Does Your Commercial Property Need a Fire Alarm System?

Why your business may legally require a fire alarm system

Whether you operate a shop, office, warehouse, school, healthcare setting or hospitality venue, the question often arises: do I need a fire alarm system? In the UK, almost every building that is used for work or public access requires a properly designed and maintained fire alarm system to ensure the safety of occupants and compliance with fire alarm regulations UK.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure there are appropriate fire detection and warning arrangements based on the building’s fire risk.

There is no “one size fits all” — the level of protection required depends on:

• building size and layout

• the presence of sleeping risk

• number and type of occupants

• fire loads and ignition sources

• staffing levels and supervision

• how easily a fire can be noticed

If a fire could go undetected even for a short time… a fire alarm system is mandatory.

Fire alarm regulations UK: When is a fire alarm mandatory?

Your premises must have a fire alarm system if:

• occupants are spread across different rooms or floors

• customers or visitors enter the premises

• staff work alone or in noisy environments

• evacuation depends on alerting others at a distance

• the building has a high fire load (stock, equipment, flammables)

• vulnerable people are present (e.g., care settings)

• sleeping accommodation exists on-site

Even small business premises typically require fire detection — shouting “fire” is not considered a reliable safety strategy.

The correct type of fire alarm system for offices and business premises

BS 5839-1 categorises commercial fire alarm system designs:

Types of fire alarms for businesses

• M Category – Manual alarms only (limited and rare use)

• L5 Category – Localised automatic detection for specific high-risk areas

• L3 Category – Escape route protection + adjacent rooms

• L2 Category – Additional automatic detection in higher-risk rooms

• L1 Category – Automatic detection throughout the entire building

Only a competent fire alarm risk assessment can determine the correct system category for compliance.

What if my business already has a fire alarm system?

Compliance is not a one-time installation.A fire alarm must be:

• designed to BS 5839-1

• commissioned properly before handover

• tested weekly by the Responsible Person

• maintained quarterly and annually by a competent engineer

• fully documented with logbooks and certificates

Even a working fire alarm system becomes non-compliant without proper maintenance.

Legal fire alarm obligations for commercial buildings

Failing to install and maintain a fire alarm system where required may result in:

• enforcement notices from fire authorities

• prosecution under the Fire Safety Order

• invalidation of business insurance

• increased risk to life safety and reputation

Fire alarms protect your business from life-threatening emergency situations and severe financial consequences.

Summary: Every building must be assessed — not guessed

Almost every commercial premises requires a fire alarm system to ensure:

• early detection

• reliable evacuation

• compliance with fire safety law

• protection of employees, customers and assets

Instead of asking “Do I need one?”, the right question is:

What fire alarm system does my building need?

If you need guidance on selecting, installing or maintaining a fire alarm system for your commercial premises in London or the South East, contact us today to discuss your fire safety requirements.