Angus has been involved in developing and writing British and International Fire & Safety standards since the mid-1980s. The list of standards that he has participated in is impressive and includes BS5839-1, BS8629, EN54-18 and ISO7240-2. Angus utilises his extensive experience to provide an authoritative perspective on the key issues that affect the Fire & Security Industry today.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to compliance with the British Standard, Code of Practice BS 5839-1:2017. This pocket guide “Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings” provides simple guidance for the provision of fire detection and alarm system in accordance with the recommendations detailed within BS 5839-1:2017.
What is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (FSO)?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (FSO) became law on 1 October 2006. Fire authorities no longer issue fire certificates and those previously in force now have no legal status. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (FSO) replaced most fire safety legislation with one new Order. It means that any person who has some level of control in premises (normally the employer) must take steps to reduce the risk from fire, consider how to contain a fire should one break out and then also make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire.
- All Fire Alarm designs should be based on an assessment of the risk
- All Fire Risk Assessments should be carried out by a competent person
- Fire Risk Assessments must be reviewed regularly
Where does the Order apply?
Virtually all premises and nearly every type of building structure and certain open spaces.
What are the Fire Alarm Categories and Fire Alarm Classifications?
Fire Alarm System categories specify the level of protection that a system provides according to the recommendations of the BS 5839-1:2017 British Standards.
BS 5839-1:2017 splits Fire Alarm Systems into 3 system design categories:
- Category P Systems – Property Protection Fire Alarm Systems
- Category L Systems – Life Protection Fire Alarm Systems
- Category M Systems - Manual Operation Systems
Property Protection Fire Systems:
- ‘P’: Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) designed primarily to protect property
- P1: AFD installed throughout all areas
- P2: AFD is installed only in defined areas
Life Protection Fire Systems:
- ‘L’: Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) is designed to primarily protect Human Life
- L1: AFD installed throughout all areas
- L2: AFD installed in defined areas in addition to L3
- L3: installed in escape routes and rooms or areas opening onto these routes
- L4: AFD installed in escape routes comprising circulation areas and spaces such as corridors and stairways
- L5: applies to a non – prescriptive system in which protected areas and/or the location of detectors is designed to satisfy a specific fire risk objective – other than that of L1 to L4
M: No AFD - System design to be operated manually
Designer Responsibilities
(1) BS 5839-1 recommends that a fire detection system is designed by a competent person, who takes responsibility for completing the design and signing off a ‘Design certificate’. This should not be confused with other certificates relating to Installation.
(2) If the contract allows, it is suggested that the Designer witnesses testing of the completed system to ensure the original design is still appropriate; the Design certificate can then be completed after any amendments are included.
Got a question about BS 5839-1:2017? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
Following the recommendations of BS5839 Part 1 2017 (Fire Alarm British Standard), it is a mandatory requirement to have an up to date, clear and accurate Fire Alarm Zone Chart adjacent to your Fire Alarm Control Panel and any repeater panels you have in your premises.
The purpose of the Zone Chart is to assist persons responding to an alarm to quickly identify the specific location in the building and to help the Fire Brigade understand the building layout before they enter.
When the Fire Alarm System is installed, the building is divided into Fire Zones. Any Manual Call Point (Red Box) or Fire Detector that is fitted will trigger a particular zone when activated.
The Zone Chart shows the division of each zone area with a ‘You are Here’ arrow to identify the position of the Fire Alarm Panel. The view of the building should be orientated in relation to the Fire Alarm Panel position to minimise confusion.
What is involved in producing a Zone Chart?
- Hard copy
- Or preferably AutoCAD (dwg) format
You have a legal duty of care to dispose of waste legitimately and safely via a licensed waste carrier. Failure to do so can result in prosecution, even if you have outsourced the disposal to a third party.
The Fixfire® Extinguisher Recycling Process is your reassurance that any Fire Extinguishers we remove from your premises have been disposed of in a safe and legal manner. 97% of each processed Fire Extinguisher is recycled.
Our contracted Extinguisher Recycling Unit (ERU) is a dedicated facility offering a service for the safe processing and recycling/disposal of fire extinguishers. The facility operates closely with the local Water Authority and the Environment Agency to develop safe, efficient and environmentally friendly processes, ensuring that ISO14001 certification is upheld.
Got a question about Fire Extinguisher Disposal? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
False Fire Alarms remain a huge concern within the education sector- interrupting already carefully scheduled, planned and well-prepared lessons or even causing major disruption and distress to exams.
Clearly, these false alarms cause significant inconvenience and disruption to students, staff, and visitors. They compromise everyone’s safety in the school and present a significant risk to the local community since the Fire Brigade will prioritise the school over other emergency callouts.
Solutions you should consider:
The first and most straightforward way is to use anti-tamper products.
Fixfire® supplies a wide range of solutions designed to protect Fire Alarm Devices from inadvertent damage or deliberate misuse/vandalism.
Products include:
- Local plastic cover flaps which attach directly to manual call points.
- The stopper consists of a clear, tamperproof, tough polycarbonate cover, frame and spacer that retrofits over a break glass call point. When lifted to operate the break glass unit, its optional battery powered integral sounder emits a piercing 96dB (at 1m). Immediate attention is drawn to the area and a prankster will either run or be caught!
- A range of steel web stoppers designed to protect fire detectors and warning devices. They are constructed from heavy-duty galvanised steel rod which is plastic-coated for durability and external use.
- A range of polycarbonate enclosures are available for the protection of devices such as fire alarm control panels and associated control equipment. The enclosures combine tough rugged construction with stylish design and offer excellent protection with a key lock for authorised access.
We also provide anti-tamper devices for fire extinguishers and associated products.
KeyCall® is a patented anti-ligature Fire Alarm and Access Control call point. It is designed to use the same key as the doors, providing simple operation for staff whilst eliminating nuisance activations by service-users.
KeyCall® has been developed by Fixfire® specifically for approved applications where standard versions would be vulnerable to abuse.
It is one of the best solutions for SEN schools and it is also compatible with a wide range of Conventional and Addressable Fire Alarm Systems.
Got a question about False Fire Alarms? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
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