Operational response to afa

[AnthonyB]

I would agree that the siting of some control panels defies belief (assuming the system has one at all - but thats another discussion!).

A recent premises I visited had the IP in the basement switchroom of the building in the retail unit, who had reduced the door access height by half by continuing boarding for display racking across it - what use is that?

[messy]

One aspect to be considered when forcing an entry (particularly to domestic premises) is who is going to secure the premises.

For commercial, most AFD monitoring stations will call a keyholder. Or if you are very lucky, the Police or perhaps mobile security firm may be able to help.

This is never the case with domestic. The Met are reluctant enough to babysit a commercial premise let alone a domestic one & who can blame them). This leaves the OIC in yet another quandry. (in the words of the Rolling Stones:) Do I say or do I go?

The LFB have a policy that once a keyholder is requested, the Brigade stay on scene for at least 1 hr to exercise their 'duty of care'. Then the premises are left insecure and unattended. The OIC tells control by radio, who I assume tell the met. Then it's open house time for burglars (especially those with listening posts)

[Cut Fire Service Pay]

It is very interesting reading all of these posts, however are you not aware that a large amount of the UK brigades NO LONGER ATTEND AFAs under these circumstances? If brigades do attend then it is often just one pump. No sign of fire or keyholder, then they are told to leave!

Fire control ops are also told in some brigades to question the caller to see if they actualy have a fire and if not ring back when they have!!

Think im talking rubbish? Well ask around. I couldn't believe it either, the very things we as firefighters have been teaching the public on have been thrown out of the window. I've been to many AFAs over the years that have been fires. Management now justify these cuts by stating that a large percentage of the fires were 'small' and needed very little intervention. Well how do big fires start then? Its only by the swift attendence of the fire service that these properties were saved and no life was lost.

Mersyside & Devon are two examples of many of the brigades AFA policies. Sorry to ruin the quality operational examples being given folks.

[Thebeardedyorkshireman]

Hi  Guys
If you read BS 5839pt1 2002 under the whole of section 23 including the note, I think you would be justified in making a forced entry to any AFD system which signals to an ARC and you are unable to see the panel from outside. If anyone does not have access to the words I can type them in later but just a bit busy this afternoon!!
Dave