The Need for a Fire Alarm System

The requirement for a fire alarm system in any specific type of  building will usually be decided 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, occupier(s) or employer(s), as appropriate.

Usually, it is appropriate to install some form of fire alarm system or wireless fire alarm with fire detection in virtually all buildings , other than very small premises that are relatively open-planned so that any fire will be quickly detected by occupants, who will be able to warn others by word
of mouth or simple mechanical devices such as hand-operated bells.

However, even in open planned office environments, it would be wise to have a manual operating fire alarm system, locating a manual call point at all exits leaving the building. Once again, the manual system could be a wireless fire alarm with manual call points saving labour time if the area to be covered is large. This option could be considered after carrying out a fire risk assessment as required by the fire safety order 2005.