Fire Alarm
Types of Fire Alarm Systems
All Fire Alarm Systems essentially operate on the same principle. If a detector detects smoke or heat, or someone operates a break glass unit, then alarm sounders operate to warn others in the building that there may be a fire and to evacuate. It may also incorporate remote signalling equipment which would alert the fire brigade via a central station.
Fire Alarm Systems can be broken down into three categories – Conventional, Addressable and Wireless systems.
Inspection and Servicing by a competent person
The inspection and servicing should be undertaken by a company with the appropriate competence and should be serviced to BS5839 part 1.
Periodic inspection and testing
- The period between visits to undertake inspection and service should he based upon a risk assessment but the maximum period between visits should not exceed six months.
- The log book should be inspected
- A visual inspection should be made to check whether structural or occupancy changes have been made that require changes to the fire detection and fire alarm system.
- False alarm records should be checked and relevant action taken if necessary
- Batteries should be checked and tested
- Control panel functions should be checked and tested
- Fire alarm devices should be tested
- Facilities for automatic transmission of alarm signals to an alarm receiving centre
- (ARC) should be checked after advising the ARC of the proposed actions
- All fault indicators and circuits should be tested and checked
- Printers should be tested
- Other checks and tests recommended by the manufacturer should be carried out
- Outstanding defects should be reported and the logbook completed and servicing certificate issued.
