If you run a business premises in England or Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes you, or someone you appoint, responsible for keeping the fire alarm in working order. The system must work when you need it, and the only way to know that is to test it. This is what is normally expected.
The weekly test
The industry standard for fire detection and alarm systems is BS 5839-1. It recommends a weekly test of the system, usually by operating a manual call point (the break glass or push button unit) and checking that the alarm sounds and the panel responds.
- Use a different call point each week, so that every one is tested over time.
- Do it at the same time each week and warn people beforehand.
- Check that the panel shows the right zone and that the sounders are audible throughout the building.
- Reset the panel and record the test.
In a smaller building, testing one call point a week is usually enough. In larger sites you may need to test more than one so that all the call points are covered over a reasonable cycle.
The professional service
As well as the weekly test, the system needs periodic inspection and servicing by a competent engineer. BS 5839-1 recommends servicing at intervals not exceeding six months, so most businesses have a service contract with two visits a year. At each visit the engineer tests detectors, checks the panel, batteries and wiring, and confirms that the system still suits the building.
Keeping a logbook
Every test, fault, false alarm and service should be recorded. A logbook is the evidence that you are meeting your duty, and it is the first thing a fire officer, insurer or auditor will ask to see. It also helps your engineer spot patterns, such as a detector that causes repeated false alarms.
What if the alarm fails the test?
- Record the fault straight away.
- Call your maintenance company and agree an urgent visit.
- Put temporary arrangements in place, such as extra checks or a fire watch, until the system is working.
- Tell your insurer if the system will be out of action for a long period.
Reducing false alarms
False alarms waste time and make people ignore the real thing. Common causes are dust and insects in detectors, steam and cooking fumes, contractors working on site and detectors that are the wrong type for their location. Good maintenance, correctly chosen detector types and a clear process for contractors all help.
Who can help?
If you are not sure what your site needs, or you have a system but no maintenance contract, we can survey it and put a plan together. Take a look at our fire alarm installation and maintenance service. You may also want to read about fire alarm categories to understand how your system is designed.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for testing the fire alarm?
The responsible person for the premises, usually the owner, employer or landlord, must make sure the system is tested and maintained. They can delegate the weekly test to a competent member of staff and use a specialist for servicing.
How long should I keep fire alarm records?
Keep the logbook up to date and available for inspection. Insurers and enforcing authorities can ask to see it, so keep records of tests, faults, false alarms and servicing.
Do I need to test the alarm at the same time each week?
Ideally yes. Testing at a regular time lets everyone know what to expect and you should tell people beforehand so they do not mistake it for a real fire or evacuate unnecessarily.