Midland Fire Security Services proudly selected as Morrisons’ catch of the day
Midland Fire Security Services recently joined forces with Intelect Midlands Ltd for the safeguarding development of Morrisons’ Falfish site in Redruth.
Our team was called in as the specialist fire and security alarm provider for the Falfish fish factory, a site now owned by Morrisons. Over the course of three months, our team meticulously installed top-spec fire and intruder alarms throughout the site to ensure maximum safety for the company’s employees and assets.
Adhering to industry standards and drawing upon our expertise in advanced safety technology, we delivered a tailored solution designed to meet the unique needs of the client. This partnership underscores our reputation as a trusted leader in fire and security services for companies of all shapes and sizes.
“It was a pleasure to supply, install and commission the fire and security systems at the new production site down in Redruth. Working closely with Intelect, we overcame all challenges seamlessly and delivered the project in an efficient and timely manner, said, Daniel Thompson, Midland Fire Security Services Contracts Manager"
Who are Falfish?
Established in 1979, Falfish is a family-owned wholesaler of high quality fish and shellfish. They were acquired by Morrisons, one of their biggest customers, in 2021, a move that meant investment and new opportunity for the small business, and famously helped Morrisons become the first British supermarket to ever own a fishing boat.
Falfish has always held a passion for sustainability and local sourcing, sharing Morrisons’ commitment to the maintenance of a healthy marine environment and vibrant fishing communities. They are big supporters of environmental and community projects both locally and nationally, and are at the forefront of promoting sustainable fishing practices and healthy stocks for future generations.
This is a cause that we at Midland Fire Security Services are proud to be a part of, so early this year we made it our mission to protect Falfish – both their business and their values.
Premium fire protection
In a fish factory, fire safety is top priority due to the presence of flammable materials and the need to protect valuable assets. Our team set up a comprehensive fire alarm system with aspiration and ATEX components to ensure early detection and rapid response to fire incidents, tailored to meet the varied needs of the site. Here’s an overview of the work we carried out:
Aspiration system in main warehouse areas
A FAAST (Fire Alarm Aspiration Sensing Technology) aspiration system was installed in the main warehouse areas of the factory. This system employs advanced technology to detect smoke particles at the earliest stage, and customisable sensitivity settings, making it suitable for use in challenging environments with high ceilings or temperature variations. Integrated with IP-rated sounders and manual call points, the system allows for swift response and prompt evacuation in the case of a potential fire.
ATEX-rated devices in refrigeration plant room
Given the sensitive nature of refrigeration plant rooms where ammonia is commonly used, our team selected Apollo Orbis ATEX-rated devices, including detectors, MCPs and sounders. These components are specifically designed to operate safely in potentially explosive atmospheres, providing reliable fire detection and alert mechanisms.
Integration and alarm linkage
The fire alarm system was integrated with a Gent compact panel, chosen for its sophistication and user-friendly interface. S-Quad detectors were also installed throughout, utilising various detection technologies simultaneously and feeding information directly to the control panel.
Lastly, we ensured that the fire alarm was intelligently linked to the ammonia alarm system. In the event of a stage one ammonia alarm, it triggers the main fire panel, while a stage two alarm confirms a gas leak, prompting immediate response protocols.
Preventing against intruders
The threats facing fish factories from intruders are surprisingly high. Potential risks include theft of valuable equipment or seafood, sabotage of production processes and vandalism leading to potential safety hazards for workers. Unauthorised access could also lead to the contamination of products or compromise of food safety standards.
These threats underline the importance of robust security measures for fish factories. So here’s what we did to help:
HKC intruder alarm system in the main warehouse
The HKC intruder alarm system is a comprehensive security solution integrating advanced technology to detect and respond to security threats. It comprises several components that work together to detect any suspicious activity. We installed a network including:
- A control panel: The central hub of the system, responsible for managing sensors, detectors and alarm functions. It’s used to arm, disarm, and configure the system.
- PIRs (Passive Infrared Sensors): These sensors detect motion or entry through doors or windows and send signals to the control panel, which then triggers the alarm and monitoring services.
- Door and roller door contacts: Similar to PIRs, these contacts detect any unauthorised entry through doors and signal the alarm.
- A keypad: A key piece of kit allowing users to interact with the control panel and enter codes to arm or disarm the system.
Remote monitoring via EMCS
For an extra level of protection, we set up remote monitoring via EMCS for both the fire and intruder alarm systems. This allows real-time alerts to be sent to monitoring centres or designated individuals when an alarm is activated, and can be accessed remotely, enabling swift response to any emergency situation even when the site is unoccupied.
Dave Dawson, Intelect Midlands Ltd said, “We found Midland Fire Security Services a great partner to work with, they were professional, diligent and always available to offer advice. We would certainly use them again on future projects.”
Midland Fire Security Services, will work with you to plan and deliver the optimum fire safety solution for your premises, including ongoing maintenance, support, and fire safety training.
