Angus has been involved in developing and writing British and International Fire & Safety standards since the mid-1980s. The list of standards that he has participated in is impressive and includes BS5839-1, BS8629, EN54-18 and ISO7240-2. Angus utilises his extensive experience to provide an authoritative perspective on the key issues that affect the Fire & Security Industry today.
Published on 30 April 2025, this new edition affects how systems are designed, installed, maintained, and modified across commercial, public, and industrial environments.
Why have the changes been made?
Every iteration of this important standard reflects collective review of tragic fire incidents and how the severity of outcomes could have been at least lessened by changes in features of the Fire Alarm design, installation and/or maintenance regime.
In the UK, a significant number of businesses do not survive a fire. Specifically, around 25% of businesses never re-open after a serious fire, and 80% of those that don't recover within a month are likely to go out of business.
Every business wants to stay compliant and reduce risk so it’s crucial to understand what’s changed, and what actions you need to take.
Key Updates and What They Mean for You
1. New Certificate for Extensions and Modifications
For the first time, BS 5839-1 includes a dedicated section addressing system extensions and modifications. Notably:
- Recommissioning is now mandatory when extending a system.
- A new certificate that covers both extensions or modifications must be issued upon completion.
Action: For any fire alarm changes, especially during refurbishments, you must now follow this new formal process, including updated certification. It is possible that a small modification could have a detrimental effect on the existing system, so it is imperative that robust process is followed when completing any changes.
2. Zone plans – a must!
If a Fire Alarm system incorporates more than one zone per floor or has sleeping accommodation, then a Fire Alarm Zone chart must be installed, and is no longer an acceptable variation for any new installation.
The purpose of a zone chart is to facilitate rapid identification of the source of an alarm by both building occupants and the fire service. Even if your Fire Alarm system has a read-out display that gives the location, this could fail and you would be dependent on the zone lamp indication only.
The Zone Chart must be compliant with the specific criteria set out in the British Standard.
Action: Make sure you have a compliant Fire Alarm Zone Chart installed. For more information, read our blog post about Zone Chart Compliance.
3. Automatic fire alarm signalling to ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre)
There are a few enhancements contained in the new standard including:
- A label should be affixed to the Fire Alarm Control panel(s) alerting that the system is connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre. This is intended to avoid inadvertent requests for emergency attendance.
- New timing requirements for speed of notification to the ARC based on whether Fire Alarm System is for Category P (Property Protection) or Category L (Life Safety).
- Category L systems: Alarm must reach ARC in 90 seconds; total failure must be signalled within 3 minutes.
- New timing requirement for Category P systems: Alarm must reach ARC in 120 seconds; total failure to be shown within 31 minutes.
Action: Ask service provider to confirm connection is fully compliant with latest version of relevant standard. We have created a blog post which explains everything you need to know to ensure your ARC connection is fully compliant. Read our blog here.
4. The definition of a “competent person” has been updated to emphasise both qualifications and practical experience (Clause 3.13).
A Competent Person is now defined as someone who can evidence that they are suitably trained and qualified by knowledge and practical experience. They are to be provided with the necessary instructions to enable the required task(s) to be carried out correctly. The maintenance of this competence is likely to require continuing professional development (CPD).
You are legally obligated to ensure the premises meet fire safety regulations and to take necessary precautions to protect people from fire hazards. This responsibility can fall on employers, building owners, landlords, or anyone else who has control of the premises to ensure that any appointed competent person meets these requirements. You are responsible to ensure all works completed are done to the relevant standards.
When evaluating, remember to put competency and quality first to ensure the job is done right. It is a small cost compared with the unthinkable consequences of life safety equipment not functioning properly when it is most needed!
Action: Review your internal competency frameworks for contractors and staff managing fire alarms. Are you using specialists with the appropriate knowledge, training and third-party accreditations? Are your staff appropriately trained to handle a Fire situation?
5. Fire Detection types.
Smoke or multi-sensor detectors are now preferred in sleeping areas. Heat only detectors may no longer suffice as they are slow to respond when a fire is in its incipient stages.
The new recommendation is not retrospective, so existing systems do not need to be changed, however if you have any system upgrades planned, you will need to ensure that they are compliant with this new change.
Action: Ask your service provider to confirm that the Fire Detection installed is correct in each area. The objective is to eliminate false alarms whilst ensuring the earliest possible detection in a real fire scenario.
6. Sound Level Tests.
Sound levels must now be tested with all doors closed to ensure alarms are heard clearly in all spaces when the system is commissioned.
Action: Ask your service provider to verify that the fire alarm audibility levels are compliant. Ask yourself: Has your building layout changed since the original installation? It’s voluntary to test the sound levels in each room after the system is commissioned, however we strongly advise that you conduct a Fire Alarm audibility test with all doors closed. Remember, this needs to include all areas including those forgotten spaces such as plant rooms, storerooms etc as you don't know where anyone might be in a real fire scenario.
7. Manual Call Point Protective Covers
Every Manual call point must now be fitted with a ‘transparent’ protective cover. Obscure covers that hide the face of the call point are no longer acceptable.
Action: Check that your call points have suitable protective covers fitted. If you require covers, you can find the correct ones for your system in the Fixfire® Fire & Safety product catalogue.
8. Lockdown Alarm Clarifications
Martyn's Law, officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, is a UK law that requires certain public venues and events to improve their preparedness for potential terrorist attacks. The law emphasises staff training, information sharing, and preparedness planning for all affected venues. Larger venues will also need to consider physical security measures and risk assessments.
For schools and educational settings, it's now officially recognised that fire alarm systems can be used for lockdown alerts. It has been common practise to utilise Fire Alarm sounders for this purpose, and this is now accepted according to the new BS 5839-1 guide. You can typically identify lockdown call points by their blue colour. When activated, lockdown systems aim to minimise confusion, prevent panic, and ensure everyone on campus is aware of the situation and can follow safety protocols.
Action: If your site is affected by Martyns Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) consider utilising your Fire Alarm System for lockdown alerting purposes. Typically, ‘blue’ Manual Call points labelled ‘Lock-down’ or ‘Bomb-Alert’ are installed in strategic locations and the Fire Alarm is programmed to emit a distinctive tone when one of these devices is operated. For more advice and assistance visit our Lock Down Alarms page.
9. Maintenance Frequency
Routine planned maintenance inspections remain at 6-month intervals, but with the flexibility to occur between 5–7 months. This tolerance provides some flexibility for the site and service provider alike where circumstances are such that it is not possible to complete maintenance strictly within the 6-month regime.
Action: Ensure your maintenance contractors and facilities teams are briefed on this relaxation.
10. Fire Logbook Changes
To comply with BS5839 Part 1 2025, your Fire Logbook should now include pages to record any special Cause & Effect Programming and Variations from the British Standard.
Action: Ensure your premises has a compliant Fire Logbook and all site and planned engineer maintenance is being appropriately recorded. Fixfire® has just released its latest BS5839 Part1 2025 compliant Fire Logbook which ticks all the boxes! You can read more about Fire Log Books and Cabinets here.
11. Fire Alarm Timeclock Accuracy Check
On each planned maintenance visit your service provider should verify that the Fire Alarm Control Panel (where relevant) is displaying the correct time and if necessary, adjust accordingly.
Action: Ensure your maintenance contractors and facilities teams are aware.
12. Zone Verification
This is big! The new standard mandates that fire alarm zone plans must be verified annually, ensuring that the zone identification displayed on the Control and Indicating Equipment (CIE) matches the actual zone plan. This verification process involves testing each device against the information on the zone plan to confirm accuracy. The standard also emphasises the importance of having clear and accurate zone plans readily available at the CIE and any repeater panels.
Action: Ensure your service provider completes this additional work and you have compliant zone charts. Fixfire® has invested in additional engineer tools to facilitate the verification process. To find out more about Fire Alarm Zone Charts, read our blog post here.
What Should Businesses Do Next in brief?
To ensure compliance with BS 5839-1:2025:
- Audit your current fire alarm systems for zone plans, detection types, signalling methods, and commissioning history.
- Update policies, logbooks, and maintenance protocols to meet the new requirements.
- Engage qualified contractors who meet the new “competent person” criteria.
For nearly 50 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999.
You have a legal duty of care to dispose of waste legitimately and safely via a licensed waste carrier. Failure to do so can result in prosecution, even if you have outsourced the disposal to a third party.
The Fixfire® Extinguisher Recycling Process is your reassurance that any Fire Extinguishers we remove from your premises have been disposed of in a safe and legal manner. 97% of each processed Fire Extinguisher is recycled.
Our contracted Extinguisher Recycling Unit (ERU) is a dedicated facility offering a service for the safe processing and recycling/disposal of fire extinguishers. The facility operates closely with the local Water Authority and the Environment Agency to develop safe, efficient and environmentally friendly processes, ensuring that ISO14001 certification is upheld.
Got a question about Fire Extinguisher Disposal? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
Our contracted Extinguisher Recycling Unit (ERU) is a dedicated facility offering a service for the safe processing and recycling/disposal of fire extinguishers. The facility operates closely with the local Water Authority and the Environment Agency to develop safe, efficient and environmentally friendly processes, ensuring that ISO14001 certification is upheld.
Got a question about Fire Extinguisher Disposal? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
False Fire Alarms remain a huge concern within the education sector- interrupting already carefully scheduled, planned and well-prepared lessons or even causing major disruption and distress to exams.
Clearly, these false alarms cause significant inconvenience and disruption to students, staff, and visitors. They compromise everyone’s safety in the school and present a significant risk to the local community since the Fire Brigade will prioritise the school over other emergency callouts.
Solutions you should consider:
The first and most straightforward way is to use anti-tamper products.
Fixfire® supplies a wide range of solutions designed to protect Fire Alarm Devices from inadvertent damage or deliberate misuse/vandalism.
Products include:
- Local plastic cover flaps which attach directly to manual call points.
- The stopper consists of a clear, tamperproof, tough polycarbonate cover, frame and spacer that retrofits over a break glass call point. When lifted to operate the break glass unit, its optional battery powered integral sounder emits a piercing 96dB (at 1m). Immediate attention is drawn to the area and a prankster will either run or be caught!
- A range of steel web stoppers designed to protect fire detectors and warning devices. They are constructed from heavy-duty galvanised steel rod which is plastic-coated for durability and external use.
- A range of polycarbonate enclosures are available for the protection of devices such as fire alarm control panels and associated control equipment. The enclosures combine tough rugged construction with stylish design and offer excellent protection with a key lock for authorised access.
We also provide anti-tamper devices for fire extinguishers and associated products.
KeyCall® is a patented anti-ligature Fire Alarm and Access Control call point. It is designed to use the same key as the doors, providing simple operation for staff whilst eliminating nuisance activations by service-users.
KeyCall® has been developed by Fixfire® specifically for approved applications where standard versions would be vulnerable to abuse.
It is one of the best solutions for SEN schools and it is also compatible with a wide range of Conventional and Addressable Fire Alarm Systems.
Most fire safety courses offer a mix of classroom-based learning and practical training experience, educating attendees on how to respond in the event of an emergency.
In order to fulfil your obligations under current Fire Safety Law, it is essential that you have a documented regime of Fire Safety tests and checks and personnel who are suitably trained to respond correctly in the event of an emergency.
All Fire Safety Training is provided by experienced, time-served and qualified persons from a Fire Safety background.
Even if the cameras don't identify the culprit, they can identify who was in the area at the time of the false alarm activation. Fixfire® specialises in integration and will bring together your Fire, Access and Security systems providing enhanced functionality.
Fixfire® provides leading-edge integration with ancillary systems and equipment. Our mission is to deliver reliable, well-engineered installations that provide you with peace of mind 24/7.
Smoke detectors that are placed too close to kitchens, cooking appliances, locker rooms or bathrooms will most likely be accidentally activated by the smoke or steam emitted by these sources. Detectors might need to be relocated.
Smoke detectors are more sensitive and are installed in any environment where smoke or steam would not normally be present. Heat detectors are installed in areas such as kitchens where smoke detectors would constantly false alarm during routine cooking. Multi-sensors combine smoke and heat in one detector and offer immunity to false alarms in certain applications.
New detectors have improved technology and can measure a range of conditions to potentially be more effective at detecting a fire condition.
Flush Fire Detectors ensure protection is not compromised in any areas where conventional ‘un-pluggable’ detection could be subject to abuse. It is widely used in SEN Schools.
Make sure the alarm system is properly and regularly maintained.
Fixfire® is BAFE accredited for the Design, Installation, Maintenance and Servicing of Fire Alarm Systems.
All works are carried out by our employed, uniformed and trained Fire Alarm engineers.
Following each visit, a Certificate of Inspection is issued.
Got a question about False Fire Alarms? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
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