Recognising the vital role that ‘Preventative Maintenance’ plays in reducing false fire alarms, the Fire Industry Association (FIA) has published a checklist to enable end users to ensure they cover the relevant areas within their own fire detection and alarm system.

The checklist has been designed to help building owners and operators to understand what is required of them by the Fire & Rescue Service, particularly in light of the ‘Unwanted Fire Signals Policy’ introduced by the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA).

Robert Thilthorpe, FIA Technical Manager, said – “We have always known that the ‘prevention is better than cure’ approach is key in reducing false alarms. With the advent of the new CFOA Policy, whereby fire cover can be withdrawn in the case of organisations that repeatedly generate false alarms, it is even more important that the designated ‘competent person’ under the Fire Safety Order takes the issue of false alarms seriously. The checklist offers an easy way to keep a record of how the fire system is being maintained.”

The single A4 page checklist summarises the actions required in maintaining a system, providing accurate records for inspection by the Fire & Rescue Service when the need arises. It also helps end users keep their fire risk assessment and fire protection systems up to date.

Government statistics put the number of annual false alarms at around half a million and the combined costs to UK industry and the Fire & Rescue services at a figure of £1billion.

Copies of the checklist are available from the FIA by calling 020 8549 5855 or by visiting www.fia.uk.com