Manual call points

[Guest Jim Kent]

In an office building with an L1 alarm system (everywhere) is it mandatory to provide manual call points by Fire Exits? If so, can you explain why?

[AnthonyB]

Yes. In many cases a human can detect a fire quicker than an automatic detector (especially a heat detector) and it would cause a delay in raising the alarm with greater damage and risk if a fire was left to grow to a size where a detector activates.

Legislation has for over half a century required as a minimum a manual means of raising the alarm and all compliant fire alarm systems start with manual call points and sounders first and then only layer detection on as required.

Most premises actually don't legally require detection - your office, unless high rise or engineered, would only require call points, it's just common practice to throw in loads of detectors regardless or for property protection.

They need to be at each exit to a place of safety so you can't leave a building without passing one (& thus ensuring the alarm can be raised)

[Guest Jim Kent]

Thanks Anthony, your help is appreciated. Jim