STANDARD OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
SECTION: - WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY / ISSUE: 2
DATE: 15/6/13
PAGE1of 2
SOP – 521 USE OF FIRE INDICATOR PANEL (FIP) aka FIRE ALARM
Approved by Operations Controller: - (Signature)
- Introduction
This document is to provide guidelines for procedures to be followed when the Fire Indicator Panel (FIP), otherwise known as The Fire Alarm, is activated.
- References
Fire Alarm Control Panel instruction manual.
3.Detailed Information
3.1The Fire Control Panel complies with the relevant building codes in Queensland and, thus, the installation of this unit ensures VMR Southport is meeting relevant fire regulation requirements.
3.2The Fire Indicator Panel (FIP) is located on the wall in the walkway between the Operations and AdministrationBuildings and is labelled F I P. The alarm system services both buildings.
3.3A series of smoke and heat detectors are positioned in both buildings to detect smoke and heat should there be a fire. The detectors must never be covered or fouled in any way. The buildings are further isolated into four (4) zones.
3.4The FIP is contained inside another metal box and both boxes should remain locked at all times. The key for the external metal box is attached and hanging to the outside of the box for ready use. The key to the internal FIP is to be kept IN the lock at all times.
3.5For the effective use of this panel, all members are required to only know how to de-activate and reset the alarm should it sound.
3.6The only area all members are required to know how to operate on the control panel is the small box labelled FIREFIGHTER FACILITY.
3.7In the event of the fire alarm activating, a loud alarm will be sounded throughout the Base speaker system. The red strobe light on top of the FIP will flash. Using hanging key, open external metal box. A red flashing light will appear next to the zone in which the detector has activated and a constant red light will appear in the FIREFIGHTER FACILITY box under ALARM. A picture showing the whereabouts of each zone is located on the door of the main metal cabinet, eg Zone 4 – AdminBuilding.
3.7.1Immediately on hearing the fire alarm and accessing the FIP, the ACK button should be pushed. This acknowledges that the alarm has been heard and the audible alarm will change tone, but still remain loud. The red strobe light on top the metal box will remain flashing.
3.7.2At this point, if safe to do so and fire is not obvious, member should proceed to the zone indicated on the FIP. The activated detector will have a constant red light showing on the bottom of the unit. If smoke and heat is obvious, follow the Base Evacuation Procedure (SOP500). If smoke or heat is not apparent, return to the FIP and press the ISOLATE button under the WARNING SYSTEM heading. The alarm will cease sounding.
3.7.3To reset the alarm, again press the ISOLATE switch and then press the RESET button under the FAULT heading.
3.7.4At this point, one of two things will happen – the FIP will either reset or the alarm will re-activate.
- If the FIP resets, a green power button will appear in the top left corner of the screen and the box can be closed and locked.
- If the alarm re-activates, recheck the zone to be double sure no problem exists. If still no problem is evident, reset the board again and if it again re-alarms, immediately contact the phone number on the outside door of the box or the Operations Controller for further instructions.
3.8Any time the FIP is activated, an entry must be recorded in the LOG BOOK which is stored in the bottom of the metal box. The Operations Controller must also be notified.
The FIP will regularly electronically test itself for faults and the Fire Company will maintain a service schedule for this system.
*** REMEMBERThis technology is a potential life saving device.
PLEASE DO NOT ABUSE IT.