Installing the requisite fire safety systems and equipment on your business premises is the first step towards protecting the building and the people inside from fire hazards. However, for the “Responsible Person” who is in charge of ensuring all the regulations from the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are implemented, the task does not end there. Another crucial responsibility is to conduct regular maintenance of the fire safety systems and equipment. After all, the last thing you need in a fire emergency is malfunctioning fire and safety equipment! While the cost of servicing may seem avoidable at the time, you will appreciate the maintenance expenses when fully functional fire safety equipment saves you thousands in repair.
What Kind of Fire Safety Systems & Equipment is Present on Commercial Premises?
Depending on the size of your premises and the nature of your business, you may be required to install various fire safety equipment to meet the safety standards, such as:
- Fire Alarms
- Fire Extinguishers
- Fire Doors
- Fire Suppression Systems
- Sprinkler Systems
- Fire Blankets
- Fire Hose Reels
- Emergency Lighting
- Safety Torches
- Relevant Signage & Markings
Each of these fire safety elements will need regular servicing and maintenance checks to keep them in working condition at all times.
Fire Safety Systems Maintenance
The Fire Logbook needs to be updated every time one or more fire safety equipment undergoes servicing. It is also essential to record and update any changes related to onsite fire safety in the logbook so you can have all the information about the fire safety status of the building in one place.
Fire Extinguishers Maintenance
When it comes to vital firefighting equipment like fire extinguishers, the maintenance checks and servicing should be performed annually, by a competent person or company. The British Standard BS 5306-3:2017 provides detailed guidance on the best practices for installation, service, and maintenance of fire extinguishers. To ensure that all the fire extinguishers on your business premises always stay in working condition, you must choose an experienced and trained fire safety company that can provide installation and maintenance services as per the official guidelines. Some fire extinguisher faults that are routinely identified and rectified during maintenance include:
- Incorrect weight and pressure
- Expiry date
- Faulty pin and hose
- Any other tampering
Fire Alarms Maintenance
Depending on the type and complexity of the installed fire alarms, you may need to conduct fire alarm maintenance and servicing every six months or quarterly. Your chosen fire safety maintenance provider should follow the British Standard BS 5839-1:2013 for the practice guidelines on the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises. Fire alarm system maintenance and servicing are carried out:
- To correct previously signalled faults and defects
- To identify system or parts failure
- To perform general fire alarm testing
Apart from these two vital fire safety equipment, other elements also need regular maintenance and checks. For example, the Responsible Person must check the Fire Exits & Doors and Emergency Lighting daily at the beginning and end of the day. In addition to this, they must also perform a weekly or monthly visual check of the fire alarms, fire extinguishers, safety torches, sprinklers, and other fire safety equipment.
Nobody should ever need to use fire safety equipment on their business premises. However, in the unfortunate circumstance that you do, you would need all of your fire safety equipment to be in perfect working condition. LNS Fire and Security is one of the most reliable fire safety systems servicing and maintenance companies in Leicestershire that can help keep your commercial building safe at all times. If you wish to protect your premises from fire hazards and need professional fire safety systems installation or maintenance services, we are just a call away! Get in touch to receive a free site survey and quote.