Diamond Systems at FIA Briefing on BS 5839-1:2025 Changes

Our Joint Managing Directors, Steve Snoddon and Angela Bennett, attended a highly valuable industry event today, organised by the Fire Industry Association (FIA) at the Crowne Plaza Belfast. Steve currently sits on the FIA Services Council, which represents the companies which design, install, commission and maintain fire detection and alarm systems and fire extinguishing products and systems.

The briefing focused on the newly revised BS 5839-1:2025, and included informative presentations from Will Lloyd and Neil Budd of the FIA, as well as Ken Bullock from BAFE, who spoke on the topic of competency. It was also great to meet Michael Gregg, Training Manager at the FIA, with whom we have made many bookings for training!

It was a packed day full of expert insight, practical guidance, and discussion around how the revised Code of Practice will impact the fire safety industry.

Key Purposes of the Event:

• Gain expert guidance on the latest industry changes
• Understand how the updates to BS 5839-1:2025 affect compliance
• Explore the implications for training and certification
• Enhance professional development and demonstrate competence

Now that the new revision is in effect, it’s vital for everyone involved in fire alarm design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance to stay informed and up to date.

Key Takeaways from the Day

• Clause numbers have been reformatted for clarity – lots of work to be done updating documentation including certs
• Competency has been redefined (training + experience +CPD)
• Some departures from the standard can no longer be listed as variations – e.g., no zone plan; no ARC connection for supported housing and residential care premises
• Stairway lobbies are no longer exempt under areas of low fire risk
• L2 systems in buildings with sleeping risk (e.g., hotels) now require more stringent design considerations – get in touch for details
• A new section on Extensions and Modifications has been introduced
• Numerous subtle changes affecting every stage from design to maintenance

Intelligent Procurement of Fire Alarm Services

Procurement of fire detection and alarm services for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance should involve the careful selection of a fire alarm specialist who is on the BAFE Fire Safety Register. BAFE Scheme 203-1 covers Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (Design, Installation, Commissioning, Maintenance).

BAFE scheme 203-1 companies have until 1st November 2025 to ensure the lead technician for each of the modules undertaken (design, installation, commissioning and maintenance) hold the new Level 3 qualifications. At Diamond Systems, we’re already ahead:

• Our Lead Technicians are already qualified under the various aspects of the modular scheme – covering fire alarm installation, commissioning, and maintenance
• Steve Snoddon was among the first certified in the new Design Qualification back in 2021
• Jonathan McPolin, our Systems Design Technician also holds the Design Qualification (since August 2022)
• Angela Bennett recently completed the Level 3 Fundamentals Qualification, tailored for those from a non-technical background or who are starting out on their qualification pathway

We’re strong supporters of FIA training and the ongoing push toward industry-wide competency. As BAFE rightly said today: “Having the lead technician qualified is only the beginning.” We agree – and we’d love to see the requirements continue to go further.

For Designers and Specifiers

Fire alarm systems (in non-domestic premises) designed after 29 April 2025 should be designed in line with the 2025 version of BS 5839-1, unless stipulated otherwise via contract.

If you need help navigating the changes, get in touch with Diamond Systems for design support and design verification.