Briggs has also put together the following tips for the maintenance and testing of fire detection systems, which offer a digital foretaste of the kind of high-level education to expect from the FPA Infozone at FIREX International 2017. Get your free badge now.
1. All
You need to ensure that whoever does your maintenance and testing that it is done by a “competent” person.
2. Fire detection systems
BS5839 is the standard that maintenance companies comply with to carry out maintenance on fire alarm and detection systems. These checks are normally done quarterly. However, there are also user checks in this standard that the owner or user of the system must complete on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
3. Emergency lighting
There is now no requirement for the six monthly test in emergency lighting tests BS5266-8.
4. Dry risers
The guidance says that dry risers should be tested each year. This is a full pressure test.
5. Fire log book
It is important to record all maintenance carried out on fire systems in the fire log book.
6. Fire doors
Remember, fire doors are only part of the door “SET” which is the doors, the frame and the door furniture.
7. Fire extinguishers
A subcontractor will inspect your extinguishers annually, according to the contract you may have in place, but you or the user are required to carry out and record monthly checks.
8. Fire stopping
When fire stopping, it is important to label what has been done and keep a record of the materials used.
9. Escape routes
You must show [record] that you have checked on a regular basis that escape routes are clear and unobstructed – at all times.
10. Ducting
Make sure the fire detection system in any ducting or voids can be serviced properly.
John Briggs, head of training and risk at the Fire Protection Association (FPA), is delivering a seminar on ‘Defining competency’ during day two of FIREX 2017 – Wednesday 21 June – between 12:00-12:50 in The FPA Infozone.
FIREX International takes place between 20-22 June 2017 at London ExCeL. Get your free badge now.
2023 Fire Safety eBook – Grab your free copy!
Download the Fire Safety in 2023 eBook, keeping you up to date with the biggest news and prosecution stories from around the industry. Chapters include important updates such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and an overview of the new British Standard for the digital management of fire safety information.
Plus, we explore the growing risks of lithium-ion battery fires and hear from experts in disability evacuation and social housing.
