Fire Alarm Regulations

We’ve all experienced fire drills and alarms, but why is it so important that they be tested?

Part 8 of the Building Regulations 2010 outlines the measures that need to be taken in commercial and public buildings to warn people in the event of a fire, as well as preventative fire measures and rules surrounding escape routes and other recommendations and regulations to follow in order to limit fire related injuries or fatalities.

To help your business comply with Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Building Regulations, we are proud to offer a premium electric fire alarm installation and maintenance service.

There are three main types of fire alarms:

• M fire alarm systems are manual alarms that depend on people reacting to a fire and alert others electronically at a call point or by either operating a hand bell or pulling a sounder lever.
• P fire alarm systems are intended to protect buildings and deliver a more proactive response to fires with electronically or battery powered fire and smoke detectors. They are installed throughout a building except in toilets and small low-risk places. They minimise fire damage by altering the fire brigade to an emergency.
• L fire alarm systems specifically protect life and are a lifesaving fusion of the proactive responses of P fire alarms and the reactive element of M systems. They can be mains or battery powered. L1 fire alarm systems involve fitting manual fire alarm systems and automatic detectors all over a building.

Your fire alarm needs to be tested professionally every 6 months but should be tested by yourself every week. We ask that you inform us of the due date in advance to ensure that one of our engineers can test the system within the timeframe. We can also offer a reminder service to ensure an inspection is never missed.

Once our electricians arrive, they will isolate each smoke detector and will diffuse a small amount of smoke to activate the alarm. As well as this, they separate each section into zones. A copy of these zones should be placed next to the fire alarm panel.

This gives you peace of mind, knowing that the system is in full working order and complies with current legislation.