When considering the implications and consequences of potential and prolonged false alarms within your fire alarm system there are a number of key areas that require understanding.
- The installer/incumbent service partner has a responsibility to use the correct product that fulfils the design responsibility requirements within BS5839 Part 1 2017.
- Systems that fail the due diligence/best practice guidelines within BS5839 will be unlikely to be compliant.
- The use of the wrong type of detection units, in the wrong place will both compromise the best levels of an early warning of a fire and increase the risk of nuisance and spurious alarms.
- All false alarm issues need to be recorded within the site log book and discussed with the incumbent service partner so that a plan to rectify the problems can be agreed and then implemented.
- Not addressing these issues creates bigger issues, people within the building become complacent assuming that all alarm conditions are false, the business interruption costs of false alarms can sometimes be very high, and ongoing longer term issues with false alarms will make the system non-compliant and this may have consequences for your insurance cover.
Only by using a BAFE/LPS 1014 certified partner will you have the confidence that your support partner is both aware of the requirements of the standards and can certify the works that are subsequently required.
Only by your incumbent using the correct service equipment can you hope to both prevent false alarms and prolong the life expectancy of your equipment – www.detectortesters.com
With the number of fire brigade attendances for false alarms running in excess of 90% there is a very definite requirement and responsibility on building managers/responsible persons to make sure that what is used works as intended and does not provide high levels of spurious alarms.
Be sure to discuss the problems you experience with your incumbent service partner to ensure your system(s) work as required under BS 5839 Part 1 2017, ensure that issues are fully documented so that in the event of issues you can provide and validate your position.
Be sure that whatever action plans are published within your fire risk assessment are implemented and you are aware of the consequences of not following the guidance.
