Fire alarm systems are a critical component of any commercial building’s safety infrastructure. These systems not only help protect occupants and property but are also a legal requirement under UK fire safety legislation.
Regular fire safety inspections ensure the system functions as intended during an emergency, providing early warning and enabling safe evacuation. Failing to inspect and maintain fire alarm systems properly can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.
For building owners, managers, and employers, knowing how often to carry out inspections is essential to staying compliant and safeguarding lives.
Follow Regulatory Requirements and British Standards
Inspections must align with legal obligations and the guidance outlined in British Standards such as BS 5839-1:2017.
- Adhere to BS 5839-1 guidelines: This standard recommends weekly user checks and periodic inspections by a competent person at least every six months to ensure system reliability.
- Understand your legal duty under the Fire Safety Order: The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires responsible persons to maintain fire detection systems in efficient working order.
- Stay up to date with changes in legislation: Amendments to building or fire safety regulations may affect inspection intervals or documentation requirements.
Conduct Weekly User Checks
Regular checks by designated staff help identify faults or issues before they become serious problems.
- Test a different manual call point each week: This ensures every point is tested over time and confirms the alarm activates correctly.
- Check the fire alarm panel for faults: Visual inspection of the control panel can identify system errors or tampering.
- Record all tests in the fire logbook: Keeping detailed records supports compliance and ensures continuity if staff responsibilities change.
Schedule Professional Servicing and Maintenance
In addition to user checks, periodic professional servicing helps verify full system functionality.
- Book biannual inspections by a qualified engineer: These detailed checks include testing detectors, sounders, and communication systems to ensure they operate effectively. Emergency alarm servicing ensures your fire alarm system will respond correctly during critical situations.
- Clean and calibrate detection devices: Engineers can address sensor contamination or age-related issues that could affect performance.
- Ensure backup power systems are tested: Battery backups and power supplies should be verified to ensure the alarm system works during a mains failure.
Review the System After Changes or Events
Certain circumstances warrant an additional inspection outside the regular schedule.
- Inspect after building modifications or occupancy changes: Layout changes or increased occupancy can affect alarm audibility and coverage.
- Check the system following a false alarm or system activation: Identifying the cause and ensuring it’s not a system fault can prevent future disruptions.
- Review after extended power loss or electrical work: These events can damage components or affect the system’s reliability.
Tailor the Frequency Based on Risk
The nature of the building and its use can influence how often inspections are needed.
- Increase inspection frequency in high-risk environments: Facilities like care homes, factories, or multi-storey buildings may need more frequent professional checks.
- Account for system age and condition: Older systems or those with a history of faults may require more regular monitoring and maintenance.
- Coordinate with insurance requirements: Insurers may stipulate inspection frequencies as part of the terms of cover, particularly in high-value or complex premises.
Regular inspections of fire alarm systems are not just a regulatory box-ticking exercise—they’re a vital safety practice that protects lives and property. By following the British Standards, conducting weekly checks, and arranging biannual professional servicing, businesses can stay compliant and prepared for emergencies.
Tailoring inspection schedules based on specific risks and building use further strengthens fire safety strategies. A reliable fire alarm system begins with a consistent inspection routine—don’t wait for a fault to remind you why it’s necessary.