False alarms
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) have launched a new Unwanted Fire Alarm Signal procedure. This will change how DFRS respond to some calls from Automatic Fire Alarms.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) have launched a new Unwanted Fire Alarm Signal procedure. This will change how DFRS respond to some calls from Automatic Fire Alarms.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) launched a new Unwanted Fire Alarm Signal procedure on 5 March 2019. This changes how DFRS respond to some calls from Automatic Fire Alarms.
The new procedure has been developed in conjunction with our Tri-Service partners, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Services, who have already adopted this approach.
In 2017/18 DFRS attended over 1300 calls to Automatic Fire Alarms which turned out to be false alarms. Each false alarm is a cost to the Service but it also diverts emergency vehicles away from real emergencies. False alarms also impact on the prevention and protection work that we undertake, vital training and increase the risk to road users from unnecessary blue-light journeys.
Since 2010, DFRS have call challenged some premises. This will remain unchanged. Read more about call challenging in the FAQs.
We will always mobilise immediately when there is a risk to life, significant hazard or risk to the wider community. The following premises will receive an immediate response without delay:
Other premises types will be call challenged to determine if a response is required.
The main change for Derbyshire is that if an automatic call is received from an Alarm Receiving Company (ARC) and the premises is showing to be unoccupied, then a response will not be automatically made. Instead, an attendance will only be made if a key holder can confirm that there is an actual fire.
DFRS are keen to help businesses and organisations adapt to this new procedure and to help premises in reducing false alarms. If you would like to discuss these changes then please contact us.
Useful downloads:
Tri_Service_Unwanted_Fire_Alarm_Signal_Procedure_v2_Jan 2024 pdf 371.53 KB
Unwanted Fire Alarm Signal Procedure FAQs pdf 210.73 KB
The latest figures published by the government estimate that the cost of false alarms in the UK is around £1 billion a year. Much of this cost is borne by commerce from lost production and interruptions to business.
Unwanted fire signals affect the Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service by:
Any fire call received by Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is attended by fire appliances responding under "emergency conditions". Whilst attending a premises where the only indication is a fire alarm sounding, our crews receive no additional information in regards to the nature of the incident. Although our drivers are trained to the highest standard, they and other road users are unnecessarily exposed to increased danger at these times.
There are many causes of false alarms (unwanted fire signals) in the workplace. Here are the more common causes of false fire alarms:
These are the more common causes, but there are many more causes too.
Many unwanted fire signals are the result of ignorance on the part of employees or contractors who may not be aware that an automatic fire system is in operation. A few simple rules linked with good house-keeping practices can help to keep these unwanted nuisance signals to a minimum.
There are a number of ways that you can help to minimise the number of false fire alarms and unwanted fire signals. Use the list below to promote best practice.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is trying to reduce the number of false fire alarms (unwanted fire signals) that we attend. We are committed to providing the best possible service to the people who are most at need, whether that is attending emergency incidents or providing community safety advice to our most vulnerable communities.
By limiting the amount of time spent dealing with unnecessary calls to false alarms, we can only improve our performance in these very important areas.
Our Protection team closely monitor the level of false fire alarms (unwanted fire signals) from all businesses premises.
We contact or visit those premises which create repeated or a large number of unwanted fire signals.
Calls received from low to medium risk category premises (the majority of industrial, commercial and education premises) will be subject to their alarm activations being "call challenged". In essence this will mean questions will be asked of the responsible/competent person as to the reason for the alarm activation. Competent persons should be appointed to assist in the investigation of the alarms activation. They should have an understanding of the alarm system and be confident in their ability to carry out the investigation.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Unwanted Fire Alarm and Unwanted Fire Signal Policy is based on the principles of the National Fire Chiefs Council Guidance for Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems but adapted to fit local requirements, working practise and ethics.
Where a business shows little interest or improvement in reducing unwanted fire signals, it may be appropriate to instigate enforcement activities against the premises, under the current legislation.
Firefighters may also give advice to premises owners if they are called to an automatic fire alarm and it is a false alarm.
Users of automatic fire alarm systems are required by law to demonstrate satisfactory management of false alarms. To satisfactorily demonstrate the management of false alarms, users must log all false alarms and categorise them into one of the following five categories:
Recording this information enables your system installer/service provider to investigate any system faults or problems that you may have with your equipment.
Failure to demonstrate satisfactory management of false alarms may lead to:
Whilst attending an unwanted fire signal our crews will check the fire safety measures of the premises. This audit will be a simple check of the means of escape, signage, fire detection and warning, staff training, emergency lighting and any general concerns the crew may have.
Any problems highlighted may lead to a full fire safety audit being carried out by a specialist fire safety officer and enforcement action being taken if appropriate.
By using the check list below you can ensure that your fire alarm system and responsible staff members are performing within acceptable limits.
If any of the points are in doubt an alarm system review should take place.
When there are going to be contractors on the premises it is important to take note of the following points to minimise the risk of accidental false alarms.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service are actively working with businesses and organisations across the county to reduce unwanted fire signals from automatic fire detection systems.
If you have a problem with repeat false fire alarm activations or you would like to discuss the issue of false alarms (unwanted fire signals) in general, please contact Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service using our online form.