What Are Life Safety Systems?
“So, what counts as a life safety system?” we hear you ask. In this guide we’ll shine a light on all the systems primarily designed to protect life in emergency situations in commercial or public buildings, and why your business needs them.
In short, life safety systems save lives. They’re essential in making sure a building’s occupants remain safe during emergencies such as fires, power failures or security threats. From emergency lighting to advanced voice alarm systems, they have the power to alert people to emergency situations and help them quickly evacuate the space. Our guide explores these life safety systems further, and outlines how Midland Fire Security Services can help keep your staff and customers safe.
Key Types of Life Safety Systems
To build a complete life safety system for your business, there are several components to take into consideration. To determine which ones you need and to make sure you’re compliant with the relevant safety regulations, it’s best to hire an experienced contractor like Midland Fire to come and assess your property.
The main life safety system components are as follows:
Fire detection & alarm systems
A commercial fire alarm system is a must-have to keep people within your business safe from the risk of fire. They detect the signs or presence of a fire, often through smoke or heat detection, then set off alarms to alert everyone. These systems will include components such as smoke detectors, heat sensors, audible alarms and manual call points, and can be as complex as needed to suit their setting.
Sprinklers & fire suppression
An automatic fire suppression system is designed to detect and put out fires before they can spread. These systems use extinguishers like gas, foam or water mist to tackle flames at the source and minimise damage. Fire suppression systems are usually automatically triggered, protecting staff by avoiding the need for human intervention.
Fire extinguishers
The most simple of all fire safety equipment, fire extinguishers come in a variety of types and sizes and are designed to put out small fires. They’re filled with different substances like foam, powder or CO2, depending on the type of fire your business is most at risk of. Staff training is key in making sure that they will be used correctly and effectively.
Emergency lighting
Emergency lighting installation helps people see clearly and find their way to safety in the event of an emergency. It’s often placed along escape routes, stairwells and exits and forms a key element of evacuation plans. At Midland Fire, we offer emergency lighting installation as well as Thorlux Scanlight AT maintenance services and SmartScan upgrades.
Voice alarm systems
Designed to broadcast clear voice messages during emergencies, emergency voice alarm systems help people respond and evacuate safely. Unlike standard alarms, these systems provide detailed instructions, helping to reduce panic and confusion. They’re especially useful in large or noisy spaces where sirens alone may not be enough.
Disabled refuge & call points
Disabled refuge systems and call points provide a way for people with additional needs to request help during an emergency. Installed in safe designated areas, usually in multi-storey buildings, these systems allow clear two-way communication with emergency teams, meaning people can stay connected and informed until help arrives.
The Importance of Regular System Maintenance
You have your life safety systems in place, next it’s important to make sure you’re keeping them properly maintained. Regular maintenance of life safety systems isn’t just crucial for making sure that your systems are working correctly when it matters most – it’s a legal requirement too. Failure to keep your systems properly maintained could therefore result in hefty fines and your insurance policy voided.
At Midland Fire, we can advise you of how often you need to be testing and servicing the safety equipment at your business premises, and we offer various maintenance plans to keep your life safety systems in top condition.
A Note on the PSTN Switchover 2025
On 31 December 2025, the UK will fully transition its telephone networks from analogue to digital. What does this mean for life safety systems? It means that many systems, namely those which rely on copper phone lines to communicate an alarm being raised, will no longer be supported.
But don’t worry – Midland Fire can help. Our engineers can identify and replace your PSTN products which will cease to function following the switch-off, ensuring your life safety systems remain fully functioning and compliant. Just give us a call for a free consultation.
Why Choose Midland Fire for Life Safety Systems?
Midland Fire is a BAFE-accredited contractor specialising in commercial life safety systems that comply with British Standards. We install and maintain systems for businesses of all sizes, across a range of industries, and we can provide everything from emergency voice system installation to Thorlux lighting maintenance to advice on the PSTN switchover.
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 an experienced security 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.
Life Safety System Installation from Midland Fire
Don’t wait for an emergency to realise the importance of life safety systems. Protect your business today with expertly installed safety equipment from Midland Fire.
We offer everything from your initial assessment, to life safety system design, installation and maintenance. Our friendly engineers are on hand to advise you and offer expert guidance on how to fully protect your staff, customers and business from anything life may throw your way.
At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.
FAQs
What are life safety systems?
Life safety systems are systems designed to protect lives during emergencies. They include commercial fire alarm system, emergency lighting and voice alarms. What you need will depend on the size and type of your business.
Why is emergency lighting installation important?
Emergency lighting helps people find their way to safety during power failures and emergencies and helps businesses comply with the UK fire safety regulations. It forms a key element of evacuation plans.
How does the PSTN switchover impact my safety systems?
On 31 December 2025, the UK will transition its telephone networks from analogue to digital. This means that older alarms and emergency communication systems relying on landlines will need to be upgraded to digital alternatives – which is something we can do for you at Midland Fire.
How often should emergency lighting and fire alarms be tested?
Monthly visual checks and bi-annual professional maintenance are required for full compliance. At Midland Fire, we can help you determine how often you need to test and service your equipment to remain safe and compliant.
