False Alarm Study of Smoke Detectors in Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCS)

摘要

A study of 133 VA Medical Centers (VAMC) out of a total of 172 throughout the U.S. coupled with visits to 20 facilities was conducted to gather data on false alarms of smoke detectors. Data collected included name of the detector manufacturer and model number, control unit manufacturer and model number, number and type of detectors installed, where installed, number of false and real alarms for preceding year, date of installation, and policies on smoking, testing, cleaning, and maintenance. VAMC personnel involved with the installations were requested to indicate the maximum level of false alarms that could be tolerated and to provide any recommendations to reduce their occurrence. The study included a total of approximately 37,000 system type smoke detectors of which 69% were of ionization (ion) type and 31% photoelectric, 3000 duct detectors (90% ion and 10% photo), and 1100 smoke detector modules (80% ion and 20% photo) integral with door holder closers. Also included are approximately 100 single station smoke alarms. Analysis of data collected from operating facilities through forms, site visits, and staff interviews resulted in a series of recommendations which could result in a substantial reduction in observed false alarms.