FIA has developed the Guidance note addressing the use of fire alarm systems for lockdown specifically in schools. For those of us in the Fire Detection & Alarm industry, evacuation of buildings is a recognised and understandable objective. It is borne out of the need to keep building users safe in case of fire moving them away from danger or out to an ultimate place of safety. Depending on the risk to users and systems available to them, the premises management can employ varying degrees of controlled evacuation such as staged, phased or full evacuation.

This document discusses the possibility of utilising the infrastructure of a Fire Detection & Alarm System to fulfill both safety functions. Outside the scope of this document is the need for the Premises Management to have a procedure discussed and agreed with their interested parties of what should be done in the unlikely event of both alarms operating.