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Fire alarm maintenance checklist

As an employer or business owner, it is your responsibility to install adequate and appropriate safety measures in order to minimise danger and the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a mishap such as a fire.

The best way to prevent fires from causing harm to both human life and property is to install fire alarm systems on your property. They are an integral part of fire safety in the workplace and have a key role in meeting said safety measures.

To make sure they are providing the required level of safety, fire alarm systems must not only be designed and installed but also maintained in line with the British Standards BS:5839.

Read on to find out more about the laws around maintaining fire alarms, the types of fire alarms installed on commercial premises, what a fire alarm maintenance checklist should include, and much more:

TYPES OF FIRE ALARMS

The main purpose of a fire alarm system is to provide the earliest possible detection of a fire and alert all those on the property of the threat, giving them ample time to evacuate safely.

There are two main types of fire alarm systems installed on commercial properties: manual fire alarm systems and automatic fire detection systems.

Manual fire alarms, also called manual call points (MCPs) or break-glass devices, are the most basic systems that rely on people to detect a fire and provide a warning to others present on the premises.

In the event of a fire, manual systems must be activated manually, after which an audible and/or visual alarm is used to alert the occupants of the danger.

Automatic fire detection systems make use of specialised sensors that detect smoke, heat, or an increased level of carbon monoxide in the air, and activate the system to issue an alert in the form of audible and/or visual alarms.

They are made up of various components that include a control panel, power supplies (primary and backup), initiating devices (manual pull stations/break glass stations or automatic sensors), and notification devices (bells, sirens, or lights).

Some fire alarm systems may also include sprinklers to instantly extinguish the flames, two-way communication, and remote monitoring services.

Fire alarm systems are further divided into the following types:

Conventional fire alarms

A conventional fire alarm is the most basic system where each alarm point and detector is connected to the system via its own wire.

These systems are usually made up of zones, each with its own manual call point or automatic detection system. Due to the nature of these systems, they are best suited to smaller offices with an open floor plan.

Addressable fire alarms

An addressable fire alarm works in a similar manner to a conventional system, except for the fact that each connection is part of a single loop and it has more zones that can tell you exactly where the fire has erupted.

This makes them ideal for large offices and multi-storey buildings where the authorities don’t have to waste time trying to figure out the source of the fire.

Wireless fire alarms

Wireless fire alarms work in the same manner as addressable fire alarms, except that the components are not connected via wires. Instead, they use radio signals to communicate with the control panel.

They are more flexible as compared to their counterparts, can easily be configured to different devices, and can also be easily expanded. They are particularly suitable for workplaces that give importance to aesthetics and might not want visible wires on their premises.

GRADES AND CATEGORIES OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

Fire alarm systems are further divided into grades and categories depending on the type and level of fire protection they offer.

They run from grades ‘A’ through to ‘F’, with grade ‘A’ being the highest grade and grade ‘F’ being the lowest.

Grades ‘A’ to ‘C’ are usually used in businesses and commercial buildings, whereas grades ‘D’ to ‘F’ are better suited to residential buildings.

When it comes to the categories, fire alarm systems are divided into:

  • Category P – to protect property, and
  • Category L – to protect life.
Category PDescription
P1Detectors installed everywhere in the building
P2Detectors installed in only certain high-risk areas

 

Category LDescription
L5Detectors installed in only certain high-risk areas
L4Detectors installed in only circulation areas, such as corridors and stairways
L3Detectors installed in circulation areas and rooms that open to circulation areas
L2Detectors installed in circulation areas, rooms that open to circulation areas, and additional high-risk areas
L1Detectors installed in circulation areas and every room of the building, including cupboards

 

The grade and category of fire alarm system best suited to your needs depend on the nature of your business and the size and layout of the property, and the best way to determine it is through a fire risk assessment.

FIRE ALARM MAINTENANCE LAWS

There are two main reasons for making sure your fire alarm is in good working order:

  1. To alert the occupants of the building in the event of a fire in order to minimise damage and prevent loss of life,
  2. To prevent false alarms.

The best way to do so is to have your fire alarm regularly maintained. Not only will fire alarm maintenance help detect potential issues before they get a chance to turn into serious issues, but also help you stay compliant with the law.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 outlines the basic guidelines regarding the duty of property owners to enforce fire safety in non-domestic properties.

BS 5839: Part 1 is a standard published by the British Standards Institution which outlines the code for designing, installing, commissioning, and maintaining fire alarm systems.

Lack of fire alarm maintenance can have serious consequences with the business owners and responsible person(s) deemed negligent and facing heavy fines and/or a prison sentence.

While a fire breaking out and the damages that follow are the ultimate consequences of an ill-maintained fire alarm system, it could also lead to equipment failure, false alarms, unwanted fire alarm activations, loss of revenue, business interruptions, and a poor reputation.

IMPORTANCE OF FIRE ALARM MAINTENANCE

Here are all the reasons why fire alarm maintenance is so important:

Help save lives and property

The biggest benefit of an efficient and properly maintained fire alarm system is that it is invaluable when it comes to saving lives and property in the event of a fire.

A reliable fire alarm in good working condition will guarantee the earliest possible detection and give the occupants ample time to get to safety and help minimise damage to the property.

Help save money

Fires can be destructive and damage valuable property and assets in their wake. If not controlled at the right time, they can spread and cause business owners some very serious financial losses.

Regular servicing not just helps save money by protecting valuable assets and property, but if you have proof of a state-of-the-art, properly maintained fire alarm system, you can avail great discounts offered by many property insurance providers.

Avoid faults and false alarms

Faults and issues with a fire alarm system, such as false alarms, can not only be a hurdle in the system’s effectiveness but also be a nuisance for the occupants of a property as well as the people residing and working nearby.

It can cause disruptions to work and waste valuable fire department resources if they are called to the scene. To deal with the issue, the authorities have imposed a fine on people calling them out due to repeated false alarms making it all the more important to have the systems regularly serviced.

Compliance with the law

According to the UK government, as the owner, employer, landlord, occupier, or anyone in a controlling position, you are responsible for fire safety on your commercial premises.

This includes proper installation as well as maintenance of your fire alarm system. The inability to do so can put your employees in harm’s way and land you in some serious trouble.

WHAT IS A FIRE ALARM MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST?

According to fire safety regulations in the UK, a fire alarm must be inspected by a competent individual every 6 months. A ‘competent person’ refers to someone who has the required skill, knowledge, and expertise, and is an accredited contractor.

As a responsible individual, it is also your responsibility as the business owner, employer, or manager, to conduct your own fire safety checks and test the alarm system to demonstrate that all the equipment is working effectively.

The best way to ensure that all aspects of fire alarm maintenance are covered is to create a fire alarm maintenance checklist. It helps outline all the components of the fire safety system and how they must be inspected on a weekly or monthly basis.

A regular and thorough routine enables you to quickly identify any faults and issues that may need attention, and fix them before they turn into serious problems.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A FIRE ALARM MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST?

The main objective of a fire alarm system is to detect the earliest signs of a fire and alert the occupants of the building so that they can take the necessary action without wasting valuable time.

The efficiency of a fire alarm system isn’t just a legal requirement but could also be a matter of life and death, which is why it is very important to take the appropriate safety measures that include installing and maintaining a state-of-the-art fire detection system.

As discussed earlier, two types of inspections must be carried out: inspections done by the responsible person and users of the system, and inspections and maintenance checks carried out by a competent person, who is usually a trained engineer.

The user tests are carried out on a weekly and monthly basis, whereas the more detailed inspections carried out by the trained engineers are done a minimum of two times each year.

According to a fire alarm maintenance checklist, they must include inspections of the following components:

  • Control panels: to make sure that the visual display on the control panel is working and lit up.
  • Devices: to make sure that all the devices, such as the fire detectors, connected to the system are not damaged and haven’t been placed near obstructions that can inhibit their ability to detect fire.
  • Call points: to make sure all the manual call points are working properly and that all the occupants of the building are familiar with the sound of the alarm and are in audible distance. It is best to conduct them weekly and during work hours, and to rotate between different call points every week.
  • Break glass: to make sure all the break glass call points are easily accessible and not blocked behind something. Every second counts in a fire emergency and even a slight delay could be the difference between life and death.
  • Voice alarms: to make sure that the voice alarms, if any, are working as they should. They should be tested weekly and the Alarm Receiving Centre must be notified beforehand to avoid any unwanted alarm call-outs.
  • Batteries: to make sure that the fire alarm system always has power and can work without fail. Always check both the primary power supply as well as the backup batteries.
  • Building works: to make sure any structural changes to the building or adjacent ones do not affect the effectiveness of the fire alarm system.
  • Reporting: last but not the least, it is very important to have proof of the maintenance check being carried out by a competent individual. The best way to do so is through proper reporting. Make sure you have the right date and time, and that all the findings are accurately recorded in the logbook.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU DETECT A PROBLEM WITH YOUR FIRE ALARM SYSTEM?

When carrying out your weekly checks, if you discover any issues with your fire alarm systems such as faulty sensors, ground faults, alarm failure, or battery issues, you will have to call a professional to come take a look.

Fire alarm servicing done by a skilled professional is extremely important as it allows you to safely rectify any issues with the system and helps you stay in line with fire safety regulations.

The competent individual must be familiar with the model of the fire alarm, be able to identify the grade and category of the system, and have a good understanding of the British Standards BS 5839.

Keeping this in mind, it is recommended that you work with someone who is a fire safety expert and has the skill and expertise to maintain your fire alarm system to the highest standards.

In addition to providing support if a fault is detected, a fire safety expert will also be able to offer professional maintenance and inspection services so that you can achieve fire safety compliance.

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

At Calder Security, we offer you a comprehensive solution for all your fire safety needs that include professional installation, maintenance, monitoring, and repair.

We understand that every property is different and the specification of the system depends on several factors including the type and size of the building, the number of occupants, and how high risk it is.

We can help you cut through all that and advise you on the best fire detection system for your building that complies with British Standards, HSE, Building Regulations, and Fire Officer Guidelines, in addition to meeting the requirements of business insurance.

We also understand fire regulations and provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law. We work fast to restore your fire alarm system to excellent condition and always strive to meet your expectations.

We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.

If your system starts to malfunction, you can rely on our highly skilled engineers to restore your system to full working order in one visit. We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair fire alarms not installed by us thanks to our extensive knowledge and experience.

Contact us here or call us today free on 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts right away!

Photo by Nejc Soklič on Unsplash