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Fire safety

Fire alarm testing and servicing

A qualified fire alarm engineer inspects, tests and services your fire detection and alarm system to the British Standard that applies, records the visit in the log book and lists any faults that need attention.

BS 5839Serviced at least every 6 monthsExisting properties
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When you need it

The Fire Safety Order requires the responsible person to keep fire safety equipment, including the alarm system, maintained in efficient working order. BS 5839-1 recommends that the period between inspection and servicing visits should not exceed six months, and government guidance asks for a weekly test by someone on site.

Systems in homes and many HMOs are designed to BS 5839-6, which sets its own grades and routine tests; larger HMOs often have a Grade A system serviced every six months. Rented homes also need a working smoke alarm on each storey under separate regulations.

Every detector, call point and sounder should be checked over each 12 months, so this work is often spread across visits. Warning occupants and any monitoring centre in advance stops tests being mistaken for a real alarm.

What is included

Included

  • Checks of the control panel, standby power and batteries
  • Testing of detectors, call points and sounders, with every device covered over each 12 months
  • Review of the log book, false alarm history and any changes to the building
  • Servicing certificate and a list of faults or variations

Priced separately

  • Repairs, replacement detectors and new batteries
  • System upgrades, extensions or a new design
  • Call-outs outside the planned visits
  • Emergency lighting testing, which is a separate service

Your written quotation confirms the exact scope, what is included and any limits for your building.

What you receive

A servicing certificate recording what was inspected and tested, an updated log book, and a list of any faults with what each one means for the system.

Sent as a PDF for your records. We can send copies to tenants or agents on request.

Our reports support your duties as owner, landlord or responsible person. They do not replace those duties.

How to prepare

  • Address, building use and number of floors
  • System type and grade, if known, and the panel make
  • The log book and your last servicing certificate
  • Zone plan or as-fitted drawings
  • Access to all areas, and a contact who can warn occupants
  • Details of any link to a monitoring centre

Send what you have. Missing details will not stop an enquiry; we will tell you anything still needed.

How it works

Tell usChoose the service or describe the job.
Written quotationScope, deliverables and price, confirmed in writing.
We manage the workArranged and coordinated by RegulaBuild. Technical work is carried out by appropriately qualified professionals.
Your reportThe output named in your quotation, with any follow-up.

Questions

Is six-monthly servicing a legal requirement?

The law requires the system to be maintained in efficient working order. The six-month figure is the maximum interval recommended in BS 5839-1, which also says the interval should reflect a risk assessment, so some systems need more frequent visits.

Who does the weekly test?

Usually someone on site, such as a caretaker or manager. It involves operating a call point or detector in a zone each week and recording the result in the log book.

Who carries out the servicing?

A competent fire alarm engineer. The Fire Industry Association recommends checking that the maintenance firm is certificated under BAFE SP203 or LPS 1014.

Often booked with

Combine them in one quote request

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Discuss fire alarm testing and servicing

Start with this service and add anything else you need. If you are unsure, say so and we will advise.

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