Ever wondered how often you should check your fire alarm? Want to be certain your system is working exactly as it should?
In this article, we thought we’d take a closer look at fire alarms, fire safety, and the best procedures for keeping your company safe.
Practical Fire Safety
Before we discuss how often you should check your fire alarm, we’d first like to go over some of the most important practical steps you can take to maintain good fire safety.
These include:
- Well-placed, regularly maintained alarms
- Legal requirements for fire extinguishers in the workplace UK stipulate that fire extinguishers should be spread evenly throughout the building
- Clear policies to ensure that all staff know exactly what to do in the event of a fire
- Easy-access emergency routes, with appropriate emergency lighting
- Regular risk assessment and a clear understanding of any/all potential fire hazards
Of course, these are just the basics but they outline a general approach that every company should take to tackle fire safety.
Regular Drills
In many respects, the biggest danger in the event of a fire is the risk of confusion or panic as people attempt to exit the building. That’s why it’s so important to make sure everyone understands what to do in the event of a fire, for example, what is the evacuation route and where is the emergency assembly point. For those in positions of authority (eg. fire marshalls) this is extra important, as they might need to be able to direct others out of the building.
The most effective way to ensure that everyone in your company knows exactly what to do in the event of a fire is to hold regular fire drills. Fire drills are not only a chance to verify that your safety procedures work and prepare for an emergency, but they’re also an opportunity to check that your staff are prepared.
In particular, information such as which fire extinguishers are appropriate for which types of fire, where they can be found, and when it is/isn’t appropriate to use them should be general knowledge throughout your company.
How Often Should You Check Your Fire Alarm?
While the exact government guidance on how often to check fire alarms varies depending on the type of business you’re running (shops, offices, open-air venues, etc), the basic rules are as follows: businesses are expected to check their fire alarms/detection systems once a week with regular servicing by a competent person every six months.
For expert advice and knowledge on fire alarm safety, request a quote from Hawkesworth, and we will be in touch to discuss your requirements.
With a UK-wide network of engineers, we’re equipped for single or multi-site needs, with outstanding service being our number one priority.
