‘Current UK fire alarm regulations state that all business premises must have ‘an appropriate fire detection system’. That means that if there’s a fire, there needs to be a way for that fire to be easily detected and occupants can be warned easily.’ – London Fire Brigade
As a business owner, it can be difficult to know if you’re legally required to install a fire alarm system. To make your life easier, we summarise UK fire alarm regulations, outline the importance of an effective fire safety system and how we can help.
At WLS, we always recommend having the best possible fire security system in place; don’t leave anything to chance when it comes to fire safety!
We’ve been installing and maintaining the highest quality fire alarm systems for over 30 years. Our expertise and experience guarantees you a safe space.
UK fire alarm regulations- explained
The main fire safety law is the ‘Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005’. According to the UK Home Office, these guides:
- Tell businesses what they need to do to comply with fire safety law;
- Help businesses carry out a fire risk assessment;
- And help them identify the general fire precautions they need to have in place.
The Order applies across England and Wales, and to almost all buildings, places and structures other than individual private homes.
Are businesses legally required to install a fire alarm system? In short, not always.
However, UK regulations state that all business premises must have ‘an appropriate fire detection system’. In other words, if there’s a fire, there must be a way for it to be easily detected and occupants easily warned.
If any of the statements below don’t apply to your business, it’s likely you will need a fire alarm, as well as other detection systems i.e. a smoke or heat alarm:
- Your premises are small, simple, single-storey or open-plan.
- A shout of ‘fire!’ would be easily heard by all occupants.
- You don’t have any vulnerable occupants – that’s older people, very young people or people with disabilities.
- You don’t store any high-risk substances such as chemicals.
- You don’t undertake any high-risk activities, such as cooking.
- A fire would be easily spotted if it broke out anywhere in your premises.
In summary, businesses are often legally required to install a fire alarm system. In cases where they’re not, the London Fire Brigade recommends having a smoke alarm or heat alarm in any room where a fire could start.
Still in doubt? Complete your Fire Risk Assessment to understand your risks, and be within the law.
Why should you have a fire alarm?
Fire alarms save lives.
As a business owner, you are responsible for the safety of your employees and protecting your building.
Not only can an effective fire safety system alert building occupants to the event of a fire, it can help them exit the building quickly and safely through clear signage and voice alarm systems.
The London Fire Brigade says, ‘prevention is the best form of firefighting’, and we couldn’t agree more. Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA) provide early warnings of fire, giving you a chance to stop it before it begins.
Choose WLS
Did you know there are no legal minimum requirements or training required for a company/individual to design and install a fire alarm system?
That’s why it’s crucial to find a reputable company to install and maintain your fire safety system. The London Fire Brigade recommend finding someone who is accredited by a professional body.
WLS are proud to be BAFE & NSI Gold approved. With over 30 years of experience installing, programming and maintaining fire security systems, you are in safe hands.
We offer wireless fire alarm systems, VESDA systems, Automatic Opening Vents, intercom & voice alarm systems. We can integrate them together with a central fire control panel or in combination within environments such as Nurse Call systems. Importantly, we also offer an exclusive Redcare connection, ensuring the fire brigade responds in the event of a fire.
Visit our website to find out more about our fire alarm systems, or call us to discuss the most suitable option for you and how we ensure your alarm is BS5839 compliant.
