In an effort to minimise unnecessary callouts, firefighters in Scotland are to ignore automatic fire alarms in commercial premises.

Since 2015, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says it has responded annually to an average of 28,000 unwanted fire alarm signals, adding that automatic fire alarms installed in commercial premises are regularly triggered by cooking fumes, dust, or a general lack of maintenance, rather than signaling a fire-related event.

According to Gallagher, while workplace safety is paramount, false alarms carry a significant impact on the Scottish economy, often requiring up to nine fire crew members and two fire engines to be mobilised for a non-existent threat. The new policy will allow Scotland’s firefighters to ignore automatic alarms. If an alarm is activated in the workplace ‘duty holders’ responsible for fire safety will be expected conduct a thorough investigation to confirm if there is a fire or a sign of fire before calling 999. Once the fire is confirmed, then only will the operations control staff will send any firefighters.

Gallagher says this change has been backed by a public consultation and will bring Scotland into line with most other UK fire and rescue services. However, hospitals, residential care homes, and places that are deemed ‘sleeping risk’ will be exempted from this change and the SFRS will still check these facilities irrespective of whether the alarm was real or false.

The policy change comes into effect on 1 July 2023, covering a range of commercial premises including factories, offices, shops, museums, and leisure facilities. SFRS have encouraged premises to ensure that appropriate fire safety procedures are in place and fit for purpose before the change comes into effect.

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