London Fire Brigade’s new policy on automatic fire alarm responses

From 1st October 2024, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) will cease attending automatic fire alarms in most non-residential buildings, including office blocks and industrial estates, during daytime hours (7am – 8:30pm).

As reported by Assist Security Group (ASG), this policy change will place the onus on building managers and security personnel to conduct initial fire checks, raising concerns about fire safety and resource allocation in the private sector.

Troy Hewitt, CEO of ASG, highlighted the pressures this policy could place on building managers: “This new policy represents a big shift in fire safety responsibilities.

“Building managers and security teams are now expected to perform roles previously handled by fire services, creating additional pressure on already stretched resources.”

Implications for building management and security teams

The policy shift mirrors similar trends in police services, where budget constraints have increased the reliance on the private sector for public safety.

This development has raised questions about the long-term effects on public safety and the financial burden placed on businesses.

Key concerns include increased responsibility for fire checks, potential understaffing, the need for additional training, and heightened risks for tall buildings and vacant properties.

Hewitt noted that building managers must critically assess their capabilities: “Building managers must ask themselves: Do we have sufficient manpower to ensure thorough checks can be made? Is our building going to be safe under this new regime?”

ASG’s response and recommendations

In response to these changes, ASG is offering comprehensive risk assessments and tailored solutions to address the new fire safety landscape.

These services include evaluations of existing fire safety protocols, development of customised security strategies, provision of trained security officers, and access to mobile response teams for building managers.

ASG has emphasised the particular vulnerability of tall buildings and vacant properties, advising that these environments may require enhanced measures such as mobile patrols, alarm response systems, or the deployment of dedicated fire wardens or security officers.

The need for a proactive approach in fire safety

The LFB’s decision underlines the necessity for a proactive stance on fire safety within the private sector.

Building owners and managers must now evaluate whether their current staffing and safety measures are adequate to meet the demands of this policy change, particularly in high-risk settings like tall buildings or vacant properties.

Troy Hewitt of ASG reiterated the importance of readiness: “Security users need to be ready to navigate these new challenges and ensure fire safety.”

ASG continues to urge stakeholders to prioritise comprehensive risk assessments and robust fire safety strategies as the private sector adapts to this shift in responsibility.

London Fire Brigade Comment

London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner for Prevention & Protection, Craig Carter, said: “Following a consultation with key stakeholders, it is clear that support for the new policy recognises the significant benefits these changes will have on our service for Londoners.

“We are here to keep London’s communities safe, and we want to do this as effectively as possible.

“We will always attend any incident where a person dials 999 to report a fire or they can see signs of fire such as smoke issuing.

“We will also continue to attend all alarms at any premises where people sleep – such as homes, hotels and prisons.

“As outlined in our Community Risk Management Plan, reducing our attendance at false alarms will give firefighters more time to focus on preventative activity, such as visiting our most vulnerable residents and communities, fire safety checks, as well as operational training.

“Over the summer, the Brigade has been working closely with stakeholders, businesses, community groups and Londoners to ensure they understand what these changes mean for them, what they need to do to prepare and how to ensure they can keep their buildings and the people they are responsible for safe.

“Responsible persons are encouraged to thoroughly read through our Frequently Answered Questions page ahead of the roll-out to ensure they are prepared.”

Further Background from London Fire Brigade

Less than 1% of automatic fire alarms signal genuine fires – the remaining 99 per cent are false alarms.

Almost all other UK fire and rescue services have introduced policies that aim to reduce attendance at false alarms and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services support efforts that reduce false alarm attendances.

It is imperative that automatic alarm systems are correctly managed and maintained to minimise false alarms, as well as ensuring that staff in businesses are suitably trained to understand their responsibilities under fire safety law.

Recurring false alarms can often be resolved quickly and easily.

The Brigade is urging businesses who experience recurring false alarms to investigate each occurrence in order to find and remedy the cause, including contacting the alarm system company or arranging maintenance if necessary by an appropriate engineer.

The responsibility of staff training for commercial premises does not fall under the remit of London Fire Brigade.

If a person owns, manages or operates a business (Responsible Person), they need to comply with UK fire safety law.

The main law is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

It applies across England and Wales and came into force on 1 October 2006.

As part of a Responsible Persons’ responsibilities under the Act, they need to make sure Employees are provided with adequate fire safety training.

London Fire Brigade announces end to daytime automatic fire alarm responses in non-residential buildings: Summary

Starting 1st October 2024, the London Fire Brigade will no longer respond to automatic fire alarms during daytime hours in most non-residential buildings.

This policy change shifts fire safety responsibilities to building managers and security teams, prompting concerns about the adequacy of current fire safety measures.

Assist Security Group has highlighted the challenges this change may bring, including the need for additional training, staffing, and resources.

ASG is offering tailored risk assessments and strategies to help businesses adapt to the new requirements and ensure the safety of their premises and occupants.