What the Fire Alarm British Standard Means for Commercial Premises
If you’re responsible for fire safety at a commercial premises, BS 5839 is the British Standard you need to know. Want to find out what it’s all about? Let’s go.
BS 5839 is the British Standard that covers fire detection and fire alarm systems, providing guidance on their safe design, installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance. Your fire alarm system should always be compliant with the relevant British Standards to ensure it will reliably detect fires and effectively warn your staff, and failure to comply could result in legal action, fines and issues with your insurance.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of BS 5839, outline what a compliant fire alarm installation should involve, and remind you of why it’s essential to hire a qualified fire alarm engineer when it comes to fitting a fire alarm system at your business premises.
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What is BS 5839?
As mentioned, BS 5839 is the British Standard that outlines how fire alarm systems in buildings should be designed, installed, commissioned and maintained. For your business to be deemed compliant, your fire alarm system needs to be aligned with the correct Standards, and this way you can be sure your property is safe and secure.
It’s worth noting here that BS 5839 is not strictly a legal document. In the UK, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 establishes the legal duties around fire safety, while BS 5839 provides the technical recommendations for fire alarm systems.
Even though BS 5839 may not be the law in itself, it’s what UK regulators and insurers expect you to follow, and if a fire were to happen at your property, it’s often what’s used to determine if you’ve done enough to protect yourself.
The Standard is split into different parts, with each part covering different types of premises or system requirements. We’ll go into this a bit more below.
BS 5839-1: Fire Alarm Systems for Non-Domestic Premises
BS 5839-1 is the Standard that applies to fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises.
This includes many commercial, industrial, public sector and workplace environments such as:
- offices
- warehouses
- factories
- schools
- retail premises
- hospitality venues
- healthcare settings
- public buildings
- mixed-use commercial areas
BS 5839-6, on the other hand, applies to fire alarm systems in domestic premises, including houses, blocks of flats and HMOs. In mixed-use buildings or larger residential blocks, you will find that both Standards may be used for the protection of different areas.
What Does a BS 5839-Aligned Fire Alarm Installation Involve?
So, what does a safe and reliable fire alarm system actually look like according to BS 5839? That all depends on your business and the property you own. But to give you a general idea, a BS 5839-aligned fire alarm installation should include:
- Choosing the appropriate system category, as set out in BS 5839-1. The fire alarm categories define the level of protection needed for your business property.
- A suitable system design based on the size, layout and use of the premises, as well as the level of fire risk as laid out in your fire risk assessment.
- Appropriate fire detection and alarm devices, positioned to provide effective coverage throughout the building.
- Correct installation of all system components, including fire alarm panels, detectors, manual call points, sounders and any other required equipment.
- Professional commissioning and testing to ensure the system has been installed correctly and operates as intended.
- Clear documentation and certification, providing a record of the system design, installation and commissioning.
Fire Alarm Testing, Maintenance and Records Under BS 5839
And the guidance doesn’t stop at installation! Fire alarm systems need ongoing testing and maintenance to remain effective and reliable, so BS 5839 also includes recommendations for routine user testing, inspection and servicing.
In commercial premises, weekly user testing is commonly carried out by a responsible person or trained member of staff, whilst professional inspection and servicing should be carried out by a competent fire alarm engineer at intervals recommended by the Standard and the system requirements.
It’s also important to keep detailed records of tests and servicing, as well as any faults, false alarms and repairs, to prove your compliance.
Why You Should Always Hire a Qualified Fire Alarm Engineer
When it comes to keeping your business property safe from the risk of fire, it’s extremely important to hire an experienced fire alarm expert. They will be able to navigate the guidance set out in BS 5839 and apply it to your specific property, giving you recommendations on how to keep your business safe and compliant.
Not only should they be able to carry out your initial fire risk assessment, they should also go on to design and install your system, and offer ongoing support and maintenance plans to keep it running reliably for many years to come.
Choose Midland Fire as Your Trusted Fire Alarm Company
Midland Fire is a BAFE-accredited fire safety contractor specialising in fire alarm system installation and maintenance. We work with businesses of all sizes, across a range of industries, so whatever your company, get in touch.
Over 25 years of experience
We’ve been protecting people and businesses since 1999.
Expert engineers
Each of our 30 engineers is a time served electrician and a fully qualified fire alarm engineer.
Full support from start to finish
We’ll effectively manage each stage of your project from consultation and design to installation, certification and maintenance.
Quality products
Midland Fire only supplies products from reputable brands that we know will future proof your business.
We offer fire risk assessments and fire alarm installation as well as a range of maintenance packages and support on how you can keep your business in line with the British Standards.
At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Your Burning Questions Answered
Is BS 5839 a legal requirement?
BS 5839 is not a standalone law, but it is widely used as recognised guidance for fire detection and alarm systems. Following the relevant part of BS 5839 can help demonstrate that appropriate fire alarm standards have been considered.
What is the difference between BS 5839-1 and BS 5839-6?
BS 5839-1 applies to non-domestic premises such as commercial, industrial and public buildings. BS 5839-6 applies to domestic premises such as houses, flats and HMOs.
Who can install a compliant fire alarm system?
A fire alarm system should be designed, installed and commissioned by a competent fire alarm professional with suitable knowledge of the relevant Standards and building requirements.
Does my existing fire alarm system comply with BS 5839?
This depends on the system design, age, installation quality, maintenance history and whether the building has changed since it was installed. The only way to check it’s fully compliant is by calling a professional fire alarm contractor like Midland Fire for a full assessment.
