Hi everyone, Just looking for some thoughts on fire alarm system maintenance. In our offices we have quarterly testing of the system. We recently refurbished some smaller offices and fire alarm systems were installed. The offices are very small with only four detector units. Would it be reasonable to have these tested biannually rather than quarterly?

hi the requirement is too test the panels 6 monthly and as Ron sayes that often means they test 50% of the detectors each time I operate in a bakery and becuase of the risk, we maintain at a 3 monthly cycle but 6 monthly in our warehouse and distribution units If you can save money this way your boss will love you and you are still providing a good level of cover

British Standards is only approved code of practice not a statutory regulation like the Regulatory Reform Order, it is this that a local fire brigade would prosecute persons under for failing to maintain a fire detection system, A lot of contractors quote BS 5839 stating that systems must be tested in accordance with this every 6 months or so. In fact the Regulatory Reform Order is based on a risk assessment approach and section 17 states the following : Maintenance 17.—(1) Where necessary in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons the responsible person must ensure that the premises and any facilities, equipment and devices provided in respect of the premises under this Order or, subject to paragraph (6), under any other enactment, including any enactment repealed or revoked by this Order, are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. Not once does it mention that systems need testing every 3 – 6 months or that they should be tested to BS5839.

The following information has been taken from the guidance document for Offices and Shops produced by the DCLG to assist in complying with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. In this guide reference is made to British Standards and standards provided by other bodies. The standards referred to are intended for guidance only and other standards could be used. Reference to any particular standard is not intended to confer a presumption of conformity with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (the Order). The level of necessary safety (or service) must be dictated by the findings of your risk assessment so you may need to do more or less than that specified in any particular standard referred to. You must be prepared to show that what you have done complies with any requirements or prohibitions of the Order irrespective of whether you have relied on a particular standard. Section 2.5 Testing and maintenance It is good practice to test the alarm at the same time each week, but additional tests may be required to ensure that staff or people present outside normal working hours are given the opportunity to hear the alarm. Where systems are connected to a central monitoring station, arrangements should be made prior to testing to avoid unwanted false alarms. Further guidance on testing and maintenance of fire warning systems can be found in BS 5839-1 Six-monthly servicing and preventive maintenance should be carried out by a competent person with specialist knowledge of fire-warning and automatic detection systems. This task is normally fulfilled by entering into a service contract with a specialist fire alarm company. http://www.communities.g...ents/fire/pdf/151543.pdf