RockFace A2 Upstand board
  • EshaFlex Reinforced Bitumen Membranes
  • ParaFlex Liquid Applied Waterproofing System
  • MedO Living Roof System

11-21 Canal Reach forms part of Meta’s major London campus at King’s Cross and is one of the largest office buildings on the estate. Designed by Bennetts Associates and delivered by BAM, the building provides around 39,500 square metres of workspace, with capacity for approximately 4,000 Meta employees. The development is 12 storeys high at its highest point, at the southern end of the site, stepping down to nine storeys towards the north.

A defining feature of the project is its roofscape. Rather than treating the roof as a purely functional zone for plant and services, the design utilises it as valuable external space. Across the building, around 3,900 square metres of landscaped roof gardens and terraces provide planted amenity areas for occupiers while supporting the wider ecological ambitions of the King’s Cross masterplan.

This approach makes the roof a meaningful part of the building’s sustainability strategy. The extensive planting helps soften the scale of the development, encourages local biodiversity and contributes to improved urban habitat. It also supports employee wellbeing by creating accessible outdoor spaces for rest, informal working and connection with nature within a dense city environment.

The roof design was made possible by locating major plant areas at lower levels, close to the district energy infrastructure, rather than filling the roof with mechanical equipment. This freed the upper levels for planted terraces and gardens, allowing the building to prioritise people, landscape, and environmental performance.

Radmat’s PermaQuik Hot Melt Monolithic Membrane and ParaFlex Liquid Applied Waterproofing systems ensured these plant areas, plenums and basements remain watertight. These systems provided a seamless, fully bonded, and highly durable waterproofing solution.

The green roof areas also contribute to the building’s passive environmental response. Planted roof build-ups can help moderate surface temperatures, reduce heat gain, slow rainwater run-off and improve the building’s relationship with the surrounding microclimate. In a large commercial building of this scale, these details are important because they allow the roof to work harder than a conventional flat roof, delivering environmental value as well as visual and social benefit.

A combination of Radmat’s PermaQuik, EshaFlex and ProTherm Insulation across multiple roof levels and terraces ensured the performance of the waterproofing system whilst maintaining thermal integrity, guranteed for the lifetime of the building.

The MedO Living Green Roof System roof also controls the water run-off and helps to keep the planted areas lush and verdant for the workforce and visitors to enjoy, whilst helping to increase biodiversity in the area.

The building is connected to the King’s Cross District Energy Network, which provides zero-carbon heating, hot water and cooling from renewable energy sources. Combined with its roof gardens, low-impact material choices and efficient building fabric, 11-21 Canal Reach demonstrates how large workplace buildings can reduce their environmental impact while improving the experience of the people who use them.

Sustainability was considered from the earliest design stages. The building achieved one of the lowest embodied carbon ratings on the King’s Cross estate, with a final embodied carbon figure of 705kg CO2e/m². Material efficiency, reduced structural demand and the exposed concrete finish helped save around 10,000 tonnes of CO2e against the Stage 2 baseline.

With the integration of Radmat’s advanced waterproofing, insulation, and living roof systems at the core, the project successfully delivers long-term durability, exceptional thermal performance, and environmental resilience, helping to achieve a BREEAM Oustanding rating.

Meet the New Albany Paint Range

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

View the Albany Paint entry on BPindex

Visit the Brewers website

Albany has announced the launch of its new and improved professional paint range. Now available at Brewers Decorator Centres.

Say hello to Albany; the same, trusted brand you know but with a new look and improved performance.

This marks one of the most important developments in Albany’s history. Driven by a commitment to never stand still, the range has been reformulated to deliver even greater quality, improved opacity, enhanced colour accuracy and increased coverage across the range. The result? The best Albany paint ever produced.

Tried, Tested, Trusted.

Every product in the new Albany range has been rigorously tested to perform where it matters most – on the job. Following blind testing across a variety of substrates, 64 professional decorators from across the UK put the leading formulations through their paces in real-world environments, before the top performers were independently assessed by a specialist testing house.

Together, this has created a range designed to give decorators confidence from the first coat to the final finish, with excellent coverage, improved efficiency and durable, reliable performance across the jobs they tackle every day.

The Albany Story

The Albany story began in 1920, when Clement Brewer introduced a wallpaper collection inspired by London’s prestigious Albany Mansions. Paint soon followed, and over the decades Albany has grown into a trusted decorating brand recognised for quality, reliability and practical innovation.

For over 100 years, Albany has built its reputation by listening to decorators, understanding the job and creating products that deliver where it counts. Today, that same commitment continues.

The Four Albany Paints Every Decorator Should Know About

Albany Vinyl Matt

Albany Vinyl Matt is your everyday go-to for interior walls and ceilings, delivering reliable coverage and a smooth, low-sheen finish that helps mask imperfections.

  • Improved coverage for fewer coats and greater efficiency
  • Enhanced spray performance for a smoother application
  • New 350ml sample pots to see the true colour and finish before committing

Albany Scrubbable Matt

Designed for busy spaces such as hallways, kitchens and bathrooms, Albany Scrubbable Matt combines a clean matt finish with the durability needed to withstand everyday knocks, scuffs and repeated cleaning.

  • Improved application on interior walls and ceilings
  • Mould-resistant coating for moisture-prone environments
  • New 350ml sample pots for confident colour selection

Albany AF1 Ceiling Paint

Albany AF1 Ceiling Paint provides excellent coverage with a flat matt finish that helps hide imperfections and leaves ceilings looking clean, crisp and uniform.

  • Faster drying time of just 2 – 4 hours
  • Improved non-spatter formulation
  • Enhanced spray performance
  • New 5L size and tinted option

Albany Acrylic Eggshell Paint

Albany Acrylic Eggshell is easy to apply and built to withstand everyday knocks and scuffs, delivering a smooth, consistent soft-sheen finish for kitchens, bathrooms and other hardworking areas.

  • Improved coverage per litre
  • Better opacity from the first coat
  • Easier application for a smoother decorating experience

Where To Get Your Hands On The New Albany Paints

The new and improved Albany professional paint range is now available to buy in Brewers stores and online at brewers.co.uk.

Eurobrick’s A-Clad makes its mark at Islington development

Building Products Index Ltd Brick slip cladding, Cladding Leave a Comment

View the Eurobrick entry on BPindex

Visit the Eurobrick website

Eurobrick’s A-Clad brick slip rainscreen system has been installed at a new mixed-use development in Islington, London, in one of the first completed projects to use the company’s A1 non-combustible system.

The four-storey development on Roman Way combines commercial space at ground-floor level with eight new apartments. One apartment is located to the rear of the ground floor, with a further seven one- and two-bedroom apartments, including a penthouse, arranged across the upper floors.

A combination of traditional construction and rainscreen cladding was used across the development. Traditional construction was used predominantly at ground-floor level, with framing and A-Clad specified for the upper floors.

Eurobrick’s A1 non-combustible brick slip rainscreen system, A-Clad has been developed to meet the requirements of an evolving construction sector where fire performance, versatility and aesthetics are all important considerations. Eurobrick understands that the best way to future-proof a building is to ensure that it remains functional throughout its lifespan and A-Clad can help to achieve this.

Suitable for use on buildings of any height, A-Clad combines a lightweight construction with the appearance of traditional brickwork. It can be used for both new-build and refurbishment projects and allows designers to achieve an authentic brick finish without the weight and structural requirements associated with full brickwork.

Every component of the A-Clad system has been fully tested for reaction to fire and achieves an A1 classification to BS EN 13501-1:2018. It has also undergone extensive mechanical testing and is a robust solution for rainscreen applications.

The Roman Way project was one of the first completed projects to demonstrate A-Clad in use and provides a good example of how the system can work alongside traditional construction methods to achieve a consistent brick aesthetic across a building.

With a number of other A-Clad projects currently progressing, Eurobrick expects its portfolio of completed installations to continue to grow and hopes to share further project examples over the coming months.

A-Clad joins Eurobrick’s established range of brick slip cladding systems, backed by more than 35 years of experience in the sector. The company also provides extensive technical support at every stage of the process, from specification, detail advice and installation including training courses and comprehensive instructions, to help architects, contractors and installers.

For more information about A-Clad and Eurobrick’s other brick slip systems, visit www.eurobrick.co.uk or contact the technical team on 0117 971 7117 or info@eurobrick.co.uk.

Clement manufactures intricately shaped head steel windows for historic school

Building Products Index Ltd Steel, Windows Leave a Comment

View the Clement Windows entry on BPindex

Visit the Clement Windows website

Clement Windows Group recently manufactured replacement steel windows with intricately shaped heads for Welford & Wickham CE (VA) Primary School in Berkshire.

The school, which is for children aged 4-11 years old, is located between Newbury and Hungerford.  Built in 1857, the school is not listed, but it is historically significant and any alterations need to be in keeping with the original aesthetics of the building.

The project was overseen by the Diocese of Oxford and required Clement to manufacture new windows which were very different to each other.  Four different shaped ‘Gothic head’ style windows were required and each had to be templated to ensure the new steel frames provided the perfect match to the originals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new windows are a mixture of opening and fixed closed.  The opening vents are furnished with a combination of folding openers and Hampstead handles in a bronze finish with matching peg stays.

Tim Alley of the Diocese of Oxford said:

“Clement Windows demonstrated good value by winning the work by competitive tender.  They were very professional and attended when they said they would, working alongside a Building Contractor.  Work was carried out proficiently and to a high standard.  I am really pleased with the completed windows.”

The Clement EB16 new steel window range was created for use in sensitive fenestration refurbishment projects such as this where a traditional steel window look is required.  Manufactured from recycled steel, EB16 windows are available externally glazed with a 16mm unit which is ideal for Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings and other properties of historic interest.

Clement Windows Group offers an innovative range of steel windows, doors, screens and conservation rooflights for both private residences and commercial projects.

01428 643393

info@clementwg.co.uk

www.clementwindows.co.uk

Roof Lanterns: Getting the Builder’s Kerb Detail Right

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

View the National Domelight Company entry on BPindex

Visit the Rooflights and Skylights website

The Detail Beneath the Daylight

A roof lantern can transform an interior, bringing daylight into the heart of a building and creating a greater sense of height and space. However, its success depends on something far less visible: the accuracy of the builder’s kerb beneath it.

These three installation stages illustrate why the roof opening, builder’s kerb, waterproofing and lantern should be designed as one coordinated detail.

1. Forming the opening and kerb

The structural opening establishes the internal daylight aperture, while the builder’s kerb provides the support for the roof lantern. These should not be treated as the same measurement.

The lantern may be manufactured to suit the finished external dimensions of the kerb rather than the clear opening below. Its width, height and construction should therefore be agreed with the lantern supplier before work begins.

Accuracy is critical. A kerb can have the correct length and width but still be out of square, so both diagonals should be checked. The top surface must also be level and sufficiently wide to support the lantern frame and accommodate the required fixings.

Be aware that the required kerb width varies according to the lantern system and the roof’s thermal requirements, typically ranging from around 75mm to 150mm. A wider kerb can accommodate more insulation and help achieve the required U-value, but it also reduces the clear opening and available daylight. The final width must therefore balance thermal performance, structural support and daylight.

A typical kerb upstand is at least 150mm above the finished roof surface, subject to the requirements of the selected lantern and roofing system. This must allow for the complete roof build-up, including insulation and waterproofing, rather than being measured from the structural deck.

2. Weatherproofing the upstand

The second stage shows the flat roof and kerb covered with roofing felt. The waterproofing must be dressed securely around the upstand without compromising the level fixing surface.

Felt or membrane can also affect the finished external dimensions of the kerb. These should be checked before the lantern is ordered or manufactured.

 

3. Installing the lantern

When the opening, external kerb dimensions, height, squareness and waterproofing have been properly coordinated, the lantern can sit evenly and achieve the clean, symmetrical appearance intended by the architect.

The lantern may provide the daylight and architectural impact, but the detail beneath it determines how successfully that vision is realised.

Are you confident that the roof opening, kerb and waterproofing have all been designed to work together?

Whatever the scale or complexity of your rooflight requirement, Rooflights & Skylights can provide the practical advice and technical guidance needed to help you specify the right solution for your project.

WAVIN LAUNCHES NEW SEDIMENT SEPARATOR TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

Building Products Index Ltd Drainage, Surface water drainage Leave a Comment

View the Wavin entry on BPindex

Visit the Wavin website

Leading surface water management expert Wavin has launched the Certaro Lamella HDS, a new sediment separation system designed to support the treatment of surface water runoff in urban drainage applications.

Developed for use within surface water networks, the system combines hydrodynamic separation with advanced lamella settling technology to remove fine sediment from runoff before it enters downstream drainage or infiltration systems. This supports improved water quality and helps protect the long-term performance of drainage infrastructure.

As rainfall patterns become more intense and urban areas continue to densify, managing runoff at source is becoming an increasingly important consideration. Surface water flowing over hard landscapes can carry fine sediments containing pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons and microplastics, placing added pressure on urban drainage systems,

The Certaro Lamella HDS is designed to operate within catchment areas of up to 6,000 m² and can remove up to 80% of total suspended solids from surface water runoff, providing a measurable level of treatment within a single compact chamber.

The system is housed within a minimum DN1000 manhole, making it suitable for installation in space-constrained environments such as roads, car parks and public spaces. Its compact design, combined with an integrated conical sump, supports straightforward installation, inspection and sediment removal, helping to minimise excavation requirements and maintain consistent performance in operation.

Blair McDonald, Commercial Manager for Urban Climate Resilience at Wavin said: “Sediment is the primary transport mechanism for many of the pollutants found in urban runoff. If left untreated, it can degrade the quality of our surface and groundwater, harm ecosystems, and reduce the effectiveness and lifespan of downstream drainage and infiltration systems.

“In line with SuDS expectations around water quality, amenity and biodiversity, early sediment removal is a key step in the long-term management of surface water. Solutions such as Certaro Lamella HDS are designed to address this challenge at source, supporting more effective and maintainable drainage systems.”

The launch of the Certaro Lamella HDS expands Wavin’s wider surface water management portfolio, which includes attenuation, infiltration, filtration and separation systems. The range is designed to support specifiers, engineers and contractors in delivering integrated drainage strategies across residential, commercial and public sector developments.

For more information on Wavin’s Certaro Lamella HDS, please visit: wavin.co.uk/certarolamella

Honeywell Gent Self-Test Revolutionising Fire Detection

Building Products Index Ltd Fire detectors, Fire Protection Leave a Comment

View the Honeywell Gent entry on BPindex

Visit the Honeywell Gent website

Honeywell Gent Self-Test brings a smarter, safer way to test fire detection systems. By automating both smoke and heat sensor testing, it helps reduce the need for manual access while supporting more consistent maintenance, stronger compliance, and greater confidence that detectors are ready to respond when needed. Designed to make routine testing simpler and more efficient, Self-Test helps engineers save time on site while maintaining high standards of life safety protection.

KEY SELF-TEST & CLSS FEATURES

  1. Anti-masking/blockage check – Confirms that smoke entry points are not obstructed as part of the same automated cycle. Gent S-QUAD Sensor with Audio and Visual Warning includes self-test functionality, automating the functional test of both the smoke and heat sensors while checking that the smoke entry points are clear from blockage with an anti-masking test.

  1. Access to hard-to-reach detectors – Removes the need for ladders, poles, or physical access in voids, high ceilings, and locked rooms. The Self-Test range of detectors eliminates many of the physical barriers associated with testing and maintenance, such as locked rooms, voids, high ceilings, and other hard-to-access spaces. These are all areas that may go untested and can ultimately put buildings at risk.

  1. Bluetooth-verified visual inspection – Still meets BS 5839-1 visual check requirements by confirming that a technician was in range via a Bluetooth beacon, even where full manual access is not possible. Visual inspections are completed by verifying that the technician has been within visual inspection range of the Bluetooth beacon placed within the device.

  1. CLSS integration for remote diagnostics – Self-Test devices connect to the Connected Life Safety Services cloud platform, providing real-time visibility and enabling engineers to test and troubleshoot remotely via the CLSS app. The award-winning Self-Test feature allows both the heat and optical sensors within the device to be tested using the CLSS app, and the CLSS platform gives technicians and facility managers real-time insights into the fire system. This enables maintenance engineers to proactively identify and address potential issues, leading to enhanced first-time fix rates and minimising time spent on site.

  1. Compliance and efficiency gains – A single engineer can run a building-wide test with a full electronic audit trail, improving compliance and reducing time spent on site. With the ability to test both optical and heat sensors and verify that the smoke entry points are free from obstruction, a single maintenance engineer can initiate a building-wide test, improving compliance with an end-to-end electronic audit trail and saving much-needed time.