Avoiding false alarms

Your automatic fire alarm system is complex and is designed to provide advance warning in the event of a fire.

False alarms can be disruptive and building owners or managers are responsible and accountable for the payment of false alarm charges resulting from unwanted false alarms.

Main Causes of False Fire Alarms

Most common causes are listed first:

  • Poor building maintenance
  • Fire system malfunctions
  • Burnt toast
  • Cooking fumes
  • Steam
  • Aerosols sprays
  • Cigarettes/candles
  • Workmen/cleaners
  • Dirty smoke detectors
  • ‘Break Glass’ alarm damage

Avoiding False Fire Alarms

For tenants:

  • Ensure any fans, vents, and if possible windows, are open before cooking or
    showering.
  • Some smoke detectors are extremely sensitive and steam from showers, smoke from burning food, even sprays from aerosol cans such as deodorant and hair-spray can set them off.
  • Be aware of where all alarm detectors are and ensure all reasonable measures are taken to avoid false alarm activation.

For building owners, managers and workers:

Effective maintenance of Automatic Fire Alarm systems is critical in reducing false alarms. Ensuring a well regulated work place protocol is in place can also be extremely effective in reducing false alarms. There are a number of ways workers can set off false alarms:

  • Dust
  • Cutting wires
  • Spraying
  • Steam cleaning

All workers on-site must register with the building owner or manager and be inducted into the workplace processes ensuring appropriate isolation of Automatic Fire Alarm systems and responsible work-site activities.

Contact Us

If you would like to know more about your Automatic Fire Alarm system, or if you are having problems with false alarms, please contact us on 1300 131 357.