Fire Alarm and Fire Detection System Test and Inspection
Why do I need to carry it out?
Fire alarm and detection systems are designed and installed as an early warning system to the inhabitants of buildings that danger from fire is imminent. A system that is correctly designed, installed and maintained will ensure that all employees and patients have adequate time to evacuate a building and alert the fire authorities in good time. The Fire Precautions (workplace) Regulations 1997 requires that fire alarm and automatic detection systems should be installed where there is a requirement for early warning o fire. Periodic test and inspection of all fire alarm and detection systems is essential to ensure they will operate correctly in the event of a fire; poor maintenance can lead to failure of these systems with catastrophic consequences. It is the responsibility of all employers to ensure that these systems are suitably maintained and checked to ensure they are safe and compliant. All fire alarm and detection systems should now be installed, tested and inspected in accordance with BS5839 pt 1.
Who is responsible?
Realistically, everybody has a duty to ensure the safety of others whilst at work; however, your employer will have ultimate responsibility for electrical safety. If nobody at your place of work is clear on who is responsible, then the responsibility falls on the most senior person. It is important to know who has the responsibility for safety and welfare of staff in order to establish that compliance is achieved.
What does it involve?
Fire alarm and detection system test and inspection involves a series of visual checks being carried out on the components of the system to ensure their integrity, this will include cables, containment, panels, detectors and sounders. Whilst this type of work is completely non-evasive, it will also be necessary for the inspecting engineer to carry out a fire alarm drill which involves triggering the alarm system via a detector or break-glass unit. It is important to communicate with your inspecting engineer to establish when he/she intends to perform this test as staff on site must be notified of the drill situation in order to avoid unnecessary evacuation.
Who should do the work?
It is vital that this type of work is carried by a qualified and experienced test Operative. Such Operatives are generally fully qualified electricians who have experience of test and inspection and have been trained and qualified in fire alarm and detection system work specifically. When selecting your contractor you should ask to see evidence of their qualifications and experience in this type of work.
Will it impact on my workplace?
There will be some impact such as fire alarm sounders being activated for a short time. With careful planning and strong liaison between you and your contractor, this can be conducted at a time that best suit your business. Be wary of contractors that tell you this work can be fully carried out without sounding the fire alarm – it is impossible.
What will I receive?
Upon completion of fire detection and alarm system testing you should receive a report that details the following:
- Installation details and characteristics
- Circuit information and test results
- Schedule of items tested and inspected
- A list of defects or deviations from the British Standard (these will require attention)
If you are not a technical person, then your contractor should be pleased to talk through your report with you and advise you of any further action required. Your contractor should enter the details of the inspection in your on-site log-book.
How much will it cost?
There are many factors that can affect the cost of fire detection and alarm system test and inspection such as location, type of installation, size of building(s), access and availability of previous records. As a rule of thumb, your contractor should attend site prior to quoting to survey the building(s) in order to establish all of the necessary details, you should be wary of accepting a quotation unless a full survey has been conducted or you are sure you have provided enough information.
What could happen if I don’t do it?
There are many reasons not to do fire detection and alarm system test and inspection such as cost, inconvenience, or lack of knowledge. However none of these reasons will be accepted as a defence in the event that a fire occurs and ample warning is not given to inhabitants. Aside from the threat of prosecution in the event of fire, injury or death, surely the safety of your colleagues, employees, patients or belongings are reason enough to test and inspect emergency lighting systems at work.
What makes PHS Compliance the best?
PHS Compliance is the UK’s leading electrical test and inspection company. We are endorsed by all of the industry watchdogs and associations such as the ECA and the NICEIC; however our accreditation goes much further. PHS Compliance are the only company in the UK accredited by UKAS (the United Kingdom Accreditation Service). This combined with our huge national resource, in-house training centre and 2 decades of experience places us head and shoulders above the competition in customer service, technical competence and innovation.
Are you accredited?
Our accreditations include:
NICEIC, Rospa Gold, CHAS, CIEH
UKAS, Safecontractor, BIFM, ISO18001
ECA, City and Guilds, GASSAFE, ISO17001
For a full list of accreditations and their relevance, please see our accreditations page.
Do you have any testimonials?
We can provide testimonials and references from over 200 satisfied customers across all sectors and regions, please request these from our sales department.
Will I qualify for any discount?
PHS Compliance is a nominated supplier under many Public and Private sector framework agreements. These frameworks open up potential discounts for customers who are eligible to buy through them. To see if your organisation is eligible for any of the available discount packages, or to discuss your own potential volume discount, please contact one of our Sales Team on 01942290888.
