GL FIRE SOLUTIONS

Design & installation of fire alarms

Current UK fire alarm regulations states that all business premises must have ‘an appropriate fire detection system’. This means, that if there was an outbreak of a fire in a building, it can easily be detected and that all occupants can easily be warned. This does not always necessarily mean that a business premises will need to have a fire alarm system.

There are 3 main types of fire alarm system: Conventional, Addressable, and Wireless:

Conventional Fire Alarm

Divides your premises into broad zones.
In the event of an activation, the fire alarm panel identifies the zone, but does not give the precise area.
Most suitable for smaller or lower risk environments.

Addressable Fire Alarm

Each individual device has its own unique address and device text
If one activates, the fire alarm panel tells you precisely where the problem is
Most suitable for larger or higher risk environments – e.g schools, care homes, hospitals

WirelessFire Alarm

Uses a secure wireless link between the sensors and the fire alarm panel
Typically works like an addressable system, without the need for cabling
Most suitable for premises that don’t want lots of cable – e.g. Churches, historic buildings or buildings with high amounts of asbestos where drilling is not an option.

GL fire Solutions Limited can provide a complete programme tailored to suit your individual buildings requirements by offering: –

Fully specified system design
System installation and commission
Maintenance contracts to cover out of hours and corrective maintenance on systems

All carried out to the relevant British Standards and closely monitored by inspections by a third-party accreditation company (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) to ensure we meet the requirements of BAFE-SP203 Part 1 for design and installation of fire alarm systems.

Do I need a Fire Alarm?

You are likely to need a fire alarm system if any of the following statements are true:

A shout of ‘fire!’ would not be easily heard by all occupants
A fire would not be easily spotted if it broke out anywhere in the premises
Your premises are not small, simple, and single-storey or open-plan
You store any high-risk substances, such as chemicals
You undertake any high-risk activities, such as cooking
You have any vulnerable occupants, such as the very young, elderly or disabled

If you are in any doubt, then your Fire Risk Assessment should specifically state whether you should or should not install automatic fire detection.

If you do not have a Fire Risk Assessment, then we would recommend you carry one out first. More information on Fire Risk Assessments.