Any businesses that are physically located in any building or facility cannot do business without an alarm system that is properly mounted and functioning. These systems are designed to notify the occupants of a building so that they can evacuate the building in a safe and timely fashion. Many of these systems are also connected to the local authorities, like the fire department. Services will be dispatched if an unfortunate event, like a fire, happens.

It's very important that a company works closely with the local fire department to ensure that the fire alarms are functioning properly and have all the updates needed for it to function properly. It sometimes does happen that a company decides to make changes to their alarm system for several reasons, one being for added security. A company cannot make these changes without carefully considering a few options. Below are some examples of various changes that can be made and things that need to be considered.

Modifications to Alarms

Modifications can be defined as any changes that are made to an existing alarm system. If changes like these occur to the ASE or Alarm Signaling Equipment, a registered building surveyor needs to approve these changes. Changes to an existing system could include:

• Changing the physical location or position of detectors – A company may need to perform some renovations to the office space and it may require them to change the physical location of the detectors or even temporarily remove them completely.

• Changing the types of detectors – It's possible that a company decides to change the technology that is being used. A company may decide to change from a conventional system to one that offers a 2 wire alarm system.

• Adjusting the monitoring status of inputs – A decision is sometimes made to change monitoring service or to a new monitoring company.

Disconnecting Alarms

When any alarms need to be disconnected, a building permit is needed from a building surveyor that is registered. The company then has to notify their monitoring company with a formal written request to disconnect. They must also include a copy of the permit. This procedure has to be followed for both permanent and temporary disconnections. The insurance company should also be notified. Disconnections could include the following:

• Building is not being occupied – This is to ensure that the facility or building is being made secure.

• Renovations need to be made to the whole building – It's possible that a whole building needs to undergo renovations. This cannot be controlled but proper notification must be sent.

Isolations

Isolations occur when circuits or zones for an alarm system are isolated for a minimal period of time. A Remote or Site ASE are the two possible types. A Site ASE will affect the entire ASE for a period of 10 to 12 hours. This is usually used when there is maintenance to be performed or if a check needs to be done on the system. A Remote ASE will affect the system for a maximum of 24 hours. When isolations occur, the following should be done:

• Put notices on all entrances.

• Choose a representative to work with fire services should any emergencies occur.

• Advise all the people occupying the building.

• Provide a main number for emergencies.

• Provide security during this time.

These are the procedures that should be followed if any forms of changes are made to existing alarm systems. As mentioned above, having a good functioning alarm is vital. If any fire issues occur, it should notify not only the occupants of the building, but the proper authorities. Failure to follow these procedures could cause some major legal issues for a company. There are similar procedures that need to be followed for installing cheap cctv systems and burglar alarm kits, but that will probably be covered in a separate article.