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Weekly Fire Alarm Test

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Fire, Security & Life Safety Systems

Weekly Fire Alarm Test

A weekly fire alarm test is standard practice across all UK commercial properties. It is an essential part of maintaining your fire safety system and ensuring that everything is working properly.

Robinsons Facilities Services can help with every aspect of your fire protection services, including risk assessments and the setup and management of fire detection systems.

Interested in a weekly fire alarm test for your Yorkshire business? Contact Robinsons Facilities Services today for a free, no-obligation quote.

Learn all about the weekly fire alarm test Yorkshire and our approach below.

How to Do a Weekly Fire Alarm Test

As per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a weekly fire alarm test is a legal requirement for all commercial premises in the UK.

A fire alarm test weekly involves the following steps:

  1. Notifying customers, staff, and the alarm company that a test is about to be conducted.
  2. Checking that all the devices are powered and operational.
  3. Checking that the system will activate when a device is triggered. Many systems have a “signal test switch” that will allow you to start the test.
  4. Testing the system’s sounders.
  5. Testing the system’s visual indicators.

The checks must be recorded in a fire safety logbook as proof that weekly fire alarm testing has taken place. Each call point and alarm must be systematically checked to ensure that your business remains safe from the threat of fire and compliant with laws and regulations. 

Who Can Carry Out a Weekly Fire Alarm Test?

As a facilities services company, we often get asked – who is allowed to carry out the required weekly fire alarm tests in commercial buildings? The responsibility lies with the ‘responsible person’ – usually the owner, manager or employer within a building. They must appoint a competent person, whether that be a staff member or external contractor, to perform the weekly alarm tests. This person must receive training on the premises’ specific fire alarm system.

At Robinsons Facilities Services, our team of highly trained technicians are certified across a wide range of fire and alarm systems. We can take this regulatory burden off your hands through a cost-effective ongoing maintenance contract, carrying out thorough weekly alarm tests tailored to your premises. With an expert understanding of the latest fire safety legislation, we ensure full compliance while freeing up your staff to focus on their core roles. 

Learn more about our Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) package →

Why Are There Weekly Fire Alarm Testing Requirements?

A weekly test is deemed necessary to check that your fire protection services are working and that you can enjoy peace of mind.

As previously mentioned, the fire alarm test weekly is a legal requirement in the UK, as stipulated by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This states that:

Fire alarm systems in premises must be subject to a regular system of maintenance and testing.

There is also a relevant British Standard, BS 5839-6: 2019 Fire detection and Fire alarm systems for buildings. Within, it states that there should be weekly tests to “ensure that there has not been any major failure, and that the fire alarm system is in working order.”

Reporting Fire Alarm Issues

If there are any issues with your fire alarm system, it is important to report them immediately and get the system properly inspected. You must also report any issues in the fire safety logbook.

Your commercial fire system needs to be regularly checked by professionals. For instance, checking fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems at least once a year is necessary. Water, foam, and powder extinguishers can be checked less frequently, but must be serviced once every five years.

At Robinsons Facilities Services, we offer a complete range of fire protection and fire suppression services.

Check out our full list of Fire Safety services → 

Fire Safety Services with Robinsons Facilities Services

Fire safety services and maintenance involve far more than just a weekly test of your system.

At Robinsons Facilities Services, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive and reliable fire safety services. Our team consists of highly trained and certified technicians with extensive experience in fire safety and fire alarm testing. 

We offer a range of services across Yorkshire and the entire UK, including year-round maintenance, reactive repairs and emergency call-outs.

Call our friendly customer care team today at 01423 226578 or send us an enquiry to see how we can help.

Weekly Fire Alarm Tests FAQs

Weekly fire alarm tests are a legal requirement along with regular inspections from a professional. This is outlined under Article 17 of the RRO (Regulatory Reform Order). 

These tests check that the alarm activates and sounds, but also that other safety systems like smoke vents and automatically disabled equipment also activate.

The occupier of the premises can usually perform these checks themselves. A responsible and competent person is required, and a facilities or property manager is an ideal member of staff to take on the weekly checks.

As per the RRO, a competent person is someone who is trained on that premises’ specific system.

A workplace fire marshall should check the fire alarms, as well as fire doors and emergency lighting. Signs and exit routes can also be checked, along with other equipment in line with your fire risk assessment.

Yes, Civil penalties and criminal prosecutions are possible. Minor penalties can be up to £5,000. Major penalties can have unlimited fines and up to 2 years in prison.

Use your fire safety logbook to report your findings each week. This includes successful tests and tests where issues have arisen. Remember to contact a professional if you find any issues.

With a PPM contract, you can receive weekly fire alarm testing starting from as little as £250+VAT per annum. As we previously mentioned, a competent person can also perform a weekly alarm test as part of their responsibilities at your commercial premises. Contact us for a free quote.

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