Choice Assumes Responsibility for Security & Fire Alarm Systems
Choice Fire & Security Solutions is using its combined fire and security expertise in assuming unified responsibility for upgrading, extending and maintaining security and fire alarm systems at the multi-site campus of the Sussex Coast College in Hastings (SCCH). [This college became part of the East Sussex College Group in 2018.]
The further education college’s two main buildings, opened in 2010, are the town centre Station Plaza (22,000sqm) and Ore Valley (7,000sqm) less than a mile away. In addition to learning spaces and workshops the sites incorporate social, leisure and catering facilities. The five floor Station Plaza has a full-height central atrium.
The sites’ systems include digital CCTV surveillance, Plan IP-based access control including Assa Abloy’s wireless Aperio locks, Galaxy-controlled intruder alarms and Gent fire alarms. Prior to Choice’s involvement, a number of suppliers were supporting these legacy systems, which Phil Barnes, Head of Facilities at SCCH, identified as bringing an increasing lack of coordination leading to increased system downtimes and cost inefficiencies in ongoing support.
Choice has restored efficiency to various aspects of the multiple systems at SCCH. This has included eliminating 147 faults within the fire system some caused by the effect of Hastings’ sea air corroding semi-external detector heads. Additionally, remote systems communications have been unified by Choice using Emizon control technology for remote security and fire alarm monitoring and to allow Choice remote system access to monitor performance, fault-find and carry out reconfigurations without having to visit the sites.