Fire Alarm Testing: The Basics
How often should you test and why?
How Often Should Your Fire Alarms Be Tested?
Fire alarms are a vital part of any building’s safety system. Regular testing helps ensure they’re ready to respond in an emergency and that your legal duties are being met.
Weekly Testing
UK guidelines recommend that fire alarms be tested once a week. This should be done by a responsible person within the building, such as a facilities manager or supervisor. The test involves triggering a different manual call point each week to make sure the alarm sounds throughout the premises. If faults are found, they should be recorded and addressed immediately.
Why Weekly Testing Is Important
These regular checks aren’t just box-ticking exercises—they help identify faults before they become serious. Weekly tests ensure that all parts of the alarm system are functioning, and they help building occupants become familiar with the alarm’s sound. Failing to carry out these checks can put lives at risk and may result in legal penalties.
Professional Servicing
Alongside weekly in-house tests, your fire alarm system should be professionally serviced every six months. This should be done by a qualified fire safety engineer. A professional service includes thorough checks of detectors, panels, batteries, and wiring to make sure everything meets the British Standard (BS 5839). Records of these services should be kept as part of your fire safety logbook.
Compliance and Peace of Mind
By testing weekly and servicing every six months, you’re not only keeping people safe—you’re also complying with fire safety regulations. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of false alarms, system failures, and non-compliance, all while ensuring that your fire alarm is ready when it matters most.
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