Reducing False Alarms

Unwanted fire alarms

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service are part of the national initiative regarding unwanted fire alarm signals (UwFS) arising from automatic fire detection systems. This initiative was launched by the British Fire Protection Systems association (BFPSA) and The Chief Fire Officers' Association (CFOA). An unwanted fire alarm signal is where an AFD (Automatic Fire Detection) system activates and initiates a response from the Fire Service. The action taken by the Fire Service is to send fire appliances to the premises involved to deal with the potential fire situation. Upon investigation the call is found to be a false alarm and no action is necessary by the Fire Service.

The Problem

Although statistical information shows that 90% of installed AFD systems operate in an entirely satisfactory manner and protect life and property there are still 10% that cause problems. These problems question the credibility of AFD systems and are a disruption and financial burden commerce and industry. They are also a burden to Fires Services as they reduce our availability for actual fires and are a financial liability.

False alarms:

• Cost you loss of production

• Cost you loss of business

• Cost you money as a taxpayer and ratepayer

• May delay fire engines attending a genuine call to your premises

• May increase evacuation time in a real fire

Where an alarm has proved to be false, the following immediate actions should be taken by the responsible person or a person who has been delegated this duty.

Actions following any false alarm:

• Where possible, identify the particular detector or call point which has initiated the alarm. If detectors having individual indicator lights are in use, these indicators will be cancelled by re-setting, therefore it is important that the detectors are examined before the system is re-set.
• Where possible, establish the cause of the alarm. It is possible that the actual cause of the alarm will have been lost in the operations resulting from the alarm; where this is the case, a note should be kept of any events or activities near the detector immediately prior to the alarm.
• Record the false alarm in the log book and inform the organisation responsible for servicing the alarm system.

Actions following a fault:

If a fault has been shown to exist, either by the system’s own monitoring or by any other method, then the responsible person should ensure that the following actions are taken:

• Determine the area affected by the fault and decide whether special action (such as fire patrols) are needed in that area.
• If possible, determine the reason for the fault, or note the activities immediately prior to the fault in the area affected.
• Record the fault in the log book, inform the organisation responsible for servicing and arrange for immediate repair.

When carrying out building works:

Many unwanted fire alarm signals are caused by building work being carried out in the vicinity of fire detectors. The responsible person for your company should ensure that staff and visiting contractors are made aware that the building is fitted with an automatic fire detection system. Where possible, permanent notices should be displayed at the entrance to all areas in which detectors are sited. A suitable text is:

“this area is protected by automatic fire detectors. Before undertaking any work involving heat, flame, dust or sparks, clearance must be obtained from (Name of responsible person)”

Precautions against dust and smoke:

Temporary replacement of smoke detectors by heat detectors (check beforehand with local fire authority) Provide a temporary screen between the work area and the detectors Provide temporary covers to the detectors, such as plastic or paper bags to prevent ingress of contamination. These must be removed as soon as the work is complete.

Note: All of these measures will, to a greater or lesser extent, impair the sensitivity of the system to fire. The provision of manual surveillance should be considered while such measures remain in force. Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service hope that this information and advice will assist you in reducing the number of false alarms received at your premises.

Remember! False alarms are costly and time consuming both to industry and commerce, and also to the Fire Service.