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Self-Test Revolutionises Fire Safety At CHEP Spennymoor

March 4, 2025

CHEP Spennymoor, a key facility specialising in the construction and handling of product loads, has been a long-term customer of FISCO, a facilities management provider with over 8 years of partnership with Kings Secure Technologies. Since 2019, Kings Secure Technologies has been responsible for the fire and security needs of the CHEP Spennymoor site. In 2024, CHEP Spennymoor embarked on a major refit, requiring an upgrade to their life safety system. Due to the site’s 24/7 manufacturing operations, the project demanded a solution that would ensure fire safety compliance without disrupting production.

THE CHALLENGE

During a routine inspection, a service engineer identified that the existing fire alarm system at CHEP Spennymoor was outdated and insufficient for the facility’s needs. The system lacked adequate coverage, particularly in critical areas such as the main warehouse, pump house, and welfare
facilities warehouse. The deficiencies highlighted a pressing need for a comprehensive upgrade to meet current safety standards. The challenge was to implement this upgrade swiftly and without interrupting the site’s continuous operations, especially given the concurrent £4 million upgrade to plant equipment in Unit 1.

THE SOLUTION

KST group company, E-Fire (Honeywell Gent Partner) carried out the system refit. E-Fire proposed a state-of-theart addressable fire alarm system that included Gent’s innovative Self-Testing technology. This system allows for fully compliant fire maintenance without halting production, thus
maintaining productivity and efficiency.

The Honeywell Gent Self-Test system offers several key benefits:

  • Minimised Disruptions: Self-Test allows weekly fire alarm tests to be conducted remotely from the Panel location. This eliminates the need for manual testing of individual devices across the site, significantly reducing downtime and avoiding disruptions to the 24/7 manufacturing process.
  • Enhanced Safety Compliance: The system automatically performs routine checks on detectors, sounders, and other critical components, ensuring they are functioning correctly. This automated approach guarantees that the site remains fully compliant with fire safety regulations without requiring constant manual oversight.
  • Cost and Time Efficiency: By automating regular maintenance tasks, Self-Test reduces the time and labour traditionally required for manual fire alarm testing. This not only cuts operational costs but also frees up staff to focus on other critical tasks within the facility.
  • Real-Time Diagnostics: Powered by Honeywell’s Connected Life Safety Services all-in-one cloud-based solution (CLSS), Self-Test provides real-time diagnostics and alerts, enabling the maintenance team to quickly identify and address any issues before they escalate. This proactive monitoring enhances the overall reliability of the fire alarm system.

The upgrade also involved installing new Beam Detectors, Manual Call Points, Sounder/Strobe devices, and a Repeat Panel. The addition of the Repeat Panel in Unit 1 provided the client with immediate visibility and control over the entire system, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.

THE RESULT

The installation was completed on schedule, ensuring that the broader site upgrade remained on track.
CHEP Spennymoor now benefits from a modern, addressable fire alarm system that offers precise detection and easier management. The integration of Gent’s Self-Testing technology has reduced maintenance time and costs, while the enhanced coverage and control have significantly improved the safety and operational efficiency of the site. The partnership between E-Fire, KST, FISCO, and Honeywell Gent has once again demonstrated its effectiveness in delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to the specific needs of their clients.

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What our Customers say

We wanted a smart-looking, contactless approach to access control here at Little Dot. We love the Openpath solution proposed by KST; it’s sleek, simple to use and has excellent reporting features. What’s more, KST’s inhouse commissioning team remotely configured the software to meet our requirements - including who goes where and when, through which doors, the reporting we need and integration to our fire alarm system. Thanks to this we have saved the cost of two days labour on install!

Greg Rochford
IT Manager - Little Dot Studios

KST has once again exceeded all expectations with their outstanding service. Safety is our number one priority for both our Post Masters and customers, therefore we are always on the lookout for new technologies and new ideas. Morphean platforms, along with the installation and maintenance provided by KST, has been the perfect decision for us due to our existing knowledge of their excellent services and competitive prices.

Mark Dinsdale
Security Programme Manager - Post Office Ltd

The mobilisation was smooth with little involvement required from ourselves. Communication, in particular, has been extremely strong with regular meetings. Monthly management information has been circulated and Clipper are using the real time management information that KST have provided with their DYMENSiON software. We also have working action plans on each site focusing on improvements and change management. All in all I would be happy to recommend KST to any company looking at contract award; our experience has been very positive and I am happy to endorse them.

John Welsh
Head of Bonded & Secure Operations - Clipper

The whole process of mobilisation and onboarding to KST was conducted in an exceptional manner, from start to finish. The preparation for the move between City Plumbing Supplies and KST was comprehensive. Collaboration was very good. The days of transfer were event free and smooth - with no major issues. The branches’ onboarding onto the KST system during the 12 weeks following the mobilisation was completed fully with excellent communication sessions conducted on a weekly basis. We are now looking forward to a long and effective partnership with KST.

Steve Kemp
Security, Audit & Loss Prevention Manager - City Plumbing Supplies

We’ve been delighted with the partnership between ISS and KST and the approach to transferring the access control contract. The teams have gelled quickly to understand our estate and we’ve seen significant service improvements.

Andy Southern
Head of Security - Santander Bank

Everything from the initial engagement with Quidvis to meeting the Fire Risk assessor on site, to receiving all the reports back in the SLA timeframe was second to none. The communication throughout the whole process has been so easy and the working relationship does not stop there. We now have one central system where we can view reports, add relevant building certificates and policies. Colleagues can access this incredibly user-friendly system and navigate with ease. I have been informed by several colleagues how easy the portal is to use. Even those less tech savvy have been more than impressed.

Carrie Owen
Fire Safety Officer - Shropshire Towns & Rural Housing
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