Who's responsible for fire alarm specification

[Mar62]

I am now in the middle of a 'discussion' as to who should be specifying a fire alarm category? the risk assessor or the fire alarm designer. I have been given different views shall we say on various courses and debates but it still seems to be open. Views please............

[Dinnertime Dave]

The risk assessor.

[nearlythere]

I am now in the middle of a 'discussion' as to who should be specifying a fire alarm category? the risk assessor or the fire alarm designer. I have been given different views shall we say on various courses and debates but it still seems to be open. Views please............

The type and Category of fas is determined by the fire risk assessment. There may not even be a need for an installation.
The designer will design to that standard. The installer will install to the design.

[Mar62]

That was my thoughts initially but recently been told I shouldn't be getting involved in specifying as Im not a competent fire alarm designer. Thanks for your comment.

[Mar62]

Thanks NT.

[Golden]

Martin that's right you're not a competent FDA system designer that's why you just specify where you want the detection (system category) and leave the designer to complete the process.

[kurnal]

The fire risk assessor usually is not involved in the design fire strategy or  specifations in the construction phase. This is when the fire alarm system is designed and installed. In my opinion the spec and category is the responsibility of the building designer.

The fire risk assessor then reviews the design fire strategy, the category, the fire emergency plan etc and determines whether the spec, category and C&E etc are appropriate to the way the building is used.

[nearlythere]

I specified a Category of FAS in an Assessment last year and advised the client to specify the Category in writing to the installer.

Then got a call from a whining installer wanting to know why I didn't specify a L1 system "as what should be according to in BS5839" and that he will wanted me to sign a variation.

I told the client to go elsewhere which he did.

[nearlythere]

The fire risk assessor usually is not involved in the design fire strategy or  specifations in the construction phase. This is when the fire alarm system is designed and installed. In my opinion the spec and category is the responsibility of the building designer.

The fire risk assessor then reviews the design fire strategy, the category, the fire emergency plan etc and determines whether the spec, category and C&E etc are appropriate to the way the building is used.

True. Best not get involved at all until new building is complete.

[Mar62]

Many many thanks for all your comments. I work on my own and its great to get other peoples opinions and guidance on here.

Thanks guys.....

[Dinnertime Dave]

The fire risk assessor usually is not involved in the design fire strategy or  specifations in the construction phase. This is when the fire alarm system is designed and installed. In my opinion the spec and category is the responsibility of the building designer.

The fire risk assessor then reviews the design fire strategy, the category, the fire emergency plan etc and determines whether the spec, category and C&E etc are appropriate to the way the building is used.

True. Best not get involved at all until new building is complete.

I disagree slightly, I think it would be far better if competent people were involved at an earlier stage. This would prevent the over provision that I often see in all areas of fire safety. Signs, alarms, lighting & extinguishers - it all adds up.

[nearlythere]

The fire risk assessor usually is not involved in the design fire strategy or  specifations in the construction phase. This is when the fire alarm system is designed and installed. In my opinion the spec and category is the responsibility of the building designer.

The fire risk assessor then reviews the design fire strategy, the category, the fire emergency plan etc and determines whether the spec, category and C&E etc are appropriate to the way the building is used.

True. Best not get involved at all until new building is complete.

I disagree slightly, I think it would be far better if competent people were involved at an earlier stage. This would prevent the over provision that I often see in all areas of fire safety. Signs, alarms, lighting & extinguishers - it all adds up.

I find BC dont give a nuts about over provsion. Whack it in cos BRegs orders it. Bugger the Assessment.

[AnthonyB]

But Building Regs doesn't specify whack everything in - in fact for traditional builds if ADB was being followed most new developments would be Category M.

Whilst the building designer may be responsible for new builds the FRA is responsible for the hundreds nay thousands of new installations up and down the country each year in existing builds where the existing system is end of life, inadequate, etc.

You shouldn't need to be a qualified designer in order to be able to correctly specify what is adequate FD&W for a premises, although I've found it very useful to be (especially for making sure it's being done properly!)

[Dinnertime Dave]

glad I work in a fire service that encourages FSOs to question over provision. 

[nearlythere]

But Building Regs doesn't specify whack everything in - in fact for traditional builds if ADB was being followed most new developments would be Category M.

Whilst the building designer may be responsible for new builds the FRA is responsible for the hundreds nay thousands of new installations up and down the country each year in existing builds where the existing system is end of life, inadequate, etc.

You shouldn't need to be a qualified designer in order to be able to correctly specify what is adequate FD&W for a premises, although I've found it very useful to be (especially for making sure it's being done properly!)

Building Regs dont but Building Control do.