Fire alarm test and inspection

In the form of two six monthly fire alarm maintenance visits, the following work is to be carried out every year.

The switching mechanism of every fire alarm break glass call point should be tested, either by removal of a frangible element, insertion of a test key or operation of the device as it would be operated in the event of fire.

All automatic fire detection devices should be examined, as far as practicable, to ensure that they have not been damaged or painted. Then every fire alarm detector should be test-operated. The tests used need prove only that the detectors are connected to the fire system, are operational and are capable of responding to the phenomena they are designed to detect; they need not prove the sensitivity of the detector.

Smoke detectors should be operated by a method that confirms that smoke can enter the detector chamber and produce a fire alarm signal such as simulated smoke or suitable aerosols. Use of a test button or test magnet, does not satisfy this recommendation.

Every heat detector should be operated by means of a suitable heat source, unless operation of the detector in this manner would then necessitate replacement of part or all of the sensing element (e.g. as in fusible link point detectors or non-integrating line detectors).

All of the above, should be part of your fire alarm maintenance.