Fire alarm systems are a vital part of any Fire Risk Assessment and are therefore crucial in ensuring the safety of occupants in the event of a fire. All systems should be regularly inspected and maintained in order to ensure they are functioning correctly and will work effectively in the event of a fire. BS 5839 recommends that fire alarm systems are inspected at least every six months by a 'competent person', usually a specialist fire safety company such as City Fire Protection.
This professional testing will cover factors including, but not limited to: Logbook inspection, visual call point inspections, visual inspection of detectors and other devices, inspection of any building changes (layout, alterations), changes to use or occupancy levels. Failure to meet the six-month inspection quota means that your system will not be deemed compliant with British Standards, something which could cause issues if you are tasked with proving that your building meets required fire safety regulations. Fire alarm systems are a vital part of any Fire Risk Assessment and should therefore be given due care and attention to ensure they are effective in the event of a fire.
