The Big Issue

In 2002, over 279,000 false alarms were received by the Fire and Rescue Services across the UK, representing over 25% of all calls.

To combat this, the British Security Industry Association has worked closely with the Chief Fire Officers Association and the British Fire Protection Systems Association to produce a new policy that aims to reduce false alarms from remotely monitored fire alarm systems.

From 1 April 2005, end users whose systems generate false alarms must have a maintenance contract in place for those systems, and must also apply for a Unique Reference Number (URN) from their local Fire Service Department if they wish to continue receiving an immediate response to any alarms.

By 2008, the new policy will require remotely monitored systems to be designed, installed, commissioned and maintained to appropriately high fire standards.

The policy will be central to the Fire and Rescue Services’ goals of saving both lives and property while managing their own resources more effectively. It will also benefit businesses by ensuring that their fire safety management plans – and the allocation of a ‘responsible person’ to manage fire safety issues – are effective in maintaining a Level 1 response.