In close collaboration with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and other health and safety experts, the Fire Industry Association (FIA) has published new guidance on the safe investigation of fire alarm signals in Scotland. It follows a recent decision by SFRS to stop attending automatic fire alarm (AFA) call outs to commercial business and workplace premises “unless a fire has been confirmed”. Instead, the service will adopt a “call challenge” policy, which will come into effect on 1 July.
In light of the changes, new guidance has been created to support nominated persons and dutyholders of commercial businesses and workplace premises and enable them to gain a clearer understanding of the approaches to avoiding risk. This includes the safe investigation of alarm signals and a checklist in which to monitor fire safety measures and practices. All of this aims to “assist dutyholders to investigate fire alarm signals at the premises prior to summoning the SFRS”.
As stated in the guidance document, “It is essential that, where, as part of fire procedures, it will be necessary for persons on the premises to investigate a fire alarm signal prior to summoning the SFRS, there are safe procedures to carry this out.”
SFRS is keen to reiterate that the changes to fire alarm response will not apply to sleeping premises such as care homes, hospitals, hotels, or domestic dwellings.
You can visit the FIA website here and read the guidance note here.