System for verifying fire safety protocols

Abstract

A system 10 centrally records safety information for a building. The system 10 has a safety device (12, fig 2) which could be a vent for a window, actuated by an actuator 14, with intended operating parameters. The parameters are stored on a cloud-based computing device 20. A sensor measures an operating parameter of the safety device (12, fig 2) via the actuator 14 and a transceiver sends parameter to the computing device 20. The computing device 20 records the parameter and calculates the difference between the parameter and a corresponding intended operating parameter. If the difference falls within predefined limits a confirmation is sent to an operator via computing device 30 that the safety device (12, fig 2) is operating as intended, otherwise, an alert is sent to an operator via computing device 30 that the safety device (12, fig 2) is not operating as intended.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a system and a method for verifying fire safety protocols. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Fire safety regulations in the UK requires buildings to be designed and managed in a way that promotes safety and resilience, to help minimise the risk of fire and the potential for loss of life or property damage. These regulations, and other relevant legislation, typically sets out requirements for fire safety in buildings, including requirements for the provision of fire alarms, fire doors, and escape routes. Fire risk assessments are also required for certain types of buildings, including multi-occupancy residential buildings. In addition, other codes and standards focus on specific aspects of fire safety, such as the British Standards Institution's Code of Practice for Fire Safety in the Design, Management, and Use of Buildings, which provides guidance on a range of fire safety issues. The Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017 highlighted many shortcomings with the UK's current fire safety regulations and legislation. Particularly a lack of enforcement of the regulations, which led to a lack of maintenance of fire safety systems, an ineffective evacuation plan, a lack of fire safety training for residents, and ineffective building inspections. Such shortcomings meant that first responders did not have an accurate picture of the layout of the building, and the location and status of fire safety equipment, which made it difficult to plan and prioritise rescue efforts. Recent legislation changes attempt to address these shortcomings by requiring a standardised approach to fire safety that takes into account the entire life cycle of a building, from design and construction to occupation and eventual demolition. Key fire safety information must now be recorded digitally and maintained in a consistent and accessible manner, so that it is readily available to all those who need it (such as first responders) throughout the life cycle of the building. The present invention seeks to provide an improved fire safety system which operates in line with these updated regulations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for verifying fire safety protocols, the system comprising: a safety device having one or more intended operating parameters, whereby the one or more intended operating parameters are digitally linked to the safety device via a database stored on a cloud-based computing device; a sensor configured to measure an operating parameter when the safety device is operated; a transceiver configured to communicate the measured operating parameter to the cloud-based computing device; and, program instructions stored on the cloud-based computing device which, when executed: records the measured operating parameter in the database; calculates the difference between the measured operating parameter and a corresponding intended operating parameter; and, if the difference falls within predefined limits, cause confirmation to be sent to an operator that the safety device is operating as intended; otherwise, cause an alert to be sent to an operator that the safety device is not operating as intended. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for verifying fire safety protocols, the method comprising: operating a safety device to move between a closed and an open position; the safety device having a set of intended operating parameters, whereby the set of intended operating parameters are digitally linked to the safety device via a database stored on a cloud-based computing device; measuring an operating parameter during the operation of the safety device; communicating the measured parameter to a cloud-based computing device; recording the measured parameter in the database; calculating the difference between the measured parameter and a corresponding intended operational parameter; and, confirming to an operator that the safety device is operating as intended if the difference falls within predefined limits; otherwise, alerting the operator that the safety device is not operating as intended. The safety device may be a fire safety device, for example a ventilation device. Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination set out above, or in the following description or drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system according to aspects of the present invention; and, Fig. 2 shows an example ventilation device in the form of a hinged window according to embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS The present invention recognises that due to changes in regulations in the wake of recent tragedies, such as the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, it is now essential that information and documentation about a building are digitally accessible to the relevant people, such as the fire service and building managers, throughout the lifetime of a building. This is referred to as the Golden Thread, and the intention is to ensure buildings are appropriately managed and compliant with safety protocols both now and in the future, in order to minimise safety risks and keep occupants safe. In particular, the Golden Thread requires that key fire safety information is recorded, updated, and maintained in a consistent and accessible manner throughout the life of a building, and is readily available to anyone who requires this information, such as first responders. The intention is to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out within a building, thereby helping to reduce any potential loss of life. As such, the present invention provides a system and method for centrally and digitally recording and maintaining critical fire safety information for a building, including the materials used in construction, the fire safety devices installed within the building, the original design intentions of such fire safety devices, the results of testing / operating such fire safety devices, any changes to the fire safety devices installed, any fire safety procedures, any training for residents / staff, and any maintenance performed. The designers intended functional requirements of such fire safety devices, such as ventilation devices, are typically described as performance parameters for each device. The performance parameters are declared by the manufacturers of the devices to demonstrate the device will meet the design intent in the specific application and should be in line with current regulations. Each time a safety device is operated, the performance is measured, digitally recorded against that device, and compared with the original design intent. If the current performance does not align with the intended performance, then an alarm is raised, and an appropriate person, such as an engineer, can immediately be called to assess and fix the problem via remote connection or by attending directly so that the safety device can continue to perform as intended. As such, the amount of time the safety device is not performing as intended is minimised, thereby minimising risks to building occupants. Fig. 1 shows a system 10 for verifying fire safety protocols. The system 10 can be implemented within a building to centrally and digitally manage all information associated with that building. The system 10 comprises a safety device 12 in the form of a ventilation device, and a drive mechanism 14. The ventilation device 12 may be a hinged vent, such as the window vent shown in Fig. 2, and the drive mechanism 14 may be an actuator. In use, the ventilation device 12 can be moveable by the drive mechanism 14 between a closed and an open position. Fig. 2 shows the window vent 12 in the open position. The drive mechanism 14 can automatically move the ventilation device 12 in the event of a detected emergency, such as smoke or heat from a fire, and / or in a test environment. The manufacturer of the ventilation device 12 and / or the drive mechanism 14 must confirm via a Declaration of Performance that the device performs in line with the design intent and appropriate regulations for that specific device. The device must achieve these intended operating parameters every time it is moved in a detected emergency (actual or as part of regular testing). The intended operating parameters (or essential characteristics) are typically specified in a document referred to as "Approved Document B". For example, in embodiments comprising a window vent 12, Approved Document B stipulates that the window vent 12 must achieve a specified geometric and / or aerodynamic free area measurement every time the window vent 12 is opened. As such, the actuator 14 must be configured to move the window vent 12 by an appropriate amount so that the required geometric / aerodynamic free area is achieved every time the window vent 12 is moved to the open position. The client has recognised that the linear distance moved by the actuator 14 to move the window vent 12 into an open position can be used as a proxy for the required geometric / aerodynamic free area specified in Approved Document B. As such, the actuator 14 can be configured to move through a specified linear distance so that the required geometric / aerodynamic free area measurement is achieved when the window vent 12 is in the open position. Any adjustment to the linear distance travelled will result in an adjustment to the geometric / aerodynamic free area achieved. The drive mechanism 14 can comprise a sensor (not shown). The sensor can be configured to measure one or more operating parameters when the ventilation device 12 is operated. For example, the sensor can measure the linear distance travelled by the actuator 14 when moving the associated window vent 12 from the closed to the open position. The drive mechanism 14 can additionally comprise a transceiver (not shown). The transceiver can be configured to communicate the measured operating parameter(s) to a cloud-based computing device 20, as described in more detail below. The system 10 can comprise a plurality of ventilation devices 12, each comprising a drive mechanism 14, a sensor, and a transceiver. For example, the system 10 can comprise a plurality of window vents 12, with each window vent 12 comprising an associated actuator 14 configured to move that window vent 12 between a closed and an open position. Some ventilation devices 12 may comprise more than one drive mechanism 14. For example, the window vent 12 shown in Fig. 2 comprises two bottom-hinged vents, with each vent being operated by a separate actuator 14. Each of the actuators 14 can have an associated sensor and transceiver. Each transceiver can be configured to communicate an associated measured operating parameter(s) to the cloud-based computing device 20. The cloud computing device 20 is generally shown in Fig. 1. The cloud computing device 20 may be referred to as a Golden Thread Cloud (GTC), and can act as a central database for recording all information about the building in which the system 10 is implemented, in particular the fire safety information. The GTC 20 can comprise one or more databases for recording information regarding the building's design, construction, and ongoing maintenance, as well as information about any changes that are made to the building over time. Inputs to the GTC 20 can include an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system 21, End of Line (EOL) testing information for the software and hardware 22, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software system 23, commissioning and site reports 24, and maintenance reports 25, as well as the configuration data 26 for each device 12. Each fire safety device, such as each ventilation device 12, can have an associated unique product identifier, which can also be recorded in a database on the GTC 20. The intended operating parameters, measured operating parameters, and maintenance history, of each device 12 can be recorded in the database against the corresponding unique product identifier. As such, each device 12 can have an associated digital record that can be easily accessed when needed. The GTC 20 can comprise a receiver or transceiver (not shown) to receive information from the ventilation device transceiver, such as the unique product identifier and the measured operating parameter(s). The database associated with a particular device 12 can be updated after each operation with the measured operational parameter(s). In this manner, and as will be described in more detail below, the operation of each device 12 can then be validated by comparing the measured operational parameter(s) with the intended operational parameters, to check if the device 12 is operating as intended. Each drive mechanism 14 can communicate with other drive mechanisms 14 and / or the GTC 20 via a central control panel 40. In embodiments, each drive mechanism 14 in the building can communicate directly with the central control panel 40. In alternative embodiments, the drive mechanisms 14 can be grouped into zones, and each zone can comprise a separate control panel. For example, each floor in the building can define a separate zone. The control panel in each zone may communicate with control panels in other zones via an appropriate network, including but not limited to wireless and Bluetooth. The drive mechanisms 14 in each zone may communicate with the central control panel 40 via the control panel associated with that zone. The central control panel 40 can then communicate with the GTC 20. In some embodiments, the control panel in each zone can communicate directly with the GTC 20, without first communicating with the central control panel 40. The system 10 may further comprise a software application which can be installed on a computing device 30, such as a desktop computer and / or a mobile device, such as a mobile phone. The software application described herein may be referred to as "ATOM", and has been developed by the Applicant. The ATOM software application can be configured to receive input from an operator regarding the intended operating parameters for each device 12, and then wirelessly communicate (for example, via Bluetooth ATOM Link) a set of operating instructions to the associated drive mechanism 14. For example, each actuator 14 can receive instructions regarding the linear distance it must move to achieve the required free area measurement for the associated window vent 12. If the intended operating parameters should change, for example due to changes in regulations, then an operator can input the new parameters into the ATOM software application and communicate a new set of instructions to each drive mechanism 14. The ATOM software application can also be configured to communicate the intended operating parameters to the GTC 20, referred to as configuration data 26, where they can be recorded against the associated unique product identifier, and used to verify each operation of the associated device 12. The ATOM software application may typically be utilised when setting up each device 12. After set-up, each device 12 can communicate with other devices 12 and / or the GTC 20 via an ATOM protocol, which at least defines when and how measured parameters are synchronised to the GTC 20 for verification. The GTC 20 can additionally comprise a software application comprising program instructions for verifying the operation of each device 12. The program instructions can be automatically executed during each synchronisation of data to the GTC 20. In embodiments, the data can be synchronised in real-time, such that the appropriate databases are updated practically immediately upon completion of the operation of each device 12. The program instructions can be configured to receive the measured operational parameters for each device 12, along with the unique product identifier. The unique product identifier can be used to identify and open the correct database comprising information about that device 12. The program instructions can then: - record the measured operational parameters in the database against that unique product identifier, for example the measured linear distance travelled by the actuator 14; - calculate the difference between the measured parameter and the corresponding intended operating parameter; and, - record the calculated difference in the database against that unique product identifier. If the difference falls within predefined limits, the program instructions can cause confirmation to be sent to an operator (such as a building operator) that the ventilation device 12 is operating as intended, that is, the operation is verified. Otherwise, the program instructions can cause an alert to be sent to an operator that the ventilation device 12 is not operating as intended, that is, the operation could not be verified. In some embodiments, the program instructions can be configured to transmit the measured operational parameters and / or the calculated difference to a further system 50, such as an asset management system. As such, in some embodiments, an operator of the system 10 can be notified of the outcome of the verification process. Alternatively, or additionally, an operator of a further system 50 can be notified of the outcome of the verification process. It may be an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the system 10 can provide real-time updates to a building operator regarding the status of each device 12, and therefore can improve the operational reliability of each device 12. This information can be linked directly to the building operator's digital asset management system as required by the Building Safety Act 2022. A non-limiting implementation of the system 10 will now be described in use. During set-up of the system 10 within a building, each window vent 12 can be configured with a unique product identifier and a set of intended operating parameters via the ATOM software application. For example, the intended operating parameters can include a geometric free area measurement of at least 1.5 m2 when the window vent 12 is in the fully open position. This is equivalent to an aerodynamic free area of 0.9 m2. However, it can be difficult to automatically measure these areas during operation, so the Applicant has recognised that the geometric / aerodynamic free area measurement can be converted into an equivalent linear distance for each window vent 12, in particular the linear distance travelled by the actuator 14 when moving the window vent 12 into the open position. A linear distance is easier to measure automatically using a position sensor, which can detect the distance travelled by the actuator 14 during operation. For example, for some window vents, a distance of 900 mm travelled by the actuator 14 may be used as a proxy value for the geometric / aerodynamic free area measurement. As such, if the position sensor detects that the actuator 14 has travelled through a distance of at least 900 mm, then a free area measurement of at least 1.5 m2 will have been achieved, and the operation can be considered successful. During set-up, the ATOM software application additionally communicates the unique product identifier and the set of intended operational parameters for each window vent 12 to a database stored on the GTC 20. Each window vent 12 is intended to be operated during an emergency, such as upon detection of a fire and / or smoke. However, to ensure that each window vent 12 performs as required during an emergency, the window vents 12 should ideally be tested periodically, for example, the window vents 12 may be tested every week. During operation, the actuator 14 operates linearly to move the window vent 12 from the closed to the open positions, in accordance with the operating parameters provided upon set-up. The position sensor detects the amount of linear movement, and then passes the measured value to the transceiver where it is communicated to the GTC 20, either directly or indirectly via one or more control panels. Upon execution, the GTC program instructions record the measured value in the relevant database against the unique product identifier, and compare the measured value against the proxy value for the intended operating parameter (in this case, the proxy for the free area measurement). The difference between the measured value and the proxy value is then calculated. Due to the inherent manufacture, performance, and measurement tolerances for the actuator 14 and the sensor, the difference between the intended and measured values may not always be zero. However, if the difference between the measured and intended values falls within pre-defined limits, then the operation is considered to be successful, that is, the operation is validated. If the difference falls outside these predefined limits, then the operation is not validated (not successful), and an alarm is raised. The calculated difference and the outcome of the validation (successful or not successful) can also be recorded in the database against the unique product identifier. As such, through a communication link with a cloud database, the system 10 records every time the window vent 12 is operated (e.g., weekly routine test). The system 10 then verifies that the window vent 12 has achieved the performance requirement by comparing the most recent measurements against the original design intent. Should there be a variance between these values outside of acceptable limits, the system 10 will raise an alarm, thereby notifying an operator to a potential problem with that window vent 12 (which may be a problem with the actuator 14). The operator can then take the appropriate action to fix any issues, so that the window vent 12 can continue to operate as intended. Whilst the principle of the invention has been illustrated using exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to exemplary embodiments and that the invention may be embodied by other variants defined within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for verifying fire safety protocols, the system comprising:a safety device having one or more intended operating parameters, whereby the one or more intended operating parameters are digitally linked to the safety device via a database stored on a cloud-based computing device;a sensor configured to measure an operating parameter when the safety device is operated;a transceiver configured to communicate the measured operating parameter to the cloud-based computing device; and,program instructions stored on the cloud-based computing device which, when executed:records the measured operating parameter in the database;calculates the difference between the measured operating parameter and a corresponding intended operating parameter; and,if the difference falls within predefined limits, cause confirmation to be sent to an operator that the safety device is operating as intended; otherwise, cause an alert to be sent to an operator that the safety device is not operating as intended.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safety device is a fire safety device.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fire safety device is a ventilation device.

4. The system as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the system digitally records and maintains parameters relatingto at least one or a combination of criticalfire22 03 24safety information for a building, including the materials used in construction, the fire safety devices installed within the building, the original design intentions of such fire safety devices, the results of testing / operating such fire safety devices, any changes to the fire safety devices installed, any fire safety procedures, any trainingfor residents / staff, and any maintenance performed.

5. A system as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4 wherein the system digitally records and maintains performance parameters relating to the fire safety device, said performance parameters comprising intended functional requirements of such fire safety devices.

6. A system as claimed in claim 5, wherein each time the safety device is operated, the performance is measured, digitally recorded against that device, and compared with the original design intent and, if the current performance does not align with the intended performance, activates an alarm.

7. A system as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the ventilation device is a hinged vent and the system further comprises a drive mechanism.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein drive mechanism is configured to automatically move the ventilation device in the event of a detected emergency.

9. A system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the detected emergency is selected from smoke or heat from a fire, and / or in a test environment.

10. A system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the ventilation device and / or the drive mechanism must confirm via a Declaration of Performance that the device performs in line with the design intent and appropriate regulations for that specific device, the device must achieve these intended operating parameters22 03 24every time it is moved in a detected emergency (actual or as part of regular testing).

11. A system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein a linear distance moved by the drive mechanism to move the vent into an open position is used as a proxy for a required geometric / aerodynamic free area that should be achieved as specified in safety regulations.

12. A system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a sensor configured to measure one or more operating parameters when the ventilation device is operated.

13. A system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a transceiver configured to communicate the measured operating parameter(s) to the cloud-based computing device.

14. A system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the fire safety device is provided with an associated unique product identifier, which is also recorded in a database on the cloud-based computing device whereby the intended operating parameters, measured operating parameters, and maintenance history, of the safety device can be recorded in the database against the corresponding unique product identifier.

15. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the database associated with the fire safety device is configured to be updated after each operation with the measured operational parameter(s), the operation of the device beingvalidated by comparingthe measured operational parameter(s) with the intended operational parameters to check if the device is operating asintended.22 03 2416. Asystem as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a software application installable on a computing device, the software application configured to receive input from an operator regarding the intended operating parameters for the safety device, and wirelessly communicate a set of operating instructions to the safety device.

17. Asystem as claimed in claim 16, wherein the software application is configured to communicate the intended operating parameters to the cloud based computing device, referred to as configuration data, where they can be recorded againstan associated unique product identifier, and used to verify each operation of the associated device.

18. Asystem as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cloud based computing device further comprises a software application comprising program instructions for verifying the operation of the or each safety device, the program instructions being automatically executed during each synchronisation of data to the computing device.

19. A method for verifying fire safety protocols, the method comprising:operating a safety device to move between a closed and an open position; the safety device having a set of intended operating parameters, whereby the set of intended operating parameters are digitally linked to the safety device via a database stored on a cloud-based computing device;measuring an operating parameter during the operation of the safety device;communicating the measured parameter to a cloud-based computingdevice;22 03 24recordingthe measured parameter in the database;calculating the difference between the measured parameter and a corresponding intended operational parameter; and,confirming to an operator that the safety device is operating as intended if the difference falls within predefined limits; otherwise, alerting the operator that the safety device is not operating as intended.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the parameters relate to at least one or a combination of critical fire safety information for a building, including the materials used in construction, the fire safety devices installed within the building, the original design intentions of such fire safety devices, the results of testing / operating such fire safety devices, any changes to the fire safety devices installed, any fire safety procedures, any training for residents / staff, and any maintenance performed.

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