This starts from the start of the life of the building, at design stage up to the building occupants. Each person must take responsibility in reducing the possibility of an unwanted fire alarm activation. The most common groups where false alarm activations come from are:
- Fire
- Alarm Faults
- Working environment
- Contractors
- Malicious
Common causes of smoke detector activations [Download PDF, Acrobat 5.0 or later, 5Kb]
Building Design
The design of a building can often lead to unwanted false alarms being created. Lack of ventilation extraction, smoke reservoirs in kitchen areas are not considered. The design should consider the use of the building, particularly apartment complexes and the daily living, to prevent unwanted false alarm activations.
Fire alarm systems should be specified which will be fit for purpose, so when the building is occupied the occupants are not continually disturbed by unwanted false alarms.
Suggested building design strategies for reducing false alarms [Download PDF, Acrobat 5.0 or later, 5Kb]
Suitability of the fire alarm system
Check to ensure the fire alarm system suits the building. Is their smoke detection in locations that will cause false alarms (kitchens, bathrooms, extreme dust)?
Checklist to reduce false alarms [Download PDF, Acrobat 5.0 or later, 167Kb]
Contractors
This group of workers contribute to a large amount of false alarms, so owners, building managers, occupants should warn about false alarm prevention. Any false alarm charge can be forwarded by the owner to contractors, or the person causing the false alarm activation.
Building contractors checklist to avoid false alarms [Download PDF, Acrobat 5.0 or later, 192Kb]
Fire Alarm Servicing Companies
Contact your servicing agent for advice regarding false alarm reduction. Insist on the servicing company to be proactive. A short term cost on the fire alarm system can save in the long term, if not the associated costs of false alarms can be prohibitive.
Fire Service
For additional false alarm reduction assistance contact your local Fire Region Fire Safety Officer.