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Fire Alarm & Smoke detectors

What are the Building Regulations?

Building Regulations are the minimum standards set for the design, construction and alterations to buildings. They are regularly changed and updated by Government, and are approved by Parliament. Fundamentally, the Building Regulations work to ensure the health and safety of those using the building, and help conserve on fuel and power. They cover all aspects of construction, including foundations, damp-proofing, the overall stability of the building, insulation, ventilation, heating, fire protection and means of escape in case of fire. They also ensure that adequate facilities for people with disabilities are provided in certain types of building.

Fire Safety

Fire safety is one of the key sections within the Building Regulations, which outlines the requirements needed to provide an early warning of fire, escape routes, preventing the spread of fire, and providing access to fire fighting facilities for the Fire and Rescue Services.

BS 5839

Fire Building Regulations in the UK point towards

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BS 5839 as they key code of practice for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection. (BS 5836-6 for domestic, and BS5839-1 for non domestic)

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BS 5839‑6:2013 categorises different grades and categories of fire detection systems for different types of building. Generally, the greater the fire risk and the more demanding the application required, the more comprehensive the fire safety system needs to be.

Here is a quick overview for specifying a fire detection and fire alarm system:

  1. There are 6 Grades of system, from A to F, with A being the most comprehensive fire detection system. (e.g. what the system comprises)

  1. Fire detection systems are divided into different Categories that relate to the level of protection the system provides (e.g. where the detectors are fitted)

  1. *Please refer to this when positioning  fire alarms to meet Building Regulations

Smoke alarm positioning to meet Building Regulations

Building Regulations vary throughout the UK, and so specify different levels of fire safety when installing fire alarm systems. Please refer to:

All Building Regulations recommend:

  1. Fire detection systems should be provided in accordance with the relevant recommendations of BS 5839-6.

  2. All alarms should be interlinked to ensure audibility throughout property

  3. (As outlined in BS 5839-6) smoke alarms positioned in circulation areas should be of optical type (or multi-sensor type incorporating an optical sensor).

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As fire safety technology continues to advance, multi‑sensor alarms (those monitoring for more than one indication of fire e.g. smoke and heat) are becoming increasingly available and affordable. These provide a quicker, more reliable, response to fire – so giving occupants more time to escape – and also reduce the risks of false alarms. 

ENGLAND AND WALES

LD3 – Minimum protection

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In England, the minimum guide for smoke alarm positioning to meet building regulations is as follows:

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  • All dwellings should be provided with an alarm system to at least Grade D, Category LD3

  • Position optical or multi-sensor mains powered alarms with an integral backup power supply within the escape routes of the property (i.e. hallways and landings)

  • Have at least one smoke alarm on every storey

  • Install a heat alarm in any kitchen areas where the kitchen is not separated from the circulation space or stairway by a door.

  • All alarms must be interlinked

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IMPORTANT to note:

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  • Category LD3 only offers a minimum level of protection in circulation spaces

  • Best practice to install to Category LD2. This is as BS 5839-6 states that “a Category LD3 system cannot be expected, with any degree of reliability, to protect people who might be involved with the fire at ignition or in its early stages.”

  • LD2 is required in Scotland and Northern Ireland Building Regulations (see below) and it is expected that England and Wales will follow suit when Building Regs are next revised.

SCOTLAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

LD2 – Medium protection

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In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the guide for smoke alarm positioning to meet building regulations is as follows:

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  • Install smoke alarms in all circulation areas/ escape routes and high risk areas

  • Have at least one smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey (such as hallways and landings)

  • Position at least one smoke alarm in the principal habitable room (generally the living room)

  • Have at least one heat alarm installed in every kitchen.

  • All alarms must be interlinked

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In Scotland the Regulations also require:

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  •            At least one smoke alarm in every access room serving an inner room

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IMPORTANT to Note:

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In Scotland optical or multi‑sensor alarms are recommended for the principle habitable room and all circulation areas. Heat alarms are recommended for the kitchen.

In Northern Ireland the Regulations recommend optical alarms for the principle habitable room and all circulation areas. Heat alarms are recommended for the kitchen. FireAngel’s Multi‑Sensor smoke alarms combine the very latest in optical sensing with thermal enhancement for a faster response and would therefore be suitable for installation in the principle habitable room and all circulation areas.

D1 – High protection

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If the risk to occupants from fire in any part of the premises is deemed to be high, a Category LD1 system would be appropriate.

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For example, an LD1 system would be appropriate if the occupants live with a form any disability (mental or physical) that could delay their escape from fire. Other vulnerable individuals may also include the elderly or children – it is all relative to the length of time needed for a tenant to escape.

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Installing alarms to meet LD1 in the Building Regulations would be as follows:

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  • Smoke alarms installed in all circulations spaces that form part of escape routes, and in all areas where a fire may start (excluding bathrooms)

  • Areas where a fire may start include hallways, landings, living room, kitchen and bedrooms.

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Wondering what the rules and regulations are specifically for fire alarms in commercial buildings in the UK? There’s a lot of information out there and it can be confusing to know what’s what. We’ve put together a useful guide so you have all the information you need on UK fire alarm regulations in commercial buildings.

Is a Commercial Building Required to Have a Fire Alarm?

UK fire alarm regulations state that all business premises must have an ‘appropriate fire detection system’ in place. This means that if there is an event of a fire, there needs to be a system in place that will detect the fire and warn employees and those in and around the building easily.

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According to the UK Government website, as an employer, you are known as the ‘responsible person’ and are fully responsible for the fire safety of the business. Installing a fire alarm is, therefore, an easy way to ensure the safety of your employees as well as knowing you are abiding by regulations.

What Type of Fire Alarm Does My Business Need?

The type of fire alarm you need depends on the type of commercial building. There are three main types which differentiate by their set-up and wiring:

  • Conventional Fire Alarm – unable to identify which device is activated, but rather a floor or zone.

  • Addressable Fire Alarm – ability to pin-point exactly which device is activated and where the fire is.

  • Wireless (Radio) Fire Alarm – much like an addressable alarm but without wires.

Once decided on your type of fire alarm, its grade and category need establishing.

Grades are represented as letters (A to F, with A being the highest grade and F the lowest). This defines how the fire alarm system should be constructed. Businesses should have a graded system between A-C to comply with UK regulations.

There are two main categories of fire alarm system:

  • Category P systems – which protect property.

  • Category L systems – which protect life. 

Under each category of system, a number is given ranging 1-5, which stipulates which areas of the building it should cover.

Feeling confused? Don’t worry. Your Fire Risk Assessment will determine and state which category standard your fire alarm system needs to meet for your site.

How Often Should Fire Alarms Be Tested in the Workplace? 

The British Standard BS 5839 states that you should test your fire alarms weekly in the workplace to check that they are working properly.

Why Is Fire Alarm Testing Important?

Proper testing is vital in ensuring that your fire alarms are operating correctly. If you don’t check your alarms weekly or properly then you will only be able to identify an issue or fault in the system when it is too late. If you are not testing fire alarms properly, you will be violating the regulations and will have to explain this to any investigating fire officers who visit your premises.

As a business owner, you are responsible for the lives of your employees, so must carry out proper testing.

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