With regards to a time delay system (TDS) fire alarm system (where staff have a few minutes to check the cause before the alarm fully operates):

Can anyone think of (or had any experiences of) any circumstances or any control measures which would allow just 1 member of staff to investigate an actuation in a low to medium risk large production facility during out of hours (24/7 operation)?

In this case, the TDS is required owing to the sheer complexity of the detection system, resulting in a reasonably high number of unwanted fire signals.

The proposal by the customer is that the sole member of staff would be in radio contact with a colleague who is on site, but unable to assist in the search for technical reasons.

I am struggling to determine adequate control measures to devise a suitable safe system of work to allow this to happen, as I cannot see how a TDS could be safely operated with a 'lone searcher'. On the other hand, the cash-strapped customer says a 3rd member of staff is uneconomic/unaffordable and will not happen.

Mission impossible? or has anyone any practical suggestions?

Messyshaw,

Difficult to respond without more info.

What constitutes out of hours in a 24/7 operating environment?

How many people remain on the premises out of hours? Can they not be trained to use the panel and investigate the alarm trigger zone. What technical reasons prevent the search assistance?

Sorry for all the questions but I am unable to get a clear picture of the environment.