When undertaking a Fire Risk Assessment, what's the best way to find out the type of alarm system that the property has?

is the type of system detailed on the control panel? Is the type of system noted on the service/maintenance records? I've seen a few FRA's that have made reference to the alarm system by saying "it's thought to be an L3 fire alarm system" 

Originally Posted by: Martin#1

I've seen a few FRA's that have made reference to the alarm system by saying "it's thought to be an L3 fire alarm system"

Hopefully one effect of the current Construction Green Paper consultation closes 21st May

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/construction-products-reform-green-paper

will be elimination of enthusiastic amateurs "thinking" and competent professionals "determining"

The information may be available on the last service record for the alarm system, as most service providers include system details in their documentation.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the fire risk assessor may have used the term "appears to be" because confirming the exact classification of the system without physically inspecting every possible location — including voids — is often impractical. This cautious language is common practice, as even an engineer’s report may omit unexpected detectors that weren’t explicitly listed or checked — particularly in non-addressable systems.

A more precise phrase the assessor could use is:

"Based on the visual identification of the automatic fire detection (AFD), the system appears to be at least an LX system, with AFDs observed in [specified locations]."

It's also important to remember that many sites have fire detection systems exceeding legal minimum requirements. In such cases, the assessor's role is to confirm that a suitable means of detection is in place — and this wording effectively reflects that.

What is sensible and what happens in reality often diverge.

IF the client is lucky enough to get the O&M manual for the construction any latter installations often get omitted so you become reliant upon supply contracts, purchase orders or service agreements.

Over time the manual gets miss-placed, occupants forget to return them to the property management company, the property management companies change (without a full document hand over) or the contents become spread to the four winds as different departments access different sections.

Time passes and we get to 2022 and The Building Safety Act with the concept of The Golden Thread which will attempt to ensure all safety information is in an accesible file - great for any new build in scope and utterly pointless for existing builds.

Originally Posted by: antbruce001

The information may be available on the last service record for the alarm system, as most service providers include system details in their documentation.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the fire risk assessor may have used the term "appears to be" because confirming the exact classification of the system without physically inspecting every possible location — including voids — is often impractical. This cautious language is common practice, as even an engineer’s report may omit unexpected detectors that weren’t explicitly listed or checked — particularly in non-addressable systems.

A more precise phrase the assessor could use is:

"Based on the visual identification of the automatic fire detection (AFD), the system appears to be at least an LX system, with AFDs observed in [specified locations]."

It's also important to remember that many sites have fire detection systems exceeding legal minimum requirements. In such cases, the assessor's role is to confirm that a suitable means of detection is in place — and this wording effectively reflects that.

All areas must be assessed including voids.

Thanks Roundtuit

Yes,  I know it happens. At a previous employer when they changed the FM contractor all of the relevant documents ended up in a skip! You would think that people would understand that documentation needs to be retained. Forget the golden thread perhaps the rule should be if it’s not documented it does not exist. So if a fire inspector  sees a system with no supporting documentation, you have rip it out and start again!

I do get frustrated when people seem unable to keep records and documents particularly in the FM role. HR and Finance do it- look I am so upset I saying nice things about HR and Finance!   

I dont think anyone is arguing with you firesafety101.

You and I have both been on this forum long enough to know your are more likely to get a response if someone disagrees with you then if they agree. So I think you just might be winding yourself up over this one.

You do of course make a valid point, but it is not directly related to the query of the OP. It might be more prudent to start a new post on this topic if you are looking for replys.