Fire Alarms

Most business premises in the UK will need a fire alarm system but, what is never mentioned by the fire alarm companies is that you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to do it.

Since October 2006, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order became Law but most business and premises owners don’t know of it or understand it. In a nutshell, you need to carry out a fire risk assessment of your business premises or place of work (that includes off-site or temporary places), record this correctly and then to implement the findings.

In practice, most of us will pay a fire company or fire consultant to come and do this and then be surprised with their long list of expensive recommendations.

But it doesn’t have to be like that at all for smaller premises.

A Quick Fire Risk Assessment For Fire Alarms

Think about this. If someone, anyone, at your place or area, sees a fire and shouts “FIRE! FIRE!” and runs out the door, most other people would panic and follow. So, would someone out back, in the loo or working with a noisy tools hear this shout?

Possibly, not so this place or area needs a fire alarm. Simple, eh?

But you don't need an alarm surveyor to create a system with panel, detectors, FP200 cable, call points, bells, 24-hour monitoring, six-monthly servicing, call-outs, error messages, etc. Why not try these?

Stand Alone Battery Fire Alarm

These are very popular as they use components from standard fire alarm systems, consisting of a battery-operated unit with fire alarm call point and an electronic sounder.

You simply take it out of the box, put the 9V normal battery in and fix it to the wall. The call point is usually resettable, they have a low-battery warning bleep and, at 90-120db, operate like a full alarm.

There are many types with names such as the Megalarm and Howler being the best.

For bigger premises, versions Megalarm and Howler fire alarm both come in various guises and interlinkable versions. This makes a great temporary and re-useable site fire alarm.

Rotary Hand Bell

Made from aluminium, you simply stand there and wind the handle around. The rotary hand bell has no electrics, no batteries, unbreakable and with a 60db alarm that can be heard up to 35 metres away

Megaphone

Megaphones often cost a fortune but we have a small megaphone and a high powered 25W megaphone at extremely low prices. A must for fire wardens and fire drills but can be used as a means of raising an alarm also.

Air Horn

The aerosol gas fire horn types have a range of around 1500 metres and everyone if going to hear it. Refill canisters are available.

Fire Alarms Must Be Clear And Visible

Although you know what it’s for and how to use it, don’t assume others will. So, if you choose something that does not look like a fire alarm, use safety signs and put the item on a red background or in a red fire cabinet and have instructions for use.

The reason for having any fire alarm is for raising an alarm in the case of fire.  It does not have to be expensive but it must do be fit for purpose.