WEDNESDAY, 23 AUGUST, 2017

EMBARGOED UNTIL PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: 10.40AM ON THURSDAY, 24 AUGUST. PHOTO WITH FIRE ENGINE OUTSIDE DUNDEE MIDWIFERY UNIT AT NINEWELLS

Staff encouraged to ‘Take 5’ to reduce false fire alarms

NHS Tayside has launched a campaign with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) to reduce the impact of accidental fire alarm signals across NHS Tayside premises.

The campaign encourages staff and contractors working on NHS Tayside sites to consider the ‘Take 5’ points to reduce the number of false fire alarm signals and resulting attendances by the Fire Service.

Kenny Higgins, Senior Fire Safety Advisor with NHS Tayside said, “Over the last year, we have worked hard and have reduced the number of false signals. However, our most recent figures show that there are still more than 250 fire alarm activations in Tayside hospitals and premises, with many turning out to be accidental.

“A false alarm activation obviously affects SFRS and although there is a cost implication for NHS Tayside, the real cost is in the considerable disruption casued to patients, staff and the daily hospital activity.

“We are very grateful to SFRS for working with us to help reduce the number of false alarms and will be targeting our campaign in the hot spots where we know alarms are often set off.”

Ewan Baird, Group Manager with SFRS said, “A fire alarm system is a vital safety feature within any building, however it can at times be the source of unwanted false alarms.

“Take 5 aims to significantly reduce fire alarm activations caused by human carelessness by changing how people go about their normal daily activity and considering the wider impact of their actions.”

The Take 5 points to consider are:

• Toast - Is there a smoke detector nearby that could be accidentally set off? Don’t leave cooking unattended.

• Aerosols - Is there a detector nearby that could be accidentally set off? Use aerosol sparingly and keep area well ventilated.

• Kleaning (Cleaning) - Is there a detector nearby that could be accidentally set off? Avoid steam cleaning. Is the cleaning process likely to produce fumes to set off a detector?

• Equipment - Are you testing, moving items or working near fire alarm equipment? Ensure system is off line for testing and avoid accidental contact with break glass units. Consider local isolation for maintenance work.

• 5 - 5 seconds, 5 minutes it doesn’t matter. Think about your actions and how it will impact on the fire alarm system.

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications,

(01382) 424138