Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Alarm Systems

Here are the most common questions we are asked for Fire Alarm Systems and Fire Alarm Maintenance. You should find the information you need here quickly to stay on top of maintaining your system. If you’ve got any other questions or need some extra help, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us.

What is a fire alarm system?

A Fire Alarm System is a collection of interconnected devices designed to warn building occupants when there is a presence of carbon monoxide, fire, or smoke, prompting an immediate evacuation. Typically, this system utilises both auditory and visual signals to draw attention to the emergency.

What are the various types of fire alarms?

There is an array of fire alarm types including addressable, conventional, wireless and air sampling. However, many fire protection providers only offer a single solution, whilst others can provide a comprehensive system tailored to your requirements.

What is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005?

Referred to as either the Fire Safety Order (FSO) or RRO, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order states that individuals with any degree of authority over premises must take reasonable steps to reduce fire risk and ensure all occupants can evacuate and escape safely at the time of the fire.

What's the purpose of BS-5839 Part 1?

BS-5839 Part 1, developed by the British Standards Institution, is a code of practice that provides specific guidelines for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection systems within non-domestic premises.

Why is a fire alarm service contract essential?

Having a fire alarm service contract is necessary because the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates that the responsible person must ensure that the premises have appropriate fire detectors and alarms. These need to be regularly maintained by a competent service provider to keep them in efficient working order, as per BS 5839-1 guidelines. This service includes inspections, which should occur at least once every 6 months, with 100% of the equipment checked over a 12-month period. The inspections can be divided into multiple visits to ensure thorough examination, the service provider with permission from the customer can do this annual inspection over 2 visits with 50% of the equipment checked during each. This proactive approach is essential to fulfill these requirements and ensure the safety of the premises and its occupants.

Is a minimum of 2 visits per year essential?

The recommended minimum, in accordance with BS-5839 Part 1, is two visits per year. During these visits, your engineer will conduct inspections on detection systems, sounders, batteries, and other components.

What tasks does an engineer perform during their visit?

The Periodic Inspection involves the following tasks:

• Reviewing the system logbook

• Conducting a visual inspection for structural or occupancy changes and making necessary device adjustments

• Recording false alarm incident rates in compliance with 30.2

• Measuring battery voltage and load testing to ensure serviceability (25.4b recommends use of batteries with a 4 years minimum lifespan)

• Inspecting Control Indicating Equipment (CIE) and fire alarm devices

• Testing Alarm Signal Transmission and ancillary function of CIE

• Verifying fault indicators, printers and printer consumables

• Servicing radio systems per manufacturer recommendations

• Conducting manufacturer-recommended system checks

Any outstanding issues or defects must be recorded and reported to the customer, the system logbook completed and an inspection and servicing certificate issued.

Additionally, these tasks must be completed once during each 12 month period:

• Testing of all manual call points

• Functional testing of all automatic:

  • fire detectors

  • remote detectors

  • heat detectors

  • smoke detectors

  • optimal beam smoke detectors

  • aspirating fire detection systems

  • carbon monoxide detectors

  • flame detectors

  • multi-sensor detectors, etc.

• Full testing of Control Indicating Equipment

• Testing programming of the cause and effect by testing 1 cause and observing the effect

• Testing the standby power supply capacity and establish it remains suitable for continual service

And any other annual checks and test recommended by the equipment manufacturer.

Will a visit from our engineers cause a disruptions to my business?

The potential for disruption will vary based on the type of business you operate and the specific location of your fire detection and alarm system. However, our engineers are committed to minimising any inconveniences and are capable of adjusting their work to accommodate your concerns, including noise-related issues.

Is it necessary for my fire alarm to be supervised by an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC)?

This depends on your specific Fire Risk Assessment. However, RayFire Services would recommend monitoring all systems 24/7. This provides continuous monitoring of alarm signals to ensure the protection of your premises.

How often should I test my fire alarms or system?

You should test your fire alarm or system weekly at a specified time. Prior to conducting the test, inform individuals within the building that it’s a routine test and no evacuation is necessary. Additionally, notify your Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) in advance to prevent them from alerting the Emergency Services during the test.

How many fire drills do we need to do per year by law?

You must carry out at least one fire drill per year and record the results. You are legally required to keep the results as part of your fire safety and evacuation plan.

What is the expected duration of the backup batteries in the fire alarm panel?

The typical lifespan of a fire alarm panel battery is approximately 4 years (unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer), but this can vary based on usage, testing frequency, and environmental conditions. The life expectancy of fire alarm panel batteries should be evaluated according to the guidelines outlined in BS 5839 section 45.4.

How long can I expect a fire detector to last?

The typical lifespan of an optical fire detector is approximately 10 years, although certain manufacturers may indicate extended lifespans. However, it’s crucial to note that a detector’s longevity depends on its operating environment and can be significantly influenced by environmental factors. For instance, a detector placed in a highly dusty environment may require replacement sooner than one in a clean environment due to the increased risk of degradation.

What is the expected response time from my service provider for a Corrective Call Out?

As per BS 5839-1, all emergency corrective callouts must be responded to and attended to within 8 hours. This is from the time the customer makes the call, no matter when the call was initially received. It is recommended to swiftly address and rectify any detected faults or damage, ideally at the moment they are first identified.

Does my service provider need to be BAFE approved?

As per the RRO, the responsible person is required to designate a competent person to aid them in implementing the preventative and protective measures (RRO 18.1). BS 5839-1 recommends that the competence of a fire alarm service provider can be assured through third-party certificated, by a UKAS-certified certification body i.e. BAFE.

What does 'Special Inspection' mean?

When a new Service Provider is appointed, it is essential to conduct a special inspection of the fire alarm system. During this inspection, they must identify significant areas of non-compliance, which may include insufficient detection equipment, sounders, power sources, inappropriate cabling, or the absence of a zone plan or another suitable diagrammatic representation of the premises.

These non-compliances must be promptly reported to the Customer, who holds responsibility for organizing the necessary corrective actions. If available, the Service Provider should also acquire and review all existing records, including Design and Installation Certificates, Operation and Maintenance Manuals, Testing Records, as-fitted drawings, a Log Book, and a record of any modifications.