False alarms research work Raman Chagger (BRE Global) 18 th June 2015 Firex International. Part of the BRE Trust

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1 False alarms research work Raman Chagger (BRE Global) 18 th June 2015 Firex International Part of the BRE Trust

Introduction Loses from false fire alarms ~ 1

In the UK for the period 2011-2012 a total of

4% of these were False alarms Leads to: Drain

2 Introduction Loses from false fire alarms ~ 1 billion/year in the UK. In the UK for the period a total of 584,500 fire and false alarms reported 53.4% of these were False alarms Leads to: Drain on FRS authorities Business disruptions Reduced confidence Road traffic accidents

detection and alarm system that has responded to a cause that is not a fire,

3 What is a false alarm? BS : A false alarm is a fire alarm signal resulting from a fire detection and alarm system that has responded to a cause that is not a fire, such as: A fire-like phenomenon (e.g. bonfire) Accidental damage Inappropriate human action (malicious) Equipment false alarms (fault).

4 Two research projects Investigate the causes of false alarms and identify approaches to reduce their occurrence Project 1: BRE Trust funded analysis of existing data. Two sources were identified- Kings College London and Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority (March 2013 Jan 2014) Project 2: collaborative investigative project with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Authority utilising a fire detection profession assisting FRS crews during live events (Dec August 2015)

5 Summary- BRE Trust research project False alarms were proven to be reduced in the field using simple solutions. BMKFA and KCL have shown that proactive investigation can reduce false alarms IRS database lacks sufficient detail to identify false alarm causes A paper reporting the findings is available for free from the BRE website: firedetectionresearch/

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board and other parties: BAFE B E

6 SFRS research project To conduct comprehensive investigation and detailed analysis of false alarms BRE joined forces with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board and other parties: BAFE B E H Consulting CBRE Ltd C S Todd and Associates Ltd FIA Glasgow City Council

7 SFRS research project- aims Revolutionary new approach as all previous studies have involved the use of historical data. Two Watch Managers working alongside a fire alarm industry expert to gather live data on false alarm incidents. Glasgow was chosen as it was geographically suitable and had a sufficient number of incidents to enable data to be captured (6.6k false alarms in 2014). Better understanding of false alarm causes Lead to recommendations useful to businesses, the fire protection industry and all Fire and Rescue Services.

8 SFRS research project Form comprises of 124 questions covering all aspects Fire risk assessment available Person responsible for managing the FDFAS Log books & Zone plans available Detectors installed, to codes Age of detectors, system Last serviced What caused the false alarm? What could have prevented it? Competencies of fire personnel to identify FA Data gathering complete (65 cases) and is being reviewed by BRE

9 SFRS research project

10 SFRS research project- observations (Bad placement)

11 SFRS research project- observations (FA guidance)

12 SFRS research project- observations (laziness)

13 SFRS research project- observations (logbooks)

14 SFRS research project- observations (avoid FA s)

15 SFRS research project- observations (old systems)

16 SFRS research project- observations (poorly maintained)

17 SFRS research project- observations (fires detected)

18 SFRS research project- observations (the crew) Craig Cardno and Alan Bateson fire brigade watch managers with Andy McPhee UFAS investigator.

19 SFRS research project Anecdotal accounts Hospital had 80+ FA calls in Replaced with multi-sensors in January 2015 and only 2 since. Duty-holders, in some cases: did not know how to manage their fire alarm systems do not carry out weekly fire tests not familiar with the fire panel operation suspected that training (at the time of the installation) diluted as not regularly carried out Technical capabilities of panels not fully used: Change state of detector Increase/decrease sensitivities Double-knock or co-incident detection

20 SFRS research project Provisional results No. systems Years of system installation yrs 10-20yrs 20-30yrs 30-40yrs Age range No. Systems Age of CIE manufacture yrs 5-10 yrs yrs yrs >30 yrs Age range

21 SFRS research project Provisional results Zone plans available? Yes No 48% 52% Log Books Yes No 14% 86%

22 SFRS research project Provisional results 60 False alarming device No Cable cut - 1 Sprinkler system - 3 Unidentifiable Smoke optical Heat MCP LHD Other Smoke ion CO Multisensors Device type

23 SFRS research project Provisional results Was the false alarm preventable? Yes No 35 Without change is the false alarm like to reoccur? Yes No

24 SFRS research project Unofficial, provisional recommendations: 1.Changes to building regulations to mandate the use of multi-sensors in buildings (original BRE findings, anecdotal evidence, 0/65) 2.Smoke detectors replaced after a 10 year period (some countries in Europe require regular replacement)- further work required. 3.Manual call points to be fitted with a either flip covers or protective stopper covers (original BRE findings) 4.Systems with automatic connection to an ARC to be fitted with a means to inhibit the alarm signal during the weekly test (educate fire alarm companies)

25 SFRS research project Unofficial, provisional recommendations: 5. All sprinkler flow switches to have a time delay before auto-call to the FRS is made (3/65) 6.Encourage businesses to utilise staff investigation periods before calling FRS 7.After any false alarm callout FRS to request the last 12 months log book entries (more emphasis on RPs to regularly complete) 8.Educate a wider audience as to what an automatic fire alarm system is capable of doing to minimise unwanted false alarms. 9.Merit in FRS advising all fire alarm companies of how false alarms impact on blue light journeys and hazards to the public.

26 SFRS research project Subscribe to receive monthly newsletters: Free briefing papers available from:

27 SFRS research project- Conclusions Methodology has proven to be successful for gathering and analysing data The findings are likely to lead to: Changes in Codes of Practice and Building Regulations Sprinkler standards are likely to be updated Lead to more robust systems (e.g. MCPs and connections to ARC) Greater use of multi-sensors Measures to educating businesses, contractors and end users on false alarms reduction Ultimately lead to less false alarms!

28 Acknowledgements Thanks to: BAFE B E H Consulting Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority CBRE Ltd C S Todd and Associates Ltd FIA Glasgow City Council Kings College London Scottish Fire and Rescue Board

Research into multi-sensor detector capabilities and false alarm reduction

Research into multi-sensor detector capabilities and false alarm reduction Raman Chagger Principal Consultant, Fire Safety Group, BRE BRE Fire Conference, 18 th September 2018 Part of the BRE Trust Introduction