Whether you're managing a busy construction site or developing a new logistics hub, ensuring you have the right site alarm system in place is a critical part of your health & safety obligations. But how much should you actually budget for site alarms in the UK?
The short answer: it depends on the type of alarm, the size of your site, and the level of risk involved.
In this guide, we’ll break down the typical costs of site alarm systems, including fire, emergency, and general-purpose alarms, and explain what features to look out for when pricing up a compliant, effective solution.
Why Site Alarms Matter
Site alarms aren’t just ‘nice to have’. They’re essential for legal compliance under the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and CDM Regulations. They enable your site to have a prompt evacuation in the event of fire, gas leak, or other site-wide risk, protecting workers, visitors and property and reducing liability in the event of an incident.
Most construction and temporary sites need manual or automatic fire alarms, as well as general-purpose alarms where other site risks exist.
How Much Do Site Alarms Cost?
Standalone Fire Alarms (Manual Call Points)
This kind of alarm is ideal for small to medium construction sites or short-term projects. They are easy to install, highly portable, and often used in multiples across a site.
Typical price: £50 - £120 per unit
Features often include:
- Push-button or break-glass activation
- 100-110 dB sounders
- Integrated flashing beacon
- Battery-powered (no wiring needed)
Example: A small site may need 4 - 6 units, costing £300 - £700 in total.
Wireless Interlinked Site Alarm Systems
This kind of alarm is normally used on larger or more complex sites that require linked alerts across zones. These systems allow for a coordinated response across bigger or multi-storey sites.
Typical price: £100 - £300 per unit
Additional costs: These could include a control panel (£200-£500), and setup/configuration (£100-£200)
Features often include:
- Wireless mesh linking
- Zoned alerts
- Battery or mains power
- Integration with voice alarms or emergency communication systems
Example: A large multi-building site might need 10 - 15 units with a panel: £1,500 - £3,000 total.
Emergency Alert or General-Purpose Alarms
This kind of alarm is used for hazards like structural risk, gas leaks, flooding, or evacuation drills. They are particularly useful for high-risk or noisy environments where sirens alone may be missed.
Typical price: £60 - £150 per unit
Optional features for this type of alarm include pre-recorded voice messages, visual indicators (flashing lights) and weatherproof casings for outdoor use.
Security Site Alarms (for Theft or Intrusion)
While this sits outside health and safety obligations, many contractors install security systems on-site too. These systems are usually complementary to H&S alarms, not replacements.
Typical price: £200 - £800 for a basic setup
More advanced systems: £1,000+ with sensors, alerts, and CCTV integration
Monitoring costs: May incur monthly fees (£10-£30 per site) if using a third-party provider
What Factors Affect the Price?
Your final cost will vary, based on a number of factors:
| Factor | Impact |
| Site size and layout | More zones mean more units needed |
| Duration of the project | Longer-term sites may benefit from reusable alarms |
| Type of work | Higher-risk work (eg. hot works, gas) may require an elevated level of alerts |
| Power supply | Battery-powered alarms are typically cheaper to install. |
| Environment | Outdoor, remote or noisy sites may need specialist features in the alarms |
What Should You Look for in a Site Alarm?
When comparing alarm systems, consider some of these factors:
Decibel rating: The alarm must be loud enough to hear over machinery
Visual indicators: Beacons or strobes help in loud environments
Ease of setup: This is especially relevant for short-term or mobile sites
Battery life: Longer-lasting batteries lead to fewer maintenance callouts
Compliance: Having alarms on site helps to align with HSE/CDM requirements and fire risk assessments
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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.