‘Why Business Fire Alarm Systems Are Essential’  

Commercial fire alarm systems are required to protect life, property, and business continuity by providing early detection and warning in the event of a fire. Their use is not just a safety measure but also a legal requirement in most commercial settings in the UK.  

The seven things business owners must do and be aware of when it comes to fire safety measures:  

1. Protect life and ensure safety. With the right early detection in place, such as audible and visual alarms, people can evacuate safely and quickly.  
2. It’s a legal requirement of operating a business in the UK. As part of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, business owners (referred to as the ‘Responsible Person’) must conduct regular fire risk assessments and implement necessary fire precautions, including alarms.  
3. Property needs to be protected. Early detection will prevent extensive damage to buildings, stock, and equipment.  
4. Reduces emergency response time. Early detection combined with modern systems that are directly linked to emergency services will help ensure a quicker response from firefighters.  
5. Business continuity. Minimises disruption by allowing faster intervention, reducing the potential for prolonged downtime and financial losses.  
6. Insurance compliance. Many insurance policies require functioning, compliant fire alarm systems. Failing to install or maintain one could invalidate claims.  
7. Legal liability and compliance. Failure to comply with fire safety laws can result in fines, legal action, or even imprisonment for the ‘responsible person’.    

Poor preparation and non-compliance are costly

According to the Fire Protection Association the average loss to UK Business following afire incident was a staggering £657,074.

Some 4,700 fires were analysed for the impact both fire and smoke damage have on a commercial enterprise.  

It’s clear from the studies that fire damage has catastrophic and far reached effects. Often the costs are simply too high to recover from, forcing businesses to close.  

How are these costs calculated?

The most obvious costs are related to the loss of buildings and assets. But the cost of data loss, business interruption and loss of income can’t be overstated, as the stats above show. Nor can damage to reputation, losing customers to competitors and employee disruption.  

At its worst, fire can cause death or severe and life changing injuries. This can result in the company being penalised with charges of corporate manslaughter. Additionally, company directors risk being charged with gross negligence manslaughter should investigations find that the business failed to meet statutory health and safety obligations.  

There are no two ways about it; Business fire alarm systems are essential for protecting lives, income, brand, and property. Understanding this risk, is essential for all board rooms. There can be no room for complacency.  

Fire alarm systems

A comprehensive fire alarm system will be determined by completing a fire risk assessment and will encompass a mix of different fire safety measures.  

These include emergency signage to mark the fastest and safest exit routes, extinguishers suitable for different types of fires, aspirating smoke detectors as well as alarm systems that audibly and visibly alert staff to the presence of a fire when activated.  

Often a mix of solutions is needed to cover different building types and industry specific challenges, such as those businesses using chemicals or operating in healthcare.

There’s a lot to consider and often the safest way is to work with an expert. At TouchStar, our team of engineers can advise on the best measures to put in place to meet the unique needs of your business. They will also ensure compliance with regulation and regular servicing of equipment and control systems to ensure that if the worst happens, your fire alarm system will activate rapidly.  

Legislation and fire alarm systems

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the main law across England and Wales. It sets the legal mandate for the installation and maintenance of functioning business fire alarm systems in commercial and public spaces.  

The legislation provides a framework for fire safety in non-domestic settings. It insists on policies and procedures to protect lives, including the appointment of fire wardens and adequate training for evacuation. These measures should include employees, site visitors and the lives of people working or living in adjoining buildings.  

Efforts to prevent fires through regular risk assessments are also covered by the laws. The approach to risk management must also be evidenced, from building design and upkeep, through to the use of business fire alarm systems and equipment to detect and deal with a fire.  

The order is helpful for setting the criteria a business uses to select, install and maintain a business fire alarm system and detectors. (You can see our range here – which includes solutions for all sizes of business).  

Insurance and fire alarm systems

Market leading commercial fire alarm systems, such as TouchStar’s, are designed to meet the criteria stipulated by business insurers before they will issue a policy.  

The terms are likely to include meeting standards in building construction and upkeep, regular training and risk assessments, and standards.  

Standards will include:

• British Standard 5306 Part 3 for the commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers
• EN54 standards for manufacturing of fire detection equipment
• BS 5839 – UK Code of Practice for System Design, Installation & Maintenance of fire detection systems
• BS 5499-4:2013 – Safety Signs. As the primary British Standard and code of practice for emergency exit signage, it provides guidance on the design, size, and layout of escape route signs.

Get the right strategy in place

Getting the right strategy in place is essential for protecting your business from risk of fire, and the extortionate costs associated with an incident.  

At TouchStar, we have years of experience of working with businesses across retail, hospitality, healthcare, warehousing and manufacturing. Our team will design the best solution to meet country-specific regulation and ensure sector-specific compliance is in place. Find out more here or contact us at info@touchstar.co.uk