Why is Fire Alarm Maintenance Important?
First and foremost, the installation of a reliable fire alarm system provides peace of mind that the people and possessions you care about are protected in the event of a fire. It is also a legal obligation carrying penalties for non-compliance. Once a fire alarm system has been installed, regular maintenance and servicing of the system is essential to ensure it will properly do its job when called upon and to comply with the ongoing legal requirements laid out in fire legislation. Effective fire alarm maintenance also reduces the risk of false alarms, which cost the fire brigade millions of pounds each year in resources and cause considerable disruption to your business.
What are the Legal Obligations Relating to Fire Alarm System Maintenance?
The primary legislation governing fire alarm system maintenance is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. British Standards BS 5839 provides helpful guidance on the minimum standards required to ensure compliance with the law.
The legal obligations relate both to testing – which you can carry out in-house – and service and maintenance, which need to be done by a professional. These are separate, distinct obligations.
BS 5839 recommends that fire alarms are routinely tested on a weekly basis. You can nominate a person within your organisation to carry out this testing. They will need to test at least one alarm each week, on rotation, and log the results. Weekly testing of this nature ensures that your system is in full working order, checks that everyone can hear the alarm and enables any issues to be identified and remedied at the earliest opportunity.
In addition to the recommended weekly testing, BS 5839 advises that a fire alarm system be thoroughly inspected twice a year. The inspection should be carried out by a BAFE-accredited professional with specialist knowledge of fire detection and fire alarm systems. The professional will methodically and thoroughly check the entire system to ensure it is in good working order and advise you of any issues. You will then need to implement any maintenance and repairs of the system in accordance with their findings. It is important to note that the twice-yearly interval is merely a guide; if premises are large or high-risk, more regular inspection and maintenance of the fire alarm system may be appropriate and four times a year is suggested.
Failure to comply with the relevant legislation can lead to a fine and, in some circumstances, a prison sentence.
Who is Responsible for Fire Alarm System Maintenance?
In non-domestic premises, all fire safety duties, including security fire alarm systems design installation and maintenance, fall to the person in control of the premises. That person will often be the employer but may also be the owner, landlord, building manager, managing agent or anyone else deemed to be in control. Where a number of people hold positions of control, they need to work together to ensure the system is operating at optimum levels and the various legal duties are fulfilled.
Where Can I Find Fire Alarm Maintenance Near Me?
The legal framework relating to fire safety can be complex and challenging to navigate. We aim to make life easier for you by providing a complete fire alarm system design, installation, maintenance and 24-hour monitoring service throughout Bristol and the South West.
We are BAFE accredited, and our team has over 35 years of experience in the fire and security industries. We will work with you to identify your requirements and advise on the best, most cost-effective way to ensure the ongoing safety of the people and possessions you care about and adherence to the relevant fire legislation. We install and maintain fully compliant wired and wireless fire and smoke alarm systems, having partnered with the UK’s leading wireless fire alarm suppliers to offer EN54-25 compliant wireless fire alarm systems.
We are proud of our work in protecting large, high-risk premises such Bristol Port and the accommodation at Hinkley nuclear site but are passionate about providing the highest level of life safety, quality and reliability across the board. Whatever your business’ size and needs, we will provide the best possible protection – from security and fire alarm system design through to installation and maintenance – in the most cost-effective way. We pride ourselves on our personal, friendly approach, which has enabled us to enjoy continuing and long-lasting relationships with many of our clients.
To find out more, please call us now on 0800 999 3911 or 01275 373 098.
Alternatively, Click here to request a free quote.
Astron have carried out major system installs, small additions to existing set ups, and fault finding. Their annual servicing is very thorough, any faults are discussed, and solutions agreed with the engineer.
They are open and informative at every stage of the install and their engineers are dedicated and very professional. The work was completed in a timely manner and to a very high standard.
Darren Hill – Health, Safety and Projects Director
Arthur David Food with Service
Having recently updated our alarm system with Astron we couldn’t be happier. The customer support during and after installation has been fantastic, nothing is too much trouble and all our queries – no matter how small – are answered quickly.
Ella C – Homeowner
Portishead
I am writing to say how pleased we are with the recent installation and upgrade of CCTV cameras to our offices.
It was all handled thoroughly and very efficiently by excellent, friendly, polite and professional engineers. They are a credit to your company.
RA – Director
Bristol and London PLC
The new automatic door you fitted to the main entrance of our building is brilliant. In a building of 50+ apartments there is inevitably a variety of handicapped residents and visitors. The remote control makes such a difference and I can now gain easy access.
JP – Resident
Mirage, Portishead
We are exceptionally happy with Astron’s performance and the work
that has been carried out
Simon Ridge – Head of Estates
We the Curious
The services Astron provide have been nothing less than first-class; they turn urgent requests for advice into tailored solutions including the review of options and alternatives with cost and qualitative appraisals.
The agreed solutions have been implemented on a fast-track basis including the provision of training on the use of the software and ongoing customer care.
Paul Lowndes – Project Director
Gravity - Former BAE Systems Site
We committed ourselves to Astron to install both fire and intruder systems as they seemed very professional. On appointing Astron they quickly set the wheels in motion to install the systems. Simon was very professional in his approach with timescales, and would always update me on the progress of the fit.
Astron has also provided outstanding after care when we have asked various questions about testing the system etc. I would highly recommend Astron to anyone.
SK Horsewell – Operations Manager
Horizon Geosciences Ltd
It is a pleasure to work with a professional company such as Astron, the team provide exceptional service and management of our fire & security systems ensuring continued
compliance and operation.
Ian MacBeth MIWFM – Facilities Manager Hinkley and Sedgmoor
John West (Contractors) Ltd FM
Astron have provided an excellent and professional service, delivering what they say when they say, on time, on budget and with minimal disruption to our guests.
Tim Jones – CEO
Host - Hinkley and Sedgmoor Accomodation
We would highly recommend Astron. They have been professional and friendly at all times. They get the job done and respond immediately to feedback.
The police have caught 4 different people on the basis of the CCTV.
Anna Swift – Manager
The Bristolian Cafe
A recent installation was completed very satisfactorily, to time and within budget. The advice and professionalism shown by Astron Fire and Security personnel was exemplary.
The team worked in a flexible way to accommodate our office and business needs and we would have no hesitation in recommending their services.
Howard Cox – Facilities Operations Officer
Department for Environment, Food and Rural
