Recommended Daily and Weekly User Testing

Recommended for testing by the user.

The applicable recommendations are:

Daily

• If the audibility of the warning device could go unnoticed, a visual inspection of the panel indications should be carried out daily. Any fault needs to be attended to. These inspections do not need to be recorded.

Weekly

• One manual call point should be activated.
• A different point should be used so that all points are operated in sequence.
• This test needs to be recorded in the Fire Logbook as well as the call point number.
• Ensure that the panel receives the signal and activates the sounder circuits and if a monitoring station is used that a signal is received. Don’t forget to inform the monitoring station before testing the alarm.
• The weekly test should be carried out at approximately the same time each week. Occupants must be aware of the test times and report any instances of poor audibility.
• The audible alarm should not sound for more than one minute. Should the sounders activate at the normal test time for more than one minute, the employees should treat the alarm as a true activation.
• If a shift rota is used that may result in some employees not being present when the tests are carried out, then additional tests need to be carried out so that those employees become familiar with the alarm signals.
• Voice alarm systems should be tested weekly as recommended in BS 5839-8.

Monthly

• If a generator is used as a power supply backup, a simulated power failure on load needs to be carried out for at least 1 hour, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Fuel tanks need to be topped up.
• Oil and coolant levels need to be checked.
• If the generator used vented batteries, they need to be checked for electrolyte level, and any corrosion of the terminals.
• The person carrying out these tests needs to be competent and trained in all aspects of the safe operation of the equipment.

Fire alarm inspection and servicing.