Specifications

SMOKE & HEAT ALARMS
Frequently Asked Questions
3
This is where each individual property is assessed for the fire risk
present. The property itself must of course be assessed, as there may
be an unusual layout, or other features that could contribute to the
consequences of a fire. However, the occupier is often the greatest
factor in firstly whether a fire is likely to occur, and secondly what the
consequences of the fire are likely to be. The Fire Risk Assessment
should be an on-going process that may require amendment at any
time. Clearly, this would be very time consuming and create many
problems for landlords. To overcome this many landlords are finding
that it is easier and possibly cheaper in the long run to install an LD2
category of cover in all properties to minimise the need to
undertake a Fire Risk Assessment on every property.
The short answer is no! The installation of a Grade D, LD2 system will
almost certainly be acceptable for general needs properties, but
there may be special needs people or groups that require
additional protection e.g alarms for the deaf, and these should be
identified. It is likely that specific support groups have this information
and may be able to assist.
This will depend entirely upon what their special needs are! Some
examples are; the elderly or infirm and the deaf or hearing
impaired. The elderly and/or infirm may require additional protection
from fire due to the fact that they may be less mobile. Consequently,
additional alarms should be considered perhaps in bedrooms. In
addition, these groups cannot be expected to climb steps or chairs
to test the alarm system. In these instances a Remote System Control
switch could be fitted to alleviate this problem. There may also be a
need to have a connection to a Warden Call system to alert them
to a problem in the dwelling. This can be achieved in most systems
by the addition of a relay. The deaf cannot hear a standard smoke
alarm, so it may be necessary to add a strobe and vibrating pad to
the smoke alarm system.
Choice of Alarm Sensor Type
Smoke alarms incorporating either an Ionisation or an Optical
sensor are available in mains with Alkaline battery back-up, or
mains with rechargeable Lithium back-up formats. Heat Alarms are
also available in these ranges, but these only sense heat; not smoke.
A comprehensive Fire Alarm system will contain all 3 elements
of detection.
5. What is a Fire
Risk
Assessment?
6. If I install an
LD2 level of
cover can this
remove my
responsibilities
to conduct a
Fire Risk
Assessment?
7. What do I
need to do to
address the
requirements
of ‘special
needs’ people
or groups?
8. What types of
sensor are
available?