ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION GUIDE

COMMERCIAL DETECTION SYSTEMS

SERIES OVERVIEW
Contents Fire detection and alarm systems are the primary means of 3.2 Category L (Life) a) Category P1: systems installed throughout all areas of the
alerting people and attached systems to the potential outbreak Category L systems are automatic fire detection and fire alarm building. The objective of a Category P1 system is to offer the
1 Introduction �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1 of a fire. They may be designed primarily for the protection earliest possible warning of fire so as to minimise the time
systems intended for the protection of life. They are further
2 Fire detection basics ���������������������������������������������������������������������1 of business and property or life (and combinations thereof) divided into subcategories L1 to L5 in which the lower number between ignition and the arrival of firefighters.
which influences the extent of coverage, the resilience of the represent a higher level of coverage. b) Category P2: systems installed only in defined parts of the
3 Categories of fire alarm and detection system������������������������1 equipment, and types of detector technology used. The key building. The objective of a Category P2 system is to provide
components of the system include: a) Category L1: systems installed throughout all areas of the early warning of fire in areas of high fire hazard level, or
4 Types of fire detection and alarm systems������������������������������2 building. The objective of a Category L1 system is to offer the
• detectors and manual call points areas in which the risk to property or business continuity
5 Types of detectors��������������������������������������������������������������������������3 earliest possible warning of fire, so as to achieve the longest from fire is high.
• wiring or wireless network available time for escape.
• Control and Indicating Equipment (CIE) – Control Panel NOTE The defined parts of the building might be as few as
6 Installation planning����������������������������������������������������������������������5 b) Category L2: systems installed only in defined parts of
• alarm sounders and indicators. one or more rooms, or as extensive as, for example, complete
7 Relevant standards������������������������������������������������������������������������5 the building. A Category L2 system ought to include the floors of the building.
The CIE performs the role of: coverage necessary to satisfy the recommendations for a
8 Schemes ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 • power supply to components Category L3 system; the objective of a Category L2 system is 3.4 Category selection
9 Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs)������������������������������������������������6 • receipt of signals from detectors, manual call points, and identical to that of a Category L3 system, with the additional If a system is intended to fulfil the objectives of more than one
other detection and suppression systems objective of affording early warning of fire in specified areas category of system, then the system needs to conform to the
10 Means of avoiding false and unwanted alarms������������������������6 • determining if the signals correspond to an alarm condition of high fire hazard level and/or high fire risk. recommendations for each of the categories.
• indicating fire alarms audibly and visually c) Category L3: systems designed to give a warning of fire at
11 FRS Response to Automatic Fire Alarms (AFAs)��������������������6 Decisions regarding the appropriate category of system for
• indicating the location of the alarm an early enough stage to enable all occupants, other than
12 Associated Active Fire Protection Guides (AFPG)������������������6 • recording events possibly those in the room of fire origin, to escape safely, any specific building rest with the authority responsible for
• monitoring system health and warning of faults before the escape routes are impassable owing to the enforcing legislation in the building. Annex A of BS 5839-1
1 Introduction • routing alarms to the Fire Service or Alarm Receiving Centre presence of fire, smoke or toxic gases. Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Part 1:
(ARC) NOTE To achieve the above objective, it is normally necessary Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and
This document is part of a series of Active Fire Protection to install detectors in rooms which open onto an escape route. maintenance in non-domestic premises provides informative
• control other fire safety equipment (such a dampers,
Guides (AFPGs) produced by the RISCAuthority Suppression d) Category L4: systems installed within those parts of the examples of where different categories of system might be
suppression, evacuation lighting etc.).
& Detection Working Group to provide summary information escape routes comprising circulation areas and circulation installed including:
on the main types of fire protection technologies currently A myriad of detector technologies has evolved to address
spaces, such as corridors and stairways. The objective of a
available. This guide provides overarching information to the risk control requirements of all types of hazards in a wide
Category L4 system is to enhance the safety of occupants by Premises Categories
support the AFPG Detection Series with information that is range of onshore and offshore environments. A good detector
providing warning of smoke within escape routes.
common to all detector technologies. used in the right environment should be discerning enough to Offices, shops factories, M or P2/M or P1/M
NOTE The installation of detectors in additional areas is not
detect fire robustly and quickly and not trigger on false (signals warehouses and
Choosing the most appropriate technology for any given precluded, and the system could then still be regarded as a
that are nothing to do with fire, such as steam), and unwanted restaurants
situation requires the specifier to understand many important Category L4 system.
(features of fire that are shared with other scenarios, such as
factors, such as the risk that needs protecting, the most e) Category L5: systems in which the protected area(s) and/
heat), influences. The greatest criticism of fire detection and Sleeping accommodation L1 or L2
appropriate indicators of fire to use for detection purposes, the or the location of detectors is designed to satisfy a specific
alarm systems is their false alarm frequency which can render such as hotels, hostels,
protection objective and how it fits in with the overall building/ fire safety objective (other than that of a Category L1, L2,
them ‘unbelievable’ by occupants and the Fire Service, which and student halls
business fire management strategy, and the advantages/ L3 or L4 system). Often the design is based on a localised
can lead to delays in action as the root cause is investigated,
disadvantages and limitations of each technology type. This need for fire detection in only part of a building. Protection Hospitals L1
and lead to increased potential life safety risk and property/
document and the associated guides are not intended to give might be provided to compensate for some departure from
business damage.
definitive advice on system selection but should be considered normal guidance elsewhere or as a part of the operating Schools M or M/P2 or M/P2/L4 or
as a primer, presenting key ‘need-to-know information’ for each system for a fire protection system. Such a system could be M/P2/L5
3 Categories of fire alarm and as simple as one that incorporates a single automatic fire
of the main detector technologies, and act as a starting point in
collating the relevant information needed to make a good choice detection system detector in one room (in which outbreak of fire would create Prisons M/L5
of system. Fire detection and fire alarm systems can be installed in undue risk to occupants, either in the room or elsewhere in The policyholder is advised to agree the category selection with
buildings to satisfy objectives pertinent to life safety, property the building), but the system could comprise comprehensive their insurer as there can be great variation of trade risk within
2 Fire detection basics protection, business continuity, and environmental protection. detection throughout large areas of a building in which, for these categories.
Because of the great variety of applications for systems, BS example, structural fire resistance is less than that normally
The need for a fire detection and fire alarm system in any specified for buildings of that type. The protection afforded
specific building is normally determined by the authority 5839-1 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Part
by a Category L5 system may, or may not, incorporate that
4 Types of fire detection and alarm systems
responsible for enforcing fire safety legislation in that building 1: Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and
maintenance in non-domestic premises, divides them into a provided by a Category L2, L3 or L4 system. Whilst many of the detector types described are commonplace
and/or by a fire risk assessment carried out by the owner, and well understood, many other technologies have been
landlord, occupier(s) or employer(s), as appropriate. In general, number of categories as follows: 3.3 Category P (Property) developed to cater for the needs of high-risk environments
it is appropriate to install some form of fire detection and fire Category P systems are automatic fire detection and fire alarm including marine, offshore, and complex manufacturing and
3.1 Category M (Manual)
alarm system in virtually all buildings, other than very small systems intended for the protection of property. They are storage situations. Building alarm systems are notorious for
premises that are relatively open plan. Category M systems are entirely manual systems and further subdivided into subcategories P1 and P2 in which the false actuations due to the simple single component detectors
incorporate no automatic fire detectors. lower number represent a higher level of coverage. used and this level of disruption cannot be tolerated in many
critical situations. Newer detection technologies and the

AFPG-30 February 2024

reimagination of existing ones have resulted in great advances giving early warning. Most fires, in their later stages, emit principal types of point heat detector, rate of rise, and fixed 5.3 Optical beam detectors (see also AFPG-36)
in the accuracy and reliability of systems which can also detectable levels of heat. Therefore, in areas where rapid fire temperature. Rate of rise detectors are most sensitive but Optical beam detectors are essentially uncased versions of point
provide much more information to support the situational spread is unlikely and environmental conditions preclude the unsuitable for some applications where rapid fluctuations detectors with a supersized infrared light source and receiver
awareness needed to efficiently resolve fire situations. This use of smoke detectors (such as kitchens), heat detectors are a in temperature are commonplace like kitchens, and in such that may be placed 10 to 100m apart to span a compartment, or
section discusses the communication infrastructure into which common alternative. Fires tend to produce carbon monoxide in applications fixed temperature detectors are used. be housed in the same unit with the beam bounced off a distant
detectors are embedded and their relative merits are discussed. situations in which there is insufficient ventilation to enable fire reflector. Optical beam detectors are specifically designed for
to burn rapidly and as such the detector is well suited to provide 5.1.3 Carbon monoxide (see also AFPG-32)
use in large indoor areas such as warehouses, manufacturing
4.1 Conventional Fire Detection and Alarm Systems early warning of slow smouldering fires. Slowly developing and Carbon monoxide point detectors are particularly adept at workshops and aircraft hangars where the installation and
(FDAS) smouldering fires produce large quantities of carbon monoxide detecting smouldering fires, and fires in confined spaces. They maintenance of point detectors would be difficult. They have
A conventional or two-state detector is a simple device before detectable smoke aerosols and particulates reach use an electrochemical cell to detect the presence of carbon also found application in large historic buildings like cathedrals
which gives one of two states relating to either normal or fire smoke detectors in sufficient quantities to detect the fire. monoxide which operates by oxidising the gas on a platinum where interference with ornate ceilings must be avoided. During
alarm conditions. Location of the fire is achieved by grouping These detectors can often be used in applications in which heat sensing electrode. The ions produced by this reaction results in operation, the modulated infrared light beam is projected at the
detectors into logical zones. Each zone is wired separately to detectors are insufficiently sensitive, but smoke detectors may a current flow between electrodes which is directly proportional receiver and the signal is continuously monitored for change.
the CIE and the fire is located by reporting which zone the alarm cause false alarms from sources such as steam from a shower to the concentration of carbon monoxide present. The cell has Any smoke entering the beam will act to scatter the light,
is on. Identification of which detector has operated in the zone or smoke from burnt toast. In situations where a burning liquid, reducing the signal received, and will cause the system to go
a typical lifespan of 5 years. The threshold for alarm is typically
is made via an LED on the device. Point smoke detectors used for example alcohol, paint thinner, etc. is likely to be the prime into alarm at a predetermined level for a period of time. Good
around 40 ppm. Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide distributes
in conventional systems must conform to the requirements of source of a fire, and flame is most likely to be the first indication alignment of the transmitter and sensor is essential with some
itself uniformly within a volume and as such may be positioned
BS EN 54-7; point heat detectors to the requirements of BS a fire has started, then an infrared or UV flame detector could be systems employing auto-alignment capability to counter the
with greater flexibility, although standards for fire detection
EN 54-5; flame detectors to the requirements of BS EN 54-10; incorporated into the system. impact of building movement.
purposes demand their placement as for smoke detectors.
and manual break glass call points to the requirements of
BS EN 54-11. 5.1 Point detectors 5.4 Linear heat detectors (see also AFPG-33)
5.1.4 Flame detectors (see also AFPG-35 and AFPG-32)
Point detectors are the most common form of detector used In fire protection applications that require the detection of heat
Infra-red flame detectors, unlike smoke and heat detectors,
4.2 Addressable FDAS for the protection of buildings and as described above, their over long distances, such as cable tunnels, cable trays, aircraft
do not rely on the convection currents to transport the fire
An addressable system is one using addressable detectors and/ suitability depends upon the environment in which they are hangars and roof voids, it is more efficient to cover the area
products to the detector and nor do they need a ceiling to trap
or call points, signals from which are individually identified being placed to achieve the correct balance of reliability and using a single linear detector, rather than many point detectors.
speed of response. They are generally ceiling mounted to best the products, but they do need a line-of-sight to the flame
at the control panel. In an addressable system each detector source. The infrared emission from a flame stems from the Linear heat detectors act to measure the temperature over
independently signals its status back to the control panel. Since access rising smoke, heat, and gases, or gain line of sight a length of cable, tube or fibre-optic which can span many
visibility of an area for flaming. The sensitive elements of hot molecules of carbon dioxide and this is characterised by
each detector has its own identity (or address), the control a wavelength, and a flicker rate. Detection of both of these kilometres in length, and some technologies can accurately
panel, in addition to providing the normal detection zone, may detectors should normally be within 25-600 mm of the ceiling pinpoint the location of the fire along the length. There are two
but for heat detectors this range is reduced to 25-150 mm. properties is used within an infrared detection device to reduce
be configured to give a customer defined character message principal types of linear detector: line-type and fibre-optic.
the likelihood of false alarms from other radiation sources.
to each detector. This is especially useful to any observer
5.1.1 Smoke (see also AFPG-32) Detectors may also employ up to three sensors tuned to the fire 5.4.1 Line-type linear heat detectors (see also AFPG-33)
who is not familiar with the layout of the site. The customised
Most fires produce smoke in their very early stages which makes wavelength, and wavelengths either side of that, to enable them
messages are usually displayed on a text and/or graphical Line-type detectors come in two forms: non-integrating and
it a good indicator for detection purposes but there can be great to be more discerning and reduce false alarms especially in
display alongside the visual detection zone indicators. The use integrating. Non-integrating heat detectors typically consist of
of addressable systems means that much more information variation in its density, particle size, and colour. As a general outdoor applications.
a length of electrical cable with insulation of fixed melting point.
about the spread of fire within a zone can be obtained. rule of thumb, the hotter a fire burns, the greater the number of At the nearest point to the fire, the insulation will melt causing
small smoke particles that are produced, whilst low temperature 5.1.5 Combined – multi-sensor detector (see also AFPG-32)
the wires inside to short which is interpreted as an alarm
4.3 Digital addressable FDAS decomposition results in more larger smoke particles. In respect Most false and unwanted alarms happen because a single
signal and the CIE. Integrating line-type detectors are similar,
of point smoke detectors, this can mean that some detection combustion characteristic is being measured which can also but the insulation does not melt. Instead, the change of the
A digital addressable system is one which uses addressable
detectors, each of which can give an output signal representing technologies suit certain applications better than others. look like many other things to the detector. By combining two or electrical resistance of the cable is measured which varies with
the value of the sensed phenomenon (smoke, heat, CO, IR, three of the aforementioned technologies into a single device, temperature. In both cases the detectors are unable to indicate
There are 3 principal types of point smoke detector: ion
UV etc.). The decision as to whether the signal represents the accuracy of fire identification can be greatly improved, and where the fire is along the cable, and in terms of the integrating
chamber, Optical, and High Performance Optical (HPO). ion
a fire or not is made at the CIE rather than the detector the impact of many false fire scenarios ruled out entirely. By way type, a large amount of heat in a small area would be required to
chamber smoke detectors have a small radioactive source and
itself. Such systems have the capability to better interrogate of example, a device that measures smoke, carbon monoxide create an alarm.
a receiver, and resolve the presence of smoke by assessing the
the environment for factors that may adversely affect the interruption of the emission. Working in much the same way, and heat will be resilient to triggering on shower steam because
performance of the system, such as dust and dirt, and it may optical detectors use a light source that is scattered by the it will recognise the absence of heat and carbon monoxide. 5.4.2 Fibre optic (see also AFPG-33)
reconfigure itself to use new thresholds for pre-alarm, alarm, smoke. The amount of light reaching the detector is proportional Similarly, cigarette smoke will lack enough components of The light transmission properties of fibre-optic cable change
and fault to reduce false alarms. The introduction of a pre-alarm to the density of the smoke. Optical detectors respond quickly combustion to warrant alarm raising. These ‘high-integrity with temperature and this facet can be exploited to produce
capability i.e. smoke increase before the alarm threshold, to large smoke particles but are less sensitive to small particles detectors’ are certainly considered the future of detection and linear heat detectors of great length (up to 8km) and high
would normally be reached, can result in an improved response that are less visible. HPO detectors work in the same way, but could greatly reduce false alarms and better support occupant accuracy (establishing temperatures every 1m along the cable).
to slow developing smouldering and electrical fires, and may their sensitivity adjusts in accordance with the recorded gas and fire service response (see11). Using a pulsed laser, as the light source the backscattered light
instigate investigation and use of portable extinguishers temperature which can give them comparable performance is analysed to produce data for the entire length of the cable.
earlier, and even before the fire manifests as flame. Another to an ion chamber device. A challenge for all smoke detectors 5.2 Aspirating detectors (see also AFPG-31) Alarm criteria may be made at a defined maximum temperature,
advantage of these systems over conventional and addressable is false alarming against challenges that are like smoke, but Aspirating detectors comprise a suction pump, detection defined maximum temperature rise, or rise above (difference)
fire detectors, where the sensitivity is fixed, is that each digital not smoke (steam), or are smoke, but not a hazardous fire chamber and extensive perforated pipe network distributed the mean cable temperature. With such data provision a single
addressable detector can be made to emulate a normal, low, or (cigarette smoke). within the protected space. To allow for the impact of dilution cable may be ‘virtually’ split into a number a reporting zones and
high sensitivity detector by simple configuration of the software of smoke, the detector employed is a hundred times more is suitable for giving enhanced situation awareness as data may
enabling the performance to be matched to location balancing Duct probe units are specialist point smoke detection devices be plotted over building schematics to assist with interpretation
for the identification of combustion in ductwork. In this sensitive than those used in conventional point detectors. They
detection delay against false alarm likelihood. have found particular application in computer suites where of the fire event and spread.
sometimes-harsh environment the sensor unit is mounted
externally to the duct with gas samples delivered to it via a they are used to detect very small quantities of smoke in the
5 Types of detectors venturi probe located within the cross section. air management systems, and in historical buildings where the
5.5 Video detectors (see also AFPG-34)
visibility of installed fire detection systems needs to be low. Video detection systems analyse a live video stream for features
As each type of detector responds to a particular fire product,
5.1.2 Heat (see also AFPG-32) Systems may also be augmented with additional gas detectors that resemble fire, smoke, and even offsite (out of view) flicker
the relative speed of response of the detectors is therefore
making them suitable for many industrial applications including (reflection on surfaces). Using machine learning computational
dependent upon the type of fire being detected. As smoke Point heat detectors are normally used where the speed
UPS and battery charging rooms, cable tunnels and vaults, methods, an analysis is made of the video feed to replicate
is normally present at an early stage in most fires, smoke of response of smoke detectors is not required or where
service tunnels, and underground car parks. how a human might interpret the same view. The pixel analysis
detectors are considered the most useful type available for environmental conditions favour their use. There are two

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considers colour, and movement, and upon identification of • Raise specification document and building plan to show The NHS Estates publications HTM 05-03 Part B (in England and many schemes as there are fire services. The RISCAuthority
a likely fire, smoke plume, or offsite flame flicker, graphically location of: Wales) or SHTM 82 (in Scotland) provide recommendations for scheme monitors fire service response annually so that building
bounds these areas with a coloured screen overlay and uses • All manual call points fire detection and fire alarm systems in hospitals. owners have a good grasp on whether other actions are required
the information to raise alarms. Areas within view that may • All types of detector on top of the activation of the detection and alarm system to
give rise to false or unwanted alarms can be masked out within • All sounders and visual alarms 8 Schemes notify fire service to attend.
the accompanying control programme. Some versions of the • Any other items of detection
BAFE and LPCB are independent fire safety registration bodies Through the National Fire Chiefs Council guidance there is
technology process the data from cameras centrally, and others • Include cable specification for each circuit
for the United Kingdom. They establish, develop and monitor scope for ‘high-integrity’ systems to circumnavigate the need
have the processing built into the cameras themselves. Views • State the system and equipment to be used
schemes for UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) for call challenging – sprinkler system activations count as high
of a fire from multiple cameras can be used to steer robotic • Include details of other equipment that may be linked into
accredited third party certification for the fire safety industry. integrity alarms.
suppression systems or shut-down machinery in the location of the system to be specified
the identified fire. • Include measures incorporated to limit false alarms BAFE manage and maintain a Scheme called BAFE SP203-1 It is critical that all building and business owners understand the
• Provide a fire plan or cause and effect chart which covers fire detection and fire alarm systems. This role that good detection systems can play in getting the required
5.6 IR array detectors (see also AFPG-35) • Include a signed design certificate. scheme exists to deliver quality using independent evidence response from the Fire Service when needed, and this is best
Infrared array-based detectors are very advanced, comprising • Include all relevant information in the Premises Information that providers are competent to deliver design, installation, done through close communication and cooperation.
an array of infrared sensors that can report fire location as an Box (PIB) that will assist those attending a fire to commissioning and/or maintenance of fire detection and fire
overlay to a camera view which is housed in the same device. be effective. alarm system services. 12 Associated Active Fire Protection Guides
Additional sensors within the device also confirm the alarm (AFPG)
state and reduce false alarms. These sensors can cover very 7 Relevant standards The LPS 1014 scheme operated by the Loss Prevention
Certification Board (LPCB) is similarly aimed at ensuring AFPG – 31 Aspiration Smoke Detection
large areas and specific areas within view can be masked out The EN 54 fire detection and fire alarm systems standard that companies responsible for the design, installation,
if to reduce the influence of non-hazardous hot spots. These suite is a series of European standards that includes product AFPG – 32 Point Detection
commissioning and servicing of fire alarms systems are
devices are designed to respond rapidly to fires that involve standards and application guidelines for fire detection and competent and can provide a quality and compliant system to AFPG – 33 Linear Heat Detection
clean burning fuels that would be difficult to detect with smoke fire alarm systems as well as voice alarm systems – there are end users.
or carbon monoxide sensors. Views of a fire from multiple 27 parts currently. The product standards define product AFPG - 34 Video Detection
devices can be used to steer robotic suppression systems or characteristics, test methods and performance criteria against
shut-down machinery in the location of the identified fire and, 9 Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) AFPG – 35 IR Array Detection
which the effectiveness and reliability of every component
as IR devices, they are immune to problems of poor lighting and of fire detection and fire alarm system can be assessed and An Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) is a purpose-built facility AFPG – 36 Beam Detection
smoke obscuration that video detectors are vulnerable to. declared. Many of the product standards of the EN 54 series that monitors multiple companies’ and buildings’ systems
are harmonised standards under the Construction Products for triggers; the most common being security, intruder and
6 Installation planning Regulation (CPR) EU 305/2011. Annex ZA of the harmonised fire alarms. Within an ARC, teams of monitoring operatives
standards specifies which sections of the standard apply constantly monitor the centre for any incoming alarms and
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) requires
for the purposes of the CPR. Annex ZA also describes the take appropriate action if they do occur, such as calling for a
that any person who has some level of control in premises
two-stage certification: response from the Fire Service or police response. ARCs have
(normally the employer) must take steps to reduce the risk from
• certification of constancy of performance for the product become an integral component of confirming fire alarms against
fire, consider how to contain a fire should one break out, and
(product certification) and a background of very high false and unwanted activations.
make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire.
• certification of conformity of factory production control
• All fire alarm designs should be based on an assessment of 10 Means of avoiding false and
(FPC certification).
the risk
• All fire risk assessments should be carried out by a Whilst detector performance is evaluated against 8 test fire unwanted alarms
competent person types with differing fire fingerprint properties, the absence of Comprehensive recommendations for the management of fire
• Fire risk assessments must be reviewed regularly. ‘immunity tests’ – challenges that the detector should NOT alarm detection and alarm systems for the reduction of false and
The fire risk assessment should include: against – is possibly holding back progress in respect of false unwanted alarms are given in RISCAuthority document RC47:
• Identifying fire hazards such as sources of ignition, fuel or and unwanted alarm management. Recommendations for the management of fire detection and
oxygen BS 5839-1 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. alarm systems in the workplace. It is estimated that over 75%
• Identifying all people at risk in and around the premises Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and of all alarms raised are false or unwanted and this leads to an
• Evaluating the risk of a fire starting and the risk to people maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises provides erosion of trust by occupants and the Fire Service which could
from a fire recommendations for the planning, design, installation, lead to delays and result in increased risk to personnel and
• Removing or reducing fire hazards or risks to people commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm extent of damage to business and property. Many fire services
from a fire systems for non-domestic premises. Recommendations for no longer turn out to unconfirmed alarms, adopting processes to
• Protecting people by providing fire precautions fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises are prequalify the need for attendance (‘call challenging’)..
• Recording the significant findings given in BS 5839-6. It does not recommend whether or not a
• Preparing an emergency plan fire detection and alarm system should be installed in any given 11 11 FRS Response to Automatic Fire Alarms
• Informing and instructing any relevant people, premises, nor does it provide any exceptions for non-domestic
including visitors (AFAs)
premises which are under construction. The other parts of the
• Providing training for staff BS 5839 series are as follows: In the face of budget cuts, Fire Services across the UK are
• Reviewing the fire risk assessment regularly and making focusing on reducing the resources given to the attendance of
changes where necessary • BS 5839-3 Specification for automatic release mechanisms
for certain fire protection equipment false and unwanted alarm activations. The means to achieve this
• Keeping accurate fire risk assessment records. are many and varied and include:
• BS 5839-6 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings
The fire detection and alarm system has a central role to play - Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning • Not turning out until notified by another means such as a
in resolving risk. The following recommendations should be and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in 999 call
followed when designing a fire detection system: domestic premises • Call challenging; phoning the premises to see if the alarm
• Establish the level of fire protection suitable to the premises • BS 5839-8 Code of practice for the design, installation, is legitimate
type in agreement with the owner/occupier and relevant commissioning and maintenance of voice alarm systems • Providing a reduced attendance in the first instance
interested parties (life safety requirement, property • BS 5839-9 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings • Proving a small vehicle response in the first instance.
protection, and business interruption) - Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning Methods adopted are often different for day and nighttime due
• Document any reasons to justify variation of design and maintenance of emergency voice communication systems to sleeping risks and levels of occupation, and vary greatly for
• Identify detection and alarm zones • PD 6531 Queries and interpretations on BS 5839-1. the type of building occupancy. As such, there are almost as

AFPG-30 February 2024