Fire Alarm inspections

[sellers]

How often do fire alarms need to be inspected by law. Its in private rented house. Theres an inspection certificate that states (next reccomended inspection 6months) I take it thats not by law just reccomended?

any help cheers guys

 

[green-hornet]

In a private rented house I would say that normal PIR inspections would suffice unless it is a dedicated alarm system with its own panel.

If it is, the normal recomendation is for an anual test, although monthly and weekly user checks should be carried out.

 

[Evans Electric]

I think Horny has it about right there, for other premises though, I find no one will accept an inspection from an electrical contractor, must be a specialist FA company.

 

[bassman]

Very similar to Pat Testing competant person can carry out the monthly/quarterly tests.

Weekly test in buildings can be manual callpoint, the reason is to make sure that the sounders operate as they should in the areas that they are meant to operate in.

Annual test of control equipment depends on the building and use of brick built Kazi in a feild used once a year not required to test every month or quarter.

Yes they do exist especially in the Brecon area.

 

[spinlondon]

In a factory I used to work in.

We used to test one detetctor a month, then when we had more than 12 detectors we tested 2 a month. As long as each detector was tested once a year it was ok.

Of course, when the detector was set off, the sounders were tested at the same time.

 

[bassman]

In a factory I used to work in.We used to test one detetctor a month, then when we had more than 12 detectors we tested 2 a month. As long as each detector was tested once a year it was ok.

Of course, when the detector was set off, the sounders were tested at the same time.

How did you test the detectors as not many people have gas dispensors or heat testers, all that is required is to test the MCPs, weekly or monthly depending on number of people working or inthe protected area's. (not just employees)

 

[Andy™]

How did you test the detectors as not many people have gas dispensors or heat testers, all that is required is to test the MCPs, weekly or monthly depending on number of people working or inthe protected area's. (not just employees)

for a previous company, they went round with a spray can of artificial smoke. also had stuff to test heat detectors. or i find a blow torch will do the job....

 

[spinlondon]

Yep, can of smoke, although it would take a while to disapate, and one of those heat guns, but not too close, or the detector would melt.

 

[green-hornet]

The modern testing methods now state an accurate dispersal of parts per million to test the smokes, which is why the gas dispensers are so expensive.

They also cover the whole smoke detector.

I do not test fire alarms I get a trusted bloke in to do it, I have no patience for them

 

[bassman]

Yep, can of smoke, although it would take a while to disapate, and one of those heat guns, but not too close, or the detector would melt.

Blowlamp not allowed any more unless plumber is nearby when commissioning with his nice electronic blowlamp as the heat rise kicks in before the detector melts.

Otherwise battery heat tester requied especially in confined spaces.

Can of smoke ok on small amount of detectors, unplug and blow (conventional) or use the proper dispenser.

Overgas an analoge system and it will take you up to 3 time as long to test or commision.

Been there and done it.

 

[a1spark]

Sellers . If you mean a domestic Mains/Battery Smoke or Heat Alarm. then regular testing is a recommendation but not a Legal obligation provided it is installed within a private residence.

If it is in rented accomadation then it can be a legal requirement

If you mean A Fire Alarm System with a control panel etc then it is likely to be in a rented property or Commercial / Industrial environment where again inspection /testing will be a legal requirement H & S at work act etc.

..Take a look at the Fire Regulatory Reform Order 2005 for guidance.

User tests are usually selected detectors [Call points] on a weekly basis

Quartely Service organizations used to be the norm but because of better technology its usually now 6 monthly visits .

These are only guides and the final descision of frequency of Inspection/tests has to be now based on a Risk assessment basis.