Every property will require a level of protection dependent on a range of criteria including: the building’s lay-out; what the property is used for; the risk of fire; the type of work that is being carried out; the number of people working at the premises and the type of materials being stored and worked with on-site.
That is why, prior to installing a fire alarm system, it is crucial that a fire risk assessment is carried out. This is a detailed report that looks at the fire risk in a building and the level of fire alarm system required.
The code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises falls under the British Standard BS 5839-1:2013 and the design of a system falls into different categories.
M stands for a manual system where a building has no automatic fire detectors and instead the building is fitted with break points, push alarms and sounders.
Here the P signifies an automatic alarm system that is designed to protect a property – usually one that is unoccupied for most of the time, such as a warehouse or a power station that may be unmanned for hours or days at a time. These systems provide the earliest possible warning of a fire to minimise the potential of damage. This category is sub-divided into two types of system: P1 and P2.
A P1 system is designed to protect a whole building, whereas a P2 system is only installed in certain parts of a building where an extraordinary high fire risk or hazard has been identified.
An L category automatic alarm system is designed to cover offices and premises where there are people present and signifies the protection of life. These types of system can be further divided into five different categories of alarms: categories L1 to L5.
A BS5839 L1 classification requires the alarm system to provide automatic fire detection in all rooms, on all escape routes and in all voids over 800mm in height. An L2 system provides automatic fire detection on all escape routes and rooms leading onto escape routes while an L3 category system is similar but less stringent. L4 refers to automatic fire detection systems that rae positioned on escape routes only while an L5 designate incorporates systems designed to satisfy a specific fire safety objective or to protect a specific part of a building.
Beyond this our consultants can talk to you about the types of fire alarm systems that are available and the technology that may be most suitable for your circumstances. Our wireless systems, for example, may be appropriate if you want your system to be inconspicuous. If this is the case, we also offer bespoke panel designs and a custom finishing service where smoke detectors can be made to blend in with the existing décor of the room.
If you require a fire risk assessment, please contact us on 01622 809225 or via e-mail on enquiries@silverwolfsecurity.co.uk and we will be happy to discuss any of the issues raised above.