Why to do your weekly fire alarm test
Why do you need to do a weekly fire alarm test?
As a manager of a block with a fire alarm system you should be aware of the requirements of BS5839. You know that to remain compliant the system should be tested every week. But we all know it is unrealistic for property managers to be able to visit all their sites weekly. And paying for a ‘skilled person’ to carry out this weekly fire alarm test is expensive over a year. Unfortunately, cost is no defense if the worst happens.
Most maintenance contracts include six- monthly service visits. However that’s a long time to discover something isn’t working with the system. It is best practice that fire detection and alarm systems are tested weekly, at roughly the same time. When you ensure this service is in place your professionalism is demonstrated, and flat owners or commercial tenants have confidence the system is working.
Falcon Fire and Security have been proudly protecting property throughout the Thames Valley for over 30 years. We have a simple solution to ensure the safety of all your residents. Let us train your cleaning team, or any contractor that attends your sites weekly, to test the alarms for you; ensuring you are fully compliant, at what should be a cost effective solution.
What is a weekly fire alarm test?
As the name states, this is a simple weekly test that ensures that the system is capable of performing as it should. It is not an in-depth service of the system, but rather a quick check that the sounders work, and that a fire can be signalled.
For commercial fire alarm systems with a control panel (BS 5839 – 1) a testing regime could be to:
- Test a different manual call point each week; and to
- check the sounders actually sound; and if relevant to
- confirm that the fire alarm system sends a signal to the ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre) if the fire alarm is monitored.
The result of the weekly test and the identity of the manual call point should be recorded in the system logbook kept on site.
In addition for interlinked fire alarms of the domestic type (BS 5839 – 6), good practice for a weekly test would be to:
- Test a different sensor each time; and to
- confirm that the sensor activates its sounder, along with others that are interconnected – if practical.
The result of the weekly test and the identity of the sensor can then be recorded in the system logbook.
Train the trainer
Of course, each site will have a different version of the fire alarm control panel, along with different manual call points. We are happy to train the supervisor of the cleaning or maintenance team to ensure he or she is fully competent to carry out the testing. If you are interested in accessing this service, we will provide:
- A crib sheet for each specific site; and
- the correct test key for call points; plus
- the correct fire alarm panel control key; as well as
- a How to guide on testing the call point; silencing the panel; resetting the system; data entry to the log book; contact details for Falcon if system didn’t perform to requirements.
For more information on how this service could be used to best effect at your sites, contact Falcon Fire and Security on 01628 945970; or by using the contact form; or you can email us at enquiries@falcsec.com to speak with one of the team. As a BAFE accredited company you can be sure you are in safe hands.
