BSIA launches guide focused on fire safety and access control compliance

This publication has been produced in collaboration with the Fire Industry Association (FIA), Johnson Controls and ASSA ABLOY. 

The guidance released by the BSIA ensures compliance, protects lives and avoids costly or legal operational risks. It’s an exclusive resource that supports professional credibility, client trust and competitive advantage in tendering and specification.

Further, the guidance consolidates key UK legislation and standards, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and BS EN 179/1125/13637. It offers practical advice for system designers and installers to avoid non-compliant configurations that could hinder emergency egress or firefighter access.

In addition, the guidance assists BSIA members to conduct thorough fire risk assessments and understand how access control systems must behave during emergencies (eg fail-safe unlocking and manual overrides). It addresses high-rise and multi-occupancy building challenges, including Secure Information Boxes and firefighter access protocols.

Complex regulatory landscape 

Form 353 has been developed in collaboration with leading member companies and industry experts to support designers, installers and specifiers in navigating the complex regulatory landscape.

It provides practical advice on integrating access control systems with fire alarm systems, ensuring emergency egress and maintaining fire barrier integrity. It also addresses post-Grenfell Tower considerations, dynamic lockdown risks and the importance of fail-safe mechanisms and manual overrides.

BSIA members can access Form 353 as part of their membership benefits, with additional resources including template disclaimers, risk assessment guidance and links to supporting standards.

This launch reinforces the BSIA’s commitment to promoting Best Practice, safety and regulatory compliance across the security industry. All BSIA members are encouraged to download the guide, share it with clients and use it to support safe and compliant system design.

*Access Form 353 by visiting the BSIA Library and search for ‘Form 353’. This is currently available to members only. Members must be logged in