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Fire detection systems do not work

'My system is reliable, I never have alarms on my system!' is a common statement heard from building operators. This means the panel is generally 'switched off'.

The fire alarm industry is concerned with the serious issues of life and property safety and it is soul-destroying spending six months installing a R1m worth of equipment to return six months later and find the panel unattended and full of alarms.

Large corporate and blue chip companies are generally the biggest culprits. Lack of maintenance leads to an increase of false alarms, customer frustration and lack of confidence in the system operation and eventually fire alarms are completely ignored.

Fire alarm systems are often perceived as an unnecessary expense, particularly for smaller business. Many of these enterprises are reluctant to buy an automatic fire detection system and will install the minimum requirement by regulations. Generally regular maintenance and testing will not be carried out unless the regulations explicitly require this.

Within South Africa SABS 0139/BS5839 is now legislated and people fail to realise fire claims can be rejected if proof of continuous fire alarm system maintenance cannot be provided.

The South African Standard states the following requirements:

* A contract should be placed with a competent contractor preferably with a 24 h service.

* Daily inspection: carried out by user. Check the panel is normal with no alarms visible.

* Weekly inspection: carried out by user. One detector or manual call point be operated to test operation of the panel and sounder circuit.

A different zone should be tested every week up to a maximum 13-week cycle. If more than 13 zones are on the panel, more than one zone should be tested each week. A visual inspection of the batteries should be made.

* Monthly: carried out by user. If an emergency generator is being used in the building, a simulation of power failure should be done to ensure the generator starts and the fire panel continues to operate for 1 h.

For further details contact the FDIA on tel: (011) 397 1618.

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