Fire Alarm Upgrade – Block of Flats, Poole

EAC Fire and Security Ltd; Poole; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A fire safety solutions company based in Poole is seeking professionals to assist with fire alarm upgrades in residential buildings. Responsibilities include installing new interlinked smoke alarms and upgrading emergency lighting systems. This role is crucial for ensuring safety compliance and enhancing evacuation routes' safety, emphasizing strong technical skills and attention to detail. Knowledge of fire safety regulations is essential.

Responsibilities

• Removed old non-compliant smoke detectors.
• Installed new mains-powered optical smoke alarms.
• Upgraded lighting to an emergency bulkhead.
• Conducted final testing and commissioned the system.

Job description

Fire Alarm Upgrade – Block of Flats, Poole

CategoryL4 Detection & Emergency Lighting Upgrade

Following a fire risk assessment at a residential block of flats in Poole , our client asked us to upgrade the communal fire‑detection system . The previous installation was dated (battery‑only detectors) and lacked mains-powered interlinked coverage. To improve safety and bring the system in line with current guidelines, we installed 5 additional mains‑powered interlinked smoke detectors and upgraded an existing lighting fixture to an emergency light .

Scope of Work

• Removed the old battery‑operated detectors (Grade F style) that were no longer compliant.
• Installed 5 new mains‑powered optical smoke alarms (via the existing lighting circuit) with interlink to ensure when one operates all raise the alarm.
• Upgraded one existing standard communal light to an emergency lighting bulkhead, enhancing escape‑route illumination.
• The system was specified as CategoryL4 under BS 5839‑1 (automatic fire‑detection to escape routes/circulation areas only).
• Final testing, commissioning and hand‑over with full documentation to the client.

Why CategoryL4?

CategoryL systems (under BS5839‑1) are designed for life protection:

• L1 = detection throughout the premises,
• L3 = detection on escape routes and in rooms opening onto them,
• L4 = detection on escape routes only (corridors, stair‑wells, etc)
  In this particular block the fire‑risk assessment determined that installing detection in escape‑routes and circulation spaces would satisfy the life safety needs for the building, giving early warning for residents during evacuation.

Benefits of the Fire Alarm Upgrades!

• The block now has an upgraded interlinked detection system with mains‑power + standby battery, improving reliability over the previous battery‑only units.
• Escape routes and communal circulation zones are now properly protected, reducing occupant risk in event of fire.
• The emergency lighting upgrade adds visibility and safety for evacuation at night or in low‑light conditions.
• The hand‑over documentation ensures the responsible person (landlord / managing agent) has the information required for future testing, maintenance and inspection.

Next Steps & Recommendations

• Advise monthly quick test of each detector (press test‑button) and record results in the log‑book.
• Conduct annual full system inspection / servicing by a competent person (as required under fire safety duties).
• Review coverage if building use changes (for example, if bedrooms or sleeping accommodation are added). The category may need upgrading from L4 to L3 (or higher) when bedrooms or vulnerable occupants are involved.
• Keep detector service‑life under review — most optical detectors have a nominal life of around 10years, after which replacement is advised.