Having a working fire alarm system is crucial for every property. Whether it’s a home, a business, or an industrial site, a fire alarm can save lives if a fire breaks out. Fire alarms are crucial because they quickly alert everyone in a building about a fire, ensuring safe and orderly evacuation.
To keep your fire alarm system working properly, regular maintenance is essential. Our team at Fire Action has put together some tips for maintaining your fire alarm, including a handy checklist you can use at your own premises.
Did You Know?
In 2015/16, fire and rescue services in England attended 528,700 incidents.
A surprising 40% of these were false alarms. To avoid this and ensure your fire alarm system is reliable, regular maintenance is essential.
Different Types & Categories of Alarm Systems
There are various fire alarm systems available, each with different features and levels of complexity to suit different types of properties. Your needs will depend on the property’s size, use, and number of occupants.
Conventional Fire Alarm System: This system includes multiple call points and detectors wired to a control panel in specific zones.
Addressable Fire Alarm Systems: These systems have a control panel that identifies the exact detector or call point that triggered the alarm through a wired detection circuit.
Analogue Addressable Fire Alarm Systems: These systems vary based on the protocol they use to communicate between devices.
Wireless Fire Alarm System: These systems use secure, license-free radio communications to link sensors and devices with the control panel.
In order to provide you with the most suitable system, our surveyors can conduct a thorough assessment of your premises.
Fire Alarm Testing Procedures & Legal Requirements
Complying with the law is crucial to avoid fines or other legal issues. The government has set clear legal expectations for companies regarding fire alarm installation and maintenance, outlined in the legislation titled “Fire Alarm Testing: Regulations & Requirements 5839-1:2002.”
One key point is the regular testing of fire safety equipment, including fire alarms. Another helpful document for understanding fire safety is the NFPA 72, which includes all aspects of fire alarm installation, inspection, and maintenance.
Checklist of Fire Alarm
Batteries
It’s vital to replace your fire alarm’s batteries as needed to keep it functional. For more complex systems in commercial buildings, you should also have backup batteries that are kept in full working order in case of a power outage during a fire. This ensures that if the main power supply fails, the backup batteries can sustain the system and generate an alarm tone.
Poorly Positioned Detectors
Your detectors shouldn’t be placed in areas that are overly dusty, smoky, or greasy. Detectors installed in improper locations may trigger accidentally, causing false alarms and unnecessary panic.
Inadequate Detection
In large commercial buildings or industrial premises, it’s essential to have enough detectors to alert everyone on the property in time to evacuate safely. The type of system you have should match the building’s population level, risk level, and size. For example, a hotel will have detectors in almost every room and along escape corridors, while a small workshop might have just a few manual call points and no detectors.
How to Make Sure the Fire Alarm is Operational
A weekly fire alarm test is one of the best fire alarm maintenance checks. These tests should be done at a set time each week, with all staff reminded of the test and visitors notified upon arrival to avoid undue panic. Test a different call point each week, rotating through the building until all have been tested. This should be done when the building is fully occupied, as it primarily tests the functionality of all the sounders. The person who finds it difficult to hear the fire alarm should report this to the responsible person on site.
Your Essential Fire Alarm Inspection Checklist
Regular inspection and maintenance of your fire alarm system are key to its effectiveness and reliability. Here is an essential checklist to keep your fire alarm system in top condition:
- Battery Check: Ensure that all batteries, including backups, are fully charged and replace them if necessary. This is especially important for wireless fire alarm systems in London, where power outages can compromise safety.
- Detector Placement: Verify that all detectors are correctly positioned and not in overly dusty, smoky, or greasy areas. Improper placement can lead to false alarms.
- Functionality Test: Perform a weekly test of the fire alarm system. This includes checking different call points and ensuring all sounders are audible throughout the building. Notify all occupants beforehand to prevent unnecessary panic.
- System Integrity: Inspect wiring and connections for wear and tear, particularly in older systems. For wireless systems, ensure that all components are communicating properly.
- Control Panel: Monitor the control panel for any error alerts or warning lights. Address any issues immediately to maintain system reliability.
- Maintenance Records: Keep meticulous records of all inspections, tests, and maintenance activities. This helps in tracking the system’s performance and complying with legal requirements.
For comprehensive and professional maintenance, consider partnering with a reliable fire alarm company. DOTCOM SOLUTION UK is the best in town, offering top-notch services for all types of fire alarm systems, including wireless fire alarm systems in London. Trust us to keep your fire alarm system in optimal working condition.
Final Words!
When it comes to protecting the safety and security of your property, Dotcom Solution is your trusted partner. With expertise in fire alarm system installation, CCTV installation, intruder alarm systems, and home renovation services, we supply comprehensive solutions to protect your property and enhance its functionality. Trust Dotcom Solution for all your safety and security needs.
FAQs
What Types of Fire Alarm Systems are Commonly Used in London?
In London, the most common types of fire alarm systems include conventional, addressable, analogue addressable, and wireless systems. Conventional systems use zones with detectors and call points wired to a central control panel. Addressable systems pinpoint the exact location of a triggered detector or call point. Analogue addressable systems offer more precise control and monitoring. Wireless systems use radio communication to connect detectors and devices without the need for extensive wiring.
Are Fire Alarm Systems Mandatory For All Properties in London?
Yes, fire alarm systems are mandatory for most properties in London, particularly commercial and multi-occupancy buildings. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 stipulates that responsible persons ensure suitable fire detection and warning systems are in place. Compliance with British Standard BS 5839 is also typically required, outlining installation and maintenance standards.
How Often Should Fire Alarm Systems Be Inspected and Maintained?
Fire alarm systems should be tested and maintained routinely to ensure they function correctly in an emergency. Routine testing, typically conducted weekly or monthly, involves activating different components of the system to verify proper operation. Annual maintenance by a qualified fire alarm company is also necessary to check detectors, batteries, wiring, and the control panel for any faults or deterioration.
Can I Install a Fire Alarm System Myself, or Should I Hire a Professional Company?
For the safety and reliability of the system, it is advised to hire a professional fire alarm company in London. Installing and maintaining a fire alarm system requires expert wisdom and skills to ensure compliance with local regulations and standards. Professional companies like DOTCOM SOLUTION UK offer knowledge in designing, installing, and maintaining fire alarm systems tailored to your property’s specific needs and ensuring they operate effectively in the event of a fire.