There’s no disputing the fact that fire alarms save lives. Moreover, they also save buildings, businesses and homes too, making them a hugely beneficial addition to any property.
However, that’s not to say they are perfect. Like any safety appliance, fire alarms can also cause issues, particularly if they’re triggered by mistake. False fire alarms are a massive burden to firefighters nationwide and cost the fire service untold amounts of time, money and resources.
As such, preventing false fire alarms should be a priority for any business owner with a fire safety measure in place.
Implications of False Fire Alarms
According to the London Fire Brigade, there were an astounding 38,000 false fire alarms in 2017. That figure equates to 104 false calls a day!
Not only is this a waste of time for the hard-working members of the fire brigade, but it’s also taking up precious time that could be better spent elsewhere, attending real emergencies and saving those in need.
If your workers are pre-conditioned by previous false alarms to believe an alarm doesn’t need their urgent attention, a real incident can result in slowed reactions which can translate to catastrophe.
So, as you can see, there are a few very important reasons that you do what you can to prevent false fire alarms for your safety and the safety of those around you.
False Fire Alarm Penalty UK
Local authorities have been toying with the idea of implementing a false fire alarm fine system for several years now; however, nothing has been set in stone as of this writing. That being said, persistent false-callers and re-offenders may be charged if proposed plans continue.
As of June 2019, London Fire Brigade planned to implement changes if they attended eight false alarms at the same site within 12 months, with further plans to charge for every additional false call-out that occurred thereafter.
Furthermore, while there isn’t an official system in place for a UK false fire alarm penalty at the moment, that’s not to say that a false fire alarm doesn’t incur some hefty costs all the same. If fire brigade resources are taken up unnecessarily, it could well hinder the treatment of a very real fire elsewhere. It is always in your interest to prevent false fire alarms wherever possible.
Common Causes of False Fire Alarms
Fire alarms can be inadvertently set off for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from the logical to downright trivial. If your fire alarm isn’t well maintained or overly sensitive, you could be at risk of a false alarm.
Some common causes of false fire alarms include:
- Cigarette smoke
- Large amounts of steam (eg. from a bathroom)
- Cooking/burning food
- Dust within the unit
- Mould or mildew within the unit
Read more: Fire Alarm Maintenance UK
It’s also important to have the right fire alarms in place for your property and the occupancy. Fitting a fire alarm system that’s not appropriate for your business or premises could well lead to a false fire alarm down the line.
Competent installation can also have an effect on performance, as can efficient maintenance thereafter. A slap-dash job of installing is a recipe for disaster, while lack of care can render the system useless.
Preventing False Fire Alarms
To prevent false fire alarms from affecting your premises, it’s universally recommended that you enlist the aid of an expert fire alarm installation team.
Professional attention can guarantee the correct installation of the right system for your business, immediately reducing the risk of a false call out and the many knock-on effects they incur.
At IDS Security, our team of specialists can help you choose the right fire system for your business and install it professionally to the highest standards possible. With over 20 years of experience, we also offer round the clock monitoring and a 24/7 call-out service for maintained customers, offering unrivalled peace of mind and professional care.
Fire safety is no time to cut corners and take shortcuts. Call IDS today on 029 20 753 251 or click the button below to keep your premises safe and secure.
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