The fire alarm you inherited may seem to be working fine, but does it actually provide adequate protection for your business?
Inheriting a fire alarm when you move into a new business premises might seem like a blessing, but could be a curse. When you’re faced with the costs of relocating or expanding your business, anything already in place sounds like a good thing! However, if the fire alarm doesn’t adequately protect your premises, you might need to invest in alterations or additions to the system.
The True Cost of an Inherited Fire Alarm System
Moving to a new premises or adding a new location to your business? Whether or not your new premises already has a fire alarm in place, you should allow for fire safety costs within your budget.
Firstly your premises will require a fire risk assessment to ensure you’re meeting your responsibilities. The person who was previously responsible for the fire safety in the premises should share previous fire risk assessments with you when you purchase the property.
You can also expect the fire alarm log book to be completed. Within this log book, you will find useful information. It should contain details of fire alarm services, tests and any faults or issues recorded. It’s an insight into how well maintained the system is. You should also receive the test keys required to carry out fire alarm tests. Regular tests are part of your responsibility. You will find inexpensive replacement or additional fire alarm test keys can easily be ordered online.
At the very least, your system will need a full service twice each year. You’ll also need to appoint someone to carry out, and record, a weekly fire alarm test. An up to date building plan should be displayed beside the fire alarm panel.
How Old is the Fire Alarm System that you Inherited?
If you’ve inherited an old fire alarm system, updates may be required. You could benefit from improved technology and a safer system. But that’s not the only reason to update. Efficacy and safety are the main reason for to update. For systems older than 10 years, fire alarm manufacturers recommend replacing heat and smoke detectors. If you suspect you’ve inherited a fire alarm system that was installed in 2015 or earlier, this recommendation will apply to you.
Ask The Experts
Insurers often specify the required grade of fire alarm that your building requires. They may also insist on a monitored fire alarm system. Even where this isn’t asked for by your insurer, adding monitoring is a sensible move. Monitored fire alarm systems help to protect your business when the premises is unoccupied.
Your Fire Risk Assessment will also advise which type and grade of fire alarm system should be installed. This could vary wildly from the previous occupants depending on how you use your building, what is kept on site and who will be using the property.
You should enlist a BAFE approved fire alarm company for any work to your fire alarm system. Ensure you verify that the contractor you select holds the correct approvals for the work you require.
Keybury Fire and Security hold BAFE approvals for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire alarm systems. We offer upgrades, additions and repairs as well as new systems. Our FIA trained team protect the premises of many household names and large businesses across the North of England. Schedule an initial site survey appointment with one of our expert designers. Contact us on 0800 458 7486 or enquiries@keybury.co.uk.