Fire Alarm System in Warehouse

[James Farmer]

Hi

I have been asked advice on a warehouse that is approx 1000 x 50 sqm that currently has no fire alarm system installed.

The warehouse is all open plan, one area with no other compartments with a max of 5 staff working in there with numerous exits.

If a fire was to start in there it would be visible and obvious to the staff working there, therefore I am inclined to say automatic FD is not required with an alternate method provided.

What are others thoughts on this as I am aware the interpretation is open to debate where some say alarm systems are needed almost everywhere and others on the specific circumstances.

Thanks

[kurnal]

Just confirm the building dimensions please James

[James Farmer]

Sorry my mistake just checked their response 100 x 50

Thanks

[Bruce89]

Appears from what you are describing a type M would suffice.

[jayjay]

If as you say all areas can be seen by the employees then what extra is a fire warning system going to provide?

Detection would be no quicker than observation and if a person discovering and then shouting fire could be heard by all occupants above any background noise what is the point of installing a fire warning system. Shouting fire could be quicker warning than moving to a call and operating it.

Provided this is written in as the fire procedure then it should be compliant with the regulations.

[James Farmer]

Thanks for the replies.

I agree jayjay I would be very reluctant to tell a business they need to spend on an alarm system when the benefits are no greater unless their insurer required it.

You come across some that say yes you must have some type of electronic fire alarm system regardless which is not true but then you find they sell nd install them.

[Bruce89]

Unless normal sound levels within the building are very low I doubt shouting fire would be sufficient in a building the size you describe combined with storage probably at various heights and configuration which would affect how the sound travels, only way to be sure would be an audibility test at different locations in the building during normal operating conditions.

[Davo]

James

as bruce says, voice would be OK in an empty warehouse.
However, you are storing items, to what height, density and size?
Sources of ignition?
What about toilet linkage, staff disability eg strobe sounders etc?

davo

[James Farmer]

Hi

Thanks for the replies.

I understand the arguments for both, the place in question is local to me so I have told them I will pop by.

At the same time bring up the FRA but I doubt they have one considering they are asking the questions unless they are attempting to question it.

[colin todd]

Bruce Almighty, they are not called type M , they are called category M.  And the voice of an irate London I/) can be heard from the city of London all the way down to Guildford, never mind a wee warehouse.

[Bruce89]

You are of course correct colski but the fact you knew what I was referring to says it all 

[Mike Buckley]

Bear in mind that shouting is not the only way or raising the alarm without an alarm system, rotary gongs, air horns, tannoy systems etc. still fall into the category M systems.

[AnthonyB]

Manual means of raising the alarm - yes, suitable in certain circumstances - yes, Category M systems, no, the terminology is part of BS5839-1 and none of those would meet the requirements of that standard.

[colin todd]

Tony is right Buckers.