Unwanted Fire Signals UWFS

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Unwanted Fire Signals (UWFS) Hoax callsA new
way of workingWhat we require from youWatch
ManagerSteve NobleWatch ManagerApril
DaviesCrew ManagerLinda Fayers
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UWFS are undesirable on many levels1) They tie
up appliances which may be required at genuine
incidents.2) It causes interruptions to the
scheduled work day.3) There are unnecessary
appliance movements with the associated risk of
travelling under blue lights.4) A level of
complacency is introduced at premises that suffer
from UWFS, which could mean that genuine fire
alarms are not taken seriously.
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Persistent UWFS to a premises1) As previously
stated, persistent false alarms create a culture
of complacency.2) Once a premises has been
identified as having excessive UWFS, if crews
cant assist them, please pass their details via
RP/011 to the UWFS department.3) Crews should
not give guidance beyond there level of knowledge
- Refer to the UWFS department to give specialist
advice.
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Policy Dispute

• At any time if you feel an attendance is
  required then send the PDA for alarms actuating.
• If as a result of our call challenge policy a
  caller disagrees with procedure do not enter into
  a dispute with them but take details refer to
  the UWFS team who will then take over liase
  with the site.

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Record keeping at a premises1) BS5839 Pt 1 2002
states a log book for the alarm system must be
kept.2) This should include any record of UWFS
on the premises. The log book should be
maintained by the responsible person OR a person
delegated by the responsible person to keep
it.3) Ask to see the log book.4) If there
isnt a log book, then please hand out a False
alarms leaflet.
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Resetting the system1) We cannot emphasise
enough that under no circumstances should AFRS
reset anybody's alarm system.2) If you reset
the system - YOU are then responsible for the
buildings alarms. 3) By resetting the system
it means that the occupier does not have to take
ownership of the problem with their system.YOU
have taken that ownership and all the other
responsibilities that go with it.4) A silenced
system under BS5839 Pt 1 will reactivate if a
further event occurs. You therefore dont need
to reset the system.
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Investigation TimesA whole new mind set!1) We
allow premises to investigate their alarms. Its
their system and building. Its their
responsibility.2) Do not criticise or tell them
off for using this facility. This includes
resetting the system before you arrive.3) If
they have reset before you arrive, tell them to
inform Fire Control next time, turning you back
is standard procedure.4) If you think that
there are problems arising from their
investigation then inform the UWFS department on
a form RP/011. We will investigate and inform
you of the outcome.
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Location, Location, Location1) Accurate
addresses must be given in your messages.2)
This includes ward names / numbers every time
youre at a hospital. 3) Accurate Stop
messages allow us to plot premises and target the
problem areas within them rather than focus on an
entire site e.g. Frenchay Hospital 4) Hoax
calls accurately plotted allow us to target those
areas and put resources into them to stop hoax
calls.
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Exempt premises

• Paragraph 2.2.1 of SopE15 refers to exempt
  premises, these are
• Domestic premises
• Houses in multiple occupation
• Residential flats
• Sheltered housing
• Residential care
• Nursing homes

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Call Challenging from a Responsible Person

• Dont forget we have exempt premises (para 2.2.1
  of SopE15), our main target groups are offices,
  shops factories.
• The actions we require you to take are-

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Call Challenging from a Responsible Person

• Questions to ask
• Premises address building use
• Are you aware of why your alarms have gone
  off?
• Have you evacuated the premises?-if not do so
  now!
• At your level of responsibility at this
  premises, are you prepared to investigate why
  your alarms have gone off?
• If no or in doubt mobilise alarms PDA but record
  address forward to UWFS team to allow us to
  visit hopefully educate!