Willis Aviation Services

 

Covering 45,000 sqm of offices, workshops and aircraft hangars, Willis Aviation Service Ltd needed a compliant and extensive fire protection solution for their specialised spaces in Hangars 7 and 8 at Teesside International Airport. Hochiki partnered with Middlesbrough-based security specialists, Render Alarms to deliver a bespoke solution tailored to this unique aviation environment.

 

 

Hangar 7 and 8 at Teesside International Airport is a two floor, double commercial airplane hangar with office accommodation to the front, assisting third-party aircraft owners with space to maintain, care and store their flight vehicles. The aviation sector combines highly flammable materials and electrical components, heightening the potential of a large-scale fire. For this application, complete and extensive fire detection was non-negotiable.

 

Working in a unique environment such as an airport has its distinct challenges. Separate solutions were required for each area of the hangar; one notable problem was creating a practical solution to installing void fire detection in the office areas. Comprehensive coverage is critical for protecting personnel and infrastructure working within the hangar.

 

 

To overcome the issues presented within this intricate site, Willis Aviation Services called upon Render Alarms, a local security specialist, to design and install a complete life safety system. For over four decades, Render Alarms has been providing quality life safety systems backed by expert technical knowledge for end-users and architects. Their experience working with various ranges of fire products, from conventional to wireless, ensured a vulnerable area such as this had the highest standard of protection for staff and visitors.

 

 

By taking single-partner accountability with a system fully designed by Elliot Render, the project maintained a consistent and streamlined performance, reducing excessive delays that could have hampered the overall process.

 

 

 

The main system used was Hochiki's ESP Intelligent system. Hochiki's ESP range operates on an open protocol ensuring unparalleled flexibility in adapting to the changing needs of the site. The entire ESP range is third-party accredited and has been designed to meet all requirements of BS 5839-1 2025. 

 

 

Render Alarms strategically chose devices specifically for each area of the hangar based on application. The office spaces needed comprehensive protection for the 50 occupants working there, which is why standard ESP smoke and heat sensors were installed. The smoke sensors incorporate a distinctive high-performance chamber, equally sensitive to a range of smoke types and allowing the threshold level to be adjusted, efficiently reducing the susceptibility of false alarms. Minimising frequent false alarms can mitigate ‘alarm fatigue’, guaranteeing that staff take alarms seriously, and appropriately respond to any genuine, escalating emergency.

 

 

 

Fitted to these sensors, Hochiki’s base sounders were implemented to deliver audio alarms. Featuring 13 volume levels and 51 EN54-3 approved tones, these devices will ensure all office personnel will be adequately alerted in the event of a fire.

 

 

Luke Render, from Render Alarms, and the lead engineer on the project commented:

 

 

“One feature that really stood out was Hochiki's bases. They were a game-changer, with one base fitting all devices. The sensors effortlessly twist-fitted onto the bases, which significantly reduced the time we needed to install and commission the fire systems in the hangar. Hochiki's products made our work on this project much more efficient, making it quicker to complete, without compromising quality.”

 

 

Within the workshop areas of the site, where continual background noise made traditional sounders redundant, Render Alarms chose Hochiki’s wall sounder beacon VADs, to provide a visual, EN54-23 compliant alarm notification solution.

 

 

 

 

 

With the configuration and structural complexity of the beams in the void, traditional detection devices would have been impractical and costly. Hochiki's FIRElink ASD was a practical solution to detecting smoke in this intricate environment. Initially, it would have taken three times the number of detectors to fully protect the void. However, Hochiki's FIRElink uses sampling pipes to provide a targeted, large-scale solution for detecting smoke in hard-to-reach areas. Its centralised control system simplifies maintenance by showing real-time faults, while its unique laser sensing technology reduces false alarms by discriminating against dust. The Hochiki FIRElink was a cost-effective, tailored solution to protect this distinct environment.

 

 

Mick Hall, Hochiki’s Regional Sales Manager for the North, supported the project, using PipeCad software to calculate the hole sizes verify the design of the aspirating system, calculating the pipe network and hole sizes.

 

 

“The use of PipeCad software ensured that the design of the pipe network was compliant and the Hochiki FIRElink can accurately identify smoke in complex and extensive spaces. The FIRElink range provides a complete solution to the most problematic environments, using its unique identification technology to deliver precise smoke recognition and detection. This level of accuracy provides staff with confidence, reduces downtime and consistently maintains a high level of fire safety.”

 

 

 

 

Luke Render, reflecting on the general installation at Willis Aviation Services, concluded

 

 

“We have recently reverted to using Hochiki. We found their systems easily overcame multiple challenges, including installing void smoke detection above the office spaces.  The rest of the installation went smoothly and efficiently, which is a testament to how easy the Hochiki products are to install and the overall quality.”

 

 

The successful installation at Willis Aviation Services has delivered solid long-term reliability and performance, providing confidence that their critical infrastructure is fully protected, and ensuring that day-to-day operations continue without the disruption of false alarms.

 

 

To learn more about Render Alarms, visit their website.

 

 

 

 

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