Ensuring the safety of your building and its occupants against fire is not only a moral obligation, but also a legal one too. Fire alarm systems are one of the first and most crucial elements of fire protection. However, simply having them installed is not enough.
In this blog, we delve into why the maintenance of fire alarms is so important in protecting people and property. We’ll look at how you can conduct regular maintenance yourself and when to get the professionals in, along with the legal requirements for maintaining fire alarms.
Why are fire alarms crucial for fire safety?
In the event of a fire outbreak in your business, a fire alarm system is the first to respond, sounding an alarm and alerting people to evacuate the building. This is because they focus on fire detection and can sense smoke, heat, or flames.
As the name suggests, they raise the alarm of a fire which can then set off a series of other fire safety procedures in place including turning on sprinkler systems, and turning on emergency lighting if there’s a power outage.
Aside from giving an immediate alert, a dependable fire alarm system helps people feel secure. When they see that a strong system is in place and is well maintained, it makes for a safer space for everyone.
What are the fire alarm maintenance legal requirements?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 dictates the law regarding fire safety in England and Wales. Under this legislation, any person who has a certain level of authority in a business is legally designated as the ‘responsible person.’ This is usually a business owner, manager, or building owner.
The responsible person has a legal obligation to ensure fire safety is implemented within the business. This includes conducting a fire risk assessment, implementing proper fire detection measures, including the installation and maintenance of fire alarms, and creating an emergency evacuation plan.
Failure to comply with fire safety regulations can lead to significant penalties, such as fines and even prosecution in cases of serious neglect. This can lead to negative consequences for businesses as it can harm brand reputation, result in court cases, and can even result in the threat of closure.
Some tips for commercial fire alarm maintenance
Ensuring the maintenance of fire alarms requires two jobs; checking it regularly yourself and getting scheduled help from professional fire safety experts, like Pyrotec Fire Protection. By conducting simple checks yourself, you can easily spot any issues and have these rectified by a certified technician.
It’s easy and effective to add regular checks to your routine. Here’s some tips for regular commercial fire alarm maintenance:
- Conduct regular visual checks – visually look over your fire alarm points regularly and check for signs of damage, blockages, or any tampering.
- Carry out weekly tests – test your fire alarm system every week by activating a different manual call point each week. Make sure the alarm sounds and the panel shows the signal.
- Perform monthly in-depth checks – this will involve conducting visual checks of the control panels to keep an eye out for warning lights or error messages.
You want to make sure you’re keeping a record of these regular maintenance tasks as not only does this show your commitment to fire safety, but it also shows your compliance with fire legislation.
What to expect with professional maintenance of fire alarms
Regular checks are important, but having a professional inspection and service for your fire alarm system regularly is just as important. A qualified person, usually a certified fire alarm technician, will inspect all parts of the system.
This full check includes testing the control panels, ensuring the detectors are clean and working properly, the alarm sounders are loud enough, and checking the backup power supply to make sure the system works during a power outage.
After the inspection, the technician will provide you with a detailed report, which will summarise what was found, list any issues they solved, and suggest future maintenance steps.
We can help with the maintenance of fire alarms
Proper installation and maintenance of fire alarms is essential for fire safety as it helps keep your business, employees, and customers safe. By doing regular checks yourself and getting help from experts when needed, you can avoid any major problems and have peace of mind knowing your fire alarm is working as it should.
Here at Pyrotec Fire Protection, we’re one of the leading experts for fire alarm maintenance and installation and we’ve helped businesses with their fire safety strategies across Brighton, Eastbourne, Crawly, and beyond. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help your business, get in touch with our friendly team today.
Fire alarm maintenance FAQs
How often should I get professional maintenance on my fire alarm system?
British Standard BS 5839-1:2017 suggests that a competent person should check the fire alarm system at least every six months. At Pyrotec Fire Protection, we’re BAFE-accreditated and our specialists are can conduct professional maintenance of your fire alarm to ensure it’s working effectively.
Can I perform any fire alarm maintenance tasks myself?
A skilled person should complete detailed maintenance, however you can do some regular maintenance, including looking things over visually, testing the manual call points, and making sure there is clear access at all times.
Is there different maintenance requirements for different types of fire alarms?
Yes, the maintenance needs can be different for different alarm systems. For example, some systems require special cleaning methods. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re unsure and make sure you have professional help with complicated systems.
How do I choose a reputable fire alarm service provider?
When choosing a reputable fire alarm service provider, be sure to look for BAFE-accredited companies, as these companies follow strict high standards and have qualified technicians on their team.
