Your Comprehensive Guide to Fire Alarm Systems and Maintenance

Here are the most common questions we are asked about 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 of carbon monoxide, fire, or smoke. This prompts an immediate evacuation. Typically, this system utilises both auditory and visual signals to draw attention to the emergency.

Types of Fire Alarms

There are various types of fire alarms, including addressable, conventional, wireless, and air sampling systems. Many fire protection providers offer only a single solution. However, some can provide a comprehensive system tailored to your specific requirements.

Understanding the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, often referred to as the Fire Safety Order (FSO) or RRO, mandates that individuals with authority over premises must take reasonable steps to reduce fire risk. They must also ensure that all occupants can evacuate safely during a fire.

The Importance of BS-5839 Part 1

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

Why You Need a Fire Alarm Service Contract

Having a fire alarm service contract is essential. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that the responsible person ensures appropriate fire detectors and alarms are in place. These must 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 six months. A thorough examination of 100% of the equipment should be completed over a 12-month period. Inspections can be divided into multiple visits. With permission, the service provider can conduct this annual inspection over two visits, checking 50% of the equipment during each visit. This proactive approach is vital to meet these requirements and ensure the safety of the premises and its occupants.

Minimum Visits Required

According to BS-5839 Part 1, a minimum of two visits per year is recommended. During these visits, your engineer will inspect detection systems, sounders, batteries, and other components.

Tasks Performed During Engineer Visits

The Periodic Inspection involves several tasks, including:

• 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 using batteries with a minimum lifespan of four years)

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

• Testing Alarm Signal Transmission and ancillary functions 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 should be completed, and an inspection and servicing certificate issued.

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

• Testing of all manual call points

• Functional testing of all automatic fire detectors, including:

- Remote detectors

- Heat detectors

- Smoke detectors

- Optimal beam smoke detectors

- Aspirating fire detection systems

- Carbon monoxide detectors

- Flame detectors

- Multi-sensor detectors

• Full testing of Control Indicating Equipment

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

• Testing the standby power supply capacity to ensure it remains suitable for continual service

  
  

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

Will Engineer Visits Disrupt 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. They can adjust their work to accommodate your concerns, including noise-related issues.

Is Monitoring by an Alarm Receiving Centre Necessary?

Whether your fire alarm needs to be supervised by an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) depends on your specific Fire Risk Assessment. However, we recommend monitoring all systems 24/7. This ensures continuous monitoring of alarm signals to protect your premises.

Testing Your Fire Alarms

You should test your fire alarm or system weekly at a specified time. Before 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.

Legal Requirements for Fire Drills

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

Lifespan of Backup Batteries

The typical lifespan of a fire alarm panel battery is approximately four years, unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer. However, 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.

Lifespan of Fire Detectors

The typical lifespan of an optical fire detector is around ten years, although some manufacturers may indicate extended lifespans. However, it’s crucial to note that a detector’s longevity depends on its operating environment. 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.

Response Time for Corrective Call Outs

As per BS 5839-1, all emergency corrective callouts must be responded to and attended to within eight hours. This is from the time the customer makes the call, regardless of 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.

BAFE Approval for Service Providers

According to the RRO, the responsible person must designate a competent person to aid them in implementing 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 certification by a UKAS-certified certification body, such as 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. This 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 organising 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.

For more information on fire alarm systems and maintenance, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you ensure the safety of your premises.