Annual Inspection and Fire Alarm System Test

In addition to the above six monthly service the following work is to be carried out every year.

This work listed below may be carried out over the course of two six-monthly service visits.

  1. The switching mechanism of every break glass call point should be tested, either by removal of a frangible element, insertion of a test key or operation of the device as it would be operated in the event of fire.
  2. All automatic fire detectors should be examined, as far as practicable, to ensure that they have not been damaged or painted. Then every detector should be test-operated. The tests used need prove only that the detectors are connected to the system, are operational and are capable of responding to the phenomena they are designed to detect; they need not prove the sensitivity of the detector.
  3. Every heat detector should be operated by means of a suitable heat source, unless operation of the detector in this manner would then necessitate replacement of part or all of the sensing element (e.g. as in fusible link point detectors or non-integrating line detectors).

    4. NOTE the source of heat should not have the potential to ignite a fire, live flames should not be used, and special equipment might be necessary in explosive atmospheres.

  4. Smoke detectors should be operated by a method that confirms that smoke can enter the detector chamber and produce a fire alarm signal such as simulated smoke or suitable aerosols. Use of a test button or test magnet, does not satisfy this recommendation.
  5. Smoke beam detectors should be operated by introducing signal attenuation between the transmitter and receiver, either by use of an optical filter, smoke or simulated smoke.
  6. Aspirating fire detection systems should be tested as described in BS5839 pt1 2002 clause 45.4d. With each hole, or group of holes, in the pipework of the system treated as a smoke detector.
  7. Carbon monoxide fire detectors should be operated by a method that confirms that carbon monoxide can enter the detector chamber and produce a fire alarm signal (e.g. by use of apparatus that generates carbon monoxide or a gas that has a similar effect on the electro-chemical cell as carbon monoxide). The manufacturer’s guidance on suitable test gases should be followed.

    8. WARNING Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas, and suitable precautions should be taken in its use.

  8. Flame detectors should be operated by a method that confirms that the detector will respond to a suitable frequency of radiation and produce a fire alarm signal. The guidance of the manufacturer on testing of detectors should be followed.
  9. Analogue fire detection systems that enable detector sensitivity to be determined at the control and indicating equipment, should verify that detector sensitivity is within the normal range specified by the manufacturer.
  10. Multi-sensor detectors should be operated by a method that confirms that products of combustion in the vicinity of the detector can reach the sensors and that a fire signal can be produced as appropriate. The guidance of the manufacturer for the test procedure by which the detector can be test-operated effectively should be followed.
  11. All fire alarm devices should be checked for correct operation. It should be confirmed that visual fire alarm devices are not obstructed from view and that their lenses are clean.
  12. All unmonitored, permanently illuminated filament lamp indicators at control and indicating equipment should be replaced.
  13. Radio signal strengths in radio-linked alarm systems should be checked for adequate strength.
  14. A visual inspection should be made to confirm that all readily accessible cable fixings are secure and undamaged.
  15. All further annual checks and tests recommended by the manufacturer of the control and indicating equipment and other components of the system should be carried out.
  16. On completion of the work, any outstanding defects should be reported to the responsible person and a record of the inspection and test should be made on the servicing certificate.

Non-Routine Attention

From time to time the fire alarm system is likely to require non-routine attention, including special maintenance.

Non-routine maintenance includes:

  • A special inspection of an existing fire alarm system when a new servicing organization takes over servicing the system
  • Repair, faults or damage.
  • Modification to take account of extensions, alterations, changes in occupancy or false alarms.
  • Action to address an unacceptable rate of false alarms. More than 4%
  • Inspection and test of the system following a fire.

User Daily and Weekly Inspections

Fire Alarm Inspection and Servicing

Six Monthly Inspection and System Testing

Be Sociable, Share!
  • more Annual Inspection and Fire Alarm System Test