ALARMS Flashcards
What actions are taken upon attendance at a monitored alarm?
investigated to the extent of the powers of appropriately authorised officers under Sections 53, and 55 of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 (the Act),
What determines an unwanted (k12) alarm?
Cooking, construction, deodorant, steam.
When an unwanted alarm has been identified, what actions are taken?
The actuating device or zone will be reset, allowing time to ventilate so as to not re activate that detector.
What should you do if the activation cannot be determined or is a system fault?
The device is to be isolated not reset.
Upon isolation of a monitored alarm what actions should be taken?
Following isolation, an alarm technician will need to inspect the alarm before it is reset. The owner/manager will need to be notified and told it is their responsibility
The owner also must be informed that the isolates area doesnt have early detection capability and that 000 must be dialed and evacuation is to be commenced in accordance to the FEP
What actions need to be taken if there is no management onsite after alarm isolation?
If there is no owner on site, the OIC is to make all actions necessary to inform the owner and/ or take all reasonable steps to notify occupants:
Alarm in area will not automatically detect or warn signs of fire
Occupants are to call 000 if fire or smoke occurs
OIC will notify firecom of actions taken
Building management is responsible for the reinstatement of all functions
What time periods do QFES recommend for reinstatement of alarms?
Sleeping accomodation - within 4 hrs
Non Sleeping- within 24hrs.
If regional areas where this is unrealistic/unachievable, then consultation with the owner/manager and the alarm tech is to take place and time frames to be noted in the FEP
What steps occur if a manager requests alarms to be isolated due to works in the building?
the occupier may choose to isolate a section of the system to avoid unwanted alarm activations due to machinery or equipment causing fumes, smoke or particulate material in the vicinity of detector/s
* it is the building occupier’s responsibility to ensure appropriate risk mitigation strategies are implemented pursuant to the Act
The OIC must make every reasonable attempt to advise the owner
it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the alarm system is restored to its full function as soon as possible.
The safety of occupants and monitoring the site for signs of fire for that building should incorporate any temporary measure implemented by the owner to provide early warning for the occupants in this temporary period.
Firecom is to be notified where these arrangements have been made
What record keeping is required when activation of alarm occurs?
What record keeping is required when activation of alarm occurs?
– Notification of Fire Alarm Attendance Record.
Copy is to be left with the owner, or placed in panel. A copy goes back with the OIC.
Details will contain-
Cause of activation,
device type and location
Zone
building name
What is involved in attendance at an unmonitored alarm (local, no ASE)
OIC will ensure investigation carried out and confirm no signs of smoke or fire and upon departure will take all steps to notify owner and firecom of the actions taken,
Upon arrival at an alarm with an evacuation system, what actions should be taken by the chief warden and the OIC?
liaise with the occupants to check if the Chief Warden has;
- Checked the panel and warden intercom points
-Checked the location of the alarm as well as immidiate area
- If no signs detected, alarms can be silenced but not reset
- if there is any sign of fire, then evacuation of the building and attacking the fire takes place, as per instruction, until the arrival of FRS staff.
The Chief Warden then notifies the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of any/all actions which have been taken.
What should be considered upon arrival at a building with a SSISEP?
Although in alarm the building may not be fully evacuated. It may be in the process of evacuation or occupants could be awaiting further instruction.
What should you do if the Chief Warden is absent upon arrival at an activating alarm with SSISEP installed?
Assess the use of the SSISEP to initiate an evacuation and communicate to the occupants that QFRS are onsite and investigating the cause of the activation.
What can the SSISEP be used for?
Cascading Evacuation
Evacuation of specific areas
Communications to occupants and fire wardens
Giving instructions to occupants on specific actions (closing doors/windows)
Communication from occupants to Fire & Rescue Via SSISEP
What actions should you take if there is repeated hoax calls or malicious flase alarms at a premise?
Submit a report to the relevant senior officer including
- Location
-Number of calls
- dates and times
A copy will be forwarded to the FIU
FIU will gather voice tapes, fire reports and other info to forward to QPS
