I would of thought they would be tested at the same time as a Full Fire Alarm test and the results recorded, As you say these do not open automatically in the event of a fire, so there would be no general access via the doors ant any other time, ie with a Green push button to open.

Thus the only time these doors would need to be opened is in the event of a Fire, so test at the same time as a Fire Alarm would appear the logical choice, i can't see the need to test more often

Just to be clear, there are around 60 break glass override units within this building. Just a few are at final exits, however the majority are distributed throughout the premises.

The resp person involved is a scientific & medical research establishment, so have various security layers throughout the premises. On a business as usual basis, doors are opened by entering a PIN or in some cases a swipe card.

The green box units are there to create a means of escape in an emergency that does not involve a key

It would be very difficult and perhaps disproportionate to test all 60(ish) every week, so I am considering testing say 5 per week which means they all get tested quarterly.

I know there will be guidance somewhere, but unless the testing recommendations are more onerous in the guide, I might stick with this plan

Any views or experiences would be welcomed


Gerry - if you have magnetically locked doors, which are normally open in the daytime, then these green over-ride boxes are fitted to open the lock in the event of fire at night/weekend. I used to work in buildings that had one on every one of the external doors.