The Role of Human Factors in the Effectiveness of Fire Alarm Systems

Abstract

Fire alarm systems have undoubtedly become a major safety factor in today's facilities. Innovative solutions offered by fire alarm developers and manufacturers, together with mature regulations, create the possibility to provide the highest possible level of active fire protection, thus increasing the fire safety of the whole building. However, despite the wide range of technical solutions, it should be remembered that these devices are designed, installed and operated by people, and the ultimate aim of fire alarm is to warn people of a fire so that they can leave the building as quickly as possible. The human factor is crucial at several stages of the installation and operation of fire detection systems. The aim of our research is to investigate the role of human factors by means of questionnaire research, focusing on two affected groups. The two affected groups are the operators of the fire alarm control panels and the people occupying the building who must be evacuated in the event of a fire.