Rank: Super forum user 
|
I am aware that BS5839-1 says that when considering introducing a staff search time (staff investigate cause of actuation prior to a full alarm being activated) the search time 'should not normally exceed 6 mins'.
Note the word 'normally' which infers that a variation/extension to this time is possible and still remain BS complaint
I am considering extending a search time to 8 minutes (2 minutes longer than the BS recommendation) and intend to mitigate the risk by additional training to those staff who will be searching. Some research of what others have done maybe useful as part of this assessment.
Bearing that in mind, can anybody give examples of search times longer than 6 minutes, and if possible, why/how the longer time was justified?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user 
|
Personally, I can't think of any situation where any length of time is considered - if there is reason for the alarm to be activated, then do so. This will initiate an evacuation which then commences a search (or more properly, an investigation) into why the alarm has activated.
At this point a decision can be made as to whether its safe to return or emergency services called.
I wouldnt advocate any search time, especially one as long as the BS mentions - this is placing lives at risk
Pete
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
The so called search time specified in the BS is valid when there is a two phase alarm system. The first phase is alert and the second phase is evacuate, with distinct tones-the former is intermittent and the latter is continous. Obviously, if someone activates a break glass, there is no intermitent alarm.
Depending upon the information that your fire alarm panel provides, you couyld undertake a risk assessment as to why it takes 8 minutes to confrim etc whether an alarm is false or not. You may also consider a plan to update the control panel/zoning/ etc so that it becomes easier/quicker to identify and go to the location where the sensor is supposed to have activated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
You must have quite a large or complex area to search?
IMO fire services are taking longer to arrive so a longer search time could mean personnel are in danger for longer if they are cut off by a fire.
I presume continuous communication equipment is available for those conducting the search?
6 minutes is a long time to wait before evacuation and calling out the fire service - I would be looking at reducing the time not extending. You may find that the number of fire appliances in the first attendance is also reduced. It is where I live.
Why extend - is it a cost reduction method? Is there regular false alarms?
In both cases I would not consider the cost and also be looking at improving the fire alarm equipment or other causes of false alarms.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Fully agree with Chris, by extending the search times you are increasing the risk to your staff. The idea is to get staff out as quick as possible. We encourage a quick investigation and if nothing is glaringly obvious, its everybody out of the building.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.