Fire alarm systems save lives and livelihoods. But it’s so important to manage and maintain your system!
We hear a lot in these difficult economic times about budgets being squeezed. This is a particular worry to fire and rescue services across the country. There are real reasons to be concerned about the drain on fire and rescue budgets from ‘empty’ calls generated by automatic fire alarms (AFAs). The problem is though, it’s not just budgets that are put at risk.
Don't ignore the warning signs
Too many false alarms could lead to us disregarding signs of real problems. So, wherever you are, if you spot signs of fire call 999.
Don’t put yourself or anyone else in danger. If you smell smoke, see flickering light that you can’t explain, feel increased heat or of course see flames, call 999.
Automatic fire alarms (AFAs), why we must maintain our fire alarm systems
There are some shocking stats around about the AFAs. So make sure that, at your business, you’ve got good quality fire alarm systems in place. Take advice from a professional, who can do a proper fire risk assessment for your premises. They can also advise you about keeping this up to date as things change.
And having invested in one of the top quality fire alarm systems currently available from recommended suppliers, make sure you designate members of staff to take responsibility for managing it. Make time to meet with them regularly. Put a reporting system in place that makes it clear that the fire alarm system is being maintained and tested properly.
Prepare to evacuate.....
It’s wise to include evacuation in your alarm testing. In larger companies appoint Fire Marshalls. Train them and give them the authority to clear the premises as needed. There’s nothing like knowing what to do and where to go in a real emergency. Timings are crucial too, you need to know how long it takes to get everyone out and accounted for. That means everyone, however senior! I’m reminded of an MD from years back, who refused to leave the office even as smoke was seen coming from floors below. As the firemen stepped into his rather nice office and asked him to leave, he said “Do you know who I am?, I’m staying here.” The reply was priceless: “We don’t care who the flip you are! Get out now!!” And off he sped….
Staff must also be designated to check for signs of fire when the alarm is set off. And if it’s a false alarm, make sure it gets formally logged. That way steps can be taken to prevent the false alarm trigger happening again.
Fire alarm systems must help those who help us all!
The fire and rescue services are doing a fantastic job of reducing the number of false alarms. These are, though, still a huge drain on resources. From 2007 to 2011 false alarms attended by the London Fire Brigade fell by 22%, but that still leaves over 50,000 each year, just in London alone!
With the help of good, professional, up to date advice and fully maintained fire alarm systems we can all help our fantastic fire and rescue services to keep the number of false alarms falling. This will protect us all, leaving the fire and rescue services with more resources to deal with real emergencies!!
Speak to our fire protection specialists
For the last 30 years, we have been providing businesses and organisations with honest and sound advice on how to ensure their site is safe from fire. For a FREE site survey, please get in touch with our team today.
