Rank: Forum user 
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Hi ,
We have a small office rented of a landlord. There are three wired smoke/heat detectors.The landlord has informed us that we should check these weekly and report any chirping or faults to them for repair. Is this true that we are responsible for checking them on a weekly basis?
Thanks for any advice,
Carrickman
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Hi Carrickman,
Not normally but you'd have to check with the manufacturer. however, if the Landlord has stipulated it that might be the decider
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Is the weekly check to test the fire alarm? If so then it should be done.
If you are in control of the premises you re responsible for the tests.
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Rank: Forum user
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Small rented office. Three wired smoke/heat detectors. Not a usual testing regime (weekly) as they're 'wired'.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rented office? Three smoke detectors 'chirping'????
This sounds like BS 5839 part 6 (domestic smoke detectors) to me. I would (and am!) questioning: 1) whether they are required, or 2) if they are required, is a part 6 system suitable for this commercial undertaking?
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Rank: Forum user
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I had a meeting with the Fire Safety Inspecting Officer at one of our Offices yesterday, unusual yes, and this may not be relevant but he told me: If there is a single exit, the maximim evacuation distance is less than 18 metres and you have visibility from the office to the exit pont leading to a place of safety, there is no requirement for detectors of any sort. His reasoning for this was that our noses are more sensitive than detectors so we would either see or smell any fire before the detector reacts.
Hope it helps!
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Rank: Super forum user
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I'm sure that will help if no SD installed but they are so have to be tested.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Even if you rent the office, you are still in control of it and as such you have responsibilty to test, if you don't have the fire control panel you still have a responsibility to ensure the landlord is carrying out the weekly tests.
Added to that you will have the responsibilty to communicate and co-ordinate in matters of health and safety.
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Rank: Forum user 
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sorry - going back to the original post...
Why would a 'wired' detector chirp? If it does then I would suggest that the system needs an overhaul to find what is causing the chirping (I once had a wired smoke detector in a house I owned and the paper surround inside actually caught fire!).
If a battery one chirps then that is a sign of the battery wearing out.
As to the checking of systems weekly, this is good practice although manufacturers will tell you otherwise. The MOD check all theirs on a weekly basis (you will see mass evacuation to the tea-bar at certain times - this is why...)
Hope this is pause for thought...
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Rank: Forum user
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ChrisBurns wrote:I'm sure that will help if no SD installed but they are so have to be tested. Or, if my original post applies, decommission them to avoid ongoing expense of testing! The books don't tell you everything!
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Rank: Forum user
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To answer your question the fire detection and alarm system installed should be tested regularly to ensure it will work when you need it to. It should be part of your health and safety monitoring system, which also includes e.g. checks for obstruction of the detector and if anyone has disabled it because for example unwanted fire signals.
The need for a fire alarm system in any specific building will normally be determined by the authority
responsible for enforcing fire safety legislation in that building and/or by a fire risk assessment carried out
by the owner, landlord, occupier(s) or employer(s), as appropriate. If you refer to BS 5839-1:2002+A2:2008 Annex A (informative) Choice of appropriate category of fire detection and alarm system
Common places of work, such as offices... A Category M system normally satisfies the requirements of legislation. It is, however, often combined with a Category P system to satisfy the requirements of insurers, as company policy for protection of assets, or to protect against business interruption.
It appears the premise may have a Interlinked mains powered smoke alarms with integral standby battery supply to BS5446-1:2000 or BS 5466-2:2003. This is usually fitted under BS 5839: Pt.6:2004 which is for dwellings although not exclusively.
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Rank: Forum user
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@ Nidan, I have hardwired smoke / heat detectors at home that 'cheep' when the internal back up battery is running flat. I assume the battery is there in case of a power cut so although the wired element works (yes I burn toast occasionally...) I know there is a back up if there's a power cut...
Maybe the builder thought I might light candles and create a fire risk when the power was out!!?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Yes, and it seems that the design in my house is such that the "chirping" always starts in the wee small hours of the morning !
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Rank: Forum user
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Yes Ron, that's a cert for my detectors too!!
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Rank: Super forum user
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DNW wrote:ChrisBurns wrote:I'm sure that will help if no SD installed but they are so have to be tested. Or, if my original post applies, decommission them to avoid ongoing expense of testing! The books don't tell you everything! Why decommission a safety device? If it's there and it works it may save a life someday? (Or the building)
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Rank: Super forum user
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Chirping alarm? = fault.
Fault = danger = get it fixed!
If alarm fitted please, please test it once a week.
I think I'm in a parallel universe. Does it matter who owns the thing. If it is there to safe lives use the thing and make sure it works.
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