Fire Protection
Procedure & Guidance
Multi-Point Access Systems Checklist
Ref
Issue/Revision Date
01/06/2011
Review Date
01/07/2014
Version
FS- NFG054
5.0
This Note for Guidance has been produced as a check list to assist Inspectors completing audits of
premises utilising this type of security option. It is intended to be used as an aid for audits and giving
general advice to enquiries and is not intended to be a detailed guide for the operation or installation
of such a system.
Where further detail is required, reference to the comprehensive guidance provided in Note for
Guidance 53, the current British Standards and Codes of Practice must be made.
Check List
Usage
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Does the security installation affect routes used for means of escape?
If so, is there an alternative solution without the use of electronic security devices
available?
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Has a risk assessment been carried out to assess the implications of the acceptance of these
devices?
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Are substantial numbers (over 60) of members of the public using the premises?
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Does the door or doors in question require a panic exit device in accordance with BS EN
1125 1995?
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Are panic furniture devices incorporating micro switches required?
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Doors that require emergency exit devices are they in accordance with BS EN 179 1997?
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Is the premises licensed or used for public entertainment?
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If this is a way leave situation between adjacent premises does the system allow both doors
to unlock without the use of relays?
Manual Controls
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Does the operation of the manual control interrupt the power supply directly to the door
release mechanism?
Is the device connected directly in series with the power supply?
Does the delay between actuation and release exceed 3 minutes?
Is this done without the use of a relay?
Is the door release break glass device a double pole type that interrupts both lines of
supply?
If the door release device is a break glass facility is the device green or a colour not to be
confused with the fire alarm call point?
Is the door release break glass device at eye level?
Is the door release break glass device prominently sited?
Is a fire alarm break glass point in the vicinity of the door release break glass device?
Is EMERGENCY DOOR RELEASE engraved on the door release device?
Are all door release break glass devices on the premises identical?
Is the door release break glass device easily accessible and fixed at least a minimum of 1.2
metres above finished floor level?
Where necessary, is the door release break glass device well illuminated from emergency
lighting?
Is the door release break glass device within 2 metres of the door it is associated with?
Is the door release break glass device mounted against a contrasting background?
Is the door release break glass device flush mounted?
Is there signage above the door release break glass device in a minimum of 20mm high
lettering stating IN EMERGENCY BREAK GLASS TO OPEN DOOR on a green background?
Is there an appropriate pictogram with the device? POWER SUPPLIES
Is the power supply to the fire detection and alarm system independent of the power supply
to the release mechanism?
Does the release mechanism fail safe open on total power failure?
Does the power supply maintain the door mechanism in the secure mode?
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Are the batteries that supply the release mechanism capable of providing power to release
the mechanism correctly for twelve months?
Cables and Wiring
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Is the cabling to the critical signal path MICS mineral insulated copper sheathed to BS EN
60702 part i?
Is the cabling to the critical signal path steel wired armoured cable to BS 6724 or 7846?
If the cabling is not to BS EN 60702, BS 6724 or 7846 is it in metal trays, conduit, trunking,
and ducting or buried in the building structure?
Are the circuits of the critical signal path that do not fail safe installed in cables and to a
method that conforms to BS 5839 part 1 ?
Fire Alarm System
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Have the fire alarm installers / manufacturers confirmed the auxiliary relays in the panel which
release the door/s are of a suitable quality for life safety?
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Have multiple self check routines been programmed into the system software to ensure that
locking devices are energised in a non alarm condition?
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Are smoke detectors provided to operate electronic security devices via the fire alarm?
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Is the smoke detection provided and installed to the appropriate relevant standard?
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Does the fire alarm panel conform to the relevant standard?
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Is the fire alarm panel linked into the security devices in such a way that the panel and its
functions cannot be damaged or inhibited?
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Is the fire alarm panel designed, installed and serviced in accordance with the
recommendations of the relevant standard?
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Are the electronic locking devices linked into the fire alarm panel under a service agreement?
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Is there a notice on the fire alarm panel confirming that the system is linked to the electronic
locks?
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Does the notice include the number and type of devices fitted and their linking
methodology?
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Are the electronic locking devices linked into the fire alarm bell circuit and is this the only
practical last resort option?
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If the answer is yes and to avoid the problem of silenced alarms relocking the security door
does the lock latch secure itself into the open position on actuation of the fire alarm?
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Has a full function test of the smoke detection been witnessed to ensure the release of the
electronic locks under alarm conditions?
Certification
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Have certificates been obtained regarding the correct manufacture and test of the electronic
security device to the stated standard?
Have certificates been obtained regarding the installation, environment, maintenance and
testing regime?
Have the certificates been verified as correct?
Has written confirmation been obtained from the connecting electrical engineer that the
devices have been correctly interlinked to the fire alarm panel and tested?
Staff Training
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Has full training of appropriate staff using the door release devices been undertaken?
Is the training including the frequency recorded?
Is the training recorded as a significant finding in the risk assessment?
Does the training regime consider new starters, part time and agency staff?
Is there sufficient staff numbers trained to assist visitors and contractors?
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