Lesson 5 – Fire Detection, Warning Systems and Alarm Awareness

5.1 Workplace fire alarms

Workplaces require an appropriate fire-detection and warning system. The type of alarm and detectors required depends on the building and activities carried out there.

Employees should know:

• What the alarm sounds like;
• Where manual call points are located;
• How to raise the alarm;
• What to do when the alarm sounds;
• Whether there are visual or vibrating alerts;
• The assembly point; and
• How alarm defects are reported.

5.2 Manual call points

A manual call point allows a person discovering a fire to activate the alarm.

Employees should:

• Activate the alarm promptly;
• Not wait to confirm how large the fire is;
• Not assume someone else has raised the alarm;
• Know the location of call points; and
• Report damaged or obstructed call points.

5.3 Alarm testing

Testing and maintenance should be carried out in accordance with the fire-risk assessment, relevant standards and the building’s arrangements.

Employees should distinguish between:

• A scheduled alarm test; and
• An unexpected alarm requiring evacuation.

If an alarm sounds outside a clearly notified test, employees should treat it as genuine and evacuate.

5.4 Emergency lighting

Emergency lighting helps people escape if normal lighting fails.

Employees should report:

• Damaged emergency lights;
• Missing signs;
• Unlit exit signs;
• Dark escape routes;
• Signs that are difficult to see; or
• Changes to layouts that obscure directions.

5.5 Smoke alarms in rented properties

For relevant rented homes in England, landlords must ensure:

• At least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey containing a room used as living accommodation;
• Required alarms are working at the start of a new tenancy; and
• Faulty required alarms are repaired or replaced once the landlord has been informed and the fault established.

Government guidance confirms the minimum smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm requirements for relevant rented homes.

Other requirements may apply to HMOs, licensed properties and particular buildings. Local licence conditions and the property’s fire-risk arrangements should also be checked.

5.6 Carbon-monoxide alarms

A carbon-monoxide alarm is not a substitute for a smoke alarm.

For relevant rented homes in England, a carbon-monoxide alarm is required in a room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance, excluding a gas cooker. Faulty required alarms must be repaired or replaced once reported and found to be faulty.

5.7 Carbon-monoxide awareness

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted.

Possible symptoms include:

• Headache;
• Dizziness;
• Nausea;
• Weakness;
• Confusion;
• Chest pain;
• Shortness of breath; or
• Loss of consciousness.

If a carbon-monoxide alarm activates or carbon monoxide is suspected:

1. Leave the property immediately.
2. Encourage others to leave where safe.
3. Avoid using the suspected appliance.
4. Call the appropriate emergency service from outside.
5. Seek medical assistance where symptoms are present.
6. Do not re-enter until advised that it is safe.

5.8 Reporting defective alarms

Employees should record:

• Property address;
• Alarm type;
• Location;
• Reported fault;
• Date and time;
• Who reported it;
• Action taken;
• Contractor instructions; and
• Confirmation of repair or replacement.

Lesson 5 key point

Smoke alarms warn of fire; carbon-monoxide alarms warn of a poisonous gas. Both require prompt action when they activate.