When it comes to fire safety, there is one piece of equipment that everyone is familiar with – the smoke detector. Smoke detectors are present everywhere we go – in our homes, the workplace and public places – almost anywhere there is a risk of fire.
But did you know that there are actually two different types of smoke detector? Each one has its own unique properties, which could make one more suitable for your needs than the other.
So, what are the two main types of smoke detector, and which is best for you? Read more in our handy guide.
Fire is a risk that never goes away. Fires can be caused by a variety of factors, including weather-related, equipment-related, deliberate and others. While some causes can’t be prevented or predicted, it is possible to take action faster with the help of a smoke detector.
Fire incidents have increased by 11% in the last year, a significant rise compared to recent years. Smoke detectors are able to give people an early warning of a fire, which can help people evacuate a building quickly and get to safety, saving lives.
According to fire safety law, businesses and landlords must have appropriate fire detection systems in place. While this doesn’t explicitly mean smoke detectors need to be installed, they are considered one of the easiest ways to detect smoke in enclosed spaces.
A smoke detector can help keep your employees and visitors safe, and could prevent significant damage to your property if a fire were to break out in your building.
There are several different types of smoke alarms available, but the two main ones are Ionisation and Optical.
Ionisation smoke detectors are the most common type of alarm. This is because they are affordable and sensitive to even the smallest amount of smoke, making them ideal for warning of a fire before it becomes too severe.
While they are built to detect fast-burning fires, they are less effective at detecting smoke caused by slow-burning fires and can be sensitive to kitchen smoke and even aerosols being released nearby.
Optical smoke detectors are more effective at detecting smoke from slow-burning fires. This is because the smoke particles produced are larger. This could be smoke caused by upholstered furniture, overheated appliances, etc.
Optical smoke alarms are more expensive than other types of smoke detectors. They are less sensitive to smoke caused by burnt food, but need to be placed carefully to help them work at their most effective.
Heat alarms are another popular type of smoke detector, and are best suited for use in kitchens to detect kitchen fires.
Choosing between the two main types of smoke detector depends on your business and the type of building it occupies. If you only operate a small business with limited fire hazards, you may find an ionisation smoke alarm is best for your needs. Larger businesses where there is a risk of fire from items such as upholstered furniture may benefit from an optical fire alarm.
To help provide the best protection for your business, it’s best to install both types of smoke detector to help you cover all bases. Smoke detectors are generally affordable and are a small price to pay to improve fire safety in the workplace.
If you’re unsure of the types of fire alarms and fire protection methods your business needs, a fire risk assessment can help. A fire risk assessment will take all of the hazards of your workplace into consideration, making recommendations for measures that can be put in place. Regular inspections will help make sure your workplace risks are up to date, and in line with any changes to your business. In addition to risk assessments, you can also book a regular inspection of your fire safety equipment to make sure everything stays in working order.
phs Compliance provides a range of services to help you operate your business safely. Not only do we provide fire risk assessments and other checks, but we provide a range of fire detection and alarm system services. From helping you work out the right smoke detectors for your needs, to designing and installing a system that is unique to your premises, we can help you improve workplace fire safety.
With assessors and engineers located across the UK, phs Compliance is one of the leading providers of statutory electrical and fire safety testing and remedial services. Whatever the size of your business or organisation, we’re here to help. Find out more by contacting phs Compliance today for a free quote.
phs Compliance is the UK’s leading provider of statutory electrical and fire safety testing and remedial services, keeping businesses and public sector organisations of all sizes safe and compliant.
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