Triple-head smoke detectors (which are installed in most commercial premises) need to undergo annual maintenance to ensure they remain in an optimal serviceable condition and meet the legal regularity requirements.
Whether you operate from a single/multi-tenanted property, a small office employing a handful of staff or a major factory complex where multiple systems or devices are required, a reliable and robust fire safety system is imperative.
If your business operates from slightly older premises, it may be that your fire and smoke detection equipment was installed some time ago, pre-dating your occupancy. For this reason, it makes sense to request that your maintenance provider print out a report from your fire panel, identifying the healthy state, or otherwise, of your detection heads.
Triggering Unwanted Activations
The manufacturer's recommendation is that smoke or heat detectors be replaced every 10 years to ensure the correct level of detection and operation is maintained. So, if all or part of the equipment is near, or has exceeded that timeframe i.e. the detector heads are now beyond their useful lifespan and are obsolete, it could mean that they might not activate when required to do so, or the reverse….
When obsolescent smoke heads trigger an unwanted activation it can be extremely inconvenient for both building occupants and the local Fire Brigade. If the system is monitored (as it should be) the Fire Brigade will be called out.
The implication of unwanted callouts can be very serious. Apart from the upheaval and inconvenience to staff and building managers, it could also divert the Fire Services away from genuine emergencies.
Areas that are dirtier or dustier can cause disruption of particles, which can be detected by the optical sensors on the smoke heads. Even insects have been known to set them off whilst crawling across them. These heads may need additional maintenance attention.
In Summary
It is vital that your maintenance company investigates the age of your smoke detection equipment, especially if you have experienced several false alarms. If they have suddenly started to become more frequent, this could well be an indication that many, if not all, the smoke detectors in the building are reaching the end of their lifespan.
A report will easily identify if some of the detectors are more aged, bearing in mind some may have been replaced more recently due to any building reconfiguration.
As a general guideline, if any of your smoke detectors are approaching 10 years of age, this should serve as a red flag notice.
For over 30 years, Justice Fire & Security have been assisting commercial organisations with all their fire and life safety requirements. We design, install, and maintain a full range of Gold Standard fire detection and life safety systems, fire alarms, fire extinguishers and suppression systems.
With experience of working in warehouses, factories, offices, banks, retail premises and public buildings, we are active throughout Birmingham, the wider West Midlands and Warwickshire, along with Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
Justice Fire and Security is both NSI Fire Gold and BAFE registered and recognised by insurance companies and local fire brigades. We can also supply a BAFE Certificate of Competence, in accordance with CFOA Policy.
Contact us now at 0845 468 9077 to discuss your commercial fire detection system requirements.
