Automatic Fire alarms

Question 1

If a fire is confirmed what are your actions?

Do you silence the alarm?

Answer 1

Request full PDA for the premises address

If it is interfering with brigade operations..So yes then

Question 2

Should we reset the system?

And what should we record prior to doing so?

Answer 2

Not our responsibility, but we can do it -

All info from alarm panel - and no fire exists

If occupier does not reset the system a fire alarm TAG must be left at the premises

Question 3

If no responsible person present..?

If unacceptable risk to occupants present?

Answer 3

Advise borough fire safety office on return to station - utilising fire safety notification form SFS_A020_a2b available as a word document

Notify SFSO - Senior fire safety officer

Question 4

Are we allowed to break in to a property..

If so why..?

Answer 4

Yep

The fire and rescues services act 2004 ‘…enter a premises or place, by force if necessary, without the consent of the owner/occupier…….if they reasonably believe fire to have broken out or about to break out, for the purposes of extinguishing or preventing the fire or protecting life or property.’

Question 5

If you’re going to break in what must you do?

How long must you spend there ( min) if you can’t gain entry..?

Answer 5

Inform control and request full PDA

20 minutes please guy

Question 6

Advice given to occupier.?

Answer 6

ID cause

Advice to prevent re-occurence

Give the person a copy of Fire Safety Regulation Guidance No.54 (available on Hotwire)

Question 7

Following the IC confirming to control that the call is not a false alarm who will be automatically mobilised?

Answer 7

A senior fire safety officer of course

SFSO..

Question 8

Examples of reasons to mobilise a SFSO?

Answer 8

Missing/defective fire doors

Means of escape being restricted

Evidence of people sleeping where they shouldn’t - Storeroom of shop etc

Absence of or defective fire alarm system at a non domestic sleeping risk, such as hotel..