Your Guide to Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
Fire safety and compliance may seem like a complicated beast. That’s why we’ve put together this guide of everything you need to know to keep your business safe, secure and compliant.
As you know, a fire alarm system is a crucial piece of workplace safety equipment, designed to protect your staff and property, and helping prevent serious emergency situations in the first place. But is your fire alarm system doing its job properly and does it meet all the legal requirements?
Read on as we help you navigate the world of commercial fire alarm installation, maintenance and compliance.
What is a Commercial Fire Alarm System?
A commercial fire alarm system is designed to detect and control fires in the workplace, providing early warning of an emergency and helping limit the damage that a fire can cause.
Depending on the size and type of your business, there are a variety of fire alarm system types available. Key components include smoke detectors, heat sensors, audible alarms, sprinklers, manual call points, control panels… the list goes on. A great fire alarm system will integrate all its components seamlessly, for full coverage of the property in which it’s installed.
Fire Safety Regulations & Legal Compliance
If you’re looking for the fire alarm regulations for businesses, ‘The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005’ is where it’s at. The UK government also recommends that all fire alarm systems should be installed and maintained in line with the relevant British Standard: BS 5839.
These regulations state that all businesses must have ‘an appropriate fire detection system’ in place to keep staff, customers and assets safe. This means that in the event of a fire, you need a system that alerts everyone within the business. This system could be a complex fire alarm system, or it could be staff simply knowing to shout “fire” if your business property is particularly small.
The first step is a fire risk assessment of your business premises, which is a legal requirement. This way you can be sure that you have the correct system in place to avoid legal fines, satisfy your insurance policy and – most importantly – keep your business safe.
And if you do have a fire alarm system, it is a legal requirement to maintain it. We’ll expand on that later.
Types of Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. At Midland Fire, we’re fully qualified to install all kinds of fire alarm systems and we’ll work with you to design a system that suits your needs and meets your budget. Here’s a breakdown of the three main commercial fire alarm system types:
Conventional Fire Alarm System
Ideal for smaller businesses with straightforward layouts, this cost-effective and dependable system divides your premises into zones. This allows it to identify the general area where an alarm has been triggered.
Addressable Fire Alarm System
Designed for larger spaces with more complex layouts, this advanced system connects all its devices, ensuring continuous communication between each one. This means that when an alarm activates, it can accurately pinpoint the precise location of the fire.
Wireless (Radio) Fire Alarm System
Wireless systems are perfect for businesses seeking minimal installation disruption or based in buildings where installing wiring could be tricky. While setup is quick and simple, wireless systems tend to be pricier and require regular battery checks. They provide fire alerts in the same way as addressable systems.
Advanced Fire Alarm Features for Modern Businesses
The newest fire alarm systems also offer plenty of advanced features and add-ons to enhance safety and give you peace of mind. For example:
- Self testing: A range of detectors are available that can test themselves using real smoke and heat, revolutionising the way we maintain fire alarm systems.
- Remote monitoring: Third-party provider 24/7 monitoring, which alerts operatives of an incident and allows them to respond fast.
- Voice alarm systems: A way of broadcasting clear evacuation instructions in the event of an emergency, for the best in staff safety.
- Integrated security: Fire alarm systems can be fully integrated with security features such as CCTV and access control.
Fire Alarm Installation: Everything You Need to Know
Choosing commercial fire alarm installers from a BAFE-accredited contractor like Midland Fire means that your system will be fully effective and up to the BS 5839 standards.
Here are the steps qualified engineers will take in setting up your commercial fire alarm system:
- Fire Risk Assessment: A full assessment will take place to define the fire alarm category required, identify any fire hazards and determine which safety measures are needed.
- Design: Following the results of the FRA, a bespoke fire alarm system will be designed to meet the individual needs of your business, working to your budget and insurance requirements. Where applicable, we’ll also consult with all interested parties at this stage, including the responsible person, insurer or the fire brigade.
- Installation: All components are fitted, tested and integrated with any existing life safety and security systems, ensuring compliance with the regulations.
- Commissioning: You will then be issued a BAFE Certificate of Conformity. This certificate proves your commercial fire alarm system installation complies with current legislation.
- Ongoing maintenance: Your system needs to be tested weekly by yourself, and your fire safety company should carry out a full system inspection every six months.
The Importance of Fire Risk Assessments
A legal requirement for businesses in the UK, fire risk assessments are needed to identify fire hazards and define the measures you need to take to keep your property safe and compliant. They’re the first step to an effective fire safety strategy. Your assessment will:
- Identify fire hazards and any people at risk.
- Determine which fire safety measures and management policies are needed to ensure the safety of people occupying the building.
- Include an action plan to implement the relevant fire protection and fire prevention systems with the aim of:
- Reducing the probability of a fire starting.
- Ensuring that all occupants are alerted and can leave the premises safely in the event of a fire.
- Limiting the damage should a fire occur.
Fire Alarm Maintenance & Testing
It’s a legal obligation to keep your fire safety equipment well-maintained. Regular servicing not only helps you stay compliant but also allows you to manage your budget and ensure your system remains up-to-date. According to BS 5839 guidelines, you should carry out weekly tests as well as a full professional service every six months. It’s always best to trust a professional with 3rd party BAFE accreditation to handle your servicing, so you know the job’s being done correctly.
Why Choose Midland Fire for Fire Alarm Installation & Maintenance?
We are a BAFE-accredited electrical contractor specialising in bespoke fire alarm installation and maintenance. With us, you can be sure that your business is fully protected with a reliable, high-quality fire alarm system, designed to meet the latest safety standards and all necessary regulations. Our friendly team of qualified engineers are experienced in working with companies of all shapes and sizes – so whatever your business, give us a call.
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.
Need a Professional Fire Safety Specialist?
Whether you need a brand new fire safety system installed, or your current system needs an upgrade or inspection, our friendly team is here to help. We provide a free consultation, in which our experienced engineers will assess your site and advise you on the best solution for your business. We can then design and install your fire alarm system and provide you with ongoing maintenance and support in the long-term.
Choose us for your fire risk assessment, and we also offer a range of security services, making sure your company is as safe and secure as it can possibly be.
At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Your Burning Questions Answered
What are the legal fire alarm requirements for UK businesses?
The current UK fire alarm regulations state that all business premises must have ‘an appropriate fire detection system’. This means that if there’s a fire within your business, there needs to be a plan in place to alert everyone. The type of system you need varies depending on the size of your property and your business activity and can be decided following a fire safety assessment. If you do have a fire alarm system, it’s a legal requirement to keep it properly maintained.
If you’re looking for fire alarm systems in Derby or in the Midlands, our expert team at Midland Fire can guide you through the entire process – from assessment to installation and ongoing maintenance.
How often should fire alarms be tested?
You should test your fire alarms weekly and carry out a full system inspection at least twice a year as per the BS 5839 standards.
What happens if my fire alarm system fails an inspection?
If your fire alarm system isn’t up to scratch, it poses a serious threat to your property, staff and business. But don’t worry, if you choose a professional fire safety contractor like Midland Fire, your engineers will be able to carry out immediate repairs to make sure your system is fully functioning and compliant.
Can I monitor my fire alarm remotely?
Yes, modern fire alarm systems offer remote monitoring giving you full control over your system from wherever you are. They can also alert emergency services instantly in case of a fire.
Who can install my fire alarm system?
To make sure you’re getting a reliable fire safety system installed by qualified engineers, you should choose a BAFE-accredited contractor specialising in fire safety. No need to look any further – at Midland Fire, we tick all those boxes.
