Hochiki system supports fire safety at Merriman Grange

Hochiki has provided a new fire detection and alarm system for Merriman Grange, a newly opened care home in Worthing, West Sussex.

According to Hochiki, the project involved collaboration with Southern Fire Alarms to install a full L1 category system across the three-storey building.

The care home, which includes a dementia care unit, required technology that could accommodate vulnerable residents while ensuring full coverage and integration with the site’s building management systems.

Full L1 coverage installed throughout the care facility

Southern Fire Alarms was responsible for designing and installing the fire safety system as part of the care home’s new build.

Hochiki’s ESP range was selected as the main technology used for the installation.

Naomi Fell of Southern Fire Alarms said: “When it comes to reliability and ease of installation, Hochiki is our go-to manufacturer. Their ESP range of addressable products are consistently high-quality, and their integration capabilities are second to none.”

She added: “For a complex project like Merriman Grange, where we needed a robust and dependable system that also considered the specific needs of dementia residents, Hochiki was the perfect choice.”

Adapted fire alarms help minimise stress for dementia residents

The care home includes a dedicated unit for dementia care, which posed particular requirements in terms of alarm functionality.

Devices were selected based on their capacity to adjust alarm tones and volumes, in order to reduce the risk of causing distress to residents with dementia.

According to Hochiki, their equipment allowed the fire detection system to be tailored in a way that supported the wellbeing of residents while maintaining effective alerting.

Integration and usability considered throughout the installation

The Hochiki ESP range was chosen in part for its ability to integrate with building management systems.

This was seen as essential for the overall functionality of Merriman Grange, ensuring building services operated efficiently together.

Naomi Fell said: “Their devices are designed to minimise false alarms and provide clear, reliable warnings, which is crucial in a care home environment. We know that with Hochiki, we’re providing our clients with the best possible protection.”

Fire alarm installation enhances care home safety in Worthing: Summary

Hochiki provided a fire detection and alarm system for Merriman Grange care home in Worthing.

Southern Fire Alarms installed the full L1 category system during the home’s construction.

The ESP range was selected for its compatibility, ease of installation and capacity to adjust alarm outputs.

The system was adapted for a dementia care unit using adjustable tones and volumes to minimise distress.

All areas of the three-storey building are covered by the system, including private and communal spaces.

The system is integrated with the building’s management infrastructure.

The installation aimed to support ease of use for staff and reduce the likelihood of false alarms.

Naomi Fell of Southern Fire Alarms said Hochiki was selected for reliability and product quality.