Xtralis VESDA Aspirating Smoke Detection System Selected for New Heathrow Terminal 5

Xtralis, a leading provider of intelligent fire detection and security solutions, announced that its VESDA Very Early Warning Aspirating Smoke Detection (ASD) system has been chosen by BAA to help ensure the safe transit of passengers through the baggage halls of the recently opened Heathrow Terminal 5.

BAA’s Heathrow Terminal 5 is the largest single-span structure in the UK and is designed to accommodate 30 million passengers annually. T5 houses one of the most advanced baggage systems in the world, containing more than 17 kilometers of conveyer belts. To effectively protect passengers and their luggage, BAA needed an early warning smoke detection system that would operate effectively in the cavernous spaces of T5. In addition, BAA sought a solution that could be maintained at low costs and with minimal disruption to operations.

The Xtralis VESDA solution was specified for its advantages over conventional point or beam detection systems in protecting large open spaces. Xtralis VESDA constantly samples the air for even the smallest of smoke particles, thus preventing a small fire from becoming a major incident. VESDA pipe work can be placed where the smoke is most likely to go and the detectors can be maintained at ground level, making it possible to conduct smoke detector maintenance without the need to raise scaffolding or cause disruption to the running of the airport.

“We are delighted that Xtralis VESDA is providing Heathrow Terminal 5 with superior very early warning detection to keep travelers, baggage handlers and baggage safe from smoke and fire damage,” says Samir Samhouri, President and Chief Executive Officer of Xtralis. “Our VESDA solution provides absolute detection in a wide array of environments – from coal mines to clean rooms and from airports and atriums to confined prison cells. VESDA’s unique ability to detect the earliest presence of smoke in these varied applications makes is the solution of choice for today’s fire safety professionals.”

Xtralis is a leading provider of powerful, intelligent, early warning fire and security solutions that help detect threats before they endanger life safety, critical infrastructure and business continuity. Xtralis provides very early warning detection systems for more than 10,000 customers in 30 countries around the world. Solutions include Xtralis VESDA® Very Early Warning Fire Detection and Control, Xtralis ICAM® Flexible Fire and Environmental Solutions, Xtralis ADPRO® Detection and Analytics Security Products, Xtralis ASIM Traffic Management and Control and Xtralis Security Solutions IP Security Portfolio. Visit us at www.xtralis.com to learn more.