Fire alarm strategy is a critical component of fire safety management in nursing homes. The choice between a one-stage and two-stage fire alarm system directly affects how staff respond to fire detection, how residents are protected, and how false alarms are managed.
This article examines the practical application of both strategies, their compliance with Irish Standard I.S. 3218:2024, and the specific advantages that a two-stage system offers in nursing home environments where residents may have limited mobility, cognitive impairment, or complex care needs.
Current Standards Reference
Fire detection and alarm systems in Ireland must comply with I.S. 3218:2024, which came into effect on 01 October 2024. This standard provides guidelines for planning, design, installation, commissioning, servicing, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems, including those used in residential and domestic purposes.
For nursing homes (classified as “residential institutional” buildings), I.S. 3218:2024 specifies that “phased evacuation can require at least a two-stage alarm system” and mandates addressable systems where accurate fire location information is critical to the evacuation process and safety of life.
Understanding Fire Alarm Strategies
Phased Evacuation
A system of evacuation in which different parts of the premises are evacuated in a controlled sequence of phases, with those parts of the premises expected to be at greatest risk being evacuated first.
Source: I.S. 3218:2024, Section 3 Definitions
In nursing homes, phased evacuation is the standard approach due to the presence of residents who require assistance to evacuate. Unlike office buildings where simultaneous evacuation is appropriate, nursing homes must manage evacuation in stages to ensure staff can safely assist residents with mobility limitations, cognitive impairment, or dependency on medical equipment.
One-Stage Fire Alarm Strategy
Immediate Full AlarmHow It Works
A one-stage fire alarm strategy provides a straightforward and immediate response to fire detection. When any detector activates, the full building alarm sounds immediately, initiating the evacuation process without delay.
Activation Triggers
Automatic detection in any zone, manual call point (MCP) activation, or activation of kitchen fire suppression, sprinkler, or fixed fire suppression systems.
Full Alarm Activation
Immediate full alarm throughout the building. All audible and visual alarm devices activate simultaneously.
Staff Response
Staff report to the nearest fire detection and alarm system (FDAS) panel to identify the zone and location of activation.
Evacuation Initiation
Phased evacuation begins immediately. Staff commence evacuation procedures according to the fire safety strategy.
False Alarm Protocol
- Staff at the FDAS panel reset the system once a false alarm is confirmed
- Evacuation halts upon confirmation of false alarm status
- Monitoring stations or Fire and Rescue Services notified if already dispatched
Two-Stage Fire Alarm Strategy
Staff Alarm + InvestigationHow It Works
A two-stage fire alarm strategy (also known as a “staff alarm” or “coincidence detection” system) is designed for larger or more complex buildings. It provides a controlled response to fire detection with an investigation period before escalating to a full building alarm.
First Knock (Staff Alarm)
Initial detector activation triggers a staff alarm only. This alerts trained staff to investigate the cause of activation.
Investigation Period
A defined investigation period (typically 2 minutes) begins. Staff proceed to the zone to determine if there is a genuine fire.
Second Knock (Full Alarm)
Full alarm activates if: a second detector activates, the investigation timer expires, or fire is confirmed via MCP activation.
Phased Evacuation
Upon full alarm, phased evacuation commences as per the one-stage strategy. Fire and Rescue Service is summoned.
Critical Requirement: Fire Service Notification
BS 5839-1 (Clause 19.2.2) and coroner recommendations following fatal care home fires establish that there should be no delay in summoning the Fire and Rescue Service, even when using a two-stage alarm system. The staff alarm stage should not delay the automatic notification to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) or fire service.
Phased Evacuation Process
Both one-stage and two-stage strategies utilise the same phased evacuation approach once the full alarm is activated. This process is designed to protect the most at-risk residents first while managing the safe movement of all occupants.
Room/Area of Origin
Immediate evacuation of the fire compartment where the fire has been detected
Place of Temporary Safety
Movement to an adjacent fire compartment or protected refuge area
Parts of the Centre
Progressive evacuation of additional areas as required by fire development
Total Evacuation
Complete evacuation of the entire building to final place of safety
Comparison: One-Stage vs Two-Stage Alarm Strategy
| Feature | One-Stage | Two-Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Initial response to detector activation | Full building alarm immediately | Staff alarm only (investigation period) |
| Investigation period | (typically 2 minutes) | |
| False alarm disruption | Higher (every activation causes full evacuation) | Lower (investigation can prevent unnecessary evacuation) |
| Staff training requirements | Standard fire safety training | Enhanced training for investigation procedures |
| Resident disturbance | Higher (frequent full alarms) | Lower (staff alarm is localised) |
| Fire service notification | Immediate | Immediate (no delay permitted) |
| System complexity | Lower | Higher (requires cause-and-effect programming) |
| Recommended for nursing homes | Smaller facilities (<10 beds) | Larger facilities (>10 beds) |
Advantages of Two-Stage Strategy in Nursing Homes
For nursing homes with dependent residents, the two-stage alarm strategy offers significant operational and safety benefits:
Controlled Response
The two-stage strategy allows for a measured approach to fire detection, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary full-scale evacuations.
This is crucial in nursing homes where residents may have limited mobility, dementia, or complex medical needs that make evacuation stressful and potentially harmful.
Reduced False Alarm Impact
The investigation period (First Knock) allows trained staff to assess the situation before escalating to a full alarm, minimising false alarm disruption.
Research shows that repeated false alarms can desensitise staff, potentially slowing their response during a genuine emergency.
Reduced Staff Fatigue
By minimising unnecessary evacuations, staff fatigue is reduced. Staff remain alert and responsive when genuine emergencies occur.
This is particularly important during night shifts when staffing levels are typically lower.
Efficient Resource Allocation
The investigation period allows for better allocation of emergency resources, ensuring that Fire and Rescue Services are dispatched only when necessary.
This reduces the burden on emergency services while maintaining resident safety.
Important: Fire Service Response
While the two-stage strategy allows staff to investigate before the general building alarm sounds, the fire signal to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) must not be delayed.
This requirement follows coroner recommendations after multiple fatalities in care homes where delays in summoning the Fire and Rescue Service contributed to loss of life. The staff investigation period is for internal assessment only and does not affect external notification.
Integration with Mechanical and Electrical Systems
Both one-stage and two-stage alarm strategies require coordination with the building’s mechanical and electrical systems. The fire detection and alarm system (FDAS) interfaces with ancillary systems to support safe evacuation:
Ventilation Deactivation
Automatic shutdown of HVAC systems
Smoke Control Activation
Smoke extraction or pressurisation systems
Gas Slam-Shut
Automatic isolation of gas supply
Door Release
Maglock release on fire doors
Lift Control
Lifts return to ground floor
Emergency Lighting
Activation of escape route lighting
The cause-and-effect configuration for these interfaces must be documented and tested as part of the commissioning process. I.S. 3218:2024 requires that all mandatory and ancillary devices, inputs, and outputs are programmed and verified as intended by the design.
Importance of Reporting to the Nearest Fire Panel
In both alarm strategies, staff must report to the nearest FDAS panel immediately upon alarm activation. The panel provides critical information for effective emergency response:
Speed of Response
By reporting to the nearest FDAS panel, staff can quickly identify the location of the fire, enabling a faster and more coordinated response.
Accurate Information
Immediate access to the FDAS panel provides accurate real-time information about the fire’s location and status, facilitating better decision-making during an emergency.
Minimising Evacuation Delays
Ensuring staff reports are promptly received helps execute the evacuation process without unnecessary delays, protecting residents’ lives.
Compliance with I.S. 3218:2024
Both one-stage and two-stage alarm strategies must comply with the requirements of I.S. 3218:2024. Key compliance areas include:
Addressable Systems Requirement
I.S. 3218:2024 states that “Where accurate information about the location of the fire is critical to the evacuation process and the safety of life (e.g. in health care premises, residential care homes, hospitals), then an addressable system shall be employed.”
For nursing homes with more than 10 beds, addressable systems are essential to provide staff with precise fire location information, enabling them to assist residents in the affected area before Fire and Rescue Service arrival.
- Early Detection and Alarm: Utilising automatic and manual detection systems with appropriate coverage for the building category
- Zoning and Identification: Clear division into fire alarm zones for effective response, with zone maps and location identification
- Sound Level Requirements: Minimum 75 dB(A) in bedrooms for residential institutional buildings, with sounders located within the bedroom
- Cause-and-Effect Configuration: Documentation of the fire detection and alarm cause-and-effect configuration for the system
- Phased Evacuation Support: System design that supports the building’s phased evacuation strategy
- Mechanical and Electrical Integration: Seamless interaction with ventilation, smoke control, and other fire protection systems
Key Takeaways
- Two-stage systems offer significant advantages in nursing homes by reducing false alarm disruption while maintaining safety through immediate fire service notification
- Phased evacuation is the standard approach for nursing homes and can require at least a two-stage alarm system as per I.S. 3218:2024
- Fire service notification must never be delayed even when using a staff alarm system with an investigation period
- Addressable systems are required for nursing homes with more than 10 beds to provide accurate fire location information
- Staff training is essential for effective operation of either strategy, with enhanced training required for two-stage systems
- Cause-and-effect configuration must be documented and tested as part of commissioning to ensure all interfaces operate correctly
- Regular review is necessary as staffing levels, resident dependency, and building modifications may affect strategy suitability
Phoenix STS: Fire Alarm Strategy Expertise
Phoenix STS provides comprehensive fire safety consultancy and training to help nursing homes select, implement, and manage appropriate fire alarm strategies. Our services ensure compliance with I.S. 3218:2024 and HIQA Regulation 28 requirements.
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Need Advice on Fire Alarm Strategy?
Phoenix STS can help you evaluate your current fire alarm strategy, ensure compliance with I.S. 3218:2024, and train your staff to respond effectively to fire alarms.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Fire alarm strategy selection depends on building-specific factors including size, layout, staffing levels, and resident dependency. Care home operators should consult with competent fire safety professionals to determine the most appropriate alarm strategy for their specific circumstances. Phoenix STS accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this article.
