Raising the alarm in the event of a fire is essential for the safety of business premises, relevant persons (staff, customers, contractors etc.) and compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. To ensure the safety of people, your business premises and your business it is important to understand your legal responsibilities, and what options exist for raising the alarm in the event of a fire.
Why is raising the alarm important?
The primary purpose of detecting a fire and raising the alarm in the event of a fire is to provide early warning for building occupants so they can evacuate safely. Early detection significantly reduces the risk of harm and limits damage to property by enabling quicker emergency response.
Legal requirements
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires businesses to implement "appropriate fire safety measures." This includes having a means of detecting fire and raising an alarm. The type of fire detection system needed depends on the size and nature of your business premises, as well as the level of fire risk present.
Types of fire detection systems
1. Automatic Fire Alarm Systems
Automatic fire alarms detect signs of fire (e.g., smoke, heat, or flames) and activate an alarm automatically. Types of detectors include:
- Smoke Detectors: Detect smoke particles in the air and are suitable for most areas.
- Heat Detectors: Triggered by a rapid increase in temperature, useful in environments where smoke detection may lead to false alarms (e.g., kitchens).
- Multi-Sensor Detectors: Combine smoke, heat, and sometimes carbon monoxide detection for greater accuracy.
Automatic systems are recommended for larger or more complex premises where people may not always be present to detect a fire manually.
2. Manual Fire Alarm Systems (Alternative to Automatic Systems)
In smaller or low-risk businesses, a manual fire alarm system may suffice. These systems rely on break Glass Call Points (Manual Call Points) positioned throughout the premises, allowing anyone who notices a fire to activate the alarm by breaking the glass on the call point and the alarm will sound throughout the premises.
3. Manual whistles and bells
For very small premises, it may be acceptable for a fire to be detected by the occupants of the premises and the alarm raised by using a whistle, bell or verbal shout. However, it is crucial that the method chosen is loud enough to be heard by all occupants.
Which system is suitable for your business?
The choice of fire detection and alarm system depends on:
- Building Size and Layout: Larger premises may require a more sophisticated system with multiple detectors and alarm points.
- Type of Business and Fire Risk Level: High-risk environments (e.g., kitchens or workshops) may need specialized detectors like heat or flame detectors.
- Occupants and Vulnerability: If people are sleeping on the premises (e.g., hotels), automatic fire detection is mandatory.
A fire risk assessment will help you identify the most suitable and reasonable method for detecting and raising the alarm in the event of a fire. Please see our page on Fire Risk Assessments for more information here.
Installation and maintenance
If your business premises needs an automatic fire alarm:
- It must be installed by a competent person and serviced by a qualified professional at least every twelve months.
- You must test at least one manual call point each week and resolve any issues found.
- Keep a record of all tests, inspections, and any maintenance carried out on the system to prove compliance with fire safety law.
Training and fire drills
Ensure that staff are trained on what to do if a fire alarm sounds, including:
- Recognising Alarm Signals: Understanding what the different alarm sounds mean (if there are multiple tones).
- Fire Drills: Conduct regular (at least annually) fire drills to practice evacuations and familiarise staff with escape routes.
Please see our Staff Training section for more information here.