key operated call points

[colin gibbs]

does anyone know of any schools who have key operated call points, as far as the standard goes they are not alowed anywhere but we do have them in shopping centres security operated under cctv.  also we alow them in public car parks.
i am tempted to just advise plastic covers like the ones in large supermarkets etc which sound an alarm prior to the break glass being smashed.

[Graeme]

you should but get it okayed first and list as a variation.

[AnthonyB]

My school had break glass points without protection & usually got smashed a few times a year.

The main reason that it didn't happen more often was partly due to the fact that all MCPs only out the alarm into standby (intermittent bells) only the control panel could initiate evacuation.

The Printworks in Manchester has key operated MCPs as a variation for the covered internal street, with all other areas, including all the units (licensed pubs, clubs etc) having standard MCPs The area with keys does have a host of other ways of activatingthe alarm - beams, smoke heads, deluge system & is under 24 hr monitored CCTV coverage and has regular guard patrols

[Allen Higginson]

I would try the standad type with flap first (if you haven't already). For some reason the fact that it is a two stage activation seems to put most potential bell ringers off (I think it's because most are acts of opportunity and actually stopping to lift a flap and then break the glasss requires pre-meditation).The Stopper type with the high pitched sounder can be used a diversion tactic if a fight is going on or an assault is planned (seen this numerous times).
Bear in mind,if you have a particular BGU that is activated then it could be considered a candidate for removal (as a variation) as it is compromising the integrity of the system and causing complacency.

[jayjay]

Regret to say I know of one brand new Secondary School, with some blocks having three floors and a poor standard of workmanship in the provision of the fire resisting doors, with over 1000 pupils, that have recently fitted key operated call points.
I personaly advised against them but School after discussions with the Fire Authority and Building Control, both of which accepted them the school decided to fit them. Each staff memeber has a key which he must cary at all times?
During my future visists I will be checking to see if staff memebers have the keys.

The installation of the key operated call points was I think the schools easy answer to the malicious operation despite the school having a fire engineered solution which was based on a full and immediate evacuation, this was later changed to a phased evacuation of the School fire alarm zones.
Malicious operation of the fire alarm by pupils is a major problem for some schools but has been dealt with by a strict managment and disipline system in other schools but was reluctant to be tried in this particular school.

[colin gibbs]

i have not accepted it and have told the school accordingly, we compromised and what i have aggreed to is the raising of some call points above the 1.4 m this makes it impossible for the little angles to "accidentaly" break the glass by simply leaning on it as they claim, they need to physicaly put their arms up which brings attention upon them and unless they are seven foot tall they cant claim it was an accident.

[Graeme]

have mentioned this in a previous post on the same topic.I have been to a few High Schools with personal attack systems installed,whre the staff wear a pendant round their necks.The pendant activates the alarm.

Numerous have been left in drawers,at home,in handbags,cars etc.
Some lost.

Why would a key be any different?

[messy]

How, with key operated CPs, do they cover the issue of visitors being able to raise the alarm? The number of such 'visitors' can run into 20+ at any one time in bigger Schools

[Chris Houston]

How, with key operated CPs, do they cover the issue of visitors being able to raise the alarm? The number of such 'visitors' can run into 20+ at any one time in bigger Schools

I would predict (with a good knowledge of schools) that most schools would have a problem managing this issue.