False Fire Alarms can be disruptive and costly for any businesses, resulting in:

The good news is that by identifying and managing the common causes, most False Fire Alarms are preventable.

Common Causes & Prevention of False Fire Alarms

1.Fumes/Gases

Causes: Painting/Decorating, Vehicle Emissions, Cooking, Candles, Oil Fired Boilers, Cleaning/Sterilisation

Prevention:

Use Heat Detectors where legislation and the risk allows for it e.g. in kitchens.
Ensure doors stay closed and extract systems are working during cooking
Always liaise with your Fire Alarm maintenance provider when undertaking any renovations or where you intend to have a change of use.

2.Steam

Causes: Dishwashers, Burco Boilers, Kettles, Showers, Steam Cleaning

Prevention:

Consider changing devices to Multi-sensors or heat detectors where legislation and the risk allows.
Keep doors closed when showering and use extractor fans.
If temporarily using Burco boilers or kettles avoid placing these in close proximity to smoke detectors.

3.Smoking

Causes: Cigarette Smoke, Electronic Cigarette Vapours, Smoke from nearby areas.

Prevention:

Clearly mark designated smoking areas.
Remind staff and customers that electronic cigarettes can trigger smoke detectors.
Ensure proper separation between smoking areas and other parts of the building.

4.Aerosols

Causes: Cleaning Products, Deodorants, Air Fresheners.

Prevention:

Avoid spraying aerosols directly towards smoke detectors
Exercise care when installing automatic air fresheners to ensure they do not dispense directly in the path of smoke detectors
Educate staff

5.Hot Work

Causes: Welding, Soldering, Plumbing, Drilling, Grinding, Cutting, Sanding, Carpentry, Tiling

Prevention:

Implement a permit system for tasks that generate smoke or dust.
Brief external contractors on the Fire Detection & Alarm system in situ
Protect smoke detectors in the area where works are taking place. If covering detectors during works it is essential that the covers are removed at the end of each working day.

6.Environmental

Causes: Weather, Humidity, Temperature Fluctuations, Insect Ingress, Moisture/Water Ingress

Prevention:

Consider changing devices to Multi-Sensors or Heat Detectors where legislation and the risk allows in areas with frequent changes in air flow.
If you are experiencing high levels of insect ingress (i.e. when tiny insects get into the detector devices), you can wipe the external housing of detectors using a cloth and insect repellent. (Never spray repellent directly on or in the direction of a detector)
Maintain temperatures where possible
Practice good building maintenance and carry out building repairs in a timely manner

7.Accidental or Malicious Damage

Causes: Staff, Customers, Visitors,

Prevention:

Protect Fire Alarm Equipment with approved covers or cages especially in high traffic areas such as corridors etc.
Use CCTV where necessary to deter malicious activations.
Provide staff with Fire Safety Awareness Training

8.System Testing & Maintenance

Causes:Improper configuration of Fire Detection & Alarm System, Fire Alarm Testing, Maintenance of other Systems.

Prevention:

Schedule Fire Alarm routine maintenance testing in advance and notify staff.
If experiencing a high level of False Fire Alarms, contact your Maintenance Provider to discuss configuration.

Remember: If you Discover a Fire

Raise the alarm

Evacuate the premises

Call 999 or 112

Only tackle the fire if safe to do so

Be Smart. Be Prepared. Be Safe.