Fire Alarm Log Books

Fire Alarm Log Books

Fire Log Books are a great way to ensure that managers of buildings meet the requirements of Health & Safety and Fire Safety regulation.

The new Fire Log Books which are on the market offer a basic guide for company management and in conjunction with guidelines laid down in the Fire management Plan are aimed at reducing the risk of fire in the workplace.

Within the Fire Log Book are various sections detailing measures which should be taken reduce the fire risk in a workplace.  These sections are as follows:-

·       Frequency of Tests required for Fire Alarm & Detection Systems, Emergency Lighting, Fire Equipment, Hose Reels, Fire Exit Doors, Sprinklers, Fire Training and Means of Escape, Fire Signage & Notices.

·       The requirements for Portable Fire Equipment including Fire Extinguishers & Hose Reels. The fire log book includes a section to list the locations of the equipment and a log the weekly checks of the equipment and any faults found.

·       The requirements for the Fire Alarm & Detection System Equipment including a section for recording the location of call points to be tested on the weekly test and a log section for recording the Fire Alarm & Detection equipment test records.

·       The requirements for the Means of Escape from the building including fire signage and notices.  Including a monthly inspection log of the escape routes, fire doors and fire exit doors.

·       A log for Fire Safety Training where the fire training record carried out can be recorded and dated.

·       A section for recording Fire Safety Evacuation Drills including the date of the drill, type of drill, evacuation time, person / department receiving drill and any observations made by the drill instructor.

·       A section detailing the test records for the Emergency Lighting system including a section to record faults and action which is needed to rectify the faults.

·       A section to record electrical installation and equipment inspections.

·       A final section showing a blank company hot work permit to be completed whenever hot work is carried out.

Key point of Fire Alarm / Building Inspection Log Book

·        Fire Alarm Daily Entries

·        Central Station On/Off Line Log

·        Activated Alarm Entries

·        Notification Entries

·        Fire Alarm Events/Tests

·        Elevator Testing Instructions

·        Monthly Elevator Testing Login

·        Exit Lights, Signs & Fire Extinguishers

·        Monthly Generator Log

·        Smoke Control Systems

·        Smoke and Heat Vents

·        Annual Component Inspections

·        Annual Inspections

·        Defect Log

·        NFPA Inspection, Testing & Maintenance

·        Semi-Annual Inspections:

    ·        Manual Pull Stations

    ·        Public Address System

    ·        Alarm/Strobe Signal

    ·        Floor Warden Phones

    ·        Fail-Safe Release

·        Annual Inspections:

    ·        Arm Bands and Vests

    ·        Photoluminescent Signs

Combination Fire Safety / EAP Log Book

·        Daily Fire Safety/EAP Director Log

·        Drills & Training

·        Emergency Action Plan – Related Events

·        Drills & Training Sessions

·        Fire Safety / Emergency Action Plan Onsite Practical

·        Test & Plan Reviews & Amendments

·        Voluntary EAP Full Building Evacuation Drills

·        Fire Protection System Contractors

·        Reference Material

Sprinkler and Standpipe Inspection Record Book

·        Weekly & Monthly Fire Pump Testing

·        Annual Fire Pump Testing

·        Water Storage Tank

·        Monthly Sprinkler Inspection Record

·        Monthly Standpipe Inspection Record

·        Sprinkler and Standpipe Deficiencies Record

·        Standpipe 3 and 5 year Tests

·        National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Inspections, Testing and Maintenance

Fire Safety Plan Log Book

·        Daily Fire Safety Director Log

·        Fire Safety and Evacuation Drills

·        Fire Safety and Evacuation Training

·        Fire Safety Plan Onsite Practical Test

·        Fire Safety Plan Reviews & Amendments

·        Fire Protection System Contractors

·        Reference Materials

After Hours Fire Guard Log Book

·        Log Book Inspection Report and Notification

·        After-Hours Fire Guard Checklist

·        Standpipe, Exits, Trash Accumulation

·        Fire Extinguishers, Ignition Sources

·        Sidewalk Sheds

·        Contraband, Shanty Inspections

·        Fire Alarm Stations, Sprinkler System

Homeless Shelter Drills & Training Record

·        Daily Coordinator Fire Safety / Alarm Systems Log

·        Homeless Shelter Drills – Fire & Emergency

·        Preparedness (FEP) Staff Training – Emergency

·        Preparedness Plan Reviews & Amendments

Smoke Detector Maintenance Record

·        Semi Annual Smoke Detector Cleaning

·        Annual Sensitivity Test Records

·        Smoke Detector Repair or Replacement Records

Without a fire alarm system that has been properly designed, installed, upgraded, and in working order, your occupants may have far less time to evacuate during an emergency and may be at a much higher risk of injury. SSA Integrate is that partner. Whether you’re planning a retrofit, or new construction, our expert engineers can help. We assist engineers, architects, contractors, and building owners in creating design packages that meet regulatory requirements, leverage the latest technology, and are as cost-effective as possible.

Fire Alarm System Design, Installation & Upgrade Programs We Offer:

·        Complete Design Drawings, Including Specifications and Calculations

·        Professional Engineering Review

·        AHJ Filing Services

·        Project Management

·        System Commissioning

·        Witness Acceptance Testing

·        System Upgrades

·        System Monitoring / System Maintenance  

We offer equipment from today’s leading manufacturers, including:

·        Edwards

·        Autronica

·        GST

·        Cooper

·        BOSCH

·        Apollo

·        Ravel

·        ESSER

·        Notifier

·        Morley IAS

·        Cerberus Pyrotronics

 

Visible Notification – One Strobe or Four?

Visible Notification – One Strobe or Four? 

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, covers notification requirements in Chapter 18.     Audible notification (horns, speakers, chimes) are performance based. NFPA 72 requires 15dBA above average ambient for public mode notification but does not state specific device spacing or sound level requirements. As long as the minimum sound level requirements are met, the code is not concerned with how many devices are used or how they are spaced to meet the requirements.

Visible notification requirements in Chapter 18 are prescriptive. Using the tables in Chapter 18, the design determines strobe candela intensity requirements based the location of the strobe (wall or ceiling) and size of the room. If wall mount strobes are used, candela requirements are based on whether one or four strobes are used. If ceiling mount strobes are used, candela requirements are based on ceiling height.

Examples of the tables are below:

Since the Code permits multiple methods of achieving the visible notification requirements, it becomes the designer’s decision of what method to use.  

Let’s take a sample room – 50’ x 50’.  According to the tables, our options are using 1 or 4 wall mount strobes, or one ceiling mount strobe. If we use wall mount, we can use 4 – 30cd strobes, or 1-94cd strobe. If we use ceiling mount, we 1-95cd strobe for a ceiling up to 30 feet.

If the designer considers labor costs, it basically costs four times the labor to install 4 wall mount strobes, versus 1 wall or ceiling mount. The counter-argument may be that 30cd strobes have a lower current draw than a 94/95cd strobe.

However, a single strobe (wall or ceiling mount) may be the most economical option. Here’s why:
A typical 30cd strobe draws around 75ma, and since four are required, the total draw to cover the room is 300ma (4 x 75ma). However, a single 95cd strobe draws around 150ma. Single wall mount strobe at 95cd draws half the current of 4 – 30cd strobes and requires one-quarter the labor (1 device vs. 4) to install.
The above example also works for a single ceiling mount strobe as well. A 50’ x 50’ room requires a 95cd ceiling mount strobe for a ceiling up to 30’. The typical current draw of a 95cd ceiling strobe is around 175ma. More than a wall mount, but still significantly less than 4-30cd wall mount strobes.

Edwards Genesis LED G4 Series horns and LED strobes feature a sleek low profile design and energy-efficient technology that makes them less expensive to install and operate by reducing overhead. Field-configurable sound output levels provide the flexibility modern life safety projects demand, while the Genesis LED control protocol keeps multiple strobes on compatible NAC circuits synchronized to well within NFPA 72 requirements. Operating current for Horns is 18-20mA. SSA Integrate is authorized to provide service support of Edwards’s series panel with field devices.

Flame Detector Testing

Flame Detector Testing

Most fire detection technology focuses on detecting heat, smoke (particle matter) or flame (light) – the three major characteristics of fire. All of these characteristics also have benign sources other than fire, such as heat from steam pipes, particle matter from aerosols, and light from the sun. Other factors further confound the process of fire detection by masking the characteristic of interest, such as air temperature, and air movement.

In addition, smoke and heat from fires can dissipate too rapidly or accumulate too slowly for effective detection. In contrast, because flame detectors are optical devices, they can respond to flames in less than a second. This optical quality also limits the flame detector as not all fires have a flame. As with any type of detection method its use must match the environment and the risk within the environment.

Typical applications for optical flame detectors are;

§  Wherever highly combustible materials are involved

§  Where there is a need for instantaneous response to flame

§  Wherever unsupervised areas require automated fire protection

§  Where there is a large capital investment to be protected

Portable UV/IR Flame Detector Test Lamp

Examples of actual installations are;

§  Gasoline transport loading terminals

§  Pipeline pumping stations

§  Refineries

§  Aircraft hangers

§  Automotive paint spray booths

§  Munitions production facilities

§  Jet engine test cells

§  Offshore drilling and production platforms

Before starting the job, take the proper work permit and inform to all the respective departments. Then do force the respective logics or interlocks if any (like fire suppression systems activation etc)

§  Prior to testing of Flame Detector we should check LED Visibility of the Flame Detector. It should be blinking green. This can be seen on the flame Detector.

§  Check the + 24 Volts DC Supply of the Flame Detector between + and – terminal of the Flame Detector.

§  Take UV / IR Testing Torch for testing of Flame Detector.

§  Before applying UV / IR rays to the Flame Detector, clean the detectors display by cotton cloth. It should be always cleaned for detecting the UV / IR rays. Otherwise Fault LED indication appears.

§  Apply the UV /IR rays from UV / IR torch to the Flame detector.

§  Resolution can be adjusted for the torch for checking the detector from short and long distance.

§  After 3 seconds alarm appears and hooter is activated.

§  Flame detectors Red LED indication will be ON (steady Red).

§  Acknowledge the Flame detector’s alarm & silence the hooter.

§  Note down the alarm tag and descriptions from the HMI or workstation. The alarm details must match with the flame detector tag number and installed location.

§  Confirm the flame detector activation status from the respective graphics page. You have to visually identify the color change signals of the respective flame detector on the graphics.

§  Remove the UV / IR test torch.

§  Reset the alarm of the Flame Detector. Now Red LED Indication is off.

§  Now the Flame Detector is working OK and Green LED indication is blinking.

§  Repeat the above procedure for all the remaining flame detectors.

§  Normalize the forced interlocks or logics if any.

§  Close the work permit.

Note: The mentioned voltages, terminals, LED colors may vary as per the vendor or model of the Flame Detector.

Cybersecurity for Fire Alarm Systems

 Cybersecurity for Fire Alarm Systems

Active fire protection typically requires some sort of input, such as a person triggering a fire alarm. Where it is automatic, such as with sprinklers or alarms which detect smoke and fire, these systems are usually localised, operating only within a certain vicinity. To turn them off, you usually have to access a valve or control panel and make the change manually.

From cell phones to refrigerators, we live in an interconnected world. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects — such as cars, thermostats and watches — that have the ability to exchange data and interoperate with existing network infrastructure. They transmit data to manufacturers, owners or other devices, and can be sensed and controlled remotely. It provides us with real-time control and information from IoT-enabled products and systems.

Networked fire Alarm systems have a number of advantages over these traditional ones. If an alarm goes off, for instance, a networked system can tell you exactly where it is and when it was activated, giving you more information that you can use to take action. It can also allow you to link different parts of a building or site without running cables between them, and can allow you to operate it remotely, either to turn it off or for testing.  Today’s IoT smart buildings include two types of connected technologies: information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT).

Fire alarm control units, intrusion detection systems, mass notification systems and access control systems reside on the OT side usually managed by facilities operations. Both systems have vulnerabilities that commonly include equipment tampering as well as inside and outside threats. Firewalls and other cyber protection processes and devices can help mitigate the potential for a widespread attack and protect the individual components of the IT or OT systems. 

Cyber vulnerabilities can have a dramatic consequence if these products and systems are not properly protected. Building sensors can provide early detection of unwanted events such as intrusion or fire. Cameras are used for monitoring and remote surveillance that may communicate with alarm control units that can in turn provide information to end users and monitoring stations. Historically these products were hardwired, but technology has enabled us to communicate either wirelessly or wired through an IT infrastructure that is also linked to the internet. Electronic life safety and physical security infrastructures include emergency communications systems, fire alarm systems, alarm receiving systems, automated teller machine systems, access control systems, surveillance cameras, DVRs, NVRs and the like.

There are a variety of codes, standards and best practice guidelines that can help guide creation of a cybersecurity program. Fire alarm control units may include two types of software: executive software and site-specific software. These applications are covered by UL 864, the Standard for Safety of Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, and NFPA 72. Under part of UL 864, third-party certifiers execute and test the equipment’s software for integrity of normal operation. UL 5500, the & Standard for Safety for Remote Software Updates, covers best practices for software patches and updates. UL 5500 offers guidance on technical attributes necessary for the remote connection to smart devices and safe functionalities and securely executing remote software downloads. Most smart systems rely on the ability to update software remotely or onsite. UL 5500 applies to these applications in conjunction with the product’s end standard. To evaluate through tests, the cybersecurity of critically connected life safety and electronic physical security systems, Underwriters Laboratories has published UL 2900-2-3, the Standard for Software Cybersecurity for Network-Connectable Products, Part 2-3: Particular Requirements for Security and Life Safety Signaling Systems. This newest addition to the UL 2900 series of cybersecurity Standards was developed as a bi-national (U.S. and Canada) consensus Standard and with industry input. It provides a foundational set of cybersecurity performance and evaluation requirements that manufacturers of network connectable products can use to establish a baseline of cyber protection against known vulnerabilities, weaknesses and malware. UL 2900-2-3 was developed specifically for security and life safety equipment and systems. It is a testable standard (not limited to audit-based investigations) applicable to IoT connected equipment such as fire alarm control units, mass notification systems, access control equipment and smoke alarms. For UL 2900-2-3, a three-tiered security approach was developed with an increasing level of security requirements for each tier.

The National Fire Protection Association (NPFA) Code 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) describes reacceptance testing of equipment and systems when site-specific or executive software changes have been made and the equipment is commissioned and already in use. Site specific software update requires a 100% test of all functions known to be affected by the change. Currently, 10% of initiating devices that are not directly affected by the change (up to 50 devices) must be tested to verify correct system operation and a record of completion must be kept. These commonsense requirements help ensure full integrity of software changes. However, it would be challenging for any end user or code authority to directly verify that the software changes did not affect the integrity or operation of the system or equipment without additional testing or investigation. Third-party validation, reconfirmation and field testing is crucial. The work on the 2022 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code is at the halfway point. The work on the first draft has been completed. In NFPA 72 2022 edition cybersecurity has been added. This is in addition to requirements to be added to 72 addressing cybersecurity that will be included in a new Chapter 11 and references the associated Annex J to address cybersecurity guidance. The Technical Committee on Fundamentals has been tasked with the development of the new chapter on cybersecurity. This chapter is still in development and will not be finalized until the second draft meeting to be held later this year. There is a task group made up of members from a number of the technical committees that are working on the requirements for cybersecurity.

At the time of the first draft this was still located in Chapter 10. At the close of the first draft, the following text was added:

Systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with one or more of the following cybersecurity standards:

(1) ANSI/ISA-62443 Series

(2) NIST Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Version 1.1

(3) UL 2900 Series

(4) or other standards accepted by the authority having jurisdiction.

This is not the final version.

I recommend the use of the EST4, which is an industrial or commercial life safety system with a firewall solution from EDWARDS. The EST4 Life Safety System is a state-of-the-art system with a firewall built to add several layers of protection to your systems. The EST4 comes with a 4-FWAL firewall, which blocks all traffic not needed for EST4 operation. It also features impenetrable 256 bit AES encryption securing the traffic through the EST4, including emails and communication with fire operation centres.  At SSA Integrate are ready for migration from EST3 to EST4 without changes of field component, with minimising financial impact.

 

Conclusion 

In today’s connected world, the variety of available devices offers numerous points of entry for cyberattacks. Now is the time for software developers and manufacturers to understand a system's vulnerabilities and to harden their product against cyberattacks. Verifying that alarm systems meet appropriate standards can help ensure the performance and reliability of a product’s software to decrease downtime and mitigate cyber risks. A safety system with a firewall is the most viable solution for this problem. A firewall is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution able to protect a fire alarm system and its IT infrastructure from unauthorized access.

If your Fire Alarm connect with IoT devices / Internet, then only your FACP is get entry for cyberattacks. If your FACP use as standalone basis or not connected with Internet any more than your FACP is completely safe for cyberattacks. In India most of FACP not connect with Internet so it’s safe from cyberattacks. Lots of customer having Control remotely Like: Two EST3 panel are in Kolkata, One EST3x in Bangalore & one EST3 in Delhi, Customer control via FireWorks all panel from Kolkata, in this case you must consider cyber security part for your estimate organization. Responsible System Integrator or OEM can’t offer you cyber vulnerable product.

Smoke Detector Testing

Smoke Detector Testing 

Requirements for testing of smoke detectors vary by country, the common need is for a functional test where smoke, or simulated smoke, is introduced through the vents of the detector to the sensor.

Functional testing is required by all national standards around the world, including BS: 5839, DIN 14675 and NFPA 72. BS:5839-1 which, at its last update, stated: “Multi-sensor fire detectors should be physically tested by a method that confirms that products of combustion in the vicinity of the detector can reach the sensors and that the appropriate response is confirmed at CIE.” (45.4(j).  It highlights that each sensor on which a fire detection decision depends (e.g. smoke, heat, CO) should be physically tested individually. This means that functional testing needs to be carried out on both the smoke and heat sensors, this ultimately requires spending more time under each detector and on a site where multi-sensors are the dominant device, this can add significant time to a site visit.  In this situation access to an all-in-one test solution adds real value, not only does it mean less time spent changing between testers but it also means less tools are required to be carried around site – reducing disruption and improving productivity.

A functional test should be carried out using an appropriate test tool which is designed for purpose and will cause no damage to the detector under test.

If you have standalone smoke detector, test the alarm monthly. Replace the batteries at least once every year. Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years. Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. It can take a few seconds to begin, but a loud, ear-piercing siren should emanate from the smoke detector while the button is pressed. If the sound is weak or non-existent, replace your batteries. Most of Standalone detectors have either a blinking or a solid light that glows to let you know that the alarm is getting power. 

Before starting the testing job for 2wire / 4wire smoke detector, take the proper work permit and inform to all the respective departments / authority. Then do force the respective logics or interlocks if any (like fire suppression systems activation etc).

§  Prior to testing of Smoke detector see the LED status of the Smoke Detector it should be blinking red.

§  Check the voltage of the Smoke Detector, it should be + 30 Volts DC. This can be checked at the addressable base of the detector.

§  Now Smoke Detector is healthy and it is ready for testing.

§  Clean the Smoke Detector’s dust by cotton cloth and blower

§  Apply the aerosol spray to the Smoke Detector by solo Smoke detecting gun with the help of the Solo A10S/A5 aerosol bottle.

§  Keep applying aerosol spray for 10 seconds.

§  After 10 seconds LED status of the Smoke detector will change from the steady blinking red to steady red and after that alarm appears and hooter is activated on the fire alarm panel.

§  To silence the hooter press acknowledge key on the Fire Alarm Panel.

§  After alarm appears remove Smoke detecting test gun from Smoke Detector.

§  Note down the alarm tag and descriptions from the HMI or workstation. The alarm details must match with the smoke detector tag number and installed location.

§  Confirm the smoke detector activation status from the respective graphics page. You have to visually identify the colour change signals of the respective smoke detector on the graphics.

§  Reset the alarm of the Smoke detector from Fire Alarm Panel.

§  The LED status will change from steady red to blinking red.

§  Smoke Detector is now working normally.

§  Repeat the above procedure for all the remaining smoke detectors.

§  Normalize the forced interlocks or logics if any.

§  Close the work permit.

Note: The mentioned voltages or LED colors sequence may change as per the vendor or model of the smoke detectors. Solo Smoke Aerosols is approved all over the world, its Non-toxic & Silicone free. Solo smoke aerosols (used with the Solo 330/332 dispensers) deliver smoke particles to the detector under test replicating the conditions of smoke from a fire. Our range of smoke aerosols has recently increased to allow continued use of Solo 330/332 dispensers in full compliance with latest regulations.

BS:5839-1 as the example once again, the 2017 update to the standard covered this by stating: “For remotely situated or hard-to-access detection equipment, consideration needs to be given to the feasibility of testing and maintenance at the design stage.” (Clause 22.1).

Unique Formula Identifier (UFI), is a 16 character alphanumeric code which will soon be required to appear on the labelling of all products classified as hazardous by the ECHA. This new directive is designed to enable faster identification of product contents, with the UFI code used to detail the composition, product category and toxicological information of the product and enable faster reaction and treatment of potential harm.

UFI codes will become mandatory on relevant products across Europe from January 2021.

Do remember A10S is globally approved non-flammable UL listed product.