FAQs

Find answers to common questions regarding fire protection services, legal compliance, and safety measures for your building or business.
General Fire Safety FAQs

What Fire Protection Services do you offer?

We provide fire risk assessments, fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, fire doors and passive fire protection, emergency lighting, safety signage, training, and compliance support. All our works are undertaken in line with key UK regulations such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO/FSO), BS 5839 (fire alarms), BS 5306 (extinguishers), and BS 9999 (fire safety in design, management and use of buildings).

Why is a Fire Risk Assessment important, and how often should I have one?

The RRO/FSO requires all non-domestic premises to have a fire risk assessment. This should be reviewed regularly (recommended annually or when changes occur) per government guidance (HM Government Fire Safety Risk Assessment - 5 Step Checklist).

Are your Fire Safety Engineers and assessors fully qualified and accredited?

Yes, our staff meet and exceed requirements under BS 9997 (competency for fire risk assessors) and are accredited by recognised third-party certification bodies such as BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).

What Accreditations and certifications does PFS Network Ltd hold?

Panache Fire Services is fully accredited to meet and exceed UK fire safety standards. Our main accreditations include:

BM TRADA Q-Mark: Independent third-party certification for fire door surveys, fire door installations, and fire stopping. This verifies that our work meets strict performance and installation standards (including BS 476-22, BS EN 1634-1) and provides clients with certificates of installation.

BAFE Certifications: Accredited for Fire Alarm System Design, Installation, Commissioning, and Maintenance (SP203) as well as for the maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers (SP101). These certifications make it easy for our clients to meet legal requirements under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

ISO 9001:2015: Quality Management accreditation—demonstrating our processes are robust, reliable, and continually improved.

SafeContractor: Health and Safety systems independently assessed and approved to industry-best standards.

Constructionline: Registered member, demonstrating our compliance with government and construction industry prequalification standards.

All our certifications are regularly audited. Third-party, independently verified accreditations give you the assurance that Panache Fire Services works to the highest standards set by UK regulations and industry bodies.

Who are your typical clients?

We work with businesses, FM companies, landlords, schools, care homes, offices, commercial properties and more throughout the Home Counties and the surrounding area.

Do you provide bespoke solutions for different premises?

Yes, we tailor our Fire Protection Strategies to the specific needs, risks and layouts of each client's property.

Fire Risk Assessment

What happens during a Fire Risk Assessment?

Our assessor will visit your premises, identify fire hazards, assess current measures, interview staff if required, and provide a written report with recommendations.

Our assessment is in line with PAS 79:2020 and HM Government Fire Safety Guidance—it includes hazard identification, existing control measures review, and an action plan for compliance.

Will I receive a written Fire Risk Assessment Report?

Yes, as required by the RRO/FSO for all premises we supply a detailed, easy-to-understand fire risk assessment report with action points and suggested timescales.

Can you help with actions highlighted after a risk assessment?

Yes, we provide support for remedial/upgrade works to meet regulations and relevant standards.

Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

What types of Fire Alarm systems do you supply and install?

We offer conventional, addressable, wireless, and monitored fire alarm systems suitable for all building types and sizes.

Do you provide ongoing Fire Alarm Maintenance and Annual Servicing?

Yes, we offer planned maintenance contracts and annual (or more frequent) servicing to keep your system compliant and operational.

All maintenance is carried out in accordance with BS 5839-1:2017, which requires at least two service visits per year for most systems.

How can I tell if my Fire Alarm needs servicing or replacing?

Warning signs include frequent false alarms, fault indicators, or outdated equipment. We can inspect and advise on the best course of action.

The RRO/FSO mandates regular testing and prompt repair for faults detected during weekly or scheduled tests (per BS 5839-1:2017). If your alarm is frequently in fault or past its service life (typically 10 years), it should be replaced.

Fire Extinguishers

What type of Fire Extinguishers do I need for my business?

The correct extinguisher depends on your premises and potential fire risks. We can advise and supply water, foam, CO2, powder, and wet chemical extinguishers.

Selection must be based on BS 5306-8:2023, which dictates extinguisher type, location, and signage depending on the identified fire risks.

How often do Fire Extinguishers need servicing?

UK law requires annual servicing by a competent professional; some extinguishers may also need extended servicing or replacement after a number of years.

Annual servicing is required under BS 5306-3:2017. All extinguishers should receive a basic service yearly and an extended service at five-year intervals (water, foam, powder).

Do you offer Fire Extinguisher training for staff?

Yes, we provide staff Fire Extinguisher training sessions, either onsite or at your premises.

Fire Doors and Passive Fire Protection (Fire Compartmentation)

Why are Fire Doors important?

Fire doors are a key element of passive fire protection. They help compartmentalise buildings, slowing the spread of fire and smoke to protect escape routes and buy vital time for evacuation. In the UK, fire doors are legally required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Regulations Approved Document B for most non-domestic and multi-occupancy properties. All fire doors must be installed and maintained to relevant British Standards (such as BS 8214 and BS 476-22 or BS EN 1634-1).

How often should Fire Doors be inspected?

Best practice recommends that fire doors are inspected at least every six months, as stated in BS 9999. For multi-occupied residential buildings in England, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 now require quarterly checks of communal fire doors and annual checks of flat entrance doors. Inspections ensure doors remain compliant and effective.

Can you help upgrade or replace existing doors to meet fire regulations?

Yes, Panache Fire Services is third-party accredited (BM TRADA Q-Mark) to supply, install, upgrade, and maintain Fire Doors. We ensure every door meets legal requirements for fire resistance and certification, as outlined in Building Regulations and enforced by local authorities and the fire service.

What is Fire Compartmentation, and why is it essential for my building?

Fire Compartmentation is the process of dividing a building into fire-resistant sections—using walls, floors, and barriers—to limit the spread of fire and smoke. It’s essential for protecting lives and property, and is required by law (Approved Document B, Building Regulations 2010, and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005).

How do I know if my property’s fire compartmentation is compliant?

We recommend a professional fire compartmentation survey. Our assessments follow BS 9999 and industry best practice. We inspect all compartment walls, floors, ceilings, and service penetrations (such as pipes and cables) to identify any breaches or defects in fire stopping.

What are common issues found in fire compartmentation and fire stopping?

Typical problems include unsealed gaps around cables or pipes, damaged or poorly installed fire stopping, and alterations to the building that break compartment lines. These faults can compromise your building’s ability to contain fire and smoke—posing serious legal and safety risks.

How can you help fix compartmentation defects and fire stopping issues?

We provide a complete remedial service, installing certified fire stopping and sealing systems to fully restore compartmentation in line with BS 476, BS EN 1366, and manufacturer specifications. All works are completed by qualified engineers, with BM TRADA Q-Mark certification for added assurance.

Do you provide certification for fire doors, fire stopping, and compartmentation works?

Yes, after installation or remedial work, we provide certificates of conformity and detailed documentation for your fire safety records. This supports your legal compliance (RRO/FSO 2005) and satisfies insurers and regulatory authorities.

Emergency Lighting and Signage

Is Emergency Lighting a legal requirement?

Yes, as per BS 5266-1:2016 and the RRO/FSO, most non-domestic sites must provide compliant emergency lighting for safe escape.

What type of fire safety signage do I need?

The right signage depends on your building's layout and use. We supply and install fire exit, equipment, and instructional signage to meet legal requirements.

Will you provide certification after installing emergency lighting?

Yes, we issue commissioning certificates in accordance with BS 5266-1, required for your Fire Risk Assessment and as evidence of compliance.

Pricing and Support

How do you price your fire protection services?

Pricing is based on scope and standards applied (e.g., number of fire doors inspected to BS 9999, system categories under BS 5839), always provided in a written, transparent quote.

Do you offer free quotations or site visits?

Yes, initial visits and written quotations are offered free of charge, in line with industry best practice and to assist with RRO/FSO compliance.

How do I request a service, quote, or more information?

Get in touch via our website, phone, or email—our team will respond in line with best practice for data protection (GDPR).

Aftercare and Compliance

Will you remind me about upcoming scheduled maintenance or servicing?

We offer a reminder service to keep you compliant with legal maintenance intervals as outlined in BS 9999 and your fire risk assessment.

Can you help with compliance paperwork for insurance or government bodies?

Yes, we provide all certification and record-keeping required by the RRO/FSO, insurance underwriters, and regulatory inspections.

Speak to our team of experts

Not sure what fire protection services you need? Speak with one of our experts. Call us on 01494 474787, email or fill in our online contact form.

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