Xtralis Smoke Detection System Protecting Heathrow Airport Terminal

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

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.