Key Operated Call Points and Detection in Schools

[SidM]

I have been asked by the LA that because of numerous false alarms in a a particular school they would like to continue using key operated call points and use detection throughout the building to offset the problems caused by key operated call points.  In effect what he is saying is that he doesn't require call points at all.  Is that acceptable?

[Martin]

There are a range of tactics to be used before going to key operated call points. These include fitting secondary "screecher " covers to call points so staff are aware of interference, moving call points to positions where they are visible, use of CCTV etc. to catch culprits.

If all this fails to bring the false alarms under control then a delay with a proper system of investigation is a possible runner. I know of at least two external bin fires set as arson attempts, alerted by the break glasses which would not have activated the auto detection before the roof overhang had caught.

I also know of a school which went down the key route. The nice visiting Fire Officer asked staff for a key. Six members of staff later and a key was finally produced.

It is also sod's law the areas with most false alarms seem to have the most arson attempts.


(Based on experience in East London)

[kurnal]

All premises should have a means of manually raising the alarm of fire. How this is achieved can be flexible. But key operated call points can be ok depending on the supervision of the protected area  and the availability of keys. The fire alarm is to protect relevant persons. The risk assessment will identify who may be at risk from a fire in a particular area or building and if at all times those relevant persons are supervised by a keyholder in the immediate vicinity then a key controlled alarm call point may be ok. The detection is an additional risk control measure that may further enhance the level of safety enabling a keyholder to cover a slightly wider area.

It is certainly worthy of consideration- I have done a risk assessment for a particular school  on this topic previously and am happy to share the findings if you pm me- I have posted it on this forum ablut 18 months ago- NB I dont say I am right or the findings are correct- its my view and others will disagree.

[kurnal]

SidM
Regret my memory was playing tricks on me- the detailed risk assessment was for key controlled mag locks on exit doors in a school already fitted with key operated call points. But have sent it to you anyway.

In the mean time this topic has been raised before and most of the pros and cons aired- if you type key operated call points into the search screen about 8 threads come up which may be of interest.