Performance

Despite the best efforts of everyone involved there will always be false alarms. Acceptable rates have been determined based on the number of detectors and the resulting authority response.

The average rate of false alarms will depend on several factors:

• The number of automatic fire detectors
• The environment in which they are installed
• The activities in the building
• The degree of control over contractors working in the building
• The extent to which strong electromagnetic fields are present
• The level of occupation of the building
• The propensity for malicious action.

The role of your service engineer

At the time of every service visit, the engineer should check the false alarm record to determine:

• The rate of false alarms during the previous 12 months, expressed as a number of false alarms per 100 detectors
• Whether two or more false alarms since the previous service visit (other than those with good intent) have arisen from any single device
• Whether any persistent cause of false alarm can be identified.

Further investigation

The service engineer will need to carry out further investigation if any of the following are recorded:

• The rate of false alarms has exceeded one alarm per 25 detectors over the previous 12 months
• More than 10 false alarms have occurred since the previous service visit
• Two or more false alarms other than with good intent have arisen from any single device since the last service visit.

Keyholders

All premises with a remotely monitored fire system must have at least two nominated keyholders at any time. At least one keyholder must be contactable and able to respond at all times when the building is unoccupied.

• They must have a telephone and be capable of attending the premises within 20 minutes of being notified
• The keyholders must be trained in the basic operation of the installed fire alarm system and have access to all areas of the buildings concerned
• It is the duty of the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) to notify keyholders of an activation of the fire alarm
• The F&RS will not necessarily wait for the keyholder if there is no sign of fire and may be redirected to other, more urgent incidents as required
• Although they may silence alarms, it is not the responsibility of the F&RS to reset the system. This remains the duty of the keyholder.