Bardic warns of stricter procedures for fire safety installations in non-residential properties

10 August 2007

wholesalers right across the UK. They warn that a radical new approach to fire safety in non-residential buildings will be necessary when the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order becomes effective in the autumn. The onus of proof that a fire detection and alarm system complies with the law will no longer rest with local fire authorities, but on the building owner/occupiers and on those responsible for the design, installation and commissioning of the system.

Fire certificates as currently issued by the local fire officer as proof that a fire detection and alarm system conforms to the law, will be scrapped. In their place, owner/occupiers will have to produce a series of certificates to confirm that the fire safety system installed in their premises has been designed, installed and commissioned by competent persons or organisations, to the requirements of BS 5839-1 2002.

The specification of the Bardic, or indeed any other, fire systems installed will be based on a risk assessment carried out by or on behalf of the owner/occupier. The risk assessment will cover both active and passive fire protection measures.

These include the elimination or reduction of all ignition sources; the provision of correct types and quantities of fire extinguishers; having adequate means of detecting and raising an alarm in the event of a fire; the siting of emergency fire signs and adequately illuminated escape routes and exits.

The risk assessment has to be formally recorded and regularly reviewed to take account of any significant changes in the premises. In addition, the suppliers chosen to provide the fire design, installation and commissioning services will need to demonstrate competency in their field. Recognised third party accredited schemes such as BAFE and LPS1014 will satisfy the competency requirements necessary to sign off fire design drawings, commission installed systems and deliver expert on-going maintenance programmes. In order to remain within the law, building owner/occupiers are urged to only use service providers with this third party certification.

The Order was originally scheduled to come in force in April of this year, but has been postponed until October to enable businesses and fire safety specialists to become familiar with its requirements. Bardic has published a series of fact sheets to help its customers better understand the implications of the changing legislation. Please call 0116 246 2212 to request copies.