What is Fire Alarm Testing?
Fire Alarm Testing is the process of checking and testing a building’s fire alarm system to ensure that it is in good working order and can detect a fire in its early stages. It is important to carry out regular fire alarm testing to ensure the safety of occupants/tenants and to comply with relevant safety regulations.
Why is Fire Alarm Testing required?
Fire Alarm Testing is required to check that the fire alarm system is functioning correctly and can detect a fire in its early stages, this is important to ensure the safety of occupants/tenants and to comply with relevant safety regulations. Regular testing can also help identify any potential faults before they turn into more significant problems that could potentially place someone’s life at risk
What will be checked during Fire Alarm Testing?
During Fire Alarm Testing the following checks will be carried out:
Testing of the fire alarm control panel to ensure it is operating correctly and communicating with all detectors and devices
Inspection and testing of all smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual call points to ensure they are functioning properly
Verification that all detectors and devices are correctly located and installed
Testing of the sounders and strobes to ensure they are loud and visible enough to alert occupants in the event of a fire
Checking the power supply and backup battery to ensure they are providing adequate power to the system
Check for any visible obstructions that can diminish the effectiveness of the fir alarm system
Pre-Inspection Checklist for Occupants and Tenants:
To ensure an accurate Fire Alarm Inspection of your fire alarm system it is important to prepare in advance here are some key points to note before the arrival of the fire alarm testing technician:
Notify all occupants and tenants in advance of the fire alarm testing and ensure they are aware of what to expect
Ensure that all areas of the building are accessible including any locked or restricted areas
Provide access to any areas containing fire alarm control panels, smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual call points and other fire alarm devices
Ensure that all fire doors are in good condition and operating correctly
Make sure any animals, children and vulnerable occupants are safe and adequately supervised during the visit to maintain the safety of the technician and others
Any potential hazards should be identified and addressed prior to the visit to ensure the safety of the technician and others
It is important to note that Fire Alarm Testing is not a maintenance check but rather a safety check to ensure the fire alarm system is functioning correctly.