Fire Alarm Testing and Inspection Compliance

Fire alarm systems should undergo weekly testing, typically by the responsible person or a designated fire marshal. Each manual call point should be tested in rotation, and records of these tests should be maintained in the company’s fire logbook.

Maintenance should include bi-annual inspections by qualified personnel, during which the functionality of the fire alarm panel, detectors, and other components are thoroughly tested to ensure compliance with BS5839 guidelines.

Fire alarm systems are categorised based on their design and purpose:

• Category M: Manual systems with call points and sounders, relying on occupants to activate the alarm.
• Category L: Automatic systems intended for the protection of life, subdivided into:
• L1: Comprehensive coverage throughout the building.
• L2: Detection in escape routes and specified high-risk areas.
• L3: Detection in escape routes and rooms opening onto these routes.
• L4: Detection in escape routes only.
• L5: Systems designed for specific fire safety objectives.
• Category P: Automatic systems intended for the protection of property, subdivided into:
• P1: Detection throughout the building.
• P2: Detection in defined parts of the building where the risk of ignition is high or where the contents are particularly valuable.

Third-party certification, such as that provided by BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment), offers assurance that a service provider meets recognised standards of quality and competence. Government guidance often recommends this certification, which can be crucial in demonstrating compliance with legal obligations.

A fire alarm logbook should document all system tests, maintenance activities, and any incidents or false alarms. This record is essential for demonstrating compliance with fire safety regulations and identifying recurring issues needing attention.

Partnering with Firecom Systems Ltd ensures that your fire alarm systems are tested, maintained, and compliant with all relevant regulations, providing peace of mind and safeguarding your business against potential fire hazards.

BS 5839 is a comprehensive British Standard that provides guidelines for designing, installing, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises. It is divided into several parts, with Part 1 specifically addressing systems in non-residential buildings. The standard ensures that fire alarm systems are reliable and effective, facilitating early detection and warning of fires to protect life and property.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (often abbreviated as RRO or FSO) is a statutory instrument that came into force in England and Wales on 1 October 2006. It consolidated and simplified previous fire safety legislation, placing the responsibility for fire safety firmly on the “responsible person” within a premises. This individual is typically the employer, owner, or person in control of the premises. The Order requires that the responsible person:

1. Conduct regular fire risk assessments.
2. Implement appropriate fire safety measures to mitigate identified risks.
3. Maintain fire safety precautions and facilities.
4. Ensure that occupants are informed about fire safety procedures.
5. Provide adequate fire safety training to staff.

The RRO applies to virtually all non-domestic premises, including workplaces, commercial establishments, and the communal areas of residential buildings. Failure to comply with the Order can result in enforcement actions, including fines and imprisonment.

• Article 3: Defines the “responsible person” for fire safety within a premises.
• Article 8: Mandates the duty to take general fire precautions to ensure the safety of employees and relevant persons.
• Article 9: Requires the responsible person to conduct a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.
• Article 11: Obligates the responsible person to implement preventive and protective fire safety measures.
• Article 13: Ensures appropriate fire detection and alarm systems are in place.
• Article 14: Requires the maintenance of safe and accessible emergency routes and exits.
• Article 15: Mandates establishing procedures for serious and imminent danger, including fire emergencies.
• Article 17: Requires the maintenance of fire safety measures to ensure they remain effective.
• Article 21: Ensures that employees receive adequate fire safety training.

BS 5839 provides detailed guidance on the technical aspects of fire detection and alarm systems, ensuring they are designed, installed, and maintained to a high standard. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, on the other hand, establishes the legal framework for fire safety responsibilities within premises. Compliance with BS 5839 can assist the responsible person in meeting their obligations under the RRO, particularly concerning providing and maintaining adequate fire detection and alarm systems.

The enforcement of the RRO is primarily the responsibility of local fire and rescue authorities. They conduct inspections and can issue enforcement notices requiring improvements in fire safety measures. Failure to comply with the Order can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Specifically, the responsible person can face imprisonment for up to two years and/or fines of up to £10,000 for each breach of the Order’s articles. Companies can face unlimited fines for corporate fire safety failings. Additionally, legal costs incurred during prosecution may also be recovered from the convicted party.

Understanding and adhering to both BS 5839 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are crucial steps in ensuring the safety of occupants and the protection of property from fire-related risks.