Midland Fire provides complete life safety and security systems for the Dudley College of Technology

Earlier this year, Midland Fire entered into a contract with the Dudley College of Technology to provide life safety systems for their newly refurbished E Block building, home to the department of Animal Sciences.

From February through to August 2024, our team worked closely with principal electrical contractor Derry Building Services to put in place multiple life safety and security systems at the college. We handled everything from initial design through to installation, commissioning and handover, to ensure optimum safety for students, staff and the building itself.

We were tasked with providing a new fire alarm system, disabled refuge system, intruder alarms, door access system, commercial cctv installation and accessible toilet alarms. This required multiple skill sets and the knowledge of a wide range of technology, which our team was able to confidently provide.

“This complex project was a great opportunity for our team to show off their strengths. We were able to deliver multiple highly effective service offerings, for both fire safety and building security, within a tight turnaround time.”

Thomas Sleath, Business Development Manager, Midland Fire

Dudley College of Technology

The Dudley School of Technology, located in the heart of the West Midlands, is one of the UK’s most successful further education colleges. Committed to providing high-quality education with a strong emphasis on applied learning and technical skills, the college prepares students aged 16 to 100 for success in a rapidly changing world.

From workshops to recording studios to technology labs, the facilities at Dudley College are focused on getting their students hands-on and ready to hit the ground running. The college prides itself on these inspirational facilities, so we chose only the most reliable and comprehensive fire safety solutions and security measures to protect them and also support the safety of staff and students.

Installing life safety systems at Dudley College

The project

Following refurbishment of the college’s new Animal Sciences block, our team was called in to protect the building with a full life safety system as well as security solutions. We conducted a thorough assessment of the building before designing systems that best suited the space, the college equipment and the academic activity taking place there.

Following our plan, we then went on to install the following:

• Gent Vigilon fire alarm system
• C-Tec disabled refuge system
• Honeywell Galaxy intruder alarm system
• Paxton Net2 door access system
• Dahua CCTV system
• C-Tec accessible WC alarm systems

We also provided enhanced functionality with supplementary VADs (Visual Alarm Devices), which were fully networked and integrated to the main college campus’ fire alarm system. The CCTV & door access systems were also fully connected to the existing systems on the main college campus.

The challenges

This project was complex in its variety of systems and installation requirements. The time frame was also relatively short, so it was important to closely follow our planned delivery program to ensure that project milestones were achieved on time and work was completed ready for the specified handover dates.

Through diligent project management, our team ensured that all work was delivered on time and to the highest standards. The variety of expertise within our team and the level of experience of all our engineers meant that installing multiple types of life safety systems was not a problem.

Let’s talk technology

At Midland Fire, our engineers are always up to date with the latest products and innovations. This allows us to consistently deliver the highest standard of service to our clients and we install only the best in fire safety and security technology.

Here’s a brief overview of why we chose the following products for Dudley College:

Gent Vigilon fire alarm system

• Advanced technology featuring a combination of powerful control panel software and intelligent loop powered devices.
• Accurate fire detection thanks to multi-sensor detectors able to distinguish between real fires and false alarms.
• Flexibility with modular and scalable elements, supporting both small and large installations.

C-Tec disabled refuge system

• Advanced communication features such as two-way audio, allowing users to speak directly with staff or emergency responders.
• Reliable performance proven by vigorous testing, ensuring the system can withstand all conditions and maintain functionality during emergencies.
• Intuitive design, making it easy for both users and staff to operate in emergency situations, reducing confusion and response times.

Honeywell Galaxy intruder alarm system

• Remote access allowing users to monitor and control the system off-site for quicker response times.
• Cybersecurity features for peace of mind that the system is protected from hacking or tampering.
• Advanced integration capabilities linking alarms to access door control systems, allowing for a unified security solution.

Dahua CCTV system

• High-quality imaging using a variety of high-resolution cameras to ensure superior image clarity and detail in all lighting conditions.
• Advanced video analytics including AI-powered features like facial recognition, motion detection and behaviour analysis.
• User-friendly management software allowing the user to easily monitor and play back surveillance footage.

Looking for life safety system installation in Birmingham or Dudley?

We provide fire risk assessment and life safety solutions in Birmingham and Dudley as well as the surrounding cities, towns and villages across the Midlands.

At Midland Fire, we’ll work with you to plan and deliver the optimum fire safety solution for your premises, including ongoing maintenance, support, and fire safety training. At Midland Fire WE PROTECT.

For more information and a free consultation contact Midland Fire Security Services Ltd.