Bid to cut number of false alarms

NHS Tayside has launched a campaign in conjunction with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) to reduce the impact of accidental fire alarms across health board premises.

The campaign encourages staff and contractors working on NHS Tayside sites to consider the “Take 5” points to reduce the number of false alarms and resulting attendances by the fire service.

Kenny Higgins, senior fire safety adviser 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 caused 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.”

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