23 Feb 2018
fire engine and fire

Being a business owner is a big responsibility, especially if you have a property and large workforce to look after too. Just one of a thousand things you must keep on top of is fire safety, fire alarms and servicing – important for obvious reasons!

As fire alarm design and installation specialist we know a thing or two about fire safety, so here is our advice for ensuring your business is safe and compliant.

 

Commercial Fire Alarms and Fire Safety

 

fire extinguisherAs a business owner, the most important legislation you should understand and comply with is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The Order places responsibility on business owners to carry out risk assessments to identify, manage and reduce the risk of fire.

The reform replaced older fire safety legislation with one easy to follow order, which is enforceable by local authorities and applies to any commercial (non-domestic) building.

You will frequently come across the term ‘responsible person’ in the legislation and guides; this is the individual who has overall responsibility for the fire alarms, procedures and staff safety.

You are the responsible person for fire safety within your business if you’re:

  • an employer
  • the owner
  • anyone else with control of the premises, for example, a facilities manager.

If you have established you’re the responsible person, congratulations! You now must:

  • carry out a fire risk assessment of your property and review it regularly
  • inform staff or their representatives of the risks you’ve identified
  • put in place, and maintain appropriate fire safety measures
  • create a plan for emergencies
  • provide fire safety instruction and training for your staff

failure to comply with any of the above could result in a fine, or in extreme cases prison. Local fire and rescue authorities inspect premises and can issue fire safety notices telling you about changes you need to make if anything is discovered.

 

Reducing Fire Risk

 

A fire on your premises is at best an inconvenience, and at worst a tragedy with the loss of life. Neither is something you want so it’s wise (and the law) to ensure that you reduce the risk of fire as much as you reasonably can.

One of the best ways to start is with a fire risk assessment, below is a brief rundown of the process:

  1. Identify fire hazards
  2. Identify people at risk
  3. Evaluate, remove or reduce, and protect from risk
  4. Record, plan, inform, instruct, and train
  5. Review – remember to schedule regular reviews of your fire risk assessment

 

BS5839 and Fire Alarm Installation

 

a fire with a woman looking onBS5839 is a British Standard that provides recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises.

It’s important that any fire alarm system, whatever category, is installed in accordance with the standard.

Therefore, you should look for a fire alarm specialist when planning your system – don’t take your chances with anyone who doesn’t look like they have the correct qualifications or knowledge of fire safety systems.

 

IDES UK Fire Alarm Installations and Services

 

IDES design, install and maintain all categories of conventional and analogue addressable fire alarm systems in accordance with BS5839. On completion of installations, a formal handover will take place with nominated representatives.

The responsible person/s will be given a full demonstration on how to operate and how to test the system. The full drawings, certification and fire log book will be also be handed over. Our friendly team provide an efficient and cost-effective fire alarm installation and aftercare services including:

  • Design
  • Installation
  • Fire Alarm Panel upgrades / Replacements
  • Additions / Alterations to existing installations
  • Testing & Commissioning
  • Maintenance

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss any aspect of commercial fire alarms and fire safety – we have years of experience working with both smaller and larger businesses on all types of fire alarm installations and maintenance.

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