Public Safety, Fire Safety and Security Preparedness

Martyn's Law: What It Means for Fire Safety, Security and Public Premises

The introduction of Martyn's Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, represents one of the most significant changes to public safety legislation in recent years.

The law is designed to improve protective security and organisational preparedness across publicly accessible locations throughout the UK. For many premises, this means looking closely at emergency planning, communication, evacuation, lockdown, access control, CCTV and wider life safety systems.

Although Martyn's Law is focused on counter-terrorism, many of the practical requirements sit closely alongside existing fire safety, emergency communication and building protection principles.

What Is Martyn's Law?

Martyn's Law was introduced following the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017 and the campaign led by Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett. The legislation received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025 and is intended to strengthen protective security across qualifying premises and events.

The Government has confirmed an implementation period of at least 24 months from April 2025 before the legislation becomes enforceable. This gives organisations time to understand their responsibilities, review existing arrangements and prepare for compliance.

For responsible persons, facilities teams, installers and integrators, the message is clear: now is the time to review how fire safety, security systems and emergency response procedures work together.

Understanding the Two Martyn's Law Tiers

Martyn's Law introduces a tiered system based on the number of people reasonably expected to be present at a premises or event.

Standard Tier

Premises with 200 to 799 people

Standard tier premises will be expected to put public protection procedures in place and register with the Security Industry Authority.

  • Register with the SIA
  • Put public protection procedures in place
  • Develop evacuation procedures
  • Consider invacuation arrangements
  • Create lockdown procedures
  • Ensure effective emergency communication
Enhanced Tier

Premises and events with 800 or more people

Enhanced tier premises and events will face additional requirements, including documented measures and reasonable steps to reduce vulnerability to attack.

  • Assess public protection risks
  • Document security measures
  • Consider monitoring and control systems
  • Improve emergency response arrangements
  • Review access and perimeter security
  • Communicate plans clearly to relevant staff

Why Martyn's Law Matters to Fire and Security Professionals

One of the most important points for the fire and security sector is that many organisations may already have part of the infrastructure needed to support stronger public protection.

Fire alarm systems, voice alarm technology, emergency voice communication systems, CCTV, access control and intruder detection can all form part of a wider safety and security strategy.

Martyn's Law does not replace existing fire safety duties. Instead, it encourages organisations to think more broadly about how people are protected during serious incidents, including how they are alerted, moved, contained, directed and supported.

Fire Detection Still Plays a Critical Role

While Martyn's Law is centred on terrorist threats rather than fire incidents, both rely on fast detection, clear communication and an organised response. In a major incident, fire risk can still be part of the wider emergency picture.

1

Early Warning

Intelligent fire detection helps alert occupants and emergency teams quickly, supporting safer evacuation and response procedures.

2

System Integration

Fire systems can often work alongside voice alarm, access control, smoke control and building management systems.

3

Occupant Safety

Accurate detection and notification help facilities teams maintain clear emergency procedures and protect building users.

At Firesense, we supply fire detection solutions from leading manufacturers including Advanced, Ajax, Kentec, Apollo, Hochiki, Fike, C-TEC and EMS, helping installers and facilities professionals create reliable life safety systems.

The Growing Importance of Security Technology

As organisations start reviewing their obligations under Martyn's Law, security technology is likely to become an even bigger part of building safety conversations.

C

CCTV Systems

CCTV can support real-time situational awareness, incident monitoring, perimeter observation and evidence capture.

A

Access Control

Access control can help manage restricted areas, visitor access, staff safety and emergency lockdown procedures.

V

Voice Communication

Voice alarm and emergency communication systems can help deliver clear instructions when people need them most.

I

Intruder Detection

Intruder detection can provide early warning of unauthorised access and support a wider security management strategy.

Technology Areas That Can Support Preparedness

A joined-up approach to fire safety and security can help organisations respond more effectively to a wide range of emergency situations.

  1. Fire alarm systems Reliable fire detection remains a foundation of life safety, especially in busy public-facing environments.
  2. Voice alarm and emergency communication Clear instructions can make a significant difference during evacuation, invacuation or lockdown.
  3. CCTV and monitoring Monitoring systems can help security teams understand what is happening and respond with better information.
  4. Access control Controlled access can help protect sensitive areas, support lockdown plans and manage movement within a building.
  5. Disabled refuge and EVC systems Emergency voice communication can support people who may need additional assistance during an incident.

Is Your Building Likely to Fall Within Scope?

Martyn's Law may apply to many publicly accessible premises where it is reasonable to expect 200 or more individuals to be present from time to time, subject to the specific rules and exclusions.

Premises That May Need to Review Their Arrangements

Hotels
Shopping Centres
Schools and Colleges
Healthcare Facilities
Museums and Galleries
Entertainment Venues
Sports and Leisure Centres
Public Buildings

Preparing for Martyn's Law Today

Enforcement has not yet commenced, but organisations likely to fall within scope should use the implementation period wisely. A practical first step is to review existing fire safety, security and emergency procedures together rather than treating them as separate issues.

Review Existing Systems

  • Fire alarm systems
  • CCTV coverage
  • Access control arrangements
  • Emergency voice communication systems
  • Disabled refuge systems

Review Response Procedures

  • Evacuation plans
  • Invacuation procedures
  • Lockdown arrangements
  • Occupant communication methods
  • Staff training and preparedness

Taking a Holistic Approach to Life Safety

The key message behind Martyn's Law is not simply compliance. It is about creating environments that are better prepared to protect people when the unexpected happens.

For many organisations, that means looking at fire detection, security systems, communication methods and emergency procedures as one connected strategy.

A strong public protection strategy should bring together people, planning and technology. Fire and security systems are not the whole answer, but they can make a meaningful difference when they are properly specified, maintained and understood.

How Firesense Can Help

Firesense supplies industry-leading fire detection, life safety and electronic security solutions to installers, integrators and facilities professionals throughout the UK.

F

Fire Alarm Systems

Conventional, addressable and wireless fire detection solutions from trusted manufacturers.

E

Emergency Communication

Voice alarm, EVC and disabled refuge solutions to support emergency communication planning.

S

Security Systems

CCTV, access control and intruder detection equipment for wider building protection.

P

Product Support

Practical support for installers and professionals choosing suitable systems and components.

Martyn's Law FAQs

When does Martyn's Law come into force?

The legislation received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The Government has confirmed an implementation period of at least 24 months before the law becomes enforceable.

Does Martyn's Law apply to all buildings?

No. The Act applies to qualifying premises and events where the public gather, with requirements depending on expected occupancy and the nature of the premises or event.

Is Martyn's Law the same as fire safety legislation?

No. Martyn's Law focuses on protective security and preparedness for terrorist attacks. However, many of the practical areas, such as emergency planning, communication and evacuation, overlap with wider life safety principles.

Can fire and security systems help organisations prepare?

Yes. Fire detection systems, CCTV, access control, emergency voice communication and voice alarm systems can all support a more joined-up approach to public protection and emergency response.

Prepare Your Premises with the Right Fire and Security Products

As organisations begin preparing for Martyn's Law, having the right life safety and security infrastructure in place will be more important than ever. Firesense can support installers, integrators and facilities professionals with trusted fire detection, emergency communication and security products.

Explore Firesense Products View Security Solutions View Fire Alarm Systems

Source information: Martyn's Law facts are based on the Home Office Martyn's Law factsheet. This article is for general information only and should not be treated as legal advice. Organisations should review official Government guidance and seek appropriate professional advice where required.

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