Why Your Local Fire Marshal Cares About Your Security System: To most business owners, the security system is there to keep people out, while the fire safety system is there to get people out. On the surface, they have opposite goals. However, during a routine inspection, your local Fire Marshal (or Fire Authority officer) will look closely at your security measures.
Why? Because a poorly integrated security system can become a lethal “exit block” during an emergency. Here is why your security choices are under the Fire Marshal’s microscope.
1. Fail-Safe vs. Fail-Secure Mechanisms
The biggest concern for any Fire Marshal is the magnetic lock (Maglock). If your “In” and “Out” doors are controlled by electronic strikes or magnets, they must be integrated with the fire alarm.
The Requirement: In the event of a fire alarm activation, all security-controlled exit doors must automatically release to allow for immediate egress.
The Risk: If your security system stays “Fail-Secure” (locked without power) during a fire, it creates a trap. The Fire Marshal will check that your system is “Fail-Safe” (unlocks when power is cut or the alarm sounds).
2. The “Green Break-Glass” Debate
You’ve likely seen the green break-glass units next to emergency exits. These are security overrides.
The Fire Marshal’s View: They want to see that these units are functional and not obstructed by security shutters or additional manual bolts.
The Security Balance: Premier Security ensures these are fitted with audible local alarms to prevent “unauthorised exits” while still meeting the strict life-safety requirements of BS 5839.
3. Integrated Monitoring and Response
If your security system includes CCTV or integrated sensors, the Fire Marshal is interested in how these assist in an evacuation.
Visual Verification: Modern integrated systems allow a monitoring centre to see if a “fire” is a false alarm or a burgeoning blaze.
Access for First Responders: Fire crews need to get into your building as quickly as you need to get out. A security system that provides “knox boxes” or remote gate release for the Fire Brigade can be the difference between a minor incident and a total loss.
4. Obstructing the Perimeter
Security often involves physical barriers: spiked fences, turnstiles, or heavy shutters.
Clearance Zones: A Fire Marshal will check that your external security measures don’t impede the “Assembly Point” or block the path of a fire engine.
Shutter Safety: If you have motorised security shutters over your main entrance, they must have a manual override or be linked to the fire system so they don’t trap staff inside during a power failure.
5. Documentation and “The Logbook”
In the UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 puts the “Responsible Person” in the hot seat. If your security system interferes with fire safety, the Fire Marshal will ask to see your Risk Assessment.
The Fix: Your security maintenance logs and fire safety logs should show that both systems are tested in tandem. If the security tech fixed the front door lock, did they test that it still releases when the fire bell rings?
