Newsletter Edition 3: February 2012
Edition 3: February 2012
Welcome to Oakpark News, where we bring readers up to date with new projects, introduce the people who make our business work, and answer some of your frequently asked questions. While reading, think about what you would choose for your Red Letter Day; would it be a driving experience on one of the local racetracks, or a pampering day at a luxury Spa? Just enter our simple competition and you could be the winner! We welcome your feedback, so if you have any questions, please contact us. enquiries@oakpark.co.uk
Security and peace of mind
Oakpark Alarms customer, Colten Developments, is one of the leading care home groups in the south. This family owned business, with head office in Lymington, has 18 care homes in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, providing residential and nursing care, as well as looking after residents suffering from dementia. The company not only manages all of its care homes, but also builds them in partnership with sister company Colten Developments, providing innovative and flexible living spaces for the changing needs of residents.
Having supplied and serviced alarm systems for Colten Developments over several years, Oakpark was asked to provide secure access systems for its new care home in Sturminster Newton. The swipe card system has been designed so that only those authorised are able to enter specific areas within the premises. Equally, residents with different needs can be protected and feel safe and secure in familiar surroundings.
Matron Sarah Harper is very pleased. “The door control has been absolutely brilliant. The staff have found it easy to use. We are able to issue access cards to visitors immediately they arrive which are time and area limited, so we are able to maintain a high level of safety for our residents”.
Harvey Baker, Colten Care’s Purchasing Manager, explained. “Oakpark’s team installed a keypad access system in our home in Fernhill, and it was very successful. Now we have upgraded to a swipe card system- it’s more flexible, less institutional, and looks professional. The whole project was completed on time and the system works well. Our staff were well trained, and all the user issues were dealt with quickly and efficiently. With different areas in our homes for residents who need varying levels of care, each swipe card can be programmed to allow the right level of access.”
He continued, “We know that Oakpark provides a good out of hours back-up service, which is essential in such a sensitive environment. It has all gone very smoothly, and we are pleased to be putting the same system into our new specialist dementia home in Winchester.”
Gus burns rubber! (safely)
Winner of last year’s Engineer’s competition, Gus Ellis burned rubber at Thruxton Race Circuit, enjoying a Ferrari
Driving Experience day. Points were awarded for performance against several parameters and after a close run competition, Gus was the worthy winner.
“It was highly exhilarating- and a fabulous experience. First the instructor drove the Porche Cayman, showing me the track, and how to get the best out of the car. Then I drove 3 laps, and it was awesome! But the real highlight was the 4 laps in the left hand drive Ferrarri- doing 160mph down the back straight, with the instructor encouraging me to give it more welly! And I met Tiff Needell, one of my motoring heros. I had always wanted to drive a Ferrari so it was a dream come true. Do it again? Definitely!”
Frequently asked questions
What is a URN?
Where it is intended that an alarm will send a signal via an alarm receiving centre to result in police attendance, the police will allocate a unique reference number (URN number) which identifies the system on their database and therefore simplifies identification of the site and prevents any possible confusion.
What is meant by the grading of an alarm system?
An alarm is classified by way of a number, followed by a letter which gives a uniform way of categorising alarms, the number being an indication of the “robustness” of the alarm to attack, while a letter indicates the method of signalling. For example a grade 1 system would have minimal protection against tamper and is generally only used for D I Y type products. Grade 2 products are used for domestic and most commercial applications. These incorporate anti-tamper circuitry. Grade 3 products incorporate more sophisticated anti-tamper technology and are generally used for high risk commercial applications, whilst grade 4 is only used for high-level risks such as bank vaults.
The letter following the number is used to indicate the method of signalling; for example B would indicate a single path communication; typically a digital communicator. C would indicate dual path signalling which will usually entail some form of a landline coupled with a GSM signalling capability or increasingly these days a broadband connection and GPRS.
Why doesn’t my fire alarm comply with the regulations?
While there could be many reasons, the biggest failing concerns the actual wiring. Previously many fire alarms were wired in conventional mains cable which has little or no resistance to fire. Under BS 5839 it is now a requirement for fire alarms to be wired in FP 200 fire resistant cable. In the event of a fire the advantage of the fire alarm being wired in a fire resistant cable is self evident, to maintain the viability of the signalling units for as long as possible.
About Oakpark Alarms
This family run business provides a 24/7 backup service, and has installed and maintained more than 8000 systems. Did you know Oakpark installs and maintains all of these, for both Domestic and Commercial customers?
- Burglar alarms
- CCTV
- Fire alarms
- Access control systems
Phone 01202 827776 for more information www.oakpark.co.uk enquiries@oakpark.co.uk
Face of Oakpark Alarms – Carlo Hosegood
Due to an increased workload, Oakpark Alarms has just strengthened its service team with the appointment of Carlo Hosegood as a Service/Installation Engineer. Carlo has been involved in the security industry since 1984 and brings a wealth of experience to the company, particularly with regard to Fire Installations, but also with Intruder Alarms, CCTV and Access Control.
His experience and existing skill sets will be a great asset, particularly in the Fire Sector where Oakpark Alarms BAFE registration is leading to a rapid increase in this market sector. Managing director, Jeff Pearce, commented, “We were pleased to find in Carlo the right combination of qualifications, technical and inter-personal skills. Our service and installation engineers are the public face of our business, and his professionalism reflects Oakpark’s high standards.”
Although born and bred in the UK, Carlo’s mother is Italian, hence the Christian name. His hobbies include renovation of old motorbikes and he is a keen “radio ham.”
Competition
To win a fabulous Red Letter Day out, simply email your answers to the following questions, by Friday 16 March 2012, to enquiries@oakpark.co.uk. The first correct answer drawn out of the fire bucket will be contacted to receive the Red Letter Day prize.
- Where is Colten Care’s new care home?
- What grade of alarm is most common for domestic and commercial applications?
- How many systems has Oakpark installed since 1984?
Conditions: The judge’s decision is final. Staff will not be allowed to enter. Entrants must be 18 or over. Winners will be notified within 7 days of the end of the competition. No cash alternative.
Memberships and Certifications
- BAFE registered SP203 scheme -the independent third party registration body for the fire protection industry. www.bafe.org.uk
- Certified by Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) www.ssaib.co.uk, accredited to UKAS 0131
- Fire Industry Association www.fia.uk.com
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01202 827776