Fire Alarm Guidance

Routine Testing of System

The system should be regularly tested and serviced. BS5839 Part 1:2002 makes the following recommendations:

Daily?
i) Check that the panel indicates normal operation. If not, record any fault indicated in the event log and report the fault to a responsible person.

ii) Check that any fault recorded for the previous day has received attention.

Weekly?
i) Operate a manual call point or smoke detector to ensure the system operates properly. Each week a different detector should be checked.

ii) Check that the sounders have operated and then reset the system.

iii) Check the battery connections.

iv) Complete the event log with details of date, time, trigger device tested and enter

"Routine Weekly Test" the "Action Required" and reported to a responsible person.

Quarterly?
i) Check entries in the log book and take any necessary action.

ii) Examine the batteries and their connections.

iii) Operate a manual call point or smoke detector to ensure the system operates properly, checking that all sounders are operating.

iv) Check that all functions of the alarm control panel operate by simulating fault conditions.

v) Visually check that structural alterations have not been made that could have an effect on the siting of detectors and other trigger devices.

vi) Complete the event log with details of date, time, trigger device tested and "Quarterly Test" in the event section. Any defects or alterations to equipment should also be entered.

Annually?
i) Carry out an inspection as detailed for the quarterly inspection.

ii) Every detector should be tested in situ.

iii) All cable fittings and equipment should be checked to ensure that they are secure and undamaged.

Free survey and quotation request