Siemens’ Cerberus PRO fire safety system has been installed at Islington Waste Recycling Centre, showcasing its ability to perform in harsh environmental conditions. Operated by Islington Council in the UK, the site is one of seven facilities across North London that together manage 820,000 tonnes of waste and recycling each year.
Waste facilities pose significant fire risks, with the UK Fire and Rescue Services attending around 300 major incidents at such sites annually. The combustible nature of materials such as plastics, paper, cardboard, wood and rubber, combined with the risk of sparks or overheating from machinery, creates constant challenges. More recently, disposable vapes and lithium-ion batteries have added new fire hazards.
The Islington centre’s fire detection system, which had been in place for 20 years, required a major upgrade. TP Fire and Security, a long-standing supplier for Islington Council and a Siemens Approved Partner, delivered the project. Technical design manager Kevin Harris said: “The Cerberus PRO system is perfect for this project, with the detectors’ particular capability to operate in such a dusty environment. The project went very well, taking some seven days to complete, all while the waste facility was open and operational.”
The system uses Siemens’ Advanced Signal Analysis (ASA) detectors, designed to distinguish between real fires and false alarms triggered by dust. The installation includes three Cerberus PRO panels linked to 275 detectors and call points across all areas of the site, including offices, plant rooms and the tipping hall.
By providing rapid and reliable fire detection, Siemens and TP Fire and Security have developed a solution that meets strict safety standards and reduces the risk of a small ignition developing into a major incident at one of North London’s busiest recycling facilities.
