Commercial fire alarms are essential in detecting the risk of fire in the workplace. Although installation is vital, ongoing testing and maintenance are required for optimal safety – but how often? Testing not only helps protect the building and occupants within it, but also ensures UK fire safety regulation compliance.
To find out how often commercial fire alarms should be tested in the UK, continue reading.
Legal Requirements for Commercial Fire Alarms
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO), all commercial premises in the UK must have appropriate fire detection and warning systems in place.
A fire risk assessment is required to determine the exact type of fire alarm system needed, which then must be installed in line with British Standards BS 5839. It’s down to ‘responsible persons’ (employers or business owners) to manage fire safety in a commercial setting, like ensuring suitable fire alarm systems are installed and tested regularly.
The Importance of Testing Commercial Fire Alarms
Testing commercial fire alarms is incredibly important for several reasons:
- Safety – Regular testing ensures ongoing safety for your building and occupants.
- Compliance – Fire safety laws in the UK require fire alarm system maintenance, with non-compliance leading to costly fines and penalties.
- Identification – Keeping up with commercial fire alarm testing makes it easy to identify issues and risks earlier to prevent hazards.
Commercial fire alarms can wear down and become faulty or broken over time, meaning regular testing is required to detect issues and ensure your systems are reliable and in working order.
How Often Should Commercial Fire Alarms be Tested?
Commercial fire alarms should be tested weekly by a responsible person to identify potential issues, and at least every six months by a qualified engineer for a more detailed check to ensure compliance.
Weekly
Responsible persons or nominated staff members should conduct fire alarm testing each week to identify any issues. The process involves testing one manual call point, eventually rotating to test all call points over a period of time. By completing these checks yourself, you can test to ensure alarm sounds are working as they should in case of an emergency.
Semiannually
In addition to weekly testing, a fully qualified fire alarm engineer should perform detailed inspection and testing at least every six months. Qualified engineers are highly skilled and experienced in detecting system issues and remaining compliant while doing so.
Periodically
Periodic testing and maintenance are often required on fire alarm systems in larger, more complex building types to ensure optimal safety at all times. These additional checks may also be required if changes are made to a building that may affect the fire alarm systems.
What are the Consequences for Not Testing Commercial Fire Alarms?
Failing to test commercial fire alarms can result in some serious consequences, from system failures to legal fines and penalties.
System Failures
If you fail to ensure regular commercial fire alarm testing, system failures are likely to occur. As a result, malfunctions and general performance issues will remain undetected, meaning your fire alarm systems won’t work properly.
Safety Hazards
When your fire alarms aren’t working properly, they’re unable to detect a fire, which is a major safety hazard. If your fire alarms are experiencing malfunctions or break completely without knowing, accidents, injury, building damage, and even loss of life may occur.
Insurance Issues
Insurers typically mandate regular fire alarm testing and maintenance. If you fail to test your commercial fire alarms, claims for fire damage could be denied.
Legal Fines & Penalties
Companies that fail to comply with UK fire safety regulations are at risk of being issued costly fines and penalties, which may even lead to business closure.
5 Guidelines for Fire Alarm Testing and Maintenance
Companies that fail to comply with UK fire safety regulations are at risk of being issued costly fines and penalties, which may even lead to business closure.
1 - Keep Records
Record your fire alarm tests and inspections with clear dates, faults, and fixes – plus references to your fire risk assessment. Keeping records helps prove compliance and allows you to remain organised in knowing when your next commercial fire alarm test should be scheduled.
2 - Fire Safety Training
Providing team training to nominated staff members allows them to perform accurate weekly fire alarm tests and ensure ongoing safety within the building. With proper training, staff will also know how to react in times of an emergency when a fire alarm goes off.
3 - Inspect Regularly
As discussed, regular inspection of your commercial fire alarms means that any potential issues can be detected as early as possible to prevent future damage.
4 - Hire Qualified Engineers
Although nominated staff members can complete weekly fire alarm inspections, more thorough testing and maintenance are required by experienced professionals, such as our qualified engineers at FP Fire.
5 - Book in Advance
When professional testing and maintenance are due, be sure to book well in advance to prevent downtime and, of course, hazards from occurring due to potential faults. By booking in advance, you can stay up-to-date with testing, even during high-demand periods.
Summary
- Commercial fire alarms should be tested weekly, semiannually, and periodically
- Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO), all commercial premises in the UK must have appropriate fire detection and warning systems in place
- Testing commercial fire alarms is important for safety, compliance, and risk identification
- Consequences for not testing commercial fire alarms may lead to legal fines & penalties
- Hire qualified engineers to perform professional commercial fire alarm inspections, testing & maintenance
Schedule Your Commercial Fire Alarm Testing and Maintenance
At FP Fire, we provide commercial fire alarm testing and maintenance across London. Our expert team of certified engineers detect early warning signs to protect lives and property. We cover a wide range of fire alarms, including commercial alarm systems.
Whether you require a one-off maintenance and servicing, or an annual check, expect top-quality service and compliance throughout.
To arrange reliable commercial fire alarm maintenance, please contact us today!
FAQs:
As the responsible person, you should test your commercial fire alarms weekly. Additionally, qualified engineers must conduct detailed testing at least every six months, or more frequently following any significant changes to your building.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes fire alarm testing a legal requirement in the UK for all commercial premises, and failure to comply may result in consequences.
Yes, there are additional fire alarm requirements for high-risk buildings. High-rise properties (typically seven storeys plus) face stricter safety compliance, requiring mandatory monthly checks on their fire alarm systems.
Yes, fire alarms have an expiry date lasting roughly 10 years from the date of manufacture or installation, but this can vary. However, some sensors may degrade over time, making them unreliable and in need of immediate replacement.