Intermittent Fire Alarm: What Should You Do?

Fire alarms are essential safety devices for almost all workplaces. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 specifies that all non-domestic premises need an appropriate system to detect fires and alert building occupants. In all but the smallest workplaces, this means a fire alarm system.

There are multiple types of fire alarms. If you’ve heard an intermittent fire alarm, you’re almost certainly dealing with a complex system that monitors different areas, known as an addressable fire alarm.

Addressable fire alarm systems are suited for large buildings where different areas carry different levels of fire risk. A good example of this type of workplace would be a hospital, which is why intermittent fire alarms are often heard in NHS buildings.

The responsible person, a role designated under the Fire Safety Order, will decide what type of fire alarm is suitable for your workplace based on a fire risk assessment. They also have to implement, monitor and maintain all fire safety measures, as well as provide instruction and training to staff.

Part of the required training should cover evacuation procedures. You should be made aware of what an intermittent fire alarm means in your workplace. If not, you should seek out the responsible person or their fire wardens (people appointed to assist with fire safety duties) for clarification.

Fire alarms are needed for more than compliance.

Fire alarms save lives. When a fire breaks out, every second counts. Alarm systems are the fastest, most reliable way to detect fires and alert people to evacuate.

Fire alarms also protect property and assets. Systems can either alert emergency services directly or warn occupants to do so, meaning firefighters are on the scene as fast as possible. A rapid evacuation also allows emergency services to access the building and tackle the blaze as quickly as possible.

Any harm or property damage caused by a fire will force a shutdown. Early detection and response can prevent a small fire from escalating so operations can continue with minimal disruption. This continuity is vital for hospitals or care facilities where people rely on their services.

However, these outcomes are only achievable if everyone on-site recognises and responds appropriately to the alarm.

The reasons for an intermittent fire alarm depend on your system. An intermittent tone on a battery-powered (or mains-powered with battery backup) smoke alarm indicates an error. It will likely need a new battery or other maintenance.

An intermittent tone on a fire alarm is a warning. It alerts you that a fire has broken out somewhere in the building, and you must follow the agreed-upon evacuation procedures.

However, intermittent doesn’t mean the same as inconsistent. If the alarm pattern isn’t regular, it may signal a fault. You should still assume there is a fire unless told otherwise by a duty holder. The responsible person should check the alarm system and arrange repairs as necessary.

An intermittent fire alarm can mean different things in different workplaces. You should ask your responsible person or fire warden to clarify.

However, whatever the specific meaning, an intermittent tone is still a warning. It’s typically alerting you to a fire in an adjacent building area, although this can vary.

So, if you hear an intermittent fire alarm, be on guard. You may need to report the fire alarm to a fire warden or colleagues nearby, then evacuate or remain in place.

However, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Unless you’re sure, treat an intermittent fire alarm as a general warning to evacuate the building:

• Leave your personal belongings
• Close fire doors as you leave to prevent the spread of flames and smoke
• Follow instructions and take cues from your fire wardens
• Gather at the agreed assembly points

These are general steps to an emergency evacuation. The actual process may differ for your workplace. Refer to the General Emergency Evacuation Plan (GEEP) for instructions if you’re unsure. GEEPs should be clearly posted in buildings like hospitals where visitors are often on-site.

If you’re a hospital employee, you may also have to refer to a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP). PEEPs are written for individuals who cannot evacuate unassisted, so they’re common in hospitals and care homes.

Always evacuate as calmly and safely as possible. Follow the agreed plan and listen to your fire wardens.

Fire wardens should also be trained to use fire extinguishers. They can put out small fires blocking your safe exit.

If you’re evacuating without supervision from a fire warden, avoid handling an extinguisher. Tackling even a small fire is dangerous, and using the wrong extinguisher or technique can make the situation worse. Only risk using an extinguisher yourself in critical situations where no one trained is available.

• Fire alarms are crucial safety devices that save lives and protect property.
• Intermittent fire alarms can signal different issues but should generally be treated as an evacuation warning.
• Follow your workplace’s evacuation plan in the event of an alarm.
• Regular maintenance and checks of all fire safety measures by the responsible person ensure reliability and are a legal requirement.
• Training employees in fire safety duties, such as fire extinguisher inspections, can save costs and improve workplace safety.

The responsible person must check and maintain all fire safety measures, such as alarms, fire doors and firefighting equipment. For complex fire alarm systems, it’s best to hire a professional consultant. However, training employees to handle other fire safety duties can reduce costs and admin.

Our online Fire Extinguisher Training in Inspection covers legal requirements and inspection procedures for all types of extinguishers. It develops the ability to conduct thorough and compliant fire extinguisher inspections, ensuring all equipment is functional and ready for use. An intermittent fire alarm is a warning. An intermittent extinguisher spray is a disaster.