A Fire Alarm Test Schedule for Building Managers. Many building managers believe that testing a fire alarm is optional. The test schedules for fire alarms however are more structured than most believe.
Weekly Call-Point Tests
Each week a test should be carried out on a single manual call point. This test is simply to activate the alarm from the tested call point and confirm that the system has responded correctly. Log the test and note which call point was tested for future reference.
Six-Monthly Inspections
Every 6 months the whole fire detection system will need a thorough inspection, testing and servicing. This is to check all of the individual fire detectors are operating correctly. Also check the fire alarm control panel as well as the battery backup. In addition to this check the fire alarm system wiring and connections for signs of wear and tear. It is also a good idea to check that any new partitions or stock piled goods have not restricted any of the fire detectors. Properties in Northamptonshire that have a fire alarm system will be serviced in line with the UK fire alarm testing schedule which is the same for all Fire Alarms UK wide.
Annual Full Service
An annual full service of the fire alarm system is required every year. This is a detailed check of all detectors for sensitivity, a detailed check of the control panel and a check that all sounders are audible throughout the premises. In addition the engineer will check the cause-and-effect (C&E) logic of the system, i.e. which detectors trigger which zones. See also Fire Alarms Northamptonshire.
The annual service will check the sensitivities of all the detectors. The control panel will be inspected in detail. All of the sounders will be checked to ensure they are audible throughout the premises. The cause-and-effect (of the detectors) will be reviewed, i.e. which detectors trigger which zones.
Unscheduled Checks After Changes
Test the fire alarm after any changes to the building such as a new layout, a refurbishment or a change in how a space is used. The UK fire safety risk assessment guidance states that you must update your fire safety risk assessment after any changes to the building and that the supporting fire safety measures and equipment must also be updated as required.
It is a good idea to keep a written record of all the testing that you have carried out, i.e. the date of the test, the call point that you have tested, the person who has carried out the test and any faults that have been found.