Top 5 Fire Detection System Must Haves For Your Business

July 2024

Fires are devastating. Beyond needing a fire detection system for insurance purposes, the thought that your people, your machinery, and your livelihood are safe makes the best systems worth it.

And in the UK, workplace fire safety is regulated, which means you have a duty as an owner, landlord, occupier, employer, or even manager to abide by rules. You can find the Government’s guidance here, which can help you understand risk assessments and keeping people safe.

Your fire detection system supports your business in quickly finding a fire, alerting people, facilitating safe evacuation, and dealing with the fire efficiently and effectively with connected systems.

Firstly, your installer should carry the correct qualifications to design and install a system according to the manufacturer’s guidance, regulatory standards, and the insurer’s small print (SSAIB-approved installers).

Think of a fire safety system as five sections: detection, alerting, risk, safety, and monitoring. 

1. Quick Fire Detection

It is extremely important to detect a fire as early as possible, as is knowing exactly where that fire is in the building so it can be dealt with quickly. New fire detection systems use a variety of technology, from smoke and flame detectors to heat sensors, to find even the smallest change in temperature or whiff of burnt toast.

2. Fire Alert

Detection alone isn't enough if there's no efficient way to alert people in the building. A robust fire detection system must incorporate multiple alerting mechanisms such as sirens, strobe lights, and voice alarms. These alerts should be audible and visible, ensuring they can be perceived by everyone, including those with hearing impairments or in noisy environments.

3. Risk Management Features

Beyond detection and alerting, a comprehensive fire detection system should include features aimed at managing risks effectively. Your fire systems can integrate with building management systems to automatically shut down hazardous equipment, activate fire suppression systems, and even initiate evacuation procedures. The ability to mitigate risks in real time can significantly reduce the impact of a fire outbreak.

4. Prioritising Safety

Safety should always come first, especially in the event of a fire. Fire detection systems should be designed with this principle in mind, offering functionalities such as automatically unlocking doors along evacuation routes to facilitate swift and safe escape for people. Additionally, the system should provide clear guidance through emergency lighting and signage to ensure orderly evacuation even in chaotic situations.

5. Fire Services Call

In the unfortunate event of a fire, it’s vital for the local fire station to be contacted for a quick response. Fortunately, new fire detection systems can automatically alert the fire station, providing essential information such as the location of the fire, building layout, and potential hazards. There are also monitoring services from companies that can monitor your business 24/7, qualify if a fire is in progress, and liaise with the fire station. It saves lives and reduces property damage.

A fire detection system is much more than a set of sensors and alarms; it's vital to any comprehensive fire safety strategy. By incorporating efficient detection, prompt alerting, risk management features, safety prioritisation, and seamless communication with fire services, these systems can significantly enhance the safety and well-being of occupants in any building. Investing in a robust fire detection system isn't just a precautionary measure; it's a commitment to safeguarding lives and property against the destructive force of fire.

We have complete training in fire detection system design and installation with SSAIB insurance certification.