The Importance of Regular Fire Alarm Maintenance
Fire alarms are essential for the safety of lives and properties. These alarms act as the first line of defence during an emergency, allowing a prompt evacuation and emergency response as long as they are fully operational.
To ensure that your fire alarms are operational and effective, fire alarm maintenance is required. This is not just a good idea, but a legal obligation for commercial and public-accessed premises across the UK. Failing to keep your fire alarms in prime condition and aligned with current regulations can result in legal issues, including fines or potential criminal sentences.
Fire alarm maintenance is a vital part of operating a safe and compliant premises, and Nomico Fire & Security is here to help. In this post, we are sharing everything you need to know about fire alarm maintenance, what it means and your role as the responsible person.
Why Fire Alarm Maintenance Matters
Regular fire alarm maintenance ensures that your fire alarms are in full operation and deliver effective alerts to fire emergencies. Maintenance needs to be performed regularly to test your fire alarms as well as repair any issues that may have arisen over time.
Fire alarms play a vital role in the safety of lives, properties and assets, and without them, your premises are at risk. Fire alarms offer a prompt response to flames or increased temperatures, allowing a quick, safe evacuation.
Without regular maintenance, your fire alarms may be at risk of poor detection of fires, leading to no response when needed or false alarms. The lack of a correct response during an emergency puts lives at risk, as well as leaves your premises at a higher risk of extreme fire damage. This is not just dangerous, but can also be expensive to repair.
If your fire alarms failed to work during an emergency, you will be deemed liable for this. This means no insurance claims can help repair the damage or get you back on your feet, as fire alarm maintenance is an ongoing responsibility of the property owner, landlord or manager.
All of these risks can be avoided with regular fire alarm maintenance, so ensure it is part of your ongoing schedule and keep up with testing, repairs, or upgrades as required.
Legal Requirements For Fire Alarm Maintenance In The UK
Fire alarm maintenance is not just a good idea, but also your legal responsibility as the property manager, landlord or business owner. There are specific laws and regulations in place across the UK which highlight the importance of fire alarm maintenance and what needs to be done as part of this.
Two main areas of the law apply to fire alarm maintenance:
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Fire Safety Order applies to all non-domestic premises across the UK, as well as the main areas within residential spaces such as corridors or lobbies. This outlines the requirements for fire safety in these areas, such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers and clear evacuation paths.
Under this Order, a responsible person is deemed to be the primary role for fire safety. This can be the landlord, property owner or employer who is responsible for fire safety, including overseeing regular fire alarm maintenance. This person needs to ensure that fire alarms are in working order, which is what fire alarm maintenance does.
British Standard BS 5839-1
BS 5839-1 is the primary British Standard referring to fire safety and fire alarm maintenance. This standard outlines the necessary processes for fire detection and alarm systems, including their installation, maintenance and testing frequency.
Under these standards, fire risk assessments are also required and are considered a part of regular fire alarm maintenance. Fire risk assessments outline all areas of fire safety across the premises, outlining any issues or hazards that must be addressed, as well as testing fire alarms to ensure compliance and operation.
Fire Alarm Maintenance: What Does It Involve?
Regular fire alarm maintenance is done to ensure that all detectors and alarms are fully operational, so they can deliver the protection needed. To test this, various elements of the system need to be inspected, which include:
- Visual inspections of control panels and detectors: ensuring they are wired properly and free from obstruction, such as dust, debris or other structural issues
- Functional testing of fire alarms and call points: to ensure the entire system works as a whole and that each call point is activated for maximum coverage
- Checking batteries, power supplies, and communication links between all alarms, call points and detectors
All testing, maintenance and fire risk assessments need to be recorded in the Fire Log, which should be present in all non-domestic premises. These documents will be assessed during annual inspections and fire risk assessments. They demonstrate your commitment to fire safety and provide evidence of compliance, which is required for insurance claims and policy upgrades.
How Often Is Fire Alarm Maintenance Needed?
Fire alarm maintenance is required regularly to keep track of any updates or repairs needed across your fire safety system. Regular testing and maintenance also ensure your premises are compliant with the current regulations, which can change over time.
Fire alarm testing and visual inspections can be done more frequently, as they do not require professional engineers. Fire alarm testing should be done weekly in most non-domestic premises, especially publicly accessible premises and workplaces.
Fire alarm maintenance by certified engineers, such as Nomico Fire & Security, should be performed every six months at a minimum. Certified checks are required to keep your premises safe and compliant, and our engineers can help with the process.
Common Issues Detected In Fire Alarm Maintenance
Fire alarm maintenance is essential for the safety and compliance of your premises. When performed regularly, maintenance can ensure fire alarms and detectors are fully operational, and may highlight issues that you were unfamiliar with, such as:
- Faulty sensors or detectors: With faults, these may not be able to sense the higher temperatures or smoke, delaying the alarms from being triggered, which in turn can reduce evacuation time and increase property damage
- Battery degradation: Without regular testing, you will not know whether your fire alarms have power and can provide the necessary alert during emergencies. Batteries can run out of power and will degrade over time, so they need to be replaced frequently
- Wiring issues or damaged components: These can hinder the detectors, alarms or main control panel, reducing the effectiveness of your fire alarm system or causing it to stop working altogether
- Poor system configuration or outdated systems: As the standards and regulations for fire safety are subject to change, your fire alarm system may no longer be suitable, which will go unnoticed without regular maintenance and testing
Choose Nomico Fire & Security For Fire Alarm Maintenance
Nomico Fire & Security is a fully certified and licensed fire safety engineering service, offering a variety of solutions across Essex and London. We provide fire alarm maintenance along with fire alarm testing, installation and upgrades to keep your premises safe and compliant.
We also offer additional fire safety services, such as fire extinguishers and smoke ventilation systems. We are BAFE-accredited and a registered member of both the ECA and FIA, making us an ideal solution for all your fire safety needs.
Our engineers are fully trained and experienced in fire alarm maintenance, regulations and fire safety needs, and we can provide the precise guidance your premises needs.
Conclusion
Regular fire alarm maintenance is both a legal duty and an ethical responsibility that needs to be carried out in all non-domestic premises across the UK. Regular testing and maintenance ensure your fire alarms are fully operational, delivering the prompt response needed during an emergency.
Working with certified engineers, such as Nomico Fire & Security, is the best way to ensure your premises are safe and legally sound. We are certified and experienced fire alarm testers, offering a range of fire safety services as well as regular maintenance to keep you safe.
Contact Us Today
Do you need fire alarm maintenance? Contact the team today to book an appointment or to learn more about how we can help.
