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Posted By M Norgate
Can anyone tell me what should happen with regard to employees working in the event of the fire alarm system not working and an engineer coming out to fix it?
Thanks
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Posted By Sheila EJ Keogh
Hi,
I would suggest that you have a formalised temporary system in place: fire-watchers, manual alarms (whistles, gongs, bells, etc) include provision for those hard of hearing, and fire marshals to ensure that any evacuation necessary is carried out fully and swiftly.
New info & instruction to all staff and visitors too (including the contractors!).
Hope this is useful,
Sheila
ps: can anyone tell me what the guide is for audibility of fire alarms? thankx
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Posted By Bob Shillabeer
Be aware that people employed in the premises may be aware of the NORMAL fire system but NOT the temporary one. If the engineer is enroute to carryout repairs you can make the desision based upon the likely time span involved. Remember it is people that are at risk as well as property so have a system that works.
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Posted By stephen williamson
Hi Mark,
The duty in the Management Regs of an employer to identify, assess and control hazards comes into play. Having identified the problem and assessed its potential for harm the employer is bound by fire legislation to control it by having an efficient detection and alarm system. If he can't do this then he may have to shut up shop and await the engineer. If he's in a continuous process industry or a vital service like acute healthcare that cannot stop he should have a contingency or business continuity plan to inform staff of the problem, curtail riskier activities and set up frequent security patrols in radio contact to detect any outbreak and react to it.
Hope this is helpful,
Steve
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Posted By Chas
In response to Sheila, I have always worked on a fire alarm in an office setting being about 65dBA. If you are in a noisy workplace then the alarm should be set at about 5dBA above the background noise (you may also need flashing lights etc if very loud and hearing protection is being worn). I think the levels are in BS5839 however I cannot find my copy at the moment in order to confirm. Hope this helps.
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Posted By Sheila EJ Keogh
Thank you Chas, this is really helpful!
Regards,
Sheila
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By M Norgate
Thank you all for your help.
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