Fire Detectors and Alarms

The early detection of a fire, coupled with the prompt alerting of everyone likely to be affected, is a further vital element in protecting against the hazards of fire.
Fire detection techniques include:

• Heat detection by sensors, which operate by the melting of a metal or by expansion of a solid, liquid or gas.

• Radiation detection by use of photoelectric cells, which detect the emission of infra-red/ultra violet radiation from the fire.

• Smoke detection using ionizing radiations, light beam scatter, or obscuration of light.

• Flammable gas detectors, which measure the concentrations of gas/vapour in the atmosphere and compare to flammable and explosion concentrations levels.

• Once fire is detected, either by sensor or human means, the alarm must be raised. To be effective, fire alarm must be:

1. Distinctive
2. Audible throughout the workplace
3. Understood

The sounding of the fire alarm must lead to the prompt carrying out of the appropriate emergency evacuation procedure.

Fire Fighting
On site fire fighting may consist of either /both portable extinguishers of fixed/installed fire fighting equipment, e.g. deluge systems, hoses, inert gas flood systems etc.

The duties imposed by the legislation fall into seven general categories:

• Carrying out a fire safety risk assessment of the premises
• Identifying the fire safety measures necessary as a result of the fire safety risk assessment outcome
• Implementing these fire safety measures using risk reductions principles
• Putting in place fire safety arrangements for the ongoing control and review of the fire safety measures
• Complying additionally with the specific requirement and outcome under review
• Record keeping