Table of Contents
Fires in commercial properties pose a serious threat to human life and business assets. If not contained at the right time, they can wreak havoc and, in serious cases, lead to loss of human life and permanent business closure.
Depending on the nature of your business, you may be at a lower or higher risk of fires, but the risk is present, nevertheless. The cause may be anything ranging from faulty electrical equipment to clutter, flammable materials, human error, or arson.
To protect your business from the deadly effects of a fire, it is mandatory to take the necessary precautionary and preventive measures in the form of a fire alarm system. These systems play an integral part in fire safety and are essential for protecting lives and property. They have a huge role to play in workplace safety compliance and help businesses stay compliant with the law.
However, to ensure ongoing compliance, the fire alarm systems need to be kept updated. This includes regular maintenance as well as system upgrades when necessary. Failure to do so may lead to non-compliance and the business exposing itself to risk as well as heavy fines.
Read on to find out all about commercial fire alarms, the risks of an outdated fire alarm system, when and why to upgrade your fire alarm system, and the best ways for your business to stay compliant with the law:
IMPORTANCE OF COMMERCIAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
The presence of fire alarms is necessary in commercial properties, and they should be part of a comprehensive safety and security system in businesses. Here’s why:
- Early fire detection – the primary purpose of a fire alarm system is to detect the earliest signs of a fire. It uses a comprehensive network of sensors installed across the premises to detect the presence of smoke, fire, or gas and alert the occupants of the building at the earliest using audible and visual signals to take the necessary action for safety.
- Integration with fire suppression systems – in addition to sending out an alert in case of a fire, fire alarm systems are also usually integrated with fire suppression systems such as sprinklers that automatically get activated when a fire is detected. This can be a game-changer in preventing the spread of fire and containing it before the fire and rescue team arrives on site.
- Protection of life and property – the fire system’s ability to detect a fire at the right time can be the difference between protecting your people and property and watching it burn to the ground. Timely alerts and swift action from the occupants of the building can save precious human lives and protect business assets and property from getting damaged.
- Regulatory compliance – having an effective fire alarm system helps you stay compliant with the law. As a business owner or employer, it is your responsibility to take all the necessary steps to make the workplace safe for your employees and others on the premises, and a fire alarm system is a step in the right direction.
- Insurance compliance – Many insurance companies require businesses to have adequate safety measures to minimise the risk of damage. This includes having a well-maintained and up-to-date fire alarm system. Most insurance providers ask for proof of an up-to-date fire alarm system for coverage purposes and may even offer discounts on insurance premiums. Non-compliance may invalidate your insurance, exposing you and your business to financial risk.
FIRE ALARM COMPLIANCE FOR BUSINESSES
Fire safety in business properties is a serious concern, and business owners are required to take appropriate action to prevent fires from occurring and minimising casualties and damages in the unfortunate event of one erupting.
You are responsible for fire safety in a commercial property if you are the owner, employer, landlord, occupier, or anyone in control of the premises such as the facilitation or building manager.
In the UK, fire safety laws are governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which provides a detailed guide to make your property safe from fires. It emphasises the importance of conducting fire risk assessments and implementing appropriate fire safety measures for all non-domestic properties, including commercial businesses.
BS (British Standard) 5839 is the code of practice for designing, installing, commissioning, and maintaining fire alarm systems in commercial buildings and contains important recommendations for where the systems should be located for optimal performance.
CONSEQUENCES OF AN OUTDATED FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
The lifespan of a commercial fire alarm system is usually 10 to 15 years, although this depends on the quality of the hardware, the installation, how it is used, and how well it has been maintained. While modern fire alarm systems are made to be reliable and more durable, they still require regular upkeep and maintenance to perform as expected.
The components of a fire alarm system including the control panels, detectors, manual call points, and sounders have their own lifespan which may also be affected by factors such as general wear and tear and harsh environmental conditions.
Over time, the components may not work as intended and the system may become obsolete. This can be due to advances in technology, changing regulations, or issues within the system that call for a system upgrade.
The risks associated with having a faulty or outdated fire alarm system are too significant to overlook. The biggest issue with such systems is their inability to effectively detect a fire and alert occupants of the threat. If a fire alarm can’t do that, there’s no point in having it on your business premises.
A serious fire incident can have adverse effects on a business and result in serious losses. Not only can it lead to damaged business property but also tarnish the business’s reputation in the community. The business owner could be held liable for a fire in the workplace and, in the absence of a compliant fire alarm system, may even face hefty charges and even risk potential imprisonment.
Another major issue with an outdated fire alarm system is that it may malfunction and become a nuisance due to false alarms. A false fire alarm is where the alarm is triggered, and the FRSs arrive at the location believing there to be an actual emergency when in reality there is none. In the year ending September 2024, FRSs attended 254,041 fire false alarms, the largest figure since the year ending September 2011.
False fire alarms can be caused by several reasons, one of which includes faulty and outdated fire alarm systems. The consequences of false fire alarms include unnecessary disruption, wastage of resources, financial costs, and desensitisation. To curb this issue, some fire and rescue services in the UK are imposing fines on repeated false alarm callouts.
WHEN TO UPGRADE YOUR COMMERCIAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Here are all the signs that your fire alarm system needs an upgrade:
Old Age
The age of the fire alarm system is a good indicator of whether it needs to be upgraded. Even the best fire alarm systems have a natural use-by date, after which they become obsolete and need to be upgraded.
Generally, the lifespan of a fire alarm system is about 10 to 15 years, and it is a good idea to consider upgrading your system before it reaches its end date. An outdated system may become less reliable, which is a feature you would not want in your fire alarm system.
Fire alarm technology is evolving at a fast pace, and with newer and better fire alarm systems in the market, your older system may become obsolete and less effective compared to when it was initially installed.
Excessive Repairs and Maintenance
If your current fire alarm system is malfunctioning a lot and requires excessive repairs and maintenance, it is a definite sign for a system upgrade. Frequent repairs can be expensive and lead to unnecessary costs for the business that may be spent on other necessary business operations.
Older and outdated systems may not work as intended and can become either too sensitive or insensitive, both of which lead to functional issues. An overly sensitive fire alarm may lead to frequent false alarms while an insensitive one may not pick up on the presence of smoke, fire, and gas.
It may also become increasingly difficult to find parts for an old fire alarm system as they are generally phased out by manufacturers in favour of newer and better parts. In the case that they are sourced from somewhere, their price is usually sky-high. Some manufacturers even stop offering support for obsolete systems. If you find yourself struggling to find replacement parts and support for your current fire alarm, take it as a sign for a system upgrade.
New Features
At times, even if your current fire alarm system is functioning properly and showing no signs of faults or issues, you may consider upgrading it for new and better features. This can lead to better fire detection and great benefits for the business in terms of efficiency and cost savings.
With advancements in technology, fire alarm systems are more efficient than ever. With innovations in detection technology, modern fire alarms are better equipped for detecting the earliest signs of a fire and minimising risk.
Modern fire alarm systems use the latest technology for more reliability, performance, and cost savings. Innovations such as wireless technology, integration with building management systems, remote monitoring and control, cloud technology, smart sensors, and the use of artificial intelligence are serious game-changers and certainly features to consider in a fire alarm system upgrade.
Building Renovations
While your current fire alarm system may be adequate in providing fire protection to your business, building renovations and changes to your business such as expansion are both reasons to consider a fire alarm system upgrade. For example, the addition of rooms and elevators may alter the effectiveness of your current system and lead to changes in your fire safety needs.
An upgrade would be required not just to guarantee protection but to also stay code-compliant. Relying on an old fire alarm system to provide added protection may lead to increased risk and can prove costly in the long run.
Upgrading to a fire alarm system that considers all the changes and new additions will ensure that your business remains protected from fire hazards and that the fire will be detected and appropriately responded to in order to minimise damages.
BENEFITS OF A FIRE ALARM SYSTEM UPGRADE
If your current fire alarm system is old and outdated, you and your business can benefit from upgrading the system. Here’s how:
- Better fire protection
- More advanced features
- Code compliance
- Cost savings
A new, better, and upgraded system will come equipped with better features leading to better fire protection, which is the primary job of a good fire alarm system. Saving your business and the people in it from the deadly effects of a fire is the responsibility of the business owners, and installing a state-of-the-art fire alarm system is one way to do so.
Malfunctions caused by outdated technology and faulty wiring and components can put the business at risk and expose it to danger. Updated systems with reliable technology can detect potential fire hazards before they spread and cause havoc.
Fire safety regulations in the UK have become more stringent over the years, with all property owners required to take the necessary fire safety measures to minimise risk. The inability to do so can result in non-compliance and lead to hefty fines and legal repercussions. Upgrading your fire alarm will guarantee code compliance and keep your business safe in every way.
While upgrading your fire alarm system and investing in better components and features may seem like a major expense, it can save you money in the long run. This is due to the system being more energy-efficient and low maintenance. In addition to that, an upgraded fire alarm system can lead to discounts from most insurance companies that can lower your insurance premiums.
CONTACT CALDER SECURITY
At Calder Security, we offer you a comprehensive solution for your commercial fire safety needs that includes professional installation, maintenance, monitoring, and repair.
We understand that every commercial property is different, and the specification of the system depends on several factors including the type and size of the building, the nature of the business, and the number of employees and staff.
We can help you cut through all that and advise you on the best fire detection system for your property that complies with British Standards, HSE, Building Regulations, and Fire Officer Guidelines, in addition to meeting the requirements of business insurance.
We also understand fire regulations and provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law. We work fast to restore your fire alarm system to excellent condition and always strive to meet your expectations.
We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.
If your system starts to malfunction, you can rely on our highly skilled engineers to restore your system to full working order in one visit. We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair fire alarms not installed by us thanks to our extensive knowledge and experience.
Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts for more information on commercial fire alarm systems, the importance of upgrading them, and how your business can stay compliant.
Photo by Piotr Chrobot on Unsplash