Choosing the Right Fire Alarm System for Your Small Business
You’re running a successful small business, managing property and staff and handling your own livelihood. But do you have the correct fire alarm system in place to keep it all safe?
Because the rules and regulations differ depending on the type and size of a business, getting to grips with the fire safety requirements for your company can feel like a complicated task. We’re here to break down the different types of fire alarm systems on offer, and help you understand which system is the right one for you and your small business.
“All commercial and non-domestic premises must install and maintain a suitable fire detection and fire alarm system under the appropriate fire safety legislation across the UK.”
Fire Detection and Fire Alarm System Guidance, BAFE Fire Safety Register
Do Small Businesses Need a Fire Alarm System?
So let’s start at the very beginning – do you even legally need fire alarms at your premises? The simple answer is no, not necessarily. But don’t stop reading just yet…
While it’s not a legal requirement to install fire alarms at your property, UK regulations do state that all business premises must have ‘an appropriate commercial fire detection systems‘ in place to keep their assets and staff safe. This means that in the event of a fire, you need a system that alerts everyone within the business. This system could range from a complex fire alarm system to 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.
It’s also important to note that if you do have a fire alarm system, it is a legal requirement to maintain it. We’ll go into that more later.
Types of Fire Alarm Systems for Small Businesses
All this being said, most businesses will need a commercial fire alarm system installed to meet the UK fire safety regulations. Understanding the different types of systems available will help you choose the right one for your small business, so here’s an overview of the three main options:
Conventional fire alarm system
Most suitable for small businesses with simple layouts, the conventional fire alarm system is reliable and cost-effective. The system divides your workplace into zones, so it’s able to identify the general area in which a fire alarm is triggered.
Addressable fire alarm system
The addressable fire alarm system is more advanced and ideal for large spaces with complex layouts. Each device in the system is interconnected and continually communicating, meaning that when an alarm is triggered the system is able to identify the exact location of a fire.
Wireless (radio) fire alarm system
A wireless fire alarm system is a great choice for businesses that may move premises, need minimal disruption during set-up, or are housed in historic buildings where installing cables could be difficult. Installation is fast and easy, but can be more costly and you’ll need to keep on top of battery maintenance. A wireless system will alert you of a fire in a similar way to an addressable system.
Fire Alarm Grades and Categories
Next, you have to think about the category of fire alarm that your business will need. The relevant categories are as follows:
- M: Manual fire alarm system
- L1: Maximum life protection automated fire alarm system
- L2: Additional life protection automated fire alarm system
- L3: Standard life protection automated fire alarm system
- L4: Modest life protection automated fire alarm system
- L5: Localised life protection automated fire alarm system
- P1: Maximum property protection automated fire alarm system
- P2: Minimum property protection automated fire alarm system
- LD1: Maximum life protection for a domestic property
- LD2: Additional life protection for a domestic property
- LD3: Standard life protection for a domestic property
Fire alarms also fall into grades (not to be confused with categories) ranging from A to F, ranking the quality of the system. Domestic settings will normally fall into grades D – F, while larger businesses will need a grade A – C system. This will consist of multiple devices such as heat detectors, fire alarms, sounders and indicating equipment.
Contact us at Midland Fire for a fire risk assessment and our team will advise you on the category and grade your business needs.
Fire Alarm Testing and Maintenance for Small Businesses
While it’s not necessarily a legal requirement to have a fire alarm, if you do have one, it is a legal requirement to ensure it’s adequately maintained. Regular upkeep of your fire safety equipment also allows you to budget for the year and make sure your system stays up to date. To keep your fire alarm system fully compliant, the BS 5839 guidelines recommend weekly tests and a full service at least every six months. To ensure your systems are being properly maintained, it’s always best to trust a professional with 3rd party BAFE accreditation to carry out this work, and that’s something we can do for you at Midland Fire.
How to Choose the Right Fire Alarm System for Your Small Business
When choosing your fire alarm system, it’s important to consult with all interested parties. This includes your risk assessor, building control if you’re doing refurbishments, and your insurance company (having a fire alarm could reduce your premium and on the flipside, your insurance could become invalid if you don’t have a well-maintained fire alarm system).
Now, let’s recap. Complete this checklist and you’re on your way to finding the right system for your business:
Get a professional fire risk assessment
Nothing beats calling an expert in. An FRA will identify fire hazards and determine which fire safety measures and policies are needed for your business.
Consider the types, grades and categories of fire alarm system available
Think about the size and type of your business and property to give yourself an idea of what kind of fire alarm system is best for you.
Brush up on the BS 5839 guidelines for UK fire safety regulations
The guidelines state that all small businesses need a fire risk assessment with a written record, a Grade A – C fire system (where applicable) and regular ongoing maintenance and testing.
Whether you need an assessment, maintenance or a full upgrade of your fire alarm system, our experienced engineers are here to help.
We’ll work with you to plan and deliver the optimum life safety solution for your small business, including ongoing maintenance, support, and fire safety training.
At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a legal requirement for my small business to have fire alarms?
In short, no. But the current UK fire alarm regulations do state that all business premises must have ‘an appropriate fire detection system‘. This means that if there was 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.
Which fire safety regulations should I follow in the UK?
Fire alarm regulations for businesses form part of ‘The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005’. The UK government also recommends that all fire alarm and detection systems should be installed and maintained in accordance with the relevant British Standard: BS 5839.
How often should fire alarms be tested in small businesses?
To keep your property and staff safe, 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 type of fire alarm is best for my small business?
That all depends on the size and layout of your premises. Conventional alarms are good for smaller spaces, while addressable or wireless alarms offer more precise detection in larger or more complex workplaces. Just scroll back up the blog for our full advice on how to choose the best fire alarm system for your business.
Who can install my fire alarm system?
To ensure you’re getting the best service and the most reliable fire safety solutions, you should choose a contractor specialising in fire safety whose staff are qualified fire alarm engineers with plenty of experience. The company should also be BAFE accredited. Luckily, at Midland Fire, we tick all those boxes.
