To tackle unwanted signals from fire alarm systems, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) is adopting the new CFOA (Chief Fire Officers' Association) policy to reduce false signals to WFRS from remotely monitored Alarm Receiving Centres (ARC).
The policy requires all premises with ARC's to be registered with their local Fire and Rescue Service and receive a Unique Reference Number (URN). Via this registration scheme the Fire and Rescue Service will be able to identify and monitor the performance of fire alarm systems. Systems generating an unacceptably high number of false alarms will have the Fire Service response level to their remotely monitored fire alarm system (RMFA) either reduced or withdrawn completely.
Policy Documentation
Full details of the CFOA policy, 'Model Agreement for Remotely Monitored Fire Alarm Systems', are available on the website of the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA). Details of Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service's policy is available to download here.
Alternatively, see below for a brief summary of the policy: |  | Important information, please read:
Any reductions in the level and speed of the Fire and Rescue Service response can have serious consequences in respect of insurance cover provided by an insurance company. It is therefore strongly recommended that immediate action is taken to review fire alarm systems to ensure that fire safety management and fire alarm maintenance arrangements are satisfactory and that false alarms are prevented. |
| | |
Policy Summary
- The Policy will be implemented in stages:-
1. All remotely monitored systems need to be registered for a URN (Unique Reference Number).
2. All systems with URNs shall be maintained by a third party certified company which have British Standard 5839 part 1 within their scope.
3. All new systems to be designed installed and commissioned by a third party certificated company.
4. Your premises shall have a nominated "responsible person" who is responsible for the operation, user maintenance and management of the fire alarm system.
A "responsible person" is:-
Person having control of the building and/or premises whether as occupier or otherwise, or any person delegated by the person having control of the building and/or premises to be responsible for the fire alarm system and the fire procedures.
5. You must have at least two nominated key holders (who may or may not be the "responsible person") who are trained to operate the fire alarm; able to attend the premises with 20 minutes, be contactable by telephone and with their own transport. The key holders must also have the ability to gain access to all areas of the premises and be able to fully operate and reset the fire alarm system. Arrangements must be made with any ARC to ensure these key holders are contacted immediately they are notified of an alarm activation.
|
Policy Aims and Objectives
- Reduce the number of false alarms generated by fire alarm systems by requiring RMFA's to be designed, installed, commissioned and maintained to appropriate high standard.
- Improve the fire safety management of the protected premises.
- Reduce the impact of false alarms on business and commerce.
- Reduce the number of false alarms that are passed to Fire and Rescue Service.
- Enable the F&RS to safely deploy its emergency intervention resources on the basis of risk.
- To prevent the complacency of building users that arises when fire alarm systems repeatedly generate false alarms.
- Reduce the waste of resources that result from false alarms.
|
| Attendance Levels
It is accepted that it would be impossible to eliminate false alarms completely, however, it is recognised that there is a real need to greatly reduce them.
Where fire alarm systems become unreliable and false alarms become a problem the responsible person for the alarm system will be notified that the cause of the false alarms needs to be investigated by a qualified engineer, and a current maintenance certificate issued. If, however, false alarms continue, further work will need to be carried out. Where false alarms continue the level of attendance by the Fire Service will be re-assessed and depending on the current reliability of the system, changed from level one to level two or level three.
Note:
- Confirmed fires - those where a RMFA activation is supported or verified by a 999 or 112 call - or telephone contact to the premises by the ARC - will attract a full emergency response.
- A signal from a RMFA system with a good track record of reliability will, even in the absence of any other confirmation - receive a full emergency response.
- A risk based approach will take into account factors such as time of day, sleeping risk, occupancy of the premises, mobility, age, number of people, historical and cultural importance of the building.
|
Level One - Green
An immediate emergency response, resulting in an initial attendance based on a risk assessment of the fire fighting requirements. |
Level Two - Amber
In the absence of a confirmation call, the Fire Service will make an attendance, based on a risk assessment of the fire fighting requirements. The attendance may be made under non-emergency conditions, thereby maintaining the availability of the resources for other confirmed emergencies and protecting the public from the risk that arises from fire engines responding under emergency conditions. |
Level Three - Black
No emergency response may be made, until a confirmation of fire is received from the premises using the 999 or 112 systems. Such confirmation will result in an immediate emergency response, resulting in an initial attendance based on a risk assessment of the fire fighting requirments.
The persons responsible for the protected premises will be notified if any changes to the attendance level by the Fire Service are to be made. Time for any appropriate remedial action to be taken will be given. Your insurance company must be immediately informed of this notification.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) (formerly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has published a booklet that containes useful information about the practical steps that can be taken to reduce the incidence of false alarms. This is entitled "A guide to Reducing The Number of False Alarms From Fire Detection And Fire Alarm Systems" and is available to download here (PDF document - 548 kb) | |
|
|