It is essential that fire alarm systems be formally tested by a 'competent' person on a regular schedule.

Our fire alarm testing and other routine maintenance in the Midlands is carried out by a qualified professional. All fire detection systems should be tested regularly to ensure that they are in good working order. Call IGNIS to have your fire alarm system tested by a fully trained competent engineer who will carry out a thorough inspection with current legislation.

Fire maintenance safety regulations demand that all fire safety systems should be installed in compliance with British Standard BS 5839 by a professional who is fully versed in the latest legislation. When it comes to fire alarm maintenance these regulations demand that you make every effort to ensure that your fire alarm system is in full working order. Some businesses consider this to mean just once a year. BS 5839 however asserts that this should be at least once every six months.

In larger buildings with more complex systems it recommends that testing should take place at least once a quarter. These should be carried out by an appropriately qualified engineer. As well as these regular system checks. it's important to carry a weekly spot check of any system you have.

Fire alarm testing is a legal requirement. Failure to do so is not only a risk to life and property, it can also lead to prosecution and a hefty fine. A fire alarm maintenance contract ensures that your system has regularly scheduled tests ensuring you keep within the regulation. A reputable and experienced alarm maintenance company such as Ignis will help you meet your obligations and keep safe.

As well as keeping people and property safe, fire alarm preventative maintenance helps to reduce the amount of false alarms from the system. Not only does this save time and money in a busy workplace, it also helps to strengthen trust in the system. When the alarm sounds, and it isn't a drill, people understand that they need to react and follow fire procedures.

Initially, the fire alarm engineer will conduct a thorough examination of the fire panel. The alarm sounders will be activated to ensure that they are in good working order. The standby batteries will be inspected and tested. The engineers will take a good look at the control panel and carry out a close inspection of the visual indicators. The qualified engineer will then issue a certificate of inspection.

So what else does fire alarm and detection system inspection and testing involve? When testing the alarm system the experienced engineer will have to comply with fire safety equipment inspection and testing regulations. Inspecting and testing fire safety equipment is a skilled job. The engineer will inspect the alarm panel, the cabling, the sounders and the detectors. The inspecting engineer may have to trigger the alarm system and test one of the break glass units. When the fire alarms are going to be triggered you should make everyone in the building aware that a fire drill is going to take place. If the fire detection system is being tested there is no need for the building to be evacuated.

Weekly testing must be carried out by the building user in between engineer’s visits. If you intend to sound the fire alarm for test purposes then you should formally forewarn everyone. Advise that you will sound the alarms for a few seconds to check that they are working. It is recommended to do this on a set day and time each week so it becomes routine for everyone. As well as checking the alarm ensure that all routes of escape are clear and free of obstructions at all times.

When testing your fire alarms, it’s important to check a number of things. Keeping a fire alarm maintenance checklist could be helpful. Some of the things to consider include:

• Was everyone able to hear the alarm clearly?
• Did the alarm receiving centre receive the alarm? (if applicable)
• Have you reset the panel?
• Have you kept a record of the test?

IGNIS offers a wide range of fire protection services including, fire alarm systems, fire alarm installations, fire suppression systems, fire alarm testing, emergency lighting installation, emergency lighting maintenance, emergency exit lighting, risk assessments, fire safety signs, commercial CCTV systems, intruder alarms, access control systems and fire extinguishers.