Enhancing Fire Safety in Residential Blocks with Combustible Cladding Issues Using Sygno-fi by Eurotech Wireless Systems

The Grenfell Tower tragedy of 2017 exposed devastating shortcomings in fire safety regulations, particularly in buildings with hazardous combustible cladding. The recently released Grenfell Inquiry Report highlights the need for immediate reforms in fire safety, recommending the removal of flammable cladding and the installation of robust fire detection and evacuation systems in high-rise residential buildings. The award-winning Sygno-fi by Eurotech wireless fire system offers a comprehensive and adaptable solution to address these fire safety challenges.

Early Detection and Cost Savings

One of the core findings of the Grenfell Inquiry was the fatal delay in detecting the fire and alerting residents. The Sygno-fi by Eurotech wireless system is specifically designed to counter this issue, offering early detection and instant notification of an activation to building occupants. By utilising advanced radio signal technology, the system can detect a fire in seconds, providing a rapid warning and facilitating a simultaneous evacuation strategy.

The Sygno-fi by Eurotech system is ideal for use in protecting buildings with flammable cladding, in line with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) guidance, which recommends temporary fire alarms in buildings with combustible cladding as a better alternative to Waking Watch when a change in evacuation strategy is required. Inside Housing reports that employing Waking Watch guards can cost up to £200,000 per year. However, one of our recent projects attracted a £15,000 per week Waking Watch bill! Installing Sygno-fi significantly reduces these costs, paying for itself within months,​ as in the instance above.

Seamless Installation with Minimal Disruption

In buildings undergoing remediation to remove combustible cladding, wireless fire safety systems like Sygno-fi can be installed with minimal disruption to tenants. Unlike traditional wired fire alarms, which require extensive cabling and renovation, Sygno-fi wireless systems are installed quickly without invasive construction work. The installation process involves pre-programming the devices offsite, reducing the time engineers need to spend in each apartment and limiting disturbance to residents. This is particularly beneficial for buildings where continuous safety upgrades are being made.

Additionally, the system’s flexibility allows it to be easily reconfigured once cladding is removed. For example, if the temporary BS-5839-1 L5  Sygno-fi system is designed correctly, it can be modified to comply with BS8629 standards for evacuation alert systems. This offers a long-term, adaptable solution for fire safety even after initial cladding concerns are addressed. The hybrid capability of the equipment also allows for a future-proofed hardwired evacuation alert system. This can be achieved by a hard-wired sounder within the entrance hallway of the flat, and wireless heat detectors protecting the external wall.

Supporting a Safer Future

The Grenfell Inquiry’s final report highlights decades of failings that contributed to the disaster, calling for swift changes to fire safety protocols and building regulations. Among the 58 recommendations is the removal of dangerous cladding and the implementation of more effective fire detection systems. As buildings across the UK work towards compliance, Sygno-fi by Eurotech provides an immediate and future-proofed fire safety solution. The system ensures that residents will be promptly alerted in the event of a fire and can evacuate safely, both now and in the future, even after remediation and a return to the stay-put policy, with an evacuation alert system available if ever needed.

For further details on how Sygno-fi by Eurotech can enhance fire safety in residential blocks, check out our  Sygno-fi Brochure, then download the free BS8629 Pocket Guide.
More information on the Grenfell Inquiry’s findings is available in the Phase 2 Report.