13/08/2025
🔥 Hayleys Fentons Conducts Fire Detection Systems Workshop for KDU Undergraduates
The Faculty of Technology, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, recently hosted a two-day intensive workshop on fire detection systems for undergraduates of the BET (Hons) in Building Services Technology programme — Intake 39, 40, and 41. The sessions, held on 1–2 August 2025, were expertly conducted by Hayleys Fentons, a leading name in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering solutions.
Special thanks go to Eng. Thisara Rathnaweera, System Engineer – MEP at Hayleys Fentons, for delivering an impactful and highly interactive programme. His engaging delivery and commitment to sharing practical knowledge provided students with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of fire safety technology.
Day 1 of the workshop covered:
• Introduction to MEP systems in the building services industry.
• Fundamentals of fire science, including the fire tetrahedron, types of fire, and differences between passive and active fire protection.
• Fire safety requirements, codes, and compliance standards (CIDA, NFPA, BS standards).
• Overview of active fire protection systems — fire extinguishers, hose reel systems, wet risers, gas suppression systems.
• Fire detection and alarm systems — conventional, addressable, and wireless — along with their components such as detectors, call points, sounders, and control panels.
Day 2 focused on:
• SIMPLEX System Architecture (Johnson Controls) and the Simplex 4100ES system.
• Hands-on practical training, where students installed, configured, and tested fire detection and alarm equipment under real-world scenarios.
The workshop gave students valuable hands-on experience, bridging the gap between classroom theory and professional industry practice. It also reinforced the importance of fire safety in building design and management, preparing future engineers to meet the highest safety standards.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hayleys Fentons for their continued support in enhancing the technical expertise of our undergraduates and strengthening the university–industry partnership.