A&E Fire Security Explains Preventing False Alarms With The Right Fire Alarm Services

False alarms cost the London Fire Brigade around £37 million each year. In turn, this costs the UK economy in lost productivity of around 1 billion pounds a year. In saying this, to make up for lost funds, the London Fire Brigade can charge a business for call-outs, if they attend more than 10 false alarms in a 12-month period. 

To ensure that the premises are not charged for false alarm call-outs, users must install and up-keep all the correct fire systems for their property. 

Fire Alarm Maintenance Ensures Fewer False Alarms

Some of the main reasons false fire alarm activations occur are:

• Device compromising dust and dirt particles
• Incorrect installation (using the wrong device for the environment)
• Low batteries
• Wireless interference & power interruptions

Choosing an educated and professional fire service provider, such as A&E, means the premises will always be in safe hands. 

How Often Should the Fire Alarm System Be Serviced? 

British Standards 5839-1:2017 suggests that a fire alarm system should be inspected at least every six months

British Standards 5839-1:2017 suggests that a fire alarm system should be inspected at least every six months.

Maintenance of the fire alarm system needs to be carried out by experienced professionals, however, it is suggested that the user, as the responsible person should be checking their fire alarm devices are working at least once every two weeks. 

How to Test a Fire or Smoke Device?

To test if the batteries are working:

• Push down the TEST button and wait a few seconds for the beeping to start
• If the beeping is dull-sounding, the user needs to replace the batteries immediately
• If the device does not sound at all, the user will need to replace the whole device

To test if the device is working:

• To test if the alarm is working, hold two lit matches near the device and blow them out letting the smoke fill the device. If there is no sound/beeping, the user needs to replace the entire device.

Fire Alarm Services Reduce Repair Costs

Regular false alarms are considered a public safety issue, as they can cause serious issues with complacency

The percentage of false fire alarms to the Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) has increased from 53.4% in 2011 to 58% in 2014-15, with the number climbing exponentially. With this in mind, fire brigades are starting to charge businesses that create more than 10 false alarms a year. 

There are both financial and human costs to false alarms, but more than that; regular false alarms are considered a public safety issue, as they can cause serious issues with complacency. When false activations are regular, when the real thing happens, those in charge tend to become less responsive, and this is when fatalities occur. 

Fire Alarm System Mismanagement Can Cost Money

• Loss of productivity among staff
• Possible future charging from fire services
• Increased insurance payments
• Lost production

Choosing a professional, established company, such as A&E, means users do not need to worry about any of the above. A&E's seasoned workforce is the best at what they do. 

As a BAFE SP203 accredited company, A&E is trusted by thousands of customers at any time; including prestigious companies and organizations like Longleat Wildlife Park, Green Square Accord, and Gloucester and Cheltenham Borough Council, A&E should be the only choice when it comes to selecting a fire service provider. 

Complying With The British Standards And Fire Safety Order 2005

Users must have all systems and devices checked every 6 months by a fire service professional

The Regulatory Reform Order, states 'It is a legal requirement to have suitable Fire Safety equipment installed and maintained in non-domestic premises within the UK.'

The term suitable insinuates the fact that users must have all systems and devices checked every 6 months by a fire service professional, and they must maintain the upkeep of their fire system(s) regularly of their own accord. 

Devices and Systems Installation

It also states that users must ensure the correct devices and systems are installed to help keep the eventuality of fire at a preventable standard at all times. This means employing professionals, such as the team at A&E to recommend and look after the premises’ fire systems. 

A&E Fire and Security works by British Standards 5839. This means they have provided proof of their competence in the planning, design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems. It is also part of the CHIC and Fusion21 building regulation frameworks, which help to assure the customers that it is of the highest standard within the trade.