Q & A of the Day - What smoke detection regulations for this rented property?

Question: I have been approached by a local property developer who wanted advice about his two-storey property. He wants to rent it out. The property is over two floors with a basement. Currently there are a few battery-operated smoke detectors dotted about. He is going to rent this property out as a small office block, I believe.

Could you please advise me on the regulations for smoke detection in this kind of situation?

Answer: The need for a fire alarm system in any specific building will normally be determined by the authority responsible for enforcing fire safety legislation in that building and/or by a fire risk assessment carried out by the owner, landlord, occupiers or employer. The relevant British Standard is BS 5839-1 - Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings, this code of practice provides guidance and recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in and around buildings, other than dwellings.

It is important to note that persons involved with any aspect of a fire detection and fire alarm system should be competent having the appropriate technical knowledge, relevant practical skills and experience.

To see many more Q & A in Voltimum UK's Experts Area, please click on the link:

www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions