by Editor | March 10, 2023 | Articles
Fire alarm systems in a small office should be a top priority in any building, large or small. It is especially important in small buildings because it helps to protect the occupants and the building from fire hazards. While smaller buildings do not pose the same risk as larger buildings, a fire in a small building can still cause significant damage and endanger lives. Fire alarm systems are essential in small buildings because they provide early warning of a fire outbreak. Early detection is critical to ensuring that everyone in the building has enough time to safely evacuate and that the fire department is notified in time to minimise damage.
In general, the size and design of the building, as well as the kinds of activities taking place, determine what type of fire alarm system to install in a small business place in the UK.
To comply with the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, the appropriate type of fire alarm category for your business place should be a priority.
An automatic fire alarm system gives people timely warning of a fire so they can leave the area quickly and safely. For the fire alarm system to detect the fire and warn occupants of the danger, it is crucial to know the fire alarm category.
Fire alarm systems should be installed and maintained by the British code practice of BS5839 and the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Fire Risk Assessment
A competent person should conduct a fire risk assessment even if it’s a small business place. It will make it possible for the fire alarm designer to choose the right fire alarm category.
The Regulatory Reform Order’s Article 9, (3) says that a fire risk assessment must be kept current and repeated whenever there has been a major change to the structure of the building or usage of it.
To keep your business safe, UK Safety Management always advises doing fire risk assessments annually, despite the fact that most changes in the workplace may seem insignificant.
Which fire alarm system is ideal for small businesses in the UK to install?
A “conventional” fire alarm system is the best choice for the many small businesses, as it’s less expensive to buy and simple to install and maintain. And, it can be programmed to sound alarms, activate sprinkler systems or other fire suppression systems, and notify the fire brigade in case of an emergency.
Is an addressable fire alarm system ideal for a small office building?
Addressable fire alarm systems are also a good option for small business premises. Addressable fire alarm systems are more complex, but they provide more detailed information about the location of any fire or smoke detected. This can help to reduce the time taken to respond and contain any fire.
Which fire alarm detectors work best for small businesses?
The right fire alarm detectors can ensure that occupants of the building are alerted quickly in the event of a fire outbreak, providing ample time for evacuation and minimising damage.
These detectors can be either heat detectors or smoke detectors, depending on the environment and the size of the premises.
How frequently should the fire alarm system be tested in a small business place?
According to BS5839, a system should be tested every six months and must undergo routine maintenance. All components, such as smoke and heat detectors, manual call points, sounders, and ancillaries, must be tested during the test phase, which includes remote signalling devices.
Do small businesses require user training?
It’s crucial to ensure that all staff are familiar with the system and know how to use it in the event of an emergency.
In conclusion, fire alarm systems are essential for fire safety in a small office. By ensuring that the system includes basic components, zoning (if necessary), audio and visual signals, monitoring, and regular maintenance and testing. This reassures small building owners and occupants that they are protected in the event of a fire.
Here at Cube We provide comprehensive training courses in Kent on the installation, maintenance and use of fire alarm systems. contact us for more information about enrolling in our courses.