Fire Alarms

Fire is one of the most dangerous risks we face in both domestic and commercial premises.

Fire Detection and Emergency Lighting is a resource which for most of its life sits dormant on the wall or ceiling of our factory, office or living room.  

When this live saving equipment is needed how can we be sure it will function correctly?

The only way to ensure a system continues to work correctly and remains sensitive is to have a programme of regular maintenance.  Regular maintenance of your system ensures you have the best chance of escape or early warning in event of a fire.

BS 5839 is the British Standard to which Fire Alarms are installed and maintained to. 

Our engineers are fully conversant with the current regulations and can advise on any changes or updates that may be required to your system, perhaps after building works.  We also provide regular maintenance of fire alarm systems both on a contract or ad-hoc basis from Offices and Factories to Hotels and Public Venues.

The British Standards for Fire Alarm systems provide the following guidance for maintenance programmes.:

Weekly Fire Alarm Testing

BS5839-1:2002 recommends that every week a manual call point should be operated during normal working hours. The weekly test should be carried out at approximately the same time every week. This test enables occupants to report any instance of poor audibility of the fire alarm signal.

BS5839-I:2002             Fire Alarm Maintenance & Testing

User Checks

• DAILY INSPECTION:Check that the Charger On indicator shows. Inspect for any fault indicator showing or sounder operating. Inform the designated responsible person of any fault.
• WEEKLY TEST:Ensure that all indicators show by resetting according to the instructions provided with the panel and check that the internal sounder operates. Operate a call point or detector to test the system. Check that the sounders operate.  Reset the fire alarm panel. Each week choose a different zone in rotation so that each zone is tested at least quarterly. Remember to use a different call point or detector for each test, that way all call points are tested in rotation. Check all call points and detectors and ensure that none are obstructed in any way. Enter results of tests into log book.
  

Engineer Visits

• QUARTERLY TEST: Check all previous log book entries and clarify that any remedial action has been taken. Check the battery and its connections. Operate a call point or detector in each zone to test the fire alarm as per above. Remove mains supply and check that the battery is capable of supplying the alarm sounders.
• ANNUAL TEST: As per above. Additionally test all detectors and call points and check for operation.
• EVERY 2 YEARS: Clean smoke detectors to ensure correct operation and freedom from false alarms. Special equipment is required for cleaning smoke detectors.
• EVERY 5 YEARS: Replace sealed lead acid batteries. If the operating temperature exceeds 25'C continuously, then the battery may need to be replaced sooner.