Fire safety is one of the most important jobs for any business owner. Whether you’re running an office, a large apartment block, a warehouse, a shop or a factory, a fire alarm system plays an essential role in keeping people safe.
But how often should you check it? And how do you make sure it’s working when you need it most? We’re going to talk about fire detection and safety systems in this article.
Why Fire Detection and Warning Systems are So Important
Fire detection and warning systems are designed to alert people as soon as possible if there is a fire. This gives people adequate time to evacuate safely and quickly, protecting them from harm.
Fire detection and warning systems include things like:
- Smoke detectors
- Heat detectors
- Manual call boxes (the box you can break/press in an emergency)
- Alarms
- Control panels
All of these things work together to let everyone in the building know that there is a fire, prompting evacuation. If there is a fire, a faulty system could delay the warning, putting lives at risk. That’s why regular checks are not only a good idea, but an essential one.
How Often Should Fire Detection and Warning Systems Be Checked?
In line with UK fire safety regulations, fire detection and warning systems should be checked at least once a week, in a weekly fire alarm test. For this check, there is usually no need to call a professional fire safety person. Someone in your building can simply push the button to activate the fire alarm, checking that it sounds correctly. The test should be logged, and any faults should be fixed as soon as possible.
On top of the weekly fire alarm test, a full fire alarm system check should be arranged at least every six months by qualified professionals. This is known as a “biannual inspection,” and it includes testing detectors, batteries, sounders and control panels.
How Often Should Fire Detection and Warning Systems Be Checked in Schools?
Schools are responsible for the safety of children and staff, so regular fire alarm tests are even more essential. In terms of how often should fire detection and warning systems be checked in schools, the answer is still the same:
- Weekly tests should be completed by someone like the site manager or caretaker
- The alarm should be professionally tested and serviced every six months
Schools should also carry out regular fire drills to make sure all students know what to do and where to go in the event of a fire alarm. It’s recommended that schools carry out comprehensive fire drills at least once a term, or potentially even more frequently for younger students who might not remember the process so well.
Need Help With Fire Alarm Testing?
Whilst your weekly fire alarm test can be carried out by a ‘competent person’, your bi-annual test needs to be more comprehensive, and completed by a qualified contractor, electrician or engineer.
At Hawkesworth, we can help you protect your premises and people, offering full inspection checks and tests that keep everything in good order. Get a quote for a fire detection and warning system test, from Hawkesworth.
