31.1 Commentary

1. Misconception:

● False alarms are often thought to result from equipment faults, but most arise from environmental factors, fire-like phenomena, human error, and accidental damage.

2. Categories of False Alarms:

● Unwanted Alarms: Due to non-equipment factors.

● Equipment False Alarms: Due to equipment malfunctions.

● Malicious False Alarms: From intentional actions.

● False Alarms with Good Intent: From genuine but incorrect belief of a fire.

3. Importance of Accurate Records:

● Accurate categorization of false alarms in records is crucial for effective investigation and action.

31.2 Recommendations

When recording false alarms, users should include the category of the alarm if known. If the cause is uncertain, it should be recorded as "unknown" to avoid incorrect assumptions about equipment faults.[see 30.2h)]

31 Categories of false alarms