The Switzerland-based industry association Euralarm has reviewed the different approaches for data collection and analysis in Germany, England, Switzerland, Sweden and the Vorarlberg region of Austria.
The European association is calling for more co-operation, to enable new insights into fire alarms in general which would include the reduction of false alarms. As with any system, there are conditions that can lead to false alarms, hurting the reputation of fire alarm and detection systems. False alarms can be reduced, for example through the use of multi-sensor fire detectors as well as regular and correct maintenance.
According to the alarms sector body, the market is lacking data that would outline the potential to reduce even more. An initial study by Euralarm in 2012 showed that data sources were missing and existing sources were not comparable. Reliable details (such as a data pool) on the range of false alarm difficulties and their causes are needed; hence hindering the development of a suitable basis to define and deploy countermeasures. The new study focuses on investigating the data collection and analysis processes to achieve a better understanding of what needs to be done, and hopefully, provide momentum for changes.
The review of the data collection process of transmitted alarms has been to analyse the methodologies taking an empirical approach, with the aim to derive a common understanding of the facts and figures collected. The Task Group then attempted to calculate the false alarm ratios based on four different models. In doing so, the group then took the step to attempt a comparison between the investigated countries.
One observation is that comparison of fire alarm figures by countries is hampered by the missing alignment in common terms and processes. The analysed material recorded and collected by experts during responses to fire alarms is handled quite differently from country to country.
Lack of proper information leads to narrow or wrong measures the review authors warn, which is clearly detrimental to society. Fundamental understanding of fire alarms and specifically false alarms is a requirement for any improvement. Since a common approach would in principle be possible Euralarm proposes the fire safety industry, fire services and building owners to work together more closely. The report will be published in autumn 2017.
