Fire Safety Compliance in the Workplace

June 6, 2024

Fire Safety Compliance: Fire Alarm Testing, Extinguisher Testing, and Fire Risk Assessments in Business

One of the critical aspects of maintaining a safe working environment is adhering to fire safety regulations. In the UK, this involves regular fire alarm testing, fire extinguisher testing, and comprehensive fire risk assessments. Understanding the legal requirements and best practices for these essential tasks can help you stay compliant and keep everyone safe.

Fire Alarm Testing

Regular testing is not just a legal requirement but a crucial safety measure. According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire alarm systems must be tested weekly to ensure they are in proper working order. Here’s what you need to know:

Weekly Testing: Conduct a manual test of the fire alarm system every week. This involves activating a different call point each week and recording the results in a logbook.
Monthly Testing: Check standby power supplies, including generators and batteries, to ensure they are operational.
Annual Inspection: A competent person should perform a thorough inspection and maintenance of the fire alarm system at least once a year.

Fire Extinguisher Testing

Fire extinguishers are essential for tackling small fires before they escalate. Regular maintenance and testing are required to ensure they are ready for use in an emergency. The British Standard BS 5306-3:2017 outlines the requirements for fire extinguisher maintenance:

Monthly Visual Inspections: Check that each extinguisher is in its designated place, has clear operating instructions, and is not damaged or obstructed.
Annual Service: A qualified technician should service fire extinguishers annually. This includes checking the pressure, seals, and overall condition of the extinguisher.
Extended Service: Every five years for most extinguishers and every ten years for CO2 extinguishers, an extended service is required. This involves a more detailed examination and pressure testing.

Fire Risk Assessments

A fire risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of your premises to identify fire hazards, assess the risks, and implement measures to reduce or eliminate those risks. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every business must carry out a fire risk assessment and keep it up to date:

Initial Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment to identify potential fire hazards, people at risk, and evaluate the adequacy of existing fire safety measures.
Regular Reviews: Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly, especially if there are significant changes to the building, staff, or business activities.
Record Keeping: Maintain a written record of your fire risk assessment if you have five or more employees. This should include details of identified hazards, measures taken, and any action plans.

Compliance and Peace of Mind

Adhering to fire safety regulations not only ensures compliance with UK law but also fosters a culture of safety within your organisation. Regular fire alarm and extinguisher testing, coupled with comprehensive fire risk assessments, are fundamental practices that can prevent fire incidents and save lives.

At Southern EET, we understand the importance of fire safety and are committed to helping businesses comply with all regulations.

Our team of experts provides thorough fire alarm testing, extinguisher testing, and fire risk assessments to ensure your business remains safe and compliant.

For more information on how we can assist with your fire safety needs, contact Southern EET today.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Do New Electrical Appliances Really Need PAT Testing?

September 9, 2025

Introduction We’ve been hearing this question more and more from customers lately: “Do brand-new appliances still need PAT testing?” It’s a fair question. After all, new equipment usually arrives sealed, with manufacturer labels and testing certificates. But when it comes to safety, compliance, and peace of mind, the answer is a little more nuanced. What the Law Actually Says There is no strict legal requirement that says every appliance must be PAT tested. The law simply requires that employers and duty holders keep electrical equipment safe and properly maintained. That means the responsibility is on you to ensure equipment is safe to use, whether it’s new or not. The law doesn’t prescribe how you do it, but PAT testing is one of the most reliable methods. New Equipment: What Best Practice Looks Like Industry guidance generally states that brand-new equipment does not usually need a full PAT test . A thorough visual inspection is often enough. Why? Because new appliances are supplied as safe. But… there are a few important caveats. Why Some Organisations Still Choose to PAT Test New Appliances Even new items can develop issues before they reach you: Transit damage : knocks, drops, or rough handling. Storage conditions : damp, dust, or stacking problems. Manufacturing faults : rare, but possible. For most offices or low-risk workplaces, a visual check may be sufficient. But in higher-risk environments, like healthcare, construction, or manufacturing, many duty holders choose to test new equipment anyway. It’s about risk, peace of mind, and protecting people. A Risk-Based Approach That Works Low-risk settings (offices, shops, classrooms): Carry out a visual inspection, log the equipment, and move it into service. High-risk or critical settings (workshops, hospitals, factories): Consider a full PAT test even for new appliances, to establish a safe baseline and prevent costly downtime or accidents. Documentation and Competence Matter Whether you perform a visual inspection or a full PAT test, keep a record. This creates a clear audit trail and shows that you’ve taken reasonable steps to ensure safety. It’s also important that the person carrying out the inspection or test is competent, trained, knowledgeable, and confident in spotting issues. Conclusion: What’s the Smartest Strategy? In most cases, new appliances don’t require PAT testing, just a solid visual check as part of your risk management process. But remember: if the equipment is critical, the environment is high-risk, or there’s any sign of damage, a PAT test is a small investment in safety and peace of mind.