Fire Safety, Maintenance

Smoke and heat alarm positioning to meet Building Regulations

Building Regulations vary throughout the UK, and so when specifying and installing the different levels of fire safety should always be considered. Please refer to:

Leading by example, Scotland has implemented a change in the law for fire and smoke alarms following the Grenfell tragedy in June 2017. This aims to instate a high standard of protection for all Scottish homes, not just the private rental sector. Further details about the upcoming change to Scottish legislation can be found here. The UK is expected to follow in Scotland’s footsteps and also increase fire safety within UK homes within the coming year.

Currently all Building Regulations recommend:

  1.  Fire detection systems should be provided in accordance with the relevant recommendations of BS 5839-6.
  2.  All alarms should be interlinked to ensure audibility throughout property.
  3.  (As outlined in BS 5839-6) smoke alarms positioned in circulation areas should be of optical type (or Multi-Sensor type incorporating an optical sensor).

BS 5839:6-2019

The British Standards Institution updated Part 6 of BS 5839:6 in 2019 – this applies to architects, building professionals, installers and enforcing authorities to ensure constant compliance when specifying, installing and maintaining fire detection systems in domestic properties. Click here to read an overview advising of 2019 changes to BS 5839-6. 

Minimum Grade and Category of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm System

Latest revisions include new minimum grades and categories of systems split by new build or existing property. 2019 updates have been made to reflect current types of living conditions, see summary table below*:

* This information should be considered as guidance only, for further advice please refer to the BS 5839:6-2019 standard.