Is it time to replace your fire detection system?
Fire detection is an essential element of running a business and keeping your employees safe when at work. In fact, current UK fire regulations state that all business premises must have ‘an appropriate fire detection system’
The word ‘appropriate’ can be interpreted in several ways but if your fire detection system is deemed unfit for purpose, you will find that your business is not following UK regulations.
This is not only important from an employee safety point of view but it also means that your insurance may be invalid, leading to huge losses in the event of a fire.
Fire Risk Management
To manage the risk of fire, it’s crucial that you invest in suitable planning. From the design and installation of your fire detection systems to regular maintenance of equipment, having a fire risk management plan provides you with the total peace of mind that your fire safety is kept to the highest of standards.
You can never be 100% protected from the risk of fires within your business premises but by managing this risk effectively you can lessen the impacts a fire would have upon the business.
The Implication of Fire Damage
Most businesses never recover from a fire, the cost of replacing equipment, restoring the building and getting the daily operations up and running again can be crippling. Fires bring your business to a grinding halt.
Risk to Employees
One of the biggest issues with ageing fire alarms is it’s inability to spot fire in time. This can result in tragic deaths or even loss of limbs and serious harm. You may have seen the tragic news stories of people being killed in house fires that could have been avoided with the right safety equipment. This is a risk that cannot be entirely avoided, but it can be reduced.
Commercial Property Damage
There are a lot of factors that determine the cost of a fire at a commercial premises. The larger the fire, the more damage and disruption it will cause. The proximity of the fire to other properties and the time it takes to put out will also affect costs. Protecting your commercial property from fire damage is not just about keeping employees safe. It is also about preventing financial losses. An ageing fire alarm may not be able to detect smoke or flames in time and could cause unnecessary damage to your building.
Insurance Claim
If you are lucky enough to have your fire detection system fail in such a way that no one is hurt, and there is no damage to any property, you may be lucky enough to escape a fine or any other punishment for not following UK fire regulations. However, if there is any kind of damage or injury to anyone, then you could be faced with a fine, or even possible closure of your premises. If you have an old fire detection system, you may not be able to make a claim if there is a fire, even if no one is hurt. If you have a new fire detection system, you will be able to make a claim using your insurance to cover any losses if there is a fire.
Reputation Damage
A fire detection system is designed to save lives and prevent damage to commercial properties, but it can also help to protect your business’ reputation. If there is a fire, and a new fire detection system has been installed, your customers and clients will know that you have taken all possible steps to protect them. However, if you have an ageing fire detection system, customers and clients will be at risk due to the system not picking up smoke or flames, In this case, you might be liable for any injuries or property damage, and your reputation could suffer as a result. A new fire detection system is not only safer for your customers and clients but it will also help to protect your reputation and improve your brand as a business.
Summary
If your fire detection system is ageing, it is important to replace it before it fails, putting your employees and clients at risk. A new fire detection system will not only help to keep everyone safe, but it will also meet UK fire regulations and reduce your insurance premiums. When choosing a new fire detection system, ensure you choose one that meets your business’ needs and complies with current UK fire regulations.
