Locations

Fire Safety in Berkshire

Fire safety is of paramount importance in Berkshire and throughout the UK. Property owners have a legal and moral obligation to ensure their buildings are properly equipped with reliable, well-maintained fire protection systems. This includes having operational fire alarms that can swiftly detect and alert occupants to any signs of fire, allowing them to evacuate to safety. Fire alarms should be regularly serviced by qualified professionals and upgraded as needed to meet the latest BS5839 standards. Proper emergency lighting is also critical, automatically illuminating exit paths in the event of a power outage during a fire. Smoke ventilation systems like AOVs (Automatically Opening Vents) are essential for removing deadly smoke, improving visibility, and keeping escape routes passable. Strategically placed fire extinguishers should be readily available so small fires can be quickly contained. Fire safety signage needs to be highly visible, clearly marking exits and providing concise evacuation instructions. By implementing these core elements of a comprehensive fire protection strategy, Berkshire property owners can safeguard human life and minimize damage should a fire emergency occur. Taking a proactive, thorough approach to fire safety provides vital peace of mind.

Call Berkshire Fire Safety now on 0208 129 1096 and let us do the work and keep you protected.

SERVICE AREAS

BERKSHIRE

SURREY

LONDON

BRACKNELL

SLOUGH

READING

WOKING

WOKINGHAM

CAMBERLEY

MAIDENHEAD

GUILDFORD

STAINES

UXBRIDGE

KINGSTON

RICHMOND

BRENTFORD

WINDSOR

BASINGSTOKE

HAYES

CHISWICK

EALING

What is BS5839?

BS 5839 is a British Standard that offers guidance on fire alarm and detection systems for a variety of buildings, including residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings. The standard's goal is to ensure that adequate fire safety measures are in place.

Types of fire alarm systems

Category L

Category L systems are automatic fire detection and alarm systems with the aim of protecting life. There are 5 levels within this category, each offering a different level of fire protection.

Category L1 Fire Alarm Systems

Category L1 fire alarm systems offer the highest level of life protection. They recommend the installation of both manual call points (MCPs) and automatic fire detection (AFD) throughout the entire premises, including roof spaces and voids. The objective is to provide the earliest possible warning in the event of a fire. Certain low-fire-risk areas, such as stairways, lobbies, and small cupboards, may be exempt from protection.

Category L1 systems are typically found in residential care premises and large office blocks.

Category L2 Fire Alarm Systems

Category L2 fire alarm systems enhance the level of protection provided by Category L3 systems. They include additional detection in areas with a high risk of ignition, identified through a fire risk assessment. Automatic detectors are installed in escape routes, rooms adjoining escape routes, and high-hazard rooms like kitchens, boiler rooms, and plant rooms.

The system aims to provide occupants with sufficient time to evacuate before escape routes become impassable due to smoke and flames.

Category L2 systems are suitable for medium-sized premises accommodating up to ten residents.

Category L3 Fire Alarm Systems

Category L3 fire alarm systems incorporate manual call points (MCPs) at defined positions and automatic fire detection (AFD) in all escape routes, rooms, corridors, and compartments that open onto escape routes. The objective is to provide early warning to occupants beyond the room in which the fire originates, allowing them to utilise escape routes before they become filled with smoke.

Category L3 systems offer broader coverage compared to Category L4.

Category L4 Fire Alarm Systems

Category L4 fire alarm systems feature manual call points (MCPs) placed throughout the building, along with automatic fire detection (AFD) along escape routes, including stairwells. The purpose is to alert people to the danger before corridors become smoke-filled, enabling safe evacuation.

While Category L4 provides detection within escape routes, Category L3 covers not only these areas but also all rooms leading to the escape route.

It is important to note that a Category L4 system does not meet the legislative requirements for buildings accommodating sleeping individuals.

Category L5 Fire Alarm Systems

Category L5 systems are designed to meet specialised fire safety objectives, deviating from the standard recommendations where strict adherence may not be feasible. These systems could include automatically closing metal shutters on shopfronts to contain the fire or computer rooms equipped with an extinguishing system triggered by automatic detection.

The decision to implement a Category L5 system is typically based on recommendations from a fire risk assessment (FRA) and is tailored to address specific risks and client requirements.

Category M

Category M fire alarm systems are primarily focused on places of employment without sleeping risks. These systems rely on manual call points (MCPs) installed on all exits and corridors where individuals are not expected to walk more than 30/45 meters to operate them.

There is no automatic detection in Category M systems, as they depend on the occupants to discover the fire and activate the system. Category M systems are commonly found in workshops or factories.

Property Protection

Category P systems aim to provide the earliest possible fire detection, minimising the time between ignition and the arrival of the fire services. The goal is to reduce property damage.

Category P

These types of systems are purely for the protection of property and fall into two classifications, Category P1 and Category P2.

Category P1 is designed to protect the whole building, Category P2 is installed in defined parts of the building only, which may have a high risk or hazard.