Annual Service & Inspection — Fire Alarms
Purpose
This document covers the fire alarm annual service and inspection procedure. Fire alarms are legally required to be maintained to BS 5839-1 — regular inspection and testing by a competent engineer is mandatory.
Legal and Standards Requirement
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for any non-domestic premises must ensure fire detection and alarm systems are maintained in efficient working order.
BS 5839-1 maintenance requirements:
- Weekly: Test at least one manual call point (rotated around all MCPs)
- 6-monthly: Full inspection and test by a competent engineer
- Annually: Full service including battery test, detector test, and documentation updated
Before the Visit
- Notify the customer — agree a time when the alarm can be tested without causing concern to occupants
- Notify the ARC — if the system signals to a monitoring centre, inform them testing is taking place so they do not dispatch the fire brigade
- Review the logbook — check for outstanding actions or deferrals from the previous visit
The Service Checklist
Panel Inspection
- Panel in normal condition — no faults or alerts displayed
- Panel clean — no dust, moisture, or debris inside
- Date and time correct on panel clock
- Event log reviewed — note any significant events since last service
- Access code confirmed working (engineer level)
Mains Power
- Mains supply present and panel showing mains healthy
- Fuse/MCB correct rating and accessible
- Mains cable condition — no visible damage
Standby Battery
- Battery condition — no swelling, leakage, or damage
- Battery age confirmed — note manufacture date. Replace if older than 4 years or if load test fails.
- Battery load test — remove mains supply; confirm panel operates correctly from battery. Restore mains after test.
Detection Devices — Visual Inspection
- Detectors clean — no dust, paint, or obstructions on sensing chamber
- Detectors secure — heads firmly seated in bases, bases fixed to ceiling
- No unauthorised repositioning by the customer
- No physical damage to any device
Detection Devices — Functional Test
BS 5839-1 requires all detectors to be tested at least annually. On the annual visit, all detectors must be tested.
Smoke detectors: Apply approved smoke aerosol (e.g. Hochiki KI-1 or equivalent approved test spray). Confirm the panel registers the correct device. Reset before moving to next.
Heat detectors: Use an approved heat detector test tool (hot air blower designed for detector testing — not a naked flame or lighter). Confirm the panel registers the correct device.
Manual Call Points — Functional Test
All MCPs must be tested at least annually.
- Use the test key to activate each MCP (do not break the glass element on a routine test)
- Confirm the panel registers the correct MCP in alarm
- Reset each MCP with the test key after testing
- Replace any broken glass elements
Sounders and Beacons — Functional Test
- Activate all sounders via the panel test function
- Walk all areas — confirm sounders are audible throughout the protected area
- Confirm all beacons/strobes flash when activated
Remote Signalling (ARC) — Test
- Inform the ARC a test signal is being sent
- Send a test signal from the panel
- Confirm the ARC received the signal
- Inform the ARC that testing is complete
Cabling and Wiring Visual Check
- Cable condition where visible — clips secure, no damage
- Wiring at the panel — no loose connections, no corrosion
- Junction boxes — covers in place, wiring secure
After Testing
- Reset all faults and test modes — ensure the panel is back in normal condition
- Restore ARC monitoring — confirm with the ARC
- Complete the service report
- Update and sign the logbook on site
- Report deficiencies to the customer verbally and in writing
Service Report — What It Must Include
The service report is a legal document:
- Site name, address, and system reference
- Date of service
- Engineer name and company
- Panel type and serial number
- All items tested and their results (pass/fail)
- Battery age and condition
- Any deficiencies identified
- Any recommendations or required actions
- Engineer signature
The customer must receive a copy. File a copy in Simpro.
Common Deficiencies Found on Service Visits
| Deficiency | Action |
|---|---|
| Battery older than 4 years | Replace — quote if not on site stock |
| Detector painted over | Replace immediately — paint blocks sensing chamber |
| Detector covered by stored items | Advise customer to clear space |
| Sounders not audible in part of building | Assess and document — additional sounder may be needed |
| Customer added partition blocking detector | Re-survey and quote additional coverage |
| Call point glass broken | Replace glass element |
| No logbook on site | Provide a new logbook and complete it |