Is Fire Alarm A Legal Requirement In The UK?

2. If you are not a professional fire safety official, understanding the legal regulation on the installation and maintenance of fire alarms in residential and commercial units can be pretty complicated. Although there isn’t a set law for the fire alarm safety and installation, the latest legislation forms a part of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005’, known as the ‘RRO’. According to the regulation, the UK government requires all the fire alarms and smoke detecting systems to be installed and maintained according to the British Standard, BS 5839. Fire Alarm Regulations Currently, the government of the UK has made it a legal requirement for all the residential and commercial buildings to have a proper fire detections system installed for enhanced security and safety of the occupants. The main purpose of

3. legalizing this requirement is to make sure that people stay safe in any unwanted situation of a fire outbreak especially with commercial fire alarm systems. Thus, whether you are the owner of a commercial building or a residential building, the responsibility of occupant safety falls upon you. Type of Fire Alarms Needed for Residence and Business Three main types of fire alarms can be installed in residential homes, apartment buildings, and commercial buildings. These types are as follows: Conventional alarms Addressable fire alarms Wireless fire alarms Conventional fire alarms are more suitable for smaller areas such as homes,

4. apartments, or small offices. This type of alarm divides the premises into different zones, but it cannot identify a precise area out of these zones. Addressable fire alarms are more specific and can pinpoint the exact area where the fire is. Each device in this type of alarm system has its own address that allows it to locate the real area of trouble. Wireless fire alarm systems are ideal for places that don’t want a lot of cables such as historical buildings, banks, and churches. These alarms work similar to addressable alarms but are wireless. Exemptions There are certain exemptions to businesses and residential areas where you may not need to install a fire alarm system. If the following statements are true, you may be exempted to install a fire detection system:

5. 1. Your premises are small, single- storey, or in an open area. 2. You don’t have any vulnerable occupant such as old-disabled, and young children. 3. Your business doesn’t deal in any dangerous or chemical substances susceptible to catch fire 4. A fire can easily be spotted and everyone can hear the call to a fire accident. Read also: 4 Things to Keep in Mind While Buying Security System Fire Alarm System Installation When it comes to installing fire alarm systems UK, make sure that you hire professionally trained technicians for this work. Hire a BAFE (British Approvals of Fire Equipment) accredited company

6. having factory trained technicians familiar with various models of fire alarms. They should know the grade and category of the fire alarms you need along with detailed knowledge about the British Standard BS 5839. They must know how different alarm models and work and how to maintain their performance.