Site alarms are the unsung heroes of workplace safety. Whether you're on a busy construction site, a logistics hub, or a large commercial facility, the right alarm system can mean the difference between a well-managed emergency and a disaster.
But not all alarms serve the same purpose, and understanding the differences is crucial for ensuring you’re meeting both your legal obligations and real-world safety needs.
In this blog, we break down the main types of site alarms, from fire and security alerts to emergency evacuation systems, and explain how to choose the right solutions for your environment.
What Is a Site Alarm?
A site alarm is a device or system designed to alert people to a specific danger or situation that requires immediate action.
That could include evacuating due to fire, securing the premises due to a security threat or warning workers of environmental hazards (like gas leaks or structural failures)
Alarms can be manual, automatic, or integrated into a wider building or site safety system.
Fire Alarms
Purpose: Alert all personnel to a fire and trigger evacuation protocols
Fire alarms are a legal requirement in most commercial, industrial and construction settings under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
There are several types of fire alarms:
- Manual call points (break glass units or push buttons)
- Automatic detectors (smoke, heat, flame)
- Standalone fire alarms for temporary or smaller sites
- Wireless fire alarm systems for flexible or remote applications
- Linked alarms that trigger visual/audio alerts across the site
Fire alarms are best for any setting where fire could cause injury or damage, which is almost everywhere!
Firechief® Tip: On temporary sites or during refits, standalone site alarms can be quickly deployed without fixed wiring, making them a flexible, compliant solution.
Security Alarms
Purpose: Detect unauthorised access or movement and alert site personnel or monitoring services
Security alarms are typically made up of:
- Door and window contacts
- PIR motion sensors
- Glass break detectors
- CCTV-linked triggers
- Perimeter beams or barriers
They may sound a local siren, notify a central monitoring station, or trigger automatic lockdown or camera recording.
Security alarms are best for warehouses, logistics yards, construction sites, and anywhere high-value goods are stored.
Firechief® Tip: Integrating security alarms with access control (such as keypad or card entry) strengthens your overall site resilience.
General Emergency Alarms
Provide a site-wide alert for non-fire emergencies such as gas leaks, structural collapse, hazardous spills or first aid emergencies
These alarms can include:
- Manual activation points for supervisors
- Loud sirens or strobes with distinct tones to separate them from fire alarms
- Emergency voice communication (EVC) for evacuations or announcements
- Multi-message systems that can play specific alerts (e.g. lockdown, shelter-in-place)
Emergency alarms are best for large industrial sites, chemical plants, quarries, or high-risk work environments
Firechief® Tip: Use pre-recorded voice alerts for clarity and speed in emergencies, especially in noisy or multi-language environments.
Site Alarms for Construction
Construction sites present unique challenges: they’re constantly evolving, often lack permanent power, and involve a rotating team of workers.
Site alarms in this context should be portable and battery-powered, audible and visible from all working zones, simple to operate in high-pressure situations and linked together in wireless systems if covering large areas.
Firechief® offers standalone site alarms that are purpose-built for temporary and mobile use, ideal for H&S compliance during short-term projects.
Compliance & Legal Requirements
In the UK, your responsibility for alarm systems is set out in:
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Industry-specific regulations (e.g. CDM Regulations for construction)
Key things to remember:
- You must have a means of raising the alarm in an emergency
- Alarms must be audible (and visible where required) across the whole premises
- Systems must be regularly tested and maintained
- All workers must be trained on what the alarms mean and what to do
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Disclaimer
The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and, where necessary, to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.