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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Technical Advice => Topic started by: ldr1973 on February 20, 2006, 11:09:32 PM
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Hi
I work for a security alarm company and install monitored security alarms in homes and businesses.
Today, I was called out to do a survey for a company with quite a large premises. Three large floors made up of a large office full of telephonists and then smaller offices and laboratories on each floor. I reckon each floor is a little smaller than a football pitch.
We don't install fire alarm systems as such, (Basically we normally attach a smoke alarm to our security systems as an extra zone in the home so that if there is a fire, our monitoring station picks it up).
I'd like to know if this building is required (by law) to have a fire alarm that meets BS5839 as I don't think the customer would appreciate us installing one of our systems only to find out that it doesn't meet the legal requirements.
Thank you -I would be extremely grateful for any comments
Lee
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The answer to your query is as follows - which is more or less a direct lift from the current fire legisaltion.
Every employer is required to make a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work. Where necessary, in order to safeguard the safety of employees, the workplace shall to the extent that is appropriate be equipped with appropriate fire fighting equipment and fire detectors and alarms.
There are of course other issues like emergency routes and exits, training, signs, lighting and maintenance, and the appointment of a competent person to assist him etc etc however the provision of any fire safety feature is directly related to the risk assessment.
There are some exceptions, but from the information you have provided the above is likely to apply. I suggest that the employer obtains a copy of "Fire Safety - An Employers Guide", available free online, and have a good read.
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I suggest that the employer obtains a copy of "Fire Safety - An Employers Guide", available free online, and have a good read.
http://www.archive.official-documents.co.uk/document/fire/index.htm
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easy answer-Yes to a part 1 system
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Three floors are too large for a verbal or manual alarm to be heard so already the building needs at least a Category M BS5839-1 system, i.e. break glass call points, sounders and a contro/indicator panel. Dependant on the risks automatic detection may be required to one of the 5 Life Safety categories in the BS.
I suggest if you have any friends in the trade who are experienced at fire alarm design & installation have a look at the building for you - you can then report & quote with authority & subcontract your colleagues to install.
Result- client safe & legal, you look professional & are legal, your friends get some work, smiles all around
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As a minimum you should be looking at an L4 system (if life protection is the aim) or a P2/M system where it is property protection.Either way,you are talking somedetection in the escape corridors and stairwells plus call points at the relevant required spacing.Detectors off a security system do not comply with BS 5839 and are not acceptable to local authorities.
Not sure of the exact size of a football pitch but the maximum zone size for a system with smoke detection is 2000m2 and zones cannot be split vertically.
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Not sure of the exact size of a football pitch
that's because you always are viewing one from a tv screen inside a pub.Harder to get a sense of size that way.
like snooker on the tv
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Not sure of the exact size of a football pitch
that's because you always are viewing one from a tv screen inside a pub.Harder to get a sense of size that way.
like snooker on the tv
Being a 'Gers man you'll only know one half of it (your own)! :D
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not tonight,the boys done half decent for a change.