EN
4
Call the fire brigade from a neighbor’s house or
mobile phone. Remember to give your name and
address.
5
NEVER
re-enter a burning house.
Alarm limitations
Limitations of smoke alarms
While smoke alarms are extremely effective, independent authorities have stated
that under some circumstances they may become ineffective. There are a number of
reasons for this:
Smoke alarms will not work if the batteries are depleted or if they are not correctly
installed. Replace the batteries if necessary. Also, check the replace by date on the
side of the alarm.
Smoke alarms will only work when sufficient smoke reaches the alarm. Smoke may
be prevented from reaching the alarm if the fire is too far away, for example, if the
fire is on another floor, behind a closed door, in a chimney, in a wall cavity, or if the
prevailing air drafts carry the smoke or heat away. Installing smoke alarms on both
sides of closed doors and installing more than one alarm as recommended by code,
may significantly improve the probability of early detection.
The smoke alarms may not be heard due to other loud noise, hearing impairment, etc.
A smoke alarm may not wake a person who has taken drugs or alcohol.
Certain types of fires may be difficult to detect in time to provide sufficient early
warning. Examples include; fires caused by smoking in bed, gas leaks, explosions,
poor storage of flammable rags and/or liquids, for example, fuels, paint, paint
thinner, etc., overloaded electrical circuits, or children playing with matches.
Current studies have shown that smoke alarms may not awaken all sleeping individuals.
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It is the responsibility of individuals in the household who are capable of assisting
others, to provide assistance to those who may not be awakened by the alarm sound,
or to those who may be incapable of safely escaping the area unassisted.
Limitations of heat alarms
There are various situations where a heat alarm may not be effective:
Fires where the victim is directly exposed to flame for example; clothes catching fire
while cooking.
Fires where the heat is prevented from reaching the heat alarm due to a closed door
or other obstruction.
Incendiary fires where the fire grows so rapidly that an occupant’s egress is blocked
even with properly located heat alarms.
Limitations of radio signals
This alarm is very reliable and is tested to high standards. However, due to its relatively
low transmitting power and limited radio range there are some limitations to consider:
Receivers may be blocked by radio signals occurring on or near their operating
frequencies, regardless of the radio settings.
Radio transceiver equipment should be tested regularly, at least weekly. This is to
determine, whether there are sources of interference preventing communication,
that the radio paths have not been disrupted by moving furniture or renovations,
and so generally protect against these and other faults.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause interference to
radio and television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause interference, which can
be verified by turning the device on and off, the user is encouraged to eliminate it by
one or more of the following measures:
Re-orientate or re-locate the unit.
Increase the distance between the smoke alarm and the device being affected.
Consult the supplier or an experienced radio/television technician.
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Summary of Contents for BE1284
Page 1: ...BE1284 ...
