When it comes to fire and intruder alarm systems, ensuring the safety of your property, family, or business is paramount. However, achieving a high level of safety doesn’t just depend on the quality of the alarm systems themselves – it also hinges on the reliability and professionalism of the companies that install and maintain these systems.
M.D. Andy Burridge is mindful that, “we are not installing coffee machines, where a mistake or poor decision means the customer might not have the usual tasting latte! In our case, this will mean the potential for a serious loss due to theft, or an injury or even worse if the fire alarm does not operate correctly.”
In the UK, third-party accreditation from respected bodies such as BAFE, SSAIB, and ISO 9001 is an essential indicator that an alarm company meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance. In this blog post, we’ll explore why third-party accreditation is crucial for fire and intruder alarm systems and why it should be a key factor when selecting a provider.
ARC Fire Safety & Security are certified by the main industry bodies for fire alarms, and intruder alarms for quality and continuous improvement.
1. BAFE Accreditation: Ensuring Fire Safety Excellence
BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) is a leading UK certification body for fire safety companies. It assures that a company has the required competence and experience to design, install, and maintain fire alarm systems to the highest standards.
For customers, BAFE accreditation is a powerful mark of confidence. When you choose a BAFE-accredited provider, you know that the company has been independently assessed and approved by experts. This means:
- Compliance with National Standards: BAFE-accredited companies adhere to the British Standards for fire detection and alarm systems, ensuring that the systems installed are reliable and effective.
- Quality and Expertise: Accreditation guarantees that the company has the right technical knowledge and experience to deliver the best fire safety solutions for your property.
- Ongoing Professional Development: BAFE-accredited companies are regularly audited, ensuring that their skills and knowledge are continuously updated in line with the latest fire safety regulations and best practices.
2. SSAIB Accreditation: Trust in Security Systems
The SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) is a recognised and trusted certification body for the security industry in the UK. SSAIB accreditation focuses on the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of intruder alarms, CCTV systems, and other security solutions.
Here’s why SSAIB accreditation is so important for alarm companies:
- Rigorous Assessment: SSAIB-approved companies undergo strict assessments and audits, ensuring that they meet the highest standards in terms of both technical competence and customer service.
- Adherence to Industry Standards: An SSAIB-accredited company will follow the relevant British Standards for intruder alarm systems, providing a high level of protection for your property.
- Insurance and Liability Benefits: Many insurance companies prefer or even require customers to have SSAIB-accredited alarm systems in place. This can result in reduced insurance premiums and, in some cases, help you avoid policy exclusions related to security risks.
3. ISO 9001 Accreditation: Quality Management Systems
ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised standard for quality management systems. It applies to companies of all sizes and industries, including those in the fire and security sector. While BAFE and SSAIB focus on specific areas like fire and security systems, ISO 9001 focuses on the company’s overall quality management processes.
For customers, choosing a company that holds ISO 9001 certification means:
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement: ISO 9001-certified companies are dedicated to continually improving their processes, ensuring a consistently high level of service and customer satisfaction.
- Customer-Focused Approach: The standard requires companies to have clear, structured processes for identifying and meeting customer needs, which translates into better service delivery.
- Accountability and Transparency: ISO 9001 certification demonstrates that a company is accountable and transparent in its operations, offering peace of mind that the services you receive will meet or exceed your expectations.
4. Why Third-Party Accreditation Matters
Third-party accreditation is not just a badge of honour; it’s a clear and essential sign that the alarm company you’re considering has undergone rigorous evaluation by independent bodies. Here’s why this matters:
- Trust and Credibility: Accreditation from respected bodies like BAFE, SSAIB, and ISO 9001 gives you confidence that the company you’re dealing with is trustworthy and meets high standards of service.
- Regulatory Compliance: Third-party accredited companies are required to stay compliant with the latest regulations, ensuring that your fire and security systems meet legal and industry requirements.
- Peace of Mind: With a third-party accredited company, you can be sure that your alarm system will be properly designed, installed, and maintained – offering optimal protection for your property.
5. Choosing the Right Alarm Provider
When selecting a fire or intruder alarm company, it’s essential to choose one that has earned third-party accreditation. Here’s a quick checklist for evaluating potential providers:
- Look for BAFE, SSAIB, and ISO 9001 Certification: Ensure that the company holds relevant accreditation for the services they offer.
- Check for Regular Audits and Reviews: Accredited companies should be regularly audited to ensure they meet the required standards.
- Ask About Experience and Expertise: A well-established, accredited company will have a proven track record in delivering high-quality fire and security systems.
Any company that does not hold these certificates are not being audited and therefore will not be assessed for complete compliance. In early 2025, ARC was asked to look at a recent fire installation in a large office building. The standard of this installation was so poor, that the customer had to recall the installing company to put things right. The main contractor used a non-certified company to do the installation, who ignored many of the current standards, presumably to make more profit on the project.
In February and March 2025, ARC Fire Safety & Security were audited by both the SSAIB for the intruder certification and also by the SSAIB for the ISO9001 Quality certification. Both audits were passed with no non-conformities. This is in addition to the BAFE fire systems audit carried out in December 2024, again successfully passed.
In today’s world, where safety and security are of utmost importance, third-party accreditation plays a vital role in ensuring the reliability and quality of fire and intruder alarm systems. Whether it’s BAFE, SSAIB, or ISO 9001, these accreditations provide peace of mind, knowing that your alarm provider has met rigorous standards and continues to uphold the highest levels of service and professionalism.
Choosing an accredited alarm company is an investment in your safety, ensuring that you receive the best possible protection for your property and loved ones. So, when it’s time to install or maintain your fire or intruder alarm system, be sure to choose a company that holds these essential certifications – your safety and security will be in good hands.
