Contact us: 01625 501069 | 07542 649662
Contact us: 01625 501069 | 07542 649662
FIRE ALARM MAINTENANCE & CERTIFICATION
6 MONTHLY PERIODIC TESTING
In accordance with BS 5839-1: 2019, it is essential that fire alarm systems are subject to periodic inspection and servicing, so that any unrevealed faults are identified and addressed to restore the integrity of the system.
With our specialist knowledge of fire detection and alarm systems, the Security Hub can carry out your periodic inspection and testing.
The nature of the work that should be carried out during a 12 month period includes:
- A manual switch test of every fire alarm manual call point
- A functional test of every automatic fire detection device, including automatic smoke detectors, smoke alarms, automatic heat detectors, optical beam detectors, aspirating systems and other similar devices
The Security Hub will identify any deficiencies, such as an inadequate amount of fire alarm manual call points, low audibility of fire alarms in areas and a lack of detection relating to the category of fire alarm installed, as well as any wiring or signal faults identified. The inspection should also identify any changes in use, layout and construction of the building that may impact on the effectiveness of the system. Any recorded false alarms or faults in the fire logbook will also be investigated and where possible, rectified to completion.
A certificate of conformity and suitability will be issued following any periodic inspection and servicing.
ABOUT FIRE ALARMS
Who needs a fire alarm?
Current UK fire alarm regulations state that all business premises must have ‘an appropriate fire detection system’ in accordance with ‘The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005’, known as the ‘RRO’.
This basically means that an outbreak of fire can easily be detected and occupants can easily be warned. This does not necessarily mean that all business premises will need a fire alarm system.
In addition, the UK government recommends that all fire alarm and detection systems should be installed and maintained in accordance with the relevant British Standard, BS 5839.
If you are in any doubt, then your Fire Risk Assessment should specifically state whether you should or shouldn’t install automatic fire detection. If you don’t have a Fire Risk Assessment then we would recommend that we carry one out first.
Types of fire alarms
There are 3 main types of fire alarm systems:
Conventional fire alarm
- Most suitable for smaller or lower risk environments
- Divides your premises into broad zones
- In the event of an alert, the fire alarm panel identifies the zone, but not the precise area
Addressable fire alarm
- Most suitable for larger or higher risk environments – e.g schools, care homes, hospitals
- Each individual device has its own unique electronic address
- If one activates, the fire alarm panel tells you precisely where the problem is
Wireless fire alarm
- Most suitable for premises which don’t want visible cable – e.g. churches, historic buildings
- Uses a secure wireless link between the sensors and the fire alarm panel
- Works like an addressable system, just without the wires
UK fire alarm legislation doesn’t specify exactly which each type of fire alarm system should be used in which types of premises. At the Security Hub, we would discuss what is most appropriate for your business and design a system that meets UK fire alarm regulations and BS 5839 specifications (the relevant British Standard.
