Having a fully operational fire alarm is a regulatory requirement for those premises that need them, which is why regular testing is important. The guidance to test weekly comes from British Standard BS 5839. This the standard that the UK government recommends should be followed with regards to fire alarm maintenance.
What’s the difference between L1 and L2 fire alarm?
L1 provides for Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) to be installed into all areas of a building. L2 provides Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) as defined in L3 as well as high risk or hazardous areas.
What is a category L2 fire alarm system?
Category L2 – Additional life protection automated fire alarm system. L2 alarm systems provide occupants of a building with advanced warning of the existence of a fire in another room. Typically, this involves placing fire and smoke alarms in high-risk rooms and opening onto escape routes leading to fire exits.
Is a fire alarm a legal requirement?
Many business owners question whether a fire alarm is a legal requirement on their premises. The answer to this is no, however business owners do need ‘an appropriate fire detection system’ in their place of business.
What are the 2 types of fire alarms?
There are two types of smoke alarms in general use for home smoke alarms: photoelectric and ionization. These smoke alarms sense the presence of smoke differently. The type of smoke produced by a fire depends on the type of fire.
What is L1 fire alarm system?
L1 Fire Alarm System. An L1 fire alarm system provides the highest standard for protection of life. Fire alarm detectors are installed in all rooms and areas of the building, including roof spaces and voids. Some areas need not be protected if they are of low fire risk such as stairways, lobbies and small cupboards.
What is a Type 4 fire alarm system?
Type 4 – An automatic fire alarm system, activated by smoke detectors and manual call points. Type 5 – A variation to a Type 4 that allows smoke detectors in some fire cells to sound as a local alarm only, provided that heat detectors are also installed in those fire cells.
Is a fire alarm a legal requirement UK?
The regulations require a smoke alarm to be installed on every storey of the premises on which there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation. A carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in any room which is used wholly or partly as living accommodation and contains a solid fuel burning appliance.
What are the current fire alarm regulations in the UK?
Current UK fire alarm regulations state that all business premises must have ‘an appropriate fire detection system’. This basically means that an outbreak of fire can easily be detected and occupants can easily be warned.
How often should a fire alarm system be serviced?
5. How often should a fire alarm be serviced? UK fire alarm regulations only state that your fire alarm system must be ‘adequately maintained’, however BS 5839 recommends that a fire alarm system should be inspected by a competent person at least every 6 months and the government recommends following this standard.
Are different types of fire alarm systems better for different buildings?
Different alarm systems are better suited to different buildings. 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.
Do I need a fire alarm system for my business premises?
This does not necessarily mean that all business premises will need a fire alarm system. You are unlikely to need a fire alarm system if all of the following statements are true: Your premises are small, simple, and single-storey or open-plan.
