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FIRE SAFETY False Fire Alarm Management The latest innovations in fire system technology offer a number of solutions for minimising false alarms, writes Aston Bowles (marketing manager at Advanced). The key is to verify whether there’s a real fire before the next stage of the building evacuation strategy commences alse alarm reduction should be considered Fas part of the risk assessment before any specification is written. Each building will have different users and specific circumstances that may require unique verification, investigation and evacuation processes. All of this can occur under one roof and over multiple floors, so flexibility is very definitely the key. Intelligent detectors The industry has taken two main approaches: one focused on detector head technology that looks at reducing incorrect signals in the heads themselves, the other an approach that centres on signal processing and decision-making in the fire control panel. Some forward-thinking manufacturers are combining the two into approaches to combat the causes of false alarms from multiple directions. The development of intelligent detectors, the most sophisticated of which use smart algorithms to differentiate between real fires and false signals perhaps caused by steam or cooking smoke, has accelerated in recent years. Detectors can also be used together or in other modes specifically designed to reduce false alarms. For example, multi-sensor detectors may be switched between heat and smoke in order to confirm a signal. Several detectors may also be combined, for example using double-knock or coincidence to confirm a genuine signal. Automatic, addressable fire systems will analyse detector signals and then, if the signals match expected criteria, activate a range of verification and confirmation procedures. A good fire system can do a huge amount automatically and much can be achieved with minimal human intervention. However, one of the key ways to reduce false alarms is to involve people and, in order to make this effective, some manufacturers have introduced dedicated false alarm input devices. Verification time extensions The AlarmCalm Button, part of Advanced’s AlarmCalm solution, allows the verification time on a system to be extended by the occupant of a room if they believe the signal to be ‘false’ in their area. If the signal clears then the system will return to normal. If it persists beyond the pre-set verification time then the system will go into full alarm and implement the next phase of ‘cause and effect’ such as evacuation. Involving people, even trained individuals, means fail-safes must be strong. The AlarmCalm button can only be pressed once before a system reset and times are programmable. If an alarm signal has been verified by the panel or if a manual Call Point is activated, the system will enter a full fire alarm condition immediately. Equally, if a pre-set number of areas are in verification (ie detecting potential fire signals) the system will go into full alarm. The benefits of involving the occupants of, say, a student accommodation building are, however, pretty hard to ignore. Another key aspect to consider when specifying a false alarm management system is ease of system management. Can the system be divided precisely into different areas? Can points be managed singly or grouped, as in an apartment, and is it easy to programme and install? Wiring and configuration on larger sites can add much complexity and cost. Intuitive in operation Equally, priority should be given to selecting a system that’s acceptably intuitive for staff and designated users alike to operate. The ability to share information in dynamic fire conditions has also developed rapidly. For example, some touchscreen displays are a key tool that can make it far easier to identify the location and status of an alarm. Careful consideration should also be given to how the system will be monitored, serviced and maintained. There are a growing number of solutions that allow fire systems to be remotely monitored and controlled over the Internet, which means an engineer can arrive with a plan agreed and all spare parts required, in turn minimising disruption to the building’s users. In summary, then, false fire alarms most certainly remain a problem, but the industry has the tools at its disposal to radically reduce them and, indeed, their impact. This will certainly involve trained professionals at the design and specification stage and, possibly, the trained occupants of a given building. 34 www.risk-uk.com
The most sophisticated configurable water leak detection system available Protect your assets from the greatest risk to buildings and managed systems: Water. The only way to mitigate the risk of water damage is to continuously monitor for water leaks. The risk assessment of water damage and the installation of Water Leak Detection Systems are increasingly being recommended by commercial insurers and is often a requirement for full cover. Hydrosense systems deliver a new standard in water leak detection. Unlike other systems, Hydrosense is fully customisable and configurable allowing connection to Building Management Systems (BMS) and a wealth of other vital supporting systems. Hydrosense continuously monitors for water leaks protecting a company’s building and assets year in year out. Contact Us Today! vimpex.co.uk sales@vimpex.co.uk 01702 216 99
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