If you own a business in the UK, legislation states that you must have an ‘appropriate fire detection system’. In 99.99% of cases, this will take the form of a fire alarm. But fire alarm installation is just the start. You have to test, service, and maintain it in order to remain fully compliant. So, what does that mean for you?
Understanding the Fire Alarm Regulations for UK Businesses
Who needs a fire alarm?
Almost all UK businesses require a fire alarm system to be installed. The only exceptions are for self-employed persons who work from home and have no other visitors – employees or customers – on site. And for offices in small, single storey properties with an open-plan layout, where a fire would be seen from every part of the room. So, the chances are, if you’re a business owner, you’re reading this, and you don’t already have a functioning fire alarm, you need to get one.
There are several different types of fire alarm
The type of fire alarm you need will depend upon the type of business you operate. And while fire alarms fall into two broad categories – L systems, which protect life, and P, which protect property – there are a range of options within those categories.
- Conventional fire alarms work in zones, letting you know approximately which part of the building a fire has broken out in.
- Addressable fire alarm systems provide the exact location in which an alarm has been triggered.
- Wireless systems are similar to addressable systems, but they work wirelessly.
And there are different ways for fire alarm systems to work. Ionisation and optical systems respond to the smoke produced by fast and slow burning fires respectively. While heat alarms don’t respond to smoke at all, instead being triggered by temperature changes. Making combined systems the best possible option.
You are legally obliged to test and service your fire alarms
Fire alarm testing
All commercial properties within the UK are required by law to test their fire alarm on a weekly basis. You must record this in your fire safety logbook. And seek professional support should any faults be detected.
Servicing
You are also required to ensure that your fire alarm system is well-maintained and serviced every six months. This will not only give your business the best possible fire protection. But it will also help to prevent false alarms. In 2022, there were 238,885 fire false alarms in the UK. They are not only disruptive to your business, but can call the fire services away from genuine emergencies. False fire alarms can also result in penalties and legal action, so staying up to date with fire alarm servicing is a good idea for all.
Fire safety legislation for businesses can be complex to navigate. When it comes to fire alarms, the main things you have to remember are that you must have some form of fire detection system on site. And if you have a fire alarm, it must be tested weekly and serviced regularly. Keep those things in mind, and you can’t go far wrong.
Get in touch with Securvision to arrange your fire alarm installation and servicing.
Why you Should Never Try to Install CCTV Yourself
Leave a Reply