The Role of Fire Alarms in Fire Safety in High-Rise Buildings

High-rise buildings are unique in both their structure and their risks. The sheer height, volume of occupants, and complexity of evacuation routes mean that in the event of a fire, every second counts. At the heart of this defence is a fire alarm system – a critical system that alerts occupants and encourages orderly evacuations.

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, fire protection in high-rise buildings has never been more important, and in this blog, we take a look at the role fire alarms play in fire safety in high-rise buildings. We’ll also explore the latest code of practice to be developed, BS 8629:2019, for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of evacuation alert systems in buildings containing flats.

Why are fire alarms in high-rise buildings important?

In the event of a fire, early detection is key to swift evacuation and when it comes to fire alarms in high-rise buildings, the role they play cannot be overstated. They are designed to detect smoke or heat, which triggers an alert to prompt occupants to evacuate the building. However, high-rise buildings have a number of unique challenges in terms of evacuation due to their height and occupancy levels. Some challenges include:

• Delayed detection – fires that occur in concealed or upper floors may go unnoticed without a comprehensive detection system installed.
• Vertical fire spread – fire and smoke can spread through shafts, service risers, and voids, meaning a fire can spread quickly throughout the building.
• Longer evacuation times – the higher the building, the longer it takes to reach a place of safety, especially for vulnerable individuals.
• Access for emergency services – firefighters may face delayed access to a high-rise building, which increases the importance for early evacuation.

With a fire alarm system, it provides occupants with an early warning if a fire occurs and initiates a coordinated evacuation strategy. Not only does this help save lives by giving people the opportunity to exit safely before a fire escalates, it also gives firefighters the chance to respond much quicker, which ultimately helps minimise property damage too.

As well as that, ensuring a fire alarm system is properly tested, professionally maintained, and tailored to the building’s design is strongly recommended as it gives peace of mind that it is in full working condition and continues to safeguard lives and property.

What are evacuation alert systems and why are they important?

An evacuation alert system is a tool that can be installed in high-rise residential buildings to send an evacuation signal to the whole, or selected floors of the building. Forming as part of the guidance in post-Grenfell fire safety reforms, buildings over 18m, or with complex layouts, should consider installing one of these systems in line with BS 8629:2019 as best practice.

To be used solely by firefighters to initiate a full or partial safe evacuation, these standards have been developed to provide recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of these systems in high-rise residential buildings.

These standards also recommend that evacuation alert systems should be separate from fire detection and fire alarm systems, however installing both measures in a high-rise residential building should be considered for a cohesive approach to fire safety. They enhance resident safety as it provides them with more time to evacuate a building, minimising the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a fire. They also help firefighters respond and manage fire incidents much more effectively.

It’s worth noting that while BS 8629 is not a legal requirement across all high-rise buildings in Wales, it is strongly recommended by fire authorities. Installing an evacuation alarm system, alongside a fire alarm system, demonstrates a dedication to fire safety and care to your occupants well being.

What are the fire safety regulations for high-rise buildings?

When it comes to fire safety in high-rise buildings in Wales, there are a number of fire safety regulations in place to ensure the protection of building occupants and property. The key pieces of legislation include:

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – this is the overarching legislation that places legal obligations on the ‘Responsible Person’ to ensure the appropriate fire precautions are put in place following a fire risk assessment. This should include fire detection, warning systems, escape routes, and fire-fighting equipment.
• Fire Safety Act 2021 – following Grenfell, this Act clarifies that external wall systems (including cladding and balconies) and entrance doors to flats of a multi-occupied residential building fall within the scope of a fire risk assessment, which significantly extends the responsibilities in high-rise buildings.

As well as the above fire safety regulations for high-rise buildings, the Building (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2019 prohibits the use of combustible materials on the external walls of residential buildings above 18 metres, helping to further reduce the risk of vertical fire spread via façade systems. As a result of this legislation, the Welsh Building Safety Fund has provided funding in the last three years to support surveys and remediation work for buildings over 11 meters, with a particular focus on those over 18 meters.

What are some other key aspects of fire safety in high-rise buildings?

A holistic approach to fire safety in high-rise buildings goes beyond fire alarm systems; it should include a combination of other fire protection measures to ensure a safe environment for everyone. Some other key aspects to consider include:

• Fire suppression systems – sprinkler systems that suppress a fire at the source to limit the growth and reduce smoke, are often required under Welsh Building Regulations in high-rise residential buildings over 11m. 
• Passive fire protection – installing compartmentation, fire-resistent barriers, and fire doors and floors help contain a fire to its area of origin, delaying the spread and protecting escape routes.
• Emergency lighting and signage – escape routes must be illuminated with emergency lighting and clearly marked with fire signage in line with BS 5266 in the event of a power outage or a corridor becomes filled with smoke.
• Fire risk assessment – it is a legal requirement to ensure a fire risk assessment is carried out by a competent professional, like Advanced Fire Protection (AFP) Wales. Taking into account the building’s structure, occupancy, and use, it should identify fire risks within your building and those most at risk, and provide recommendations on fire protection measures to help mitigate these risks.

By factoring in these fire protection measures alongside a fire alarm system, you can enhance the overall fire safety of your building and preparedness of occupants should the worst happen.

Speak to our professional team today

It’s clear to see the role fire alarm systems play in high-rise buildings. By providing an early warning sign in the event of a fire, these vital systems help to coordinate a safe evacuation, ultimately protecting lives.

Fire safety in high-rise buildings is a responsibility that requires diligence, expertise, and the highest standards of care. At AFP Wales, we’re trusted by businesses and building owners across the UK to deliver tailored and compliant solutions that put people first. We’re backed by the LS Fire Group, meaning whether you’re based in Wales or anywhere else in the UK, we can reach you with the help of our partner brands.

Whether you’re looking to install or maintain a fire alarm system, conduct a fire risk assessment, or you’d like more guidance on your legal obligations, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our specialist team is here to guide with complete clarity and ensure you’re safeguarding your people and property.