John Comey B.Eng. M.Eng. M.Sc. MIEI Comsec Protection Systems Ltd.]

IOSH Regency Hotel

17th June 2015

This presentation is primarily aimed at Health & Safety professionals who fulfil the role of “Responsible person” in building life safety systems, or those who advise, train or audit building users/owners/occupiers on fire safety.

Manager/Owner/User Responsibilities:

Assessing competence of service providers

Proper certification of systems

common deficiencies in life safety systems

1. Introduction (background)

2. User Responsibilities

3. Reducing False Alarms

4. Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (IS.3218:2013) i. Sound Levels

ii. Zone charts

iii. Callpoints

iv. Detectors/ System Categories

v. Cabling

5. Certification Overview (Fire Alarm )

6. Fire Alarm Maintenance & Testing

7. Emergency Lighting Standard IS3217:2013

8. Certification Overview (Emergency Lights )

9. Em. Lights Maintenance & Testing

10. Competency: i. (Emergency Lights )

ii. Fire Alarm

iii. 3rd Party Certification

iv. Lessons to be learned

v. Future Improvements

Are they recognised?

Are They Heard?

Do people have confidence in the system?

Alarm Recognition test

Temporal-3 (ISO 8201)

French Fire Sound

Fire Bell

Temporal-3 (ISO 8201)

French Fire Sound

Fire Bell

All valid fire Alarm sounds under Irish Standard 3218 (Tone Between 500Hz - 1000Hz)

The need to devise a unique, universally recognizable fire alarm signal has been discussed for many years.

The temporal 3 pattern, described by ISO 8201, has been adopted in North America.

T-3 does not limit the signal to any one sound (such as a bell, horn, chime or electronic sound). It is instead a specific sound pattern.

T-3 had been in compulsory in Canada since 1995, and the following study shows interesting results.

0

20

40

60

80

100

Heard Signal

Before

Correctly

Identified

Public Recognition Levels

(Canadian study)

Car horn

Reverse alarm

Buzzer

T-3

Bell

Slow Whoop

Study conducted by Dr. Guylène Proulx of IRC's Fire Risk Management Program and Dr. Chantal Laroche of the University of Ottawa

People are unlikely to take action when alarm signal is activated.

Social interactions tend to occur first:

people observe what others are doing and if no one is paying attention to the alarm, they are reluctant to take any action that would make them appear out of place or over-reacting.

“Visitors” to large public buildings generally feel it is their role to wait for instructions from staff or a figure of authority. They expect to be told what to do if something truly serious is happening.

Proulx Strategies for Ensuring Appropriate Occupant Response to Fire Alarm Signals

https://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/ctu-sc/files/doc/ctu-sc/ctu-n43_eng.pdf

Research by the University of Ulster, found that staff response had the most determining effect on the occupant’s time to start their evacuation.

They conducted unannounced evacuations of Marks & Spencer’s stores, floor staff were not aware of the drill. The fire alarm was activated in the entire store. Video cameras were used to record the behaviour and movement of occupants. Questionnaires were administered to evacuees after the drill. When Interviewed 52% of occupants said that they were prompted to evacuate, only when requested to do so by staff. The average time to start moving for customers after the sound of the alarm was 25 s with a maximum of 55 s.

Reference: Boyce, Silcock, Shields, University of Ulster “Fire Evacuations in Retail Stores”

1. Use Consistent Alarm Signal Pattern, and ensure building occupants are familiar with sound. 2. Develop a fire-safety plan and post it in strategic locations. 3. Conduct evacuation drills twice every year. 4. Limit the number of nuisance alarms to less than three per year. 5. Quickly change the ambience of the environment when the fire alarm sounds. 6. Use live messages, aided by closed circuit television if possible, to broadcast precise information to occupants. 7. Train floor fire wardens to prompt occupant movement. 8. Give feedback to occupants on any alarm activation.

Items 2-8 by Guylène Proulx Strategies for Ensuring Appropriate Occupant Response to Fire Alarm Signals Construction Technology Update No. 43, Dec. 2000

Fire Alarm IS3218 Definition:

• [The Responsible Person is the] person having control of the building and/or premises, whether as occupier or otherwise, or any person delegated by the person having control of the premises to be responsible for the fire alarm system and the fire procedures:

Fire Alarm IS3218 Clause 9.1.1.1

The person having control over the premises shall ensure that work necessary to maintain the system is carried out and that records referred to in 7.3.5, 7.5 and 9.2, are maintained. This should be done by appointing a responsible person (see definition) to supervise the system. The responsible person should have sufficient authority to ensure that the above measures are taken.

Clause 7.3.5 : building is Suitable managed to avoid false alarms.

Every event is recorded in a Logbook.

All events notified to Maintenance/Service personnel for advice/resolution.

Clause 7.5 Action by the User to limit false alarms:

Clause 9.2 Servicing and maintenance

9.2.1. ... The Responsible Person shall ensure in accordance with statutory requirements that a FDAS is inspected, maintained and serviced by a Competent Person in accordance with this Standard. ...

Maintenance Schedule ( I.S. 3218:2013 9.2.2.x)

Daily Visual Inspection by user. Test at least one device weekly by user. ( A different zone should be tested each week and no more than 13 weeks between zones). Servicing/Testing by competent person should happen quarterly, (+/- 4 weeks) It requires testing of 100% of the system annually, usually in 25% blocks. At least once a year sound levels checked. Every Event Logged, and steps taken to rectify problems. Additional Servicing e.g. Following fire alarm

Emergency Lighting:

Clause 15 Managerial responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the owner/occupier/management of the building to ensure that the emergency lighting system is maintained in accordance with Clauses 14 and 16.

Clause 14 Handover documentation and logbook

Clause 16 Commissioning, maintenance, inspection and testing

Check Logbook to confirm previous repairs complete.

Check indicators on central battery system.

Check indicators on automatic test systems

Record any deficiencies in Logbook.

IS3218 Clause 6.2.1

Check the following on at least 25% of system:

Visual check each lamp in maintained/sustained system. Check status LED on self contained or stand alone self-test systems Ensure lamps are replaced.

100% should be tested over 4 week period. (note in 2008 100% inspected weekly)

The “Cry Wolf” syndrome occurs when someone is subjected to a high ratio of false-to-real alerts When a real (fire or other threat) activation of the alarm system occurs, occupant response and behavior depends on their confidence in the system. The “Cry Wolf” syndrome causes occupants to question the validity of the alarm. Any strategy to reduce the ratio of false-to-real alerts is likely to increase occupant confidence in the system or at least reduce the loss of credibility. Systems that are properly designed, installed and maintained tend to be very stable and free of false and nuisance alarms.

Fire Protection Engineering Magazine Autumn 2003 “Fire Alarm Testing Strategies Can Increase Occupant Response and Reduce the "Cry Wolf" Syndrome”

Analogue – Addressable preferable due to better signal analysis.

Systems controls should be locked, and alarm dealt with by suitably trained personnel.

Log and track all system events.

Procedures in place for “Hot Work”.

Compatible interconnected systems installed throughout building.

Design Stage:

Competent designers: (Is3218 2013 6.2.9) Ideally, a single party should maintain overall responsibility for the system design, development and implementation process. Where a single party does not maintain overall responsibility, the verification process

set out in 7.5.11.2 should be considered for inclusion in the specification.

Careful use of standards.

Documented variations allowable with risk assessment.

Appropriate detector choice for environment:

Take into account the evacuation strategy to be achieved.

New Limit table

Published 17th December.

Old standard revoked on that date. All new systems to be designed/installed to IS3218:2013

Works “in progress” with fire certificate already granted may continue with old standard but new certificates must be used stating the 2009 revision of the standard used for the design and installation.

Where reasonably practicable new standard should be used.

I.S.3218:2013 Clause 4

All existing systems should be Serviced/Maintained in accordance with IS3218:2013 standard.

No Requirement to upgrade old systems to new standard unless, a) the owner agrees to a fully up-to-date installation, or

b) the existing installation cannot be incorporated in a new system and would detrimentally affect either its operation or the effective operation of the new upgrade, or

c) an upgrade is required by a Fire Safety Certificate under the Building Control Regulations for material alterations, extensions or change of use of the premises. (IS3218 Clause 4)

Irish standard 3218 is specific about the sound level requirement:

65 dB(A) or 5 dB(A) above background noise (whichever is higher).

To wake a sleeping person 75 dB(A) at the bed head.

In all accessible areas of the building.

Tone ideally between 500 and 1000 Hz

Exceptions: “Allowable Variations” to minimum level added to standard in 2013 to 60dB(A) for non residential areas i.e. in stairwells, corridors <3m, and Enclosures < 25m2

Use of other codes e.g. Should be noted on design cert where thy deviate from IS3218 e.g. HTM05-03 Part B areas where patients require assistance to evacuate 45 –55 dB(A), (should be listed as variation on design cert).

“Allowable Variations” to minimum level added to standard in 2013 for non residential areas:

in stairwells, corridors <3m, and Enclosures < 25m2. sound level reduced to 60dB(A)

in enclosures between 25 m2 and 60 m2 sound levels as per figure 2

Use of other codes e.g. Should be noted on design cert where thy deviate from IS3218

e.g. HTM05-03 Part B areas where patients require assistance to evacuate 45 –55 dB(A), (should be listed as variation on design cert).

The installation of the fire alarm system to IS3218 L3X, escape routes and rooms leading onto escape routes.

Detectors in Stairwells, corridors and Apartment lobbies.

Internal layout, may contain numerous partitions and doors. Sounders in lobbies alone often not sufficient to reach required sound level in bedroom. Note: Different requirement for individual apartments’ (or houses’) stand alone “Domestic Systems” Lower limit of 85dB(A) in open bedroom door applies

sounder

Prefabricated Medical Records building.

Actual measurements, majority of sound absorbed by shelves

densely packed with paper.

1 2 3 45 6

11

12 13

ToiletToilet

Med Records Prefab

92 dB(A)64dB(A) 51dB(A)

67dB(A)62dB(A)66dB(A)

10m

• Design considerations: • Sound strength is greatly influenced by

structure, finishes and contents.

• Systems are more likely to pass a sound level test in an empty building, than in a fully furnished one.

• Note sound level tests required annually (IS3218:2013)

• Usually a large number of quieter sounders gives a better overall sound level.

(Clause 6.6.3) In buildings which are not permanently manned, the external sounder shall automatically silence after a period of 15 min*, but any visual indicator associated with the entrance or acting as guidance to the location of the control panel (see 6.12.3.2) shall continue to operate.

*Reduced from 30min since IS3218:2009

Each system shall comprise a minimum of two sounder circuits within the building (excluding the panel

ensure that no excessive sound level greater than 118 dB(A) are exceeded at any accessible levels.

*Reduced from 120dB(A) since 2009

Where it has been determined (on the basis of consideration of hearing impairment) that a visual alarm device (VAD) is to be employed then the VAD equipment shall comply with the requirements of I.S. EN 54-23.

Zone Chart: “On or adjoining to the CIE shall be a diagrammatic representation of the building (zone chart), showing at least the division into detection zones, and the Access and Egress points to the building”. (Clause 6.12.8.2 )

Required since 1989 standard.

How important are they?

How often do you see zone charts?

Also required in UK under their BS5839 standard. The following findings from a Scottish sheriff’s report into Rosepark Care Home fire illustrate their importance*.

*Reference: SHERIFFDOM OF SOUTH STRATHCLYDE DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY Fatal Accident Inquiry http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/opinions/2011FAI18.pdf

Rosepark Care Home Fire

10 People killed, January 2004.

Several factors found to have contributed to the deaths.

One being the delay in locating source of fire:

Building split across two levels.

Main Entrance on upper level.

Fire Panel Labelled “Ground Floor and Lower Ground Floor.

Staff used “ground” and “First”

Staff Searching Lower Level while fire was on upper level

Photo from BBC news website. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4213535.stm

One of the findings of the report

“RP4.1: It would have been a reasonable precaution to have provided clear information at the fire alarm panel (and, in particular, a diagrammatic representation) such as would enable staff to identify quickly and accurately the location of the detector which had been activated.”*

*(SHERIFFDOM OF SOUTH STRATHCLYDE DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY Fatal Accident Inquiry Report http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/opinions/2011FAI18.pdf)

Photo from BBC news website. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4213535.stm

Configuration of manual call points for coincidence (double knock) operation shall be prohibited. (Clause 6.7.1).

Where manual call points with covers are used in a system then this shall be noted as a variation on the Certificate of Commissioning. (Clause 6.7.2).

Manual call points shall be located at all exits to open air (except as permitted in 6.7.3), on defined escape routes (to comply with travel distances), at all final exits, storey exits, accommodation stairways and within refuge areas.

Manual call points shall also be located in the stairwell enclosure unless:

a manual call point is located inside each storey exit, and

additional call points are located on selected stairwell landings as per Table 1.( Clause 6.7.2)

Some call point may be omitted if Less than 500m2 and protected by detection and subject to risk assessment.

Callpoint removed from

diagram in this revision

must be an error as it

contradicts text.

CO detectors suitable for supplementing smoke detectors only.

Carbon monoxide fire detectors shall not be used as the primary detector for the purpose of detecting carbon monoxide as a toxic gas where generated by defective heating or other appliances (boilers etc). (Clause 6.9.5).

levels remain unchanged: Manual call points only (Category M)

protection of escape routes only (Category L4 system),

protection of escape routes and adjoining rooms (Category L3 system),

protection of vulnerable areas with significantly high life hazard (Category L2/L3 or L2/L4 system),

and total coverage (Category L1 system).

Bedroom Bathroom

BedroomBedroomLiving

Kitchen Dining

Bath. Bath.

Control Panel

BG

BG

BG

Living

Bedroom Bathroom

BedroomBedroomLiving

Kitchen Dining

Bath. Bath.

Control Panel

BG

BG

BG

Living

S S

H

Bedroom Bathroom

BedroomBedroomLiving

Kitchen Dining

Bath. Bath.

Control Panel

BG

BG

BG

Living

S S

H S

S S

Bedroom Bathroom

BedroomBedroomLiving

Kitchen Dining

Bath. Bath.

Control Panel

BG

BG

BG

Living

S S

H S H

S S S

S H

S

S

s

Bedroom Bathroom

BedroomBedroomLiving

Kitchen Dining

Bath. Bath.

Control Panel

BG

BG

BG

Living

S S

H S H

S S S

S H

S

S

s

S

S

Void ≥ 800 mm

Treated as Normal Spaces:

Can be omitted on these conditions:

If “Low” fire risk found following a Risk Assessment.

with the agreement of the interested parties (see 6.2.8.4), is granted.

Must be recorded as a variation on the relevant system certificate.

voids ≤ 800 mm

Detection can be obmitted if “extensive spread of fire or fire products, particularly between areas, rooms or compartments, cannot take place within it before detection”.

Escape route voids less than 800mm must be covered unless the fire rating between the void and corridor is the same as the fire rating of the structure.

All voids onto escape route over 800mm must be covered.

10% of Ceiling may

be up to this height

New Limit for

Enhanced

detectors

Horizontal limits remain unchanged

Room is 350 m2 therefore a minimum 4 detectors required (1 per 100 m2 ) i.e. one more than required by Table 2 Limits

35.0m

10

.0mS SS

6.0m 6.0m

12.0m 12.0m

0.5m

A

A

10

.0m

Elevation A-A

S

Room is still 350 m2 but the roof is now pitched at 220. Therefore a minimum 6 detectors is required. First 3 mounted at high point. Next 3 required so there are detectors no more than 7.3 meters from the wall. (table 2 limit increases by 1% per degree because of slope as per caluse 6.10.5.1 )

35.0m

10

.0m

S S

A

A

10

.0m

Elevation A-A

S

6.1

m

22 o

7.3

m

6.0m

12.0m 12.0m

6.0m

S S S

Opens onto

Escape Route.

Required L1 or

L3

Omitted by Risk

assessment

Provided less

than 2m2

Cubicle does not

reach to within

300mm of ceiling.

Clarification issued in 2010 incorporated into 2013 Revision:

“Standard” fire alarm cable is the minimum requirement i.e. Cable that passed En50200 PH 30 test.

Enhanced fire alarm cable i.e. Cable that passed both the EN 50200 PH120 and BS 8434-2 * tests. shall be employed in the following cases:

safe evacuation not within limits of fire authority.

Phased evacuation

cables routed trough different areas that may remain occupied.

Buildings over 30m

Places of assembly subject to risk assessment

(I.S.3218:2013 clause 6.2.3)