Mechanical protection for break glass call points

[kurnal]

I need to find a means of providing mechanical protection for standard break glass call points, for a warehouse loading dock where are having many accidental operations by the movement of large numbers of trolleys - in some instances not only has the glass been broken but the plastic box also crushed.

I know there are a few fundamental issues relating to this sort of activity adjacent to exit routes but thats for  another day.

The call points are all mounted on the flat face of a structural RSJ, the flange is of 15mm steel and 300mm wide- (I am considering moving them into the webbing but then they would be less visible.)

Does anybody know of any products available that may be of use please? I would rather buy something off the shelf than have to improvise and fabricate something. Have done a google search without success.

[Graeme]

try here

http://www.sti-europe.com/

[timfsa]

I'd suggest you go with the idea of moving the points into the webbing of the rsj and then apply red paint around the area and fit high level signage. Its simpler and more likely to survive the test of time! To make sure there is no confusion include positioning of call points into your staff training sessions.

[jokar]

Why not consider removing them completely, under a risk assessment of course, and replace with some AFD.  It will reduce the cost of damage and alleviate the false alarms.

[Graeme]

I,m not sure the owner would be warm on your idea as it's a warehouse which means beam sets or lots of afd=more money.

given the choice i'm sure he will opt for protecting or moving them.

[kurnal]

Thanks so far.
We already have HSSD and sprinklers throughout. But I would find it hard to come to terms with no manual means of raising the alarm, for example if only to alert the fire wardens should a lorry catch fire outside the loading docks.
And also because theres already a 5 minute verification delay on the HSSD but instant evacuation on a manual or a second knock. The ASET is calculated at 13.5 minutes without sprinkler intervention.
Perhaps I'm an old stick in the mud. it just wouldn't  feel right.

[Paul]

To be Honest Kurnal, I go with the simple approach.  Move the MCP's into the webbing and provide prominent signage and red paint.  Underpin this with training to all staff in the location, and you have a simple but effective solution, that really spending time and money on a none standard unit will never provide the same workable solution, one that will continue to work.

Removing the MCP's from a warehouse scenario is not acceptable in my opinion, as this in many cases is how the alrm is raised in such a premise.

Yes, I know, telling you to suck eggs and I apologise but I guess you, like me look for alternate solutions.

P