When it comes to installing fire alarm systems for businesses, it is important that they are installed to suit the business’s fire risk assessment guide needs and to comply within the UK’s Fire Safety legislation for businesses. Here at Curr@ntLive, we design and install fire alarm systems that comply with all these matters.
The Fire Safety Order/Regulatory Reform 2005 Requirements
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the core fire safety law for any non-domestic premises in England and Wales. It came into force on 1st October 2006, replacing older prescriptive fire certifications with an up to date risk-based system that puts legal duties on building owners and managers. The key requirements of the Fire Safety Order 2005 for businesses are;
- Responsible Person – The Fire Safety Order 2005 makes the building owner, manager or occupier legally responsible for fire safety within the premises.
- Fire Risk Assessment – There is to be up to date records of fire hazards and risks within the premises.
- General Precautions – Ensures practical safety measures are in place such as clear escape routes, alarms and fire equipment (extinguishers and blankets).
Theses requirements are enforced by local fire and rescue authorities by conducting audits and inspections. If a business is found not to be complying with fire safety requirements, it can lead to either fines, or temporary/full time closure or both, depending upon how bad the findings are.
Fire Risk Assessments
Fire Risk Assessments are mandatory documents that highlight possible hazards, persons at risk, and establish active control measures within a business premises. Up to date Fire Risk Assessments are in place to ensure that a business is complying with the Fire Safety Order 2005 requirements. There are 5 steps to conducting a thorough Fire Risk Assessment for a business;
- Identify Fire Hazards – Find and locate components of the fire triangle that can cause and spread a fire – Fuel (paper/cardboard, leaking oil, chemicals etc.), Ignition Sources (loose/exposed/broken wires, heaters, lit candles etc) and Oxygen (ventilation to spread a fire).
- Identify People at Risk – Take into account all staff, visitors and customers and where they are in the building. Highlight vulnerable groups of people (disabled, children, pregnant females).
- Evaluate and Act – Look at the premises layout/floorplan, the structure of all the floors and existing exit paths/escape routes. Put in place warning systems and equipment (extinguishers, signs, alarms, emergency lights etc.).
- Record, Plan and Train – Document and date all of your findings and actions implemented in your fire safety log book. Draft a clear evacuation plan and ensure regular training takes place for all staff members.
- Regularly Review – Go through the assessment at least once a year or if building alterations have taken place, once they are completed and during. Ensure each time you review your Fire Risk Assessment that you document and date all your findings and actions, even if they remain the same, to keep a legal dated record.
Here at Curr@ntLive, we install Grade A fire alarm systems that are specifically designed to meet all the needs of your business’s fire assessment by our BAFE certified engineers. We offer the highest quality fire alarm systems in the industry, also installed by our BAFE certified engineers. Our fire alarm systems are also all NSI Fire Gold and BAFE certified systems to ensure that they meet all requirements of the Fire Safety Order 2005 and keep the people in your business premises safe in an emergency. If you want a quote or advice for a fire alarm system to best suit your business’s needs, call us at Curr@ntLive on 02476 228000.
