Does the communal area of a block of flats need to have a fire alarm?

Question:

In a purpose built block of flats with multiple floors, does the communal areas require a fire alarm panel and system or can you install mains domestic smoke alarms? I am constantly given conflicting information.

Answer:

Dan Jackson FIET,

There isn’t a straight forward answer to this question. The need, type and category of a fire alarm system is determined by a fire risk assessment by a competent person.

The scope of BS5839 part 6 covers forms of domestic premises including bungalows, multi-storey houses, individual flats and maisonettes, mobile homes, sheltered housing, housing, mansions, shared houses and houses divided into several self-contained single-family dwelling units. It does not cover communal parts of blocks of flats.

This suggests that a fire alarm panel and system is required to meet BS5839 part 1, which does cover the communal areas of blocks of flats.

It is the client’s responsibility to ensure a fire risk assessment is carried out and the recommendations are met.

If you are being asked to specify a fire alarm system to be installed, you need to be competent to do so and you cannot ignore that the guidance is to install a fire alarm panel and system. If you ignore guidance you could be liable for any damage, injury or death in the event of a fire.

If a client asks you to install a domestic mains type smoke alarm system in their communal stairwell, I advise you refer them to the scope of BS5839 part 1 and 6. However, it is ultimately their decision.