As the latest statistics suggest, a number of remedies to stimulate behavioural change can be derived from analysis of common shortcomings at malfunctioning sites:
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Enhanced maintenance routines are evidently a priority, and certainly they’re a key requirement embedded in any regular review a fire risk assessment in compliance with the Fire Safety Order
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Troubleshooting for predictive maintenance is facilitated by comprehensively monitored configurable Automatic Fire Alarm systems to ensure integrity of alarm device functionality, supported by EN 54-2 approved Analogue Addressable panels.
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Specification of sensing devices that further reduce susceptibility to false alarms by their embedded intelligence to discriminate between spurious fire events and genuine ones. Multisensors are the considered choice when replacing problem detectors; or the changing of devices from smoke to heat in certain locations when necessary.
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Specification of high-integrity fire data communications via accessible configurable networks whose performance to minimise false activations is defined by the highest reliability in resistance to outside interference.
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Constant reviews should be maintained as to change of use within premises because such changes can affect the sensitivity of detectors, requiring appointed fire alarm maintenance personnel to update/upgrade the system.
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Improved training of responsible risk management. Advise users of fire detection systems that these lifelines are connected to an ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre) and emphasise the gravity of an UFAS (automated unwanted fire alarm signal) resulting in a costly call out, endangering genuine call outs.
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More rigorous supervision of negligent testing of the system where the routine to take it off-line is persistently disregarded thus triggering a UFAS at the ARC.
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Incorrect positioning of sensing/detecting devices contrary to specification’s installation data.
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Unregulated misuse of premises: toasters, cigarette smoking, steam from kettle in office, even aerosol sprays (used by cleaning staff) near smoke detectors can cause false alarms.
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Arising from recommendations that both BS 5839-1:2013 and BS 9999:2017 lay emphasis on, accurate up-to-date ‘Zone Plans’ for rapid orientation for building occupants and the emergency services alike are cited as key aids. Such plans should be adjacent to the control & indicating equipment and, as may be imagined, their prominent depiction of fire alarm zones that accurately match the physical layout within the building hasten the identification of the location of alarms in an emergency, whether real or false.
One of my least favorite things to hear is false alarms at work, and so I’m glad that you mentioned misuse of premises. However, it’s kind of hard to keep a kettle from letting out steam. To help prevent the alarm from going off in the future, how far away should kettles be kept from the detectors?
Depending on your question, is it related to a fire alarm or is it a security intruder alarm? In the former case kettles, toasters, boiling water or any item that may let off steam or smoke should be well away from the smoke detector and also depending on the height of the ceiling where the detector is installed, since smoke travels under the ceiling. The best way to resolve the issue and eliminate any false alarms triggered by smoke detectors situated in kitchens or kitchenette is to replace the smoke detector with heat detector. In the latter situation good quality intruder detection sensors should not false alarm because of a boiling kettle so if you do have this issue you should either replace the detector or shift it well away depending on the range of the detector that is normally about 12 meters.