Under current legislation, an automatic fire alarm system is mandatory for many buildings, and the Estonian Rescue Board supervises compliance with these requirements.
Aiding in the early detection of a fire.
Saving lives and protecting property.
Instilling a sense of security in people.
Some buildings need it for a permit for use.
Automatic fire alarm systems (AFAS) are an essential part of the security system of a building. Sometimes, the reason for a fire could be a carelessly extinguished cigarette or an old electrical device. The latter are incidentally the most common reason for fires.
An AFAS includes various sensors which help to alert people in the building of a fire as quickly as possible. This saves lives and protects property. We at Forus want to ensure your day-to-day safety and offer our services in designing, installing, and maintaining an AFAS.
Fire alarm systems must be installed by a licensed company. We have security and fire protection systems installers with professional certification who are specialists in their field.
An AFAS is obligatory mostly at high-risk sites where a fire could threaten human lives and health and cause huge material damage. Among others:
An AFAS mostly consists of a central processing unit, sensors (smoke, temperature, flame, and fire sensors, among others), fire buttons, and alarms. The sensors detect a fire and automatically send this information to the central processing unit. The latter activates the alarms, notifies people in the building, and if necessary, the Emergency Response Centre of the fire. The central processing unit sends the alarm to the Emergency Response Centre or the administrator of the building.
Forus offers both conventional as well as addressable fire alarm systems. We cooperate with well-known producers, such as Esser and Bosch.
A conventional fire alarm system
Addressable fire alarm system
The price of an automatic fire alarm system (AFAS) depends on the type of property, its size, the number of people that usually occupy it, and the type of the system (conventional or addressable). The latter is more expensive because it enables to detect fires faster and better.
The system is only reliable when properly maintained. The owner is obligated to conclude a maintenance agreement with a competent provider, such as Forus. The system requires maintenance at least once a quarter.
Requirements applicable to an AFAS are stipulated in the regulation issued by the Minister of the Interior: ‘Requirements for a fire alarm system and buildings where the fire notice of an automatic fire alarm system must be directed to the Estonian Emergency Response Centre’.
The design, installation and maintenance of a fire alarm system require the appropriate professional qualifications. A fire alarm system designer must hold at least a Level 6 qualification in security systems design. The specialist responsible for installation and maintenance must hold a Level 5 security systems technician qualification, while technicians carrying out maintenance work must hold a Level 4 qualification.
As a fire alarm system is critical to a building’s fire safety, it is important that its design, installation, and maintenance are carried out in accordance with applicable requirements and by appropriately qualified specialists.
A fire alarm system may need to be upgraded if it has become outdated, suffers from recurring faults or false alarms, spare parts are difficult to obtain, or the use of the building has changed over time. An upgrade may also be necessary after reconstruction, changes in tenants or changes in the intended use of the premises.
If the existing system no longer corresponds to the actual use of the building or there are doubts about its reliability, it is advisable to have the entire system assessed by a specialist.
A fire alarm system must be maintained regularly and generally at least four times a year, considering applicable requirements, the manufacturer’s instructions, and the characteristics of the building. Regular maintenance helps prevent faults, reduce false alarms and ensure that the system operates correctly in an emergency.
The results of inspections and maintenance must be documented, and any deficiencies identified must be remedied in a timely manner.
When choosing a fire alarm system installer, it is worth checking whether the service provider has the necessary professional qualifications and experience with similar systems. It is also an advantage if one partner can provide a complete solution, from design and installation to subsequent maintenance and technical support.
A good partner assesses the building’s needs before work begins, explains the proposed solution, and ensures that documentation, maintenance, and responsibilities are clearly organized.
Installation of AFA systems at Tartu Art Museum.
Installation of AFA systems in the factory building.
Installation of AFA systems in a commercial building.
Installation of AFA systems at Tartu Art Museum.
Installation of AFA systems in the factory building.
Installation of AFA systems in a commercial building.
