Responding safely to fire alarm false alarms

When an alarm sounds, occupants should follow the emergency procedure. Do not tell people to remain because no smoke is visible, the panel identifies one zone, or the same detector has activated before.

Reset and recovery should begin only after an appropriate site check finds no sign of fire and the authorised person named in the premises emergency procedure coordinates the next steps.

Silencing a panel does not mean that danger has ended. Unauthorised zone isolation, detector removal, power shutdown or prolonged suspension of an alarm connection can prevent warning or emergency response to a real fire.

Any necessary temporary isolation should be carried out by authorised, competent people under a defined procedure, with the start time, scope, reason, compensatory measures and restoration time recorded.

Steam, dust, construction contamination, environmental change, ageing devices, wiring and power faults are possible causes, but a case should not be closed on a guess. Record the date, time, detector location, site activity, panel message and actions taken.

Recurring alarms require inspection, testing and repair advice from a registered fire service installation contractor of the appropriate class. Any relocation or type change must also be checked against approval and submission requirements.