Rank: Forum user 
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We have carried out a fire risk assessment within the premises but I was looking for general advice on what others did in relation to fire alarm testing and drills (also taking into consideration the results from the RA).
do others tend to test there alarm weekly or monthly?
do others tend to carry out drills (evacs) every 6 months or ore/less often?
I understand the possible difference in industries/sectors but I am looking to see if there is a comon path that peole follow.
thanks
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Rank: Forum user
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weekly alarm test bi annual evacuation practice
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Rank: Forum user
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As Rob M, weekly fire alarm test, 6 month fire drill to be recorded at a time of day when it is possible to determine if there is anything amiss (i.e. dont do it first think in the morning when only a handfull of people are in) - also dont forget night shifts
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Rank: Forum user 
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Hi
We have 50 fire alarm points in our main warehouse, to test all 50 per week would be very time consuming.
So I have divided it up into 5 zones of ten fire alarm points, a zone is tested per week.
I agree with the other points made, fire alarm test weekly, fire drill 2 per year at least.
There are basically two reasons to test the fire alarms systems, firstly and most importantly to test them to see if they work and secondly to make the staff aware of how the system sounds. You also need a system of letting people know that it is a test, we use email and tannoy to do this.
We also use fire marshals to monitored people when we do an unannounced fire drill, they submit a report after the fire drill and any thing that is found to be lacking is acted on.
Steve W
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi
You do not have to check each break glass point every week you only need to test one and have it on a rolling process so over a year all break glasses are tested, you should also be checking that all ancillary equipment is also working such as electronic door closures and electronic locks on actuation of the alarm.
With referance to the fire evacuation drills you only need to do one per year but if you have shift workers you must do two per year. it is good practice though to try to make sure that all staff receive at least on evacuation drill per year.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Just to be awkward, remember that whilst the above advice is the case for most places of work, it is not the case for all.
For example, onboard ships each alarm point / head will be tested on a PM rota, commonly three monthly, but the fire alarm is tested at every weekly fire and evacuation drill - not bi-annual but weekly!
I suspect other industries will also have shorter than 6 monthly evacuation drills.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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So it comes back to the findings of the risk assessment. Whilst it is commonplace for sounders to be sounded weekly, using a different callpoint in rotation, with a 6-monthly emergency evacuation drill, do not be put off from following your own regime based on your own unique risk assessment.
Large populations of visitors in an unfamiliar environment (eg large stadium) will present a very different scenario to either an offshore platform or a high street solicitors office.
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