FAQ's
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Why do I need a Fire Alarm System?
The “Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations” require that every employer carries out a Fire Risk Assessment which includes provision for “giving warning in case of fire”.
Why can I not use the existing system we use for tea breaks/lunch etc?
British Standard 5839: Part 1 2002. Recommends that “the fire alarm should be a different sound than anything else used in the building”.
I have a mains electrical fire alarm system, which we have had for thirty years. Why do I have to change it?
The “Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations (1996)” requires that fire alarm warning systems SHALL be provided with a guaranteed emergency supply in the event of a power cut. Therefore fire alarm systems not having a standby power supply (battery back up) are no longer legal. This is also a law, failure to comply being an offence (ref clause 46.2.b.4. Regulations also state that when carrying out your statutory Fire Risk Assessment you must take into account any advances in technology.
Why do I need to up-grade my fire alarm system?
In carrying out your statutory Fire Risk Assessment you must take into account, advances in technology.
Are the requirements of B.S. 5839 legally binding?
No, B.S. 5839 is a code of practice, which makes recommendations for the installation of a reliable fire alarm system. However, its’ recommendations are used as “requirements by controlling authorities and insurers.
Do I have to fully comply with everything in B.S. 5839?
Whilst the recommendations should be generally followed, the code allows designers to make variations after carrying out a risk assessment and gaining agreement by all interested parties.
Why do I need a service/maintenance contract for my system?
B.S. 5839 recommends that all systems be subjected to periodic servicing in addition to routine testing. The Fire Precautions (Workplace)Regulations require a system of maintenance. Failure to keep the fire detection and alarms in good working order is a criminal offence
Who should test my fire alarm and how often should it be done?
The responsible Person or users trained to operate the Fire Alarm should carry out a weekly test on a different manual call point each time, and a record kept in the fire alarm log book.
At what intervals should the fire alarm system be serviced?
This should be decided by a risk assessment but in any case should be at least every 6 months. The service should be carried out to the latest British Standard, at present BS5839 pt1:2002, even though the system may have been installed to an earlier version.
Who should carryout work on the fire alarm system?
A Competant Person should carryout work on the fire alarm system. A competant person is someone who has the experience and training to carry out a task. Proof of competancy may be through a third party acreditation scheme where the person and his work is assessed. BAFE SP203 and LPS 1014 are two such accreditation schemes.
Who is responsible for the fire alarm system?
A Responsible Person is someone who has control of the building and/or premises, whether as occupier or otherwise, or any person delegated by the person having control of the building to be responsible for the fire alarm and the fire procedures. For a fire alarm system the responsible person is the most important person.
Do I need automatic fire detectors?
This is a matter, which will be decided in your Fire Risk Assessment.
Do I need to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment?
All employers must carry out a Fire Risk Assessment and where there are more than 5 employees, then it must be in the form of a written report.
Do we need to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment if we have a Fire Certificate for our building?
The “Fire Certificate” was issued under the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and is no longer relevant. You should carryout a Fire Risk Assessment
There appears to be several pieces of fire legislation relating to my building. Which do I have to comply with?
Yes you may have to comply with several pieces of legislation at this moment in time but the enactment on the “Fire Safety Order” later this year, will have the effect of repealing all other fire legislation. In the meantime it is essential that you carry out a Fire Risk Assessment under the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations.