4.1 Commentary:

The necessity for a fire detection and fire alarm system in a building is typically determined by fire safety authorities and/or a fire risk assessment by the owner, landlord, occupier(s), or employer(s). Generally, most buildings, except very small, open-plan premises, should have some form of fire detection and alarm system.

Key points:

Manual systems are usually sufficient for workplaces where no one sleeps.
Automatic systems are often required in premises where people sleep or where:
They form part of a fire engineering solution.
Fire protection systems need to operate automatically.
Low occupancy could delay fire detection and evacuation.
Automatic systems also help protect property by ensuring early fire service response and may be required by property insurers.
Addressable systems are not generally mandated, but are necessary where precise fire location information is crucial, such as in residential care premises.

4.2 Recommendations:

a) When unsure about needing a fire detection and alarm system or its category, refer to:

BS 9999
Fire safety legislation guidance documents
Enforcing authorities of fire safety legislation
Property insurer
Relevant fire risk assessment

b) Ensure the fire detection and alarm system designer understands system objectives and requirements from enforcing authorities and insurers.

c) In buildings where occupants may need evacuation assistance (e.g., residential care facilities, hospitals), use addressable fire detection and alarm systems if the building accommodates more than 10 people for sleeping.

4 Need for a fire detection and fire alarm system and type of system