Protecting devices that protect lives, with Safety Technology International

Safety Technology International’s Head of Marketing & Product Management, Sibtain Naqvi, discusses the company’s role in preventing false alarms and protecting critical safety equipment 

Safety Technology International (STI) has built a reputation for developing solutions to prevent false fire alarms and protect essential safety equipment. The company’s origins trace back to 1978, when founder Jack Taylor designed the original ‘Stopper’ cover in response to frequent false alarms at a school near Detroit. This hinged polycarbonate device fits over manual call points to prevent accidental or intentional activations. 

From this initial invention, STI steadily expanded its range of products, focusing on safeguarding fire safety devices. Over the years, the company introduced protective metal cages for smoke detectors, alarms to deter fire extinguisher theft or misuse and devices designed to prevent unauthorized emergency door usage.

By addressing these common challenges, STI established itself as a key player in protecting critical safety equipment across various environments. 

Sibtain Naqvi

Today, the company’s product line has grown significantly. In addition to call point protectors and alarmed covers, STI manufactures its own manual call points and switches, which are often integrated into larger fire systems. Despite its expansion, the company remains focused on its original mission: providing practical, reliable solutions to real-world problems in the fire safety and security sectors.  

In this discussion, STI’s Head of Marketing & Product Management, Sibtain Naqvi, discusses the latest addition to its line up and why the founding principle of protecting devices that protect lives continues to guide STI’s work. 

You’re launching a new product—can you introduce it and explain what problem it addresses? 

We’re introducing a new range of push-button devices, consisting of two main categories: the GF (Global Fire) and the G3 series. The GF push buttons are specifically designed to meet UL fire safety standards for markets like the United States and the Middle East.

They address a critical issue—the persistent problem of accidental, malicious, or vandalism-driven activations of manual call points. These false alarms cost businesses and public institutions significant resources, amounting to billions annually in lost productivity and unnecessary emergency responses. 

The G3 series, meanwhile, is a versatile, multipurpose device designed for various global markets beyond fire safety alone. It can be customized for general use in sectors like access control, building security and industrial safety. Both product types reflect our commitment to tackling specific challenges identified by our customers, particularly where standard protective measures have proven insufficient. 

One key enhancement we’ve introduced is an optional integrated IP camera. This camera adds a layer of accountability, capturing footage before, during and after button activation. Such evidence significantly discourages repeat misuse, deterring intentional false alarms and vandalism.

This innovation directly responds to feedback from our customers who reported that conventional alarm covers alone weren’t always enough to stop repeat offenses, particularly in high-traffic environments like schools or public transportation hubs. 

How does this new solution work and what makes it different from existing products? 

When developing this product, we prioritised three main objectives: enhanced functionality, ease of installation and durability. To address demands for greater accountability and deterrence, we incorporated an optional IP camera directly into the push-button unit.

This camera automatically records interactions, creating visual evidence of misuse or malicious activations, significantly deterring repeat offenders. 

Sibtain Naqvi

For practicality, we simplified installation. The device features removable terminal blocks, allowing installers to connect wiring quickly and easily. This reduces installation time and complexity, benefiting facility managers, maintenance teams, or contractors responsible for installing fire and safety systems. With less complexity in the installation phase, there’s a lower risk of errors and quicker system activation. 

Durability was another priority. The devices are built from strong polycarbonate materials, specifically engineered to withstand repeated physical interactions, environmental stress and accidental impacts. The product design itself features recessed buttons to minimise accidental activation, while also providing clear visibility and ease of use.

Together, these features differentiate the solution from other products on the market, which either lack integrated recording capabilities or do not combine these multiple functions into a single, easily adaptable device. 

Why is this issue an important one for the fire and safety sector to tackle? 

False alarms cause unnecessary strain on resources, lost productivity and increased costs. Despite ongoing education efforts and improved procedures, false alarms remain prevalent globally.

As illustrated by data from the Office for National Statistics, false alarms regularly cost businesses and emergency services considerable time and money, making it essential to address the root causes effectively. 

Our new push-button devices with integrated IP cameras directly tackle this persistent issue by providing tangible accountability.

Sibtain Naqvi

The camera’s presence acts as a psychological deterrent, significantly reducing deliberate misuse by capturing clear evidence of misuse.

This added accountability helps managers and facility operators pinpoint repeat offenders, allowing them to take corrective action and reduce repeat occurrences. 

Who is this product designed for and what kind of environments would benefit most from using it? 

This product has been designed primarily for environments experiencing persistent issues with false alarms or unwanted push-button activations.

Typical environments include educational institutions such as schools and universities, commercial facilities like airports, hospitals, shopping centres and industrial locations. Each of these environments regularly experiences misuse, vandalism, or accidental activations of safety devices, leading to costly disruptions. 

Were there any particular challenges in developing this solution and how did you overcome them? 

One significant hurdle was navigating international compliance requirements, particularly obtaining UL certification, ensuring conformity with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines and addressing sensitive political issues related to global sourcing and cybersecurity.

For instance, due to concerns around camera technology and international manufacturing sensitivities, we had to ensure all components were sourced responsibly and transparently. 

Internally, our product development and engineering teams collaborated closely, constantly refining the design to ensure durability, ease of installation and compliance with regulations like UL certification and ADA accessibility and NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) requirements.  

Why does STI see value in participating in industry events like The Fire Safety Event 2025 and how do they help shape fire safety? 

Participating in industry events like The Fire Safety Event 2025 is central to how STI engages directly with customers, industry peers and stakeholders. Events like these provide an opportunity to demonstrate our products in a practical setting, allowing visitors to experience firsthand how our solutions work and to understand their benefits in real-world scenarios.

For example, at this upcoming event, we’ll showcase a live demonstration of our new push-button products, allowing visitors to see the operational advantages and features directly. 

These events also offer invaluable opportunities for direct feedback from users and industry professionals. Conversations held at our stand enable us to identify emerging needs, refine our solutions and stay aligned with industry requirements.

Our attendance also strengthens relationships with customers, distributors and peers, contributing to a shared understanding of common challenges and how best to address them. 

Sibtain Naqvi

Ultimately, such gatherings are platforms for driving improvements across the fire safety sector by encouraging discussion, demonstrating practical solutions and collectively advancing safety standards. For STI, industry events are critical for maintaining close relationships, enhancing product awareness and ensuring our offerings remain effective, relevant and responsive to industry needs. 

This article was originally published in the April 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.