A bit of year end fun from SS Systems to see the old year out and the new year in. If you think fire alarms, CCTV, and security systems are dull pieces of hardware, think again, because the world of safety tech is full of quirky history, bizarre inventions, and genuinely hilarious moments. From 18th-century night watchmen clacking wooden rattles through the streets, to chicken-powered fire detectors, to NASA’s zero-gravity extinguishers, the evolution of safety equipment has been anything but ordinary.

Making sure your service provider turns up on time, does what they say they will and provides reports on time can be a job in itself, see below how SS systems manages fire and security maintenance contracts so our customers receive a hassle free service delivery.

Businesses specifying intruder alarm control panels face a crowded market. Two systems that commonly come up in commercial tender lists are Honeywell’s Galaxy family (including the Flex and Dimension ranges) and Texecom’s Premier Elite series. Both are aimed at professional installers and commercial customers, but they target slightly different priorities. Below is a practical comparison of features, strengths and common trade-offs for business and commercial applications.

Integrating fire and security systems creates a more efficient, coordinated safety infrastructure. During emergencies, connected systems can automate responses such as unlocking exits, directing cameras, and guiding first responders with real-time data. Centralised monitoring improves situational awareness by allowing staff to view alarms, CCTV, and access control from a single dashboard.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 it is a legal requirement that all employers / responsible persons ensure that all employees are provided with adequate fire safety training. There is no difference between Marshal & Warden, both are frequently used to describe the same role they undertake, it's the same meaning, different word. You should have a fire warden in your workplace for every 50 people. Other spaces may be found to be at a much higher risk of a fire. In such a case, you may require one warden for every 15 to 20 people but review your FRA to help determine the quantity required.

There is a lot to consider when choosing between wired and wireless fire alarm systems for commercial premises. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the key differences, trade-offs, and suitability considerations.

Fire alarm monitoring for care homes must be compliant with EN 54 and BS 5839 standards, requiring the system to be automatically linked to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) to alert the fire brigade immediately upon activation. This provides a faster response than a manual call, which is crucial for residents who may be unable to self-evacuate. Both wired and wireless systems can meet these requirements, but wireless systems offer easier installation in occupied buildings.

The manufacturing sector faces a range of complex challenges that impact safety, security, and operations. Many facilities handle hazardous materials and rely on heat-generating machinery, creating a heightened risk of fire and other industrial accidents. Continuous 24/7 operations and rotating shift patterns further complicate workforce management and emergency preparedness.

Fire chiefs have warned of a broken building safety system blocking remediation Progress. Fire Chiefs have warned that deep flaws in the UK’s building safety system are slowing down the remediation of unsafe buildings, describing the current regime as “unsustainable.”

Martyn's Law requires certain public venues and events to take reasonable steps to prepare for and respond to a potential terrorist attack. The law, officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, establishes a tiered system based on the venue's capacity, requiring smaller "standard tier" venues to focus on policy and procedures, while larger "enhanced tier" venues must go further to reduce their vulnerability to attacks. Key requirements include risk assessments, staff training, and implementing security measures.