Do You Need a Fire Alarm System in Your Business? What the Law Says in the UK

Is a fire alarm legally required?

All non-domestic premises in England must carry out and maintain a written Fire Risk Assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. If this assessment determines that automatic fire detection is needed, you must install it.

You can skip an alarm system only if your premises are small, open-plan, low-risk, have no vulnerable occupants, and people would quickly spot a fire. Otherwise, you’ll need one.

What qualifies as an “appropriate” fire alarm system?

It must comply with British Standard BS 5839-1, covering design, installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance.

Systems vary by:

Feature	Description
Grade	A–F; businesses usually need Grade A–C with mains and battery power
Category	L for life protection, P for property. A Risk Assessment guides required category (L1–L5, P1–P2)
Type	Conventional, addressable, or wireless depending on building size and complexity

A reputable fire system installation company in Essex, Suffolk, Kent or London will assess what’s suitable and ensure compliance with BS 5839-1.

How often do you need servicing and testing?

• Weekly tests by a trained staff member. Rotate manual call points weekly.

• Six-monthly professional servicing by a competent technician, inspecting detectors, panels and batteries.

• Quarterly inspections may be needed in larger or complex buildings.

• Annual full audits recommended, especially in high-risk premises.

Skipping these steps risks non-compliance, fines or even prison. Businesses face penalties and insurance implications.

What’s a fire risk assessment?

A fire risk assessment is mandatory. You must:

• Identify fire hazards

• Evaluate risks to people

• Check if existing systems are adequate

• Record findings and plan preventive measures

• Review annually or when building use changes

Kent Fire and Rescue Service and other regional authorities stress that responsible persons must keep risk assessments up to date.

Fire system installation and servicing: benefits

• Legal compliance: Meets Fire Safety Order and BS standards.

• Safety: Early detection saves lives and protects assets.

• Insurance: Some insurers demand BS-compliant systems and servicing logs.

• Peace of mind: Records prove you’re responsibly managing fire safety.

What to look for in an installer

Choose a competent company that:

1. Understands BS 5839-1 updates

2. Designs systems based on a full risk assessment

3. Offers installation, servicing, and fire assessments in line with standards

4. Keeps a detailed logbook of tests and maintenance. This is essential for compliance

5. Is BAFE or third-party certified, showing independent competence

Summary for Essex, Suffolk, Kent & London businesses

• Risk assessments are mandatory. If they call for automatic detection, get BS 5839-1 standard systems installed.

• Weekly tests, six-monthly servicing, quarterly checks (if needed) and yearly reviews keep you compliant.

• Competent service providers will handle installation, fire system servicing, and fire assessment.

• Proper records protect you from fines, insurance issues and safety liabilities.

Next steps

1. Review your fire risk assessment and get one done if you don’t have it.

2. Talk to certified installers about fire system installation to match your premises.

3. Set up a servicing and testing schedule to maintain compliance.

4. Consider a full fire system audit and fire assessment, especially if your business operates in multiple regions or has high footfall.

Advanced Protection are experts in fire system installation, servicing and compliance across Essex, Suffolk, Kent and London. If you're unsure what your business needs, our team can advise on the right solution and help you meet your legal responsibilities. Get in touch for clear, professional guidance.