This article originally appeared in the August 2024 issue of Security Business magazine. Don’t forget to mention Security Business magazine on LinkedIn and @SecBusinessMag on Twitter if you share it.
Are you interested in adding fire alarm services to your business? If so, you need a good grasp of the rules and regulations. Fire alarm systems are treated as an essential life safety component; thus, fire alarm rules frequently exceed the standard of care applied to related trades like access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection.
Over the last few months, I have introduced the rules that apply to system components, design, and installation. Next up are the rules that apply to companies in the business of installing, inspecting, and maintaining fire alarm systems. These are perhaps the hardest rules to outline in detail because they vary so widely.
There is no regularly adopted standard for regulating fire alarm companies. In the U.S., it is common for these rules to be implemented at the state level. For example, fire alarm companies in California (C-10 or C-16) must be licensed by the state license board and comply with CCR Title 19. California even goes so far as to require training on environmental, health, and safety regulations (e.g., for asbestos). Companies operating in Florida must be certified by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. In Texas, the fire alarm rules fall under the Department of Insurance.
Common Rules for Determining a Business’s Trustworthiness
Zooming out, the most common and basic rules define the minimum requirements for doing business as a fire alarm contractor. These rules are intended to ensure that the company and its representatives will act responsibly.
Because of the life safety aspect, companies engaging in fire alarm work are rarely allowed to proceed unannounced. Expect that your company will have to register in the state or city where they plan to perform fire alarm work. You will probably also have to provide a physical address rather than a PO Box.
Another common requirement is for each fire alarm company to employ qualified individuals. Depending on jurisdiction, that may be as simple as hiring someone with a NICET certification; or it may require hiring a designated license holder who has a certain type of state or city license. Depending on where the company works, this designated individual may need to be a full-time employee or a part-time subcontractor.
You may also find requirements for the business to maintain a minimum amount of general liability insurance – usually in the millions of dollars. Even tougher, the company may need to be bonded. Besides potentially providing an avenue for financial recourse, government agencies depend on the vetting that insurers perform as part of the underwriting process. This – at least in theory – helps further ensure that the business is reputable and trustworthy. Or at least it is insurable.
New fire alarm contractors can also expect to pay some sort of registration fee. While this is ostensibly to offset the cost of the administrative burden on the governing entity, it also serves as evidence of at least a meager level of solvency. Expect to see a wide range of costs around the country and the world. But be wary: if there is no qualification requirement other than to pay a fee, you might have encountered a scam or someone looking for a bribe. Fortunately, this is not very common in the U.S.
Rules for the Work Itself
So far, these rules have revolved around the theme of determining trustworthiness. There are also rules about how a company should proceed in the business of performing fire alarm work. For example, a jurisdiction might require companies to report fire alarm deficiencies in a certain manner. Some regulations spell out specific requirements for tagging the fire alarm system.
Beyond the state level, every city and county I have worked in has requirements for companies to submit plans for review prior to construction. In New York City, fire alarm companies must follow the NYC Fire Code and navigate the permitting process with the Department of Buildings. The rules are similar in Chicago. In Denver, companies must be licensed by the Department of Community Planning and Development.
Because regulations vary widely, it is essential to look up the rules for each jurisdiction. Check out the state fire marshal’s website. Look for fire alarm rules in the cities where you work. Since the rules can appear obtuse and hard to follow, I also recommend making phone calls. State fire marshal’s office representatives can be quite helpful.
