Fire Alarm Regulations for Business Owners As a business owner, it is important to understand that
you have a duty to protect your premises, its assets and your employees. Fires
in the workplace are very common and are preventable if the right measures are
taken.
This month’s blog at KBM Fire Safety Services
looks at fire alarm regulations for business owners. For more information, call
us on 01208 73001 .
Who is Responsible? According to UK Fire
Safety Regulations , it is a legal requirement to have a proper fire alarm
system in place for the following:
Your property is large, multi-storeyed or
close-planned You store high-risk/highly flammable substances You undertake high-risk activities involving open fires,
such as cooking A fire would not be easily spotted if it broke out
anywhere in the property
You are responsible for fire safety for your business if you
are the owner, employer, landlord, or occupier of the premises. In some cases,
there may be more than one responsible person. If so, you will need to take on
equal responsibility in meeting safety regulations.
Does My Workplace Need an Alarm? Surprisingly, the current regulations in the UK don’t insist
upon all commercial properties to have fire alarms installed. However, you must
have an appropriate fire detection system in place.
There are several different alarm systems you can install.
Whatever you choose, there are a number of factors that need to be considered,
including:
All staff can hear the alarm Every exit in the building should have a call point Your fire alarm must be in good, working order Your alarm must be regularly tested
In addition to this, it is important you install emergency
lighting and deliver fire safety training.
How Often Should Alarms be Tested? There are specific fire alarm testing regulations that must
be adhered to. Frequent testing is very important, especially if a fire does
break out. Ideally, your alarms should be tested once a week.
If a problem is identified during fire alarm maintenance, it
should be addressed immediately.
Fire Risk Assessments Here at KBM Fire Safety Services, we have a wealth of
experience in undertaking fire risk assessments. Fire risk assessments form the
foundation for fire security, and it must be implemented by all businesses. A
fire risk assessment is carried by:
Identifying potential hazards Identifying those at risk Evaluating the extent of the risk and removing it Preparing an action plan Reviewing the risk and updating as and when required Find Out More For more information about fire alarm regulations for
businesses, contact KMB Fire Safety Services. Covering Devon and Cornwall, call
us today on 01208 73001 . Alternatively, send us
a message via our contact
form .
You can find us here .