A Guide To Reducing The Number Of False alarms From fire

• Unsecured control panels being activated, usually as a result of thepanel’s key or a similar device being left in the panel.These incidents can usually be tackled by changing working practices (forexample, issuing permits to work) or giving information and training tostaff and contractors responsible for buildings.Activities near detectorsMany false alarms result from activities carried out near fire detectors,particularly smoke detectors. A common example is burning toast in atoaster. More examples are given on pages 7 and 8. This type of alarmcan be tackled by carrying out the activity elsewhere, fitting a temporarycover on a detector while the activity is being carried out, changing thetype of detector or moving it, or changing the way the fire-alarm systemresponds when a detector is triggered. If you use temporary covers ondetectors, these should be fitted only by approved staff and removedcarefully as soon as possible after the activity has ended. You can getmore advice from the company that installed or maintains the system.You should consider all the activities thatgo on in your building and develop aplan to avoid false alarms. Make sureyou have proper arrangements in placefor training staff on work processes andpractices, the fire precautions you have,and how work processes and practicesmay affect the fire-alarm system if theyare not carried out properly.12