Why are they so many false alarms in the Main Building?
A10 There are no ‘false’ alarms. All alarms are real and must be responded to. Some are ‘unwanted’ – set off by system faults, dust, steam, malicious pranks etc. This is the penalty of occupying a large building with a fire detection system that provides a high degree of protection for its occupants. Having lots of smoke detectors does mean an increased exposure to ‘unwanted’ alarms but every effort is made by Estates and the Safety Office to keep these to a minimum via managing builders and servicing the system and over a normal year there are generally fewer than 6 ‘unwanted’ alarms at Malet Street. The thought to maintain is, “If the alarm sounds – leave and be safe. If it’s not a ‘real’ fire – be thankful”.
