Fire Alarm Standards & Regulations | A Simple Guide for Businesses

All UK businesses, public and commercial buildings must have a suitable method of detecting fires and alerting people on-site. In addition to this, they are legally and morally responsible for testing their fire alarms regularly to verify they remain in good working condition.

The legislation and standards for fire alarms can vary depending on a number of factors like the location and nature of the property. So, we dove into our NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety course and have collected all the fire alarm and detector knowledge that you in need.

Why Do We Need Fire Alarms and Smoke Detectors in Businesses?

In a year ending September 2023, the Fire and Rescue Service attended over half a million incidents, including over 62,500 serious fires. Even with effective fire risk assessments and control measures in places, the odds of a fire breaking out are never zero, due to the number of uncontrollable factors in day-to-day life. That’s why it’s essential that organisations have proper plans in place for fire evacuations, with working fire alarms and smoke detectors in place.

In addition to this article, we have a free fire evacuation simulator for anyone to try to firm up their knowledge on fire emergency measures.

What are the British Standards for Fire Alarm Systems?

The UK government advises that all fire alarm and detection systems should be installed and maintained in line with the relevant British Standards, such as the BS-5839-1:2017 and the BS EN 54.

BS EN 54 | Fire Detection & Alarm Systems

This series of European standards outlines requirements and testing methods for components of fire detection and alarm systems. Although it is a European standard, it is widely acknowledged and implemented in multiple countries, serving as a benchmark for the quality and effectiveness of fire detection equipment.

BS 5839-1:2017 | Fire Detection & Alarm Systems for Non-Domestic Buildings

BS 5839 is a collection of British Standards offering guidance on the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in buildings. BS 5839-1:2017 specifically addresses non-domestic premises and serves as a key standard for commercial businesses. It covers:

• The types of systems and components to be used,
• The positioning of detectors and alarms,
• The extent of coverage and zoning,
• Control and indicating equipment,
• Power supplies,
• Installation and cabling,
• Testing and maintenance procedures.

BS 5839 is an essential reference for building owners, managers, architects, and professionals in the fire safety and construction industries. This standard ensures that all fire alarm systems are correctly specified, installed, and maintained to provide optimal protection for occupants and properties.

What Qualifies as a Non-Domestic Building?

• Office Buildings: One of the more common types of workspaces where administrative duties are often conducted. They can range from small spaces to massive skyscrapers in the centre of a city.
• Retail: This category includes retail stores and shopping centres. Retail buildings are specifically designed for selling merchandise and directly serves customers.
• Industrial Properties: These buildings are used for manufacturing, production, distribution, and warehousing. They can vary drastically in their size and purpose, depending on their industry and company needs.
• Hospitality: The hospitality sector largely includes hotels, and other accommodations that provide lodging services.
• Leisure: This is predominantly cinemas, restaurants, bars, clubs, sport facilities etc.
• Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, dental offices, and other buildings designed to provide healthcare services are included in this category.
• Educational Buildings: Although primarily public, private schools and colleges run as businesses are classified as commercial properties.
• Transport Facilities: Airports, train stations, bus stations, and parking facilities used for commercial purposes make up this category.

If you manage or operate one of these types of buildings, you must comply with the general fire alarm regulations applicable to them. However, keep in mind that other rules may apply to your business.

Is a Fire Alarm Zone Chart a Legal Requirement?

In compliance with BS 5839-1:2017, all buildings with a fire alarm system must maintain an up-to-date and accurate fire alarm zone plan. These plans are required for every system, regardless of size. If a suitable zone plan is not displayed on an existing installation, fire safety is at risk.

It is a mandatory requirement to have a clear, accurate, and up-to-date fire alarm zone plan positioned next to your fire alarm control panel and any repeater panels within your premises.

Legal Requirements for Fire Alarms in the UK

All fire safety legislation in the UK is gathered under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Although not specific to just fire alarms, this piece of legislation does inform all areas of fire safety and it’s important for employers to understand a quick overview of what is mandatory under this regulation.

Every Office Will Need

No matter the size of your office building – you must ensure that the following measures are in place:

• Regular fire risk assessments.
• An appropriately trained person of responsibility.
• The correct fire extinguishers.
• Safety signs for fires in the appropriate areas.
• Fire marshals and fire wardens.
• Fire safety training for your team.

Most Offices Will Need

For all but the smallest offices you will most likely need:

• Dedicated fire alarm systems.
• Emergency lighting.
• Fire doors.

Fire regulations for office buildings also require you to make sure these require ongoing maintenance, every 6 months.

Is It Illegal to Not Have a Fire Alarm at Work?

Although the law does not necessary dictate that a fire alarm is necessary in every workplace, it does mandate that all businesses have “an appropriate means of detecting and warning against fires.” Realistically, a smoke detector and fire alarm system are the best way to achieve this. As a result, failing to have a fire alarm in the workplace would be considered illegal in a lot of cases.

Is It Compulsory to Have Interlinked Fire Alarms?

It is absolutely considered best practice to have an interlinked fire alarm system for commercial premises, every single component should be interlinked from activation points to smoke alarms.

This is often achieved with the aforementioned central control panel, which connects the different aspects of the whole system, which means if a fire is detected in one area of the building, everyone is notified at the same time.

As far as the law goes, whether or not interlinking is required depends on your location. In Scotland, having smoke alarms and heat alarms interlinked became a legal necessity in 2019, but has only been officially in place since 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This change came as a result of the catastrophic Grenfell Tower fire, which cost 71 people their lives.

For England and Wales, it has not been made a legal requirement yet, though interlinking your fire alarm system allows for greater protection and will also protect your against any possible future legislation changes.

What Are the Rules for Fire Alarm Maintenance in the UK?

Once of you have installed a fire alarm system that complies with regulations, you have a legal duty to maintain it to ensure its continued functionality. 

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that a responsible person must spearhead the installation and maintenance of fire alarm systems, including regular weekly testing, as per BS 5839 standards. The testing process involves activating at least one call point each week, verifying the system’s audibility, and maintaining a log of all tests and inspections for compliance, insurance, and safety verification purposes.

This requirement could extend to landlords in rental situations. 

Maintenance Schedule for UK Fire Alarm Systems

A full service of fire detection and alarm systems by a competent professional is required every 6 months to remain compliant with BS 5839-1:2017. Business should also keep the following in mind when devising a maintenance schedule:

• Ensure the central control panel is checked for any issues or faults at least once every 24 hours, due to its integral role.
• At least manual call point should be tested in rotation weekly.
• Keep a logbook up to date, for each of the checks.
• Ensure that all relevant occupants of the protected premises are instructed in the proper use of the system, through necessary training and induction procedures.
• Ensure each smoke detector has a clear space of 500mm in all directions around and below it. All manual call points should also be unobstructed and easily visible.

Do Landlords Have to Maintain Fire Alarms?

Yes, landlords are responsible for maintaining fire alarms in rental properties. This includes installing, testing, and repairing or replacing faulty alarms. If a landlord fails to fix or install alarms, the council can order the landlord to do so within 28 days. The council could also fine the landlord and fit the alarms themselves. 

Where Do Smoke Detectors Need to Be Located?

Not every room is required to have a fire alarm; however, commercial buildings must adhere to specific fire safety regulations that mandate smoke detectors in certain areas. Generally, smoke detectors should be installed in spaces where people work or move through, such as corridors, stairwells, and lobbies.

The number and placement of smoke detectors in a commercial building depend on several factors, including the building’s size and layout. The nature of the business and the property's fire risk assessment are also necessary considerations. For instance, in buildings with a high fire risk, additional smoke detectors may be necessary to ensure sufficient coverage.

Where Should Fire Alarm Panels Be Located?

A fire alarm panel should be located on the ground floor, near the building's entrance, and in an area with a minimal risk of fire. It should also be easily accessible and visible from outside the building. We’ve compiled some suggestions of best practices in the following areas:

Location

• In the main lobby.
• In a utility closet, electrical room, or telephone room.
• In an enclosed emergency control room in larger buildings.

Accessibility

• Should be easy for staff and firefighters to operate and see.
• Should be in an area common to all building users.

Other Considerations

• An alarm sounder should be near the control unit.
• A zone chart of the building should be near the control panel.
• If the panel is in an enclosed emergency control room, annunciators should be installed so that occupants can hear the alarm.

Fire Alarm Panel Wall Mounting

• The top of the panel should be about 1.65 meters above the floor.
• The panel should be mounted so that controls are easy to operate, and indications are easy to see.

Fire Alarm Types & Sound Levels

Fire alarms are categorised based on the level of life protection they offer (such as L1, L2, and L3 under BS 5839). The required sound levels are typically at least 65 decibels (dB(A)) to ensure audibility, though this can vary depending on the environment. In high-noise areas, louder alarms may be necessary, while sleeping areas require a minimum sound level at the bedhead to wake occupants. The alarm sound must be distinct from other noises within the building to ensure immediate recognition as a fire alert.

What is the Difference Between LD1, LD2 and LD3 Fire Alarms?

• L1: Highest level of protection, with detectors in all areas and escape routes, requiring a consistent high sound level throughout the building. 
• L2: Not as extensive as L1, may only require detectors in high-risk areas.
• L3: Lower level of protection, typically used in smaller office buildings.

What Sound Level Do Fire Alarms Need to Be?

Most fire alarm systems are designed to achieve a minimum sound pressure level (SPL) of 65 dB(A) at a designated distance, in accordance with standards like BS 5839-1. However, several factors can influence the actual sound level of an alarm:

• Background Noise: In areas with high ambient noise, the fire alarm must be significantly louder to ensure it is heard.
• Sleeping Areas: Bedrooms require special considerations, with a higher minimum sound level at the bedhead to wake occupants.
• Building Design: Room size, acoustics, and layout impact sound distribution and may necessitate adjustments to alarm placement.

In order to understand some of the wider elements of fire safety, employers should seek to train employees in the necessary areas of responsibility. We have a wide range of fire safety courses available, including our industry-renowned NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety.

This course offers a comprehensive look at fire safety in the UK, giving participants the opportunity to learn about:

• Managing fire safety.
• The principles of fire and explosion.
• Fuel, oxygen and ignition sources and control measures.
• Fire protection of buildings.
• Safety of people in the event of a fire.
• Fire safety risk assessment.

Head over to our course page below to find out more about the course, view the syllabus and access a free demo.