How Often Should Commercial Fire Detection and Warning Systems Be Checked?
When’s the last time you serviced your commercial fire alarm system? There are a huge number of businesses in the UK who don’t do it often enough – and we’re here to make sure you’re not one of them!
Installing reliable fire safety equipment is just the first step in protecting your staff and valuable business assets. It’s the regular testing and maintenance that really counts towards making sure that your all-important fire equipment is working as it should be, and won’t let you down if ever it’s needed.
Read on to find out why fire alarm maintenance is so important, how often you should be checking your commercial fire safety systems, and how Midland Fire can make sure your business is both protected and compliant.
Why Maintenance Matters
Over time, the components that make up your fire detection and warning system can deteriorate due to heat, build up of dust, or other conditions at your business site. Faults aren’t always immediately obvious, so it’s important to keep on top of your checks and inspections which can uncover faults early on, or help to prevent them completely. These checks will also help you locate parts or batteries that need replacing or fixing.
The early discovery of faults can cut the disruption of false alarms and avoid costly call outs. And you should never forget that as a business, there are legal obligations around system maintenance that you need to stick to, which we’ll cover later on. Ignoring these can lead to fines and insurance disputes, as well as risking the safety of your business and staff.
Recommended Fire Alarm Testing Schedule
So now we’re clear on the importance of keeping your fire safety system well maintained, how often should you be testing it? Check out the following guidance:
Weekly in-house testing
Each week, a responsible person within your business should inspect each of your fire alarm components for signs of damage and test that batteries are working. One manual call point should be activated each week, rotating until every point has been covered, activating the full alarm for enough time to ensure all alarm devices are operating correctly.
Monthly visual inspections
A more in-depth monthly check is also advised, including cleaning any dust or debris from components, making sure signage is clear and in place, and checking the control panel for any warning lights or error messages.
Bi-annual professional inspections
This is the most crucial element of your regular maintenance plan, and is required by law. Choose a BAFE-accredited professional who will carefully inspect your fire alarm system, repair any faults and log everything for your records.
What Can You Expect From Professional Fire Alarm Maintenance?
When it’s time for your bi-annual fire alarm service, make sure you’re using certified professionals with third-party BAFE accreditation, like Midland Fire. That way, you know your system’s being maintained to BS 5839 standards by engineers who are specialised in the field.
Here’s what’s typically included in a six-month fire alarm service:
✔️ A full visual and sound check of all components.
✔️ Testing the main control panel.
✔️ Battery inspection and replacement if needed.
✔️ A check of all system wiring.
✔️ Live testing of alarms, detectors and call points.
✔️ Inspection of both manual and automatic systems.
✔️ Cleaning detectors to help prevent false alarms.
✔️ A maintenance certificate to confirm everything’s up to scratch.
The Consequences of Neglecting Tests
As we touched on earlier, keeping your commercial fire alarm systems in good shape is key to protecting both your team and your property. But neglecting your fire safety responsibilities doesn’t just put people at risk, it can also lead to fines, prosecution and serious damage to your business’s reputation. In the worst case, it could even mean the closure of your business.
There’s also the financial side to consider. If your fire safety systems aren’t properly maintained, your insurance might not pay out in the event of a fire, meaning you’ll have to cover the costs. And on the day-to-day, well-maintained equipment means fewer false alarms and less downtime. Sticking to a planned maintenance schedule means you can budget more efficiently and it helps extend the lifespan of your fire safety equipment too.
Staying Compliant with UK Regulations
Fire safety in the UK is governed by The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and fire alarms should be installed and maintained according to the BS 5839 standards. According to these guidelines:
- A fire risk assessment is a legal obligation for all non-domestic premises.
- All business premises must have a suitable fire detection system in place to protect people and property.
- It’s the duty of employers and responsible persons to ensure fire alarms are kept in good working order.
- Professional servicing is required at least every six months.
- Weekly in-house tests are also strongly advised.
Best Practice for Ongoing Maintenance
Here are our top tips at a glance for keeping on top of your commercial fire alarm maintenance:
- Keep an up-to-date logbook of every test, fault and repair. This will make sure you can always prove your compliance.
- Train a responsible person to perform weekly checks to make sure your equipment is always working as it should be and nothing is missed.
- Use a third-party-certified contractor for scheduled servicing, fixes and upgrades. Look for BAFE certification to make sure your engineers are specialists and understand the current guidelines.
- Consider remote monitoring for out-of-hours protection and making sure no faults go unnoticed.
- Never put things off. Leaving your servicing for even just a few weeks could have devastating consequences, so put a plan in place and stick to it.
Why Choose Midland Fire for Fire Alarm Maintenance?
Midland Fire is a BAFE-accredited fire safety specialist, providing expert installation and maintenance of fire alarm systems. We support businesses of all sizes across a range of sectors, so whatever company you run, we’re here to help.
25 years of experience
We’ve been protecting people and businesses since 1999.
Expert engineers
Each of our 30 engineers is a time served electrician and a fully qualified fire alarm engineer.
Full support from start to finish
We’ll effectively manage each stage of your project from consultation and design to installation, certification and maintenance.
Quality products
Midland Fire only supplies products from reputable brands that we know will future proof your business.
Top-Notch Fire Alarm Maintenance and Servicing from Midland Fire
To keep your business safe and compliant with current regulations, we offer a variety of maintenance packages tailored to the size and layout of your premises and the fire systems you have in place. Each package includes a full service carried out by one of our experienced fire alarm engineers, as well as emergency callout support and a certificate of compliance on completion.
We also offer fire risk assessments and fire alarm installation as well as a range of security services. Our friendly engineers are on hand to advise you and offer expert guidance on how to meet the safety needs of your business.
At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Your Burning Questions Answered
What are the legal fire alarm maintenance requirements for UK businesses?
To keep your property and staff safe, you should test your fire alarms weekly and carry out a full system inspection at least twice a year as per the BS 5839 standards.
What if my fire alarm system fails an inspection?
Any faults must be repaired immediately to ensure the system is fully compliant and functional. This can normally be done as part of your maintenance check.
Who can service my fire alarm system?
To ensure you’re getting the best service and the most reliable fire safety solutions, you should choose a contractor specialising in fire safety whose staff are qualified fire alarm engineers with plenty of experience. The company should also be BAFE accredited. At Midland Fire, we tick all those boxes.
What are the penalties for missed inspections?
If you don’t keep your safety systems maintained as per the regulations, your business could face potential enforcement notices, fines or court action. In the event of an emergency, you may also find that your insurance won’t cover you if your equipment hasn’t been correctly looked after.
How should test records be kept?
To make sure you’re staying compliant, it’s really important that you keep accurate records of all your tests and system inspections as you go. It’s recommended that you use an onsite logbook or a secure digital system to note the date, time, devices tested and the outcomes of the testing.
