“Misuse of fire extinguishers, such as theft or tampering, poses risks and can render them unavailable during emergencies.”
Life safety equipment plays a vital role in safeguarding people and property within buildings. However, this equipment is often at risk of misuse, accidental damage, theft, and vandalism, which can undermine its effectiveness during emergencies. Since 1980, Safety Technology International (STI) has been developing solutions to protect life safety equipment through its Stopper® Line. This article examines the challenges associated with unprotected safety equipment and how STI’s products address these issues.
The importance of protecting life safety equipment
False fire alarms pose significant problems for emergency services and building occupants. Accidental and malicious activations of manual call points lead to unnecessary evacuations and strain emergency resources. In England, for the year ending March 2024, there were 15,563 false fire alarms due
to accidental and careless activation of devices like manual call points, and 3,019 false alarms caused by malicious activations.
Industry standards recommend measures to reduce false alarms. BS 5839-1:2017 advises that all manual call points should be fitted with protective covers that must be moved to gain access to the activation element. This measure can significantly reduce
accidental and malicious activations. Following these recommendations in 2017, malicious false fire alarms in England fell by 12%.
STI offers protective covers designed to prevent false fire alarms. These covers provide a barrier that deters accidental activation while allowing quick access in emergencies. Some
models include a built-in sounder that emits a local alarm when the cover is lifted, discouraging misuse. The covers are available in various configurations suitable for different environments, including indoor and outdoor settings. By implementing protective covers on manual call points, organisations can reduce the frequency of false alarms. This helps conserve emergency service resources and maintains occupant confidence in the fire alarm system.
Enhancing emergency exit door safety
Emergency exit doors are crucial for safe evacuation during emergencies. However, they are often misused by being propped open, used for unauthorised entry, or locked to prevent theft, compromising escape routes and potentially violating regulations. Regulatory guidelines emphasise that emergency exits must be easily and immediately operable by anyone who may need to use them in an emergency. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 specifies that emergency doors must not be locked or fastened in a way that impedes escape.
To address this issue, STI developed the Exit Stopper®, a door alarm designed to prevent unauthorised use of emergency exits. When the protected door is opened, the alarm emits a loud warning signal, alerting staff or security personnel. The device features deterrent messages on its faceplate, reminding that the door is for emergency use only.
The Exit Stopper® is easy to install and can be configured for various applications. It helps maintain building security by preventing unauthorised exits or entries while ensuring that emergency exits remain accessible when needed. By safeguarding escape routes, organisations can comply with regulations and enhance overall safety.
"Fire doors are effective only when closed, yet 64% of premises inspected by the Fire Service had improperly propped-open fire doors."
Fire door compliance and protection measures
It is common for fire doors to be improperly held open, compromising their purpose. Statistics indicate that a significant number of premises have issues with fire doors being wedged open; for instance, 64% of premises visited by the Fire Service had improperly propped-open fire doors.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 assigns responsibility for fire safety to a “Responsible Person” within the organisation, who must ensure that fire doors are regularly checked and maintained. Failure to comply can result in legal action, fines, or imprisonment. In 2010, a landlord was fined and jailed after a tenant nearly died in a blaze, partly due to fire
doors being wedged open.
STI provides monitoring devices like the Exit Stopper. This device alerts when a fire door is opened or left open, emitting an audible warning to prompt closure. Some models allow for adjustable delays, accommodating situations where the door needs to remain open briefly for operational reasons.
By installing these monitoring devices, organisations can prevent the improper use of fire doors, maintaining the integrity of fire compartments and reducing the potential spread of fire and smoke. It also aids in meeting regulatory requirements and avoiding legal consequences.
Preventing Fire Extinguisher Misuse and Theft
Fire extinguishers are essential for immediate response to small fires. However, they are often subject to misuse, theft, or neglect. Improper handling can render extinguishers unavailable during emergencies or cause malfunction. Regulations require that fire extinguishers be readily accessible and properly maintained. Misuse can lead to legal penalties. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates that appropriate firefighting equipment must be provided where there is any risk of fire.
Despite advice that extinguishers should be mounted on walls or placed in stands to discourage movement, they are frequently moved or used improperly. Misuse can pose risks to the environment and nearby individuals. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 makes the misuse of an extinguisher in the workplace an offense that can result in prosecution.
"Since 1980, STI has focused on practical, effective solutions to safeguard life safety equipment in diverse settings."
STI’s Extinguisher Stopper® provides a solution to protect fire extinguishers from misuse and theft. The device consists of a tamper-proof alarm that activates when the extinguisher is moved from its designated position. A PVC-coated metal cable secures the extinguisher, and removing it triggers a loud alarm of 95/105 dB.
The Extinguisher Stopper® serves as both a deterrent and an alert system. It leaves the extinguisher accessible for emergencies but discourages unauthorized use. In the event of a real fire, the alarm can act as a pre-alarm, notifying others before the main alarm system activates. The compact design allows easy mounting next to a vulnerable extinguisher, and a deactivation cable is provided for servicing.
Recent updates to the Extinguisher Stopper® include universal sound symbols for global recognition and space for language labels, accommodating different regions.
Streamlining Maintenance for Life Safety Equipment
Regulatory frameworks often mandate routine checks and upkeep of life safety equipment. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 specifies that the “Responsible Person” must ensure that equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.
STI’s products are designed to support maintenance efforts. Many devices include features that simplify servicing, such as deactivation mechanisms that allow for inspection without triggering alarms. Some models offer wireless options for remote monitoring, providing real-time status updates and alerts when maintenance is required. By incorporating these solutions, organizations can streamline maintenance processes, ensure compliance with regulations, and reduce the likelihood of equipment failure.
For over four decades, STI has been dedicated to developing products that protect life safety equipment. The Stopper® Line represents a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges associated with safeguarding these devices. The range includes protective solutions for manual call points, emergency exit doors, fire doors, and fire extinguishers.
By focusing on practical solutions that prevent misuse, theft, and accidental damage, STI contributes to creating safer environments. The company’s products are designed to be easy to install, effective, and adaptable to different settings. STI continues to develop new solutions and respond to new safety challenges, ensuring that life safety equipment remains protected.
Protecting life safety equipment is essential for ensuring the safety of building occupants and compliance with regulations. Challenges such as misuse, theft, vandalism, and accidental damage can compromise the effectiveness of safety devices during emergencies. STI’s Stopper® Line offers practical solutions to these challenges. From protective covers for manual call points to alarms for emergency exit doors, fire doors, and fire extinguishers, the products are designed to maintain the integrity and availability of life safety equipment. STI’s ongoing commitment reflects the importance of safeguarding the equipment that protects lives.
For more information, contact us at +44 (0)1527 520 999, email us at info@sti-emea.com, or visit www.sti-global.com.
