Fire Alarms Inspection and Testing Requirements

Fire Alarm Testing To BS5839: Part 1

According to BS5839: Part 1, it is recommended that the fire alarm system should be regularly tested and serviced. BS5839: Part 1 makes the following recommendations:

As the user, it is up to you if you wish to carry out the Daily, Weekly and Quarterly checks. However, it is recommended that the Annual and six monthly checks are undertaken by a responsible competent person.

Daily

• Check that the panel indicates normal operation. If not, record any fault indicated and report the fault to the responsible person.
• Check any faults recorded from the previous day have received attention.

Weekly

• Operate a manual call point or smoke detector to ensure the system operates properly. Each week a different detector should be checked.
• Check that the sounders have operated and then reset the system.
• Check the battery connections.
• Complete the event log with details of date, time, and trigger device tested.

Quarterly

• Check entries in the log book and take any necessary action.
• Examine the batteries and their connections.
• Operate a manual call point or smoke detector to ensure the system operates properly, checking all sounders are operating properly.
• Check that all functions of the alarm control panel operate by simulating fault conditions.
• Visually check that no structural alterations have been made that could have an effect on the siting of detectors and other trigger devices.
• Complete the event log with details of date, time, and trigger device tested.

Annually and six monthly

• Carry out an inspection as detailed for the quarterly inspection.
• Every detector should be tested in-situ.
• All cable fittings and equipment should be checked to ensure that they are secure and undamaged.