LEMANA PRO: Reconstruction of the Fire Alarm and Evacuation System in the Shopping Center

The client

LEMANA PRO - a network of 112 DIY hypermarkets in 65 cities across Russia.

Situation

Before the reconstruction, the shopping center operated with an outdated fire alarm system that did not comply with current legislative requirements, including the Fire Safety Rules (PPR RF No. 1479 from 16.09.2020).

Additionally, the existing sensors had a high probability of false alarms, which disoriented the staff and could cause panic among visitors.

The alarm and evacuation control systems operated independently, which delayed the response to emergencies.

Tasks

• Install a new alarm and evacuation control system in place of the outdated one to comply with modern construction standards and regulations.
• Minimize the downtime of the shopping center during the work.
• Train staff on the operation of the new systems.

Solution

SOOUZ PB was the contractor responsible for the design, installation, and testing of the new systems.

Customer requirements:

• The system must provide high reliability and fast response.
• The alerts must be clear and distinguishable under any conditions.
• Stability and compatibility with the building's existing systems.
• Ensure energy efficiency of devices.

Our team of experts conducted a full audit of the current fire safety system, identifying all its deficiencies.

Based on the analysis, documentation was prepared describing the new solutions, including the selection of equipment, installation schemes, and system integration technologies for all types of spaces in the shopping center:

• Stores
• Cafes and restaurants
• Administrative areas
• Parking
• Technical rooms

Some areas, such as warehouses and boiler rooms, were not fully covered by the alarm system.

The installation of equipment was carried out in several stages to minimize the impact on the shopping center's operations. The site was divided into zones, with work conducted separately in each.

The installation of the alarm system was accompanied by the installation of new loudspeakers with improved sound quality and the ability to address alerts.

The integration with the evacuation control system included the implementation of automated schemes, allowing visual notifications of evacuation routes on LED displays and directional signs.

After installation, a special training program was organized for the shopping center's staff, covering the use of the new systems and the procedure for actions in case of an emergency.

Table 1. Significant improvements achieved during the reconstruction:

Project challenges

One of the significant difficulties faced by the team was the need to synchronize the installation of new equipment with the operations of the shopping center. We solved this problem by developing a detailed work schedule that accounted for hours of lower visitor traffic. Additionally, some work areas required temporary closures, but we managed to minimize this time to a few overnight hours.

Results

The updated system significantly improved safety levels, which became an additional argument for attracting visitors.

Additional benefits of the new system:

• Reduced potential insurance risks and policy costs due to modern equipment and evacuation management methods.
• Lower operational costs as the new systems require simpler maintenance.
• A professional approach to safety issues strengthened the shopping network's reputation as a socially responsible company.

The integrated alert systems minimized the fire response time from 5-10 minutes to less than 2 minutes, and the number of false alarms decreased by 90%.

Additionally, it is worth noting the complete satisfaction of fire inspectors during the inspection and acceptance of the reliability of the systems.