Amongst a wide range of responsibilities that come under the remit of a commercial building or property manager, overseeing a fully functional fire and life safety system is arguably THE most important of all.
Keeping staff and visitors safe and out of harm’s way involves a comprehensive range of products and procedures, many of which may go unnoticed by the casual observer, but that collectively play a vital role in keeping a premises properly protected – whether it be an office, industrial, retail or public building.
It’s worth noting that many of the mandatory procedures and systems associated with fire and life safety systems have evolved and advanced over the years, in response to previous fire-related events that have sadly resulted in death and serious injury. Out of tragedy, safety improvements often occur.
Key Elements of a Fire and Life Safety System
From the correct deployment of smoke alarms and fire extinguishers to the positioning of fire exits and establishing appropriate evacuation and response procedures in the workplace, there are many different elements connected with the implementation of an “all-bases-covered” fire and life safety system.
Evacuation Chairs and Accessibility
As an example, one important health and safety requirement that can be overlooked, is the positioning of evacuation chairs throughout the building. If this is a protocol with which you aren’t familiar, it is recommended that there is at least one chair allocated to each floor. In the event of an emergency, these devices would be used to safely transport those with disability issues to a designated refuge point.
Essential Fire Safety Protocols
Fire and life safety systems are subject to regular review. Smoke heads and control panels require annual maintenance checks - these shouldn’t be overlooked. Fire extinguishers also need yearly physical inspection, to assess whether they have been tampered with or used.
Full evacuations should be carried out every six months, so that all personnel are familiar with the rendezvous points. In multi-let offices, it is wise that each company has a fire marshal/warden appointed, to report to the property manager during drills, that their zones are completely clear of people. In the event of a real fire, the evacuation procedure should be second nature.
Bespoke Design and Installation Services
Experience and Expertise
Justice Fire and Security are one of the leading designers and installers of fire and life safety systems in the Greater Midlands area. For well over 30 years, we’ve helped private and public sector organisations effectively manage their fire and life safety requirements.
Many of our commercial building projects have involved detailed and complex multi-site systems and devices, including fire detection and alarm systems, portable fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, disabled refuge systems and fire suppression.
Types of Fire Alarm Systems
Depending on the size and scope of your building, there are many different categories of commercial fire alarm system – ranging from type M to L1/P1. If you need advice on which system is appropriate for your usage, just let us know.
It should be emphasised that a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) needs to be completed every 12 months – by either a professional company or a competent person. Justice Fire & Security would always request sight of the current FRA, prior to quoting for a system, in order to comply with the report.
Working with Leading Manufacturers
Working with many of the industry’s leading manufacturers, such as Electro Detectors, Apollo-Advanced Fire Systems and Fike, we install:
Analogue systems (addressable fire alarm systems are normally installed in larger premises to ensure more effective coverage and protection)
Conventional fire alarms (typically for smaller premises and where less demanding detection systems are required).
In summary: everything you would require, to ensure your premises are safe and fit for purpose, in accordance with all the latest regulations.
Our gold standard systems are NSI Fire Gold and BAFE-registered and our fire alarm and detection systems are BS5839 and EN54 recognised, meeting the requirements of all insurers, along with local fire services. We will also supply a BAFE Certificate of competence in accordance with CFOA Policy.
To find out about our comprehensive range of fire and life safety systems, click here
Next Steps: Fire Safety Systems for Birmingham and Beyond
If you are in charge of a privately owned or publicly run commercial building in the Greater Midlands area and are looking to install or upgrade a commercial fire and life safety system, Justice Fire and Security can assist you every step of the way.
Our highly skilled engineers will work with you to devise the most appropriate system for your premises, in line with all the necessary regulatory requirements.
To discuss your commercial fire detection system from Justice Fire and Security, call us today on 0845 468 9077.
