Hotel fire evacuation

[PatB]

Hi We have an investigation time of 4 mins programmed into the system, allowing time to investigate however we now only have one receptionist (a lone worker) on duty at night and have been told to reprogram the system to go into full evacuation at this time, that is with a single person on duty they must stay at the panel after calling the fire brigade if no answer from the room.

Is this a law or guidance ?

 

 

[AnthonyB]

Told by who? Investigation periods of up to 6 minutes are acceptable within BS5839-1 for the fire alarm system and with the category of fire alarm and amount of fire resisting construction is not unreasonable to accept in a fire risk assessment.

Check the local brigades  Automatic Fire Alarm policy - although sleeping risk at night should get an automatic response on call only they may require evidence of a fire other than the alarm activation first.

Nothing so exact is 'law' as the legislation simply sets broad functional requirements, not prescriptive detail - the fire risk assessment is the main driver to determine necessary measures.