Fire detection and warning - Introduction
All workplaces should have some sort of arrangement for quickly detecting and giving warning of a fire. You should ensure that whatever system you use it is available throughout the working day and at all other times when the premises are occupied. The system should be identifiable by all persons whenever they happen to be in the building / premises.

In General most fires will be discovered by people working in the premises and a shouted warning will be sufficient and no further action will be needed. However in some premises a fire may go undetected for a long period which could result in the fire taking hold. For example a fire starting in a basement or storeroom which is not normally occupied.

All electrical fire detection and fire alarm systems need to conform to the appropriate British Standard as follows:

BS 5839 Part 1 (code of practice for the design, installing and servicing of fire detection and alarm systems for buildings)

BS 5839 Part 8 (code of practice for the design, installation and servicing of voice alarm systems)

BS 5839 Part 6 (code of practice for design, installation and servicing of fire detection and alarm systems in dwellings)

Your action plan for employees and other persons on discovering or hearing the fire alarm should be clearly displayed in areas where all persons have access; for example the reception / main foyer and next to fire alarms. An example of such a poster can be seen below.

fireaction

See Also: Fire detection

Fire Alarms

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