Manual call point covers on your rectification report?
When an alarm repeatedly sounds and is a false activation. This causes people to become de-sensitized and therefore reduces their subsequent actions.
Meaning people will ignore the alarm and not take the appropriate actions. The result could be fatal.
The Risk of False Fire Alarms
False activations — especially from manual call points (MCPs) — are more common than most businesses realise.
- 2,226 false alarms were caused by malicious activation of call points (Home Office, year ending June 2020)
- 12,221 false alarms were due to accidental or careless activation
- 40% of Fire & Rescue attendances were for false alarms (compared to 28% for actual fires)
When alarms are triggered unnecessarily, staff and occupants can become desensitised.
The next time the alarm sounds, there’s hesitation.
That delay can be critical.
What the Regulations Say
Under BS 5839-1:2017, there is clear guidance on reducing false alarms.
The standard recommends:
“All manual call points should be fitted with a protective cover…”
These covers are designed to:
- Prevent accidental activation
- Deter malicious use
- Maintain confidence in your alarm system
Since their introduction, malicious false alarms have reduced by up to 26%.