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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: Wiz on January 31, 2014, 09:52:24 AM

Title: Fake mcp
Post by: Wiz on January 31, 2014, 09:52:24 AM

Not been around here for a while, but I hope you are all doing well.

I've just seen this product being sold on Ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Joke-Stickers-Home-Office-10-Pack-of-Realistic-Fake-Fire-Alarm-Panels-LMFAO-/111267958466?ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:1120

Obviously it has the potential for creating a serious fire safety issue.

Anyone on here got the power to stop that issue ever becoming reality?

Title: Re: Fake mcp
Post by: Mike Buckley on January 31, 2014, 10:12:18 AM

I can't see a serious issue here. The FRA should check whether a fire alarm system is being suitably tested and maintained and that should pick it up. That is if the premises actually needs a fire alarm system.

If the premises does need a fire alarm system and these are installed to deceive the fire authority then the offense is failure to provide an adequate means of raising the alarm etc.

In all seriousness these are sold as a joke and will probably appear in student housing as that.

Title: Re: Fake mcp
Post by: nearlythere on January 31, 2014, 10:18:12 AM

How would it amuse people?????????????

I can see fake WC stickers for confusing visitors and amusing the regulars of the Bar as amusing. These?

Right up there with the humour of an American sitcom.

Title: Re: Fake mcp
Post by: Mike Buckley on January 31, 2014, 02:14:09 PM

Yes and super gluing the toilet seat and other hilarious pranks!

Title: Re: Fake mcp
Post by: Wiz on January 31, 2014, 05:01:53 PM

Quote from: Mike Buckley on January 31, 2014, 10:12:18 AM

I can't see a serious issue here. The FRA should check whether a fire alarm system is being suitably tested and maintained and that should pick it up. That is if the premises actually needs a fire alarm system.

If the premises does need a fire alarm system and these are installed to deceive the fire authority then the offense is failure to provide an adequate means of raising the alarm etc.

In all seriousness these are sold as a joke and will probably appear in student housing as that.

Mike, is there not the issue that someone looking for an mcp during a real fire might try to 'operate' this sticker? Not everyone knows what a real a mcp looks like and works like. If BS recommends that sounders operate within 3 seconds of the operation of an mcp to avoid panic then what happens when some unknowing persons tries pressing the sticker during a fire situation, but nothing happens, they then panic and leave the building without raising the alarm properly?

I'm all for a bit of fun, but I think the manufacturer of this product is taking a big risk in being the cause of a tragedy.

Title: Re: Fake mcp
Post by: colin todd on February 01, 2014, 05:27:54 PM

The 3 second rule had nothing to do with panic.