Xtralis Smoke Detection System Protecting Heathrow Airport Terminal

  • Dec 08, 2008

Xtralis, a provider of intelligent fire detection and security solutions, recently announced that its VESDA Very Early Warning Aspirating Smoke Detection system has been chosen by BAA to help ensure the safe transit of passengers through the baggage halls of the recently opened Heathrow Terminal 5 in London.

BAA’s Heathrow Terminal 5 is the largest single-span structure in the United Kingdom and is designed to accommodate 30 million passengers annually. T5 houses one of the most advanced baggage systems in the world, containing more than 17 kilometers of conveyer belts.

To effectively protect passengers and their luggage, BAA needed an early warning smoke detection system that would operate effectively in the cavernous spaces of T5. In addition, BAA sought a solution that could be maintained at low costs and with minimal disruption to operations.

The Xtralis VESDA solution was specified for its advantages over conventional point or beam detection systems in protecting large open spaces. Xtralis VESDA constantly samples the air for even the smallest of smoke particles, preventing a small fire from becoming a major incident. VESDA pipe work can be placed where the smoke is most likely to go and the detectors can be maintained at ground level, making it possible to conduct smoke detector maintenance without the need to raise scaffolding or cause disruption to the running of the airport.

“We are delighted that Xtralis VESDA is providing Heathrow Terminal 5 with superior very early warning detection to keep travelers, baggage handlers and baggage safe from smoke and fire damage,” said Samir Samhouri, president and CEO of Xtralis. “Our VESDA solution provides absolute detection in a wide array of environments -- from coal mines to clean rooms and from airports and atriums to confined prison cells. VESDA's unique ability to detect the earliest presence of smoke in these varied applications makes is the solution of choice for today’s fire safety professionals.”

Featured

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.