Installing a fire alarm is only half the job. Under UK law, you must keep the system maintained for as long as people use the building. If you get the timing or the paperwork wrong, you could end up uninsured or non compliant. This guide explains what fire alarm maintenance involves and how often you need it. It also covers what to look for in a contract if you manage a property in Sleaford, Grantham, Lincoln, Boston or anywhere else in Lincolnshire.
Why fire alarm maintenance is a legal duty
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places this duty on the “responsible person”. This is the employer, owner or managing agent of a business building. They must keep the fire alarm in efficient working order. The duty does not end once the system is in. Instead, it lasts for the life of the building.
The main British Standard is BS 5839-1, which covers business premises. BS 5839-6 covers homes. The standard sets out a routine that your own staff and a competent engineer share.
How often does a fire alarm need testing and servicing?
BS 5839-1 splits fire alarm maintenance into three levels.
Weekly test, done in house. A named person tests one call point each week. They use a different one each time, so every call point gets tested over the year. They check that the alarm sounds and the panel shows the right signal. This takes minutes, and you do not need an engineer.
Regular servicing by an engineer. BS 5839-1 recommends a visit at least every six months. However, many insurers and higher risk sites prefer quarterly visits. This includes schools, care homes and factories. During the visit, the engineer checks batteries, detectors, sounders, wiring and panel settings.
Annual inspection and certificate. Once a year, a full inspection covers the whole system, including detector sensitivity. You then receive a signed certificate. You will need this for your insurer, your fire risk assessment, and the fire service if they ask.
What happens during a service visit?
A typical EMI Fire and Security visit includes the following checks. First, we test every detector, call point and sounder. Next, we check the backup batteries and power supplies. We also inspect the cables, connections and control panel for faults. Then we review the log book and any faults since the last visit. We also make sure the zones still match the building layout, which matters after any refit. Finally, we issue a signed service certificate for your records.
What if you skip or delay maintenance?
Letting fire alarm maintenance lapse causes problems beyond the fire risk itself.
Insurance. Most business policies ask for proof of a current maintenance contract and certificate. Without these, an insurer may cut or refuse a claim after a fire.
Fire risk assessment failures. Assessors often flag an alarm system with no service records. Read more in our guide to fire risk assessments in Lincolnshire.
Enforcement. Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue can issue an enforcement notice. In serious cases, they can also prosecute the responsible person.
False alarms. Poorly maintained systems drift out of calibration. As a result, they cause more false alarms. These disrupt staff and can lead to costly fire brigade callouts.
Choosing a maintenance contract
Not all contracts are the same. When you compare providers, check these points. How many visits per year are included? Does that match BS 5839-1 for your building? Are fault callouts included, or do they cost extra? How fast will they respond to a fault? Do they know your system brand? For example, EMI works with Hochiki, Honeywell and other major brands. Finally, will your insurer and assessor accept their paperwork?
EMI Fire and Security’s maintenance packages cover all of this. Our Essential tier suits simple single site systems. Our Comprehensive tier adds six monthly visits, priority callouts and full compliance records for larger sites. See our fire alarm services or get in touch for a tailored quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does fire alarm maintenance cost? It depends on the size of the system, the number of zones and how often we visit. A small system on an annual contract costs far less than a large one with six monthly visits. We give free, no obligation quotes after a site survey.
Is a maintenance contract worth it? Yes. You get visits booked for you and a fast response if a fault appears. You also get one clear service history for your insurer and assessor.
Can I do fire alarm maintenance myself? A named person in house can do the weekly call point test. However, a qualified fire alarm engineer must carry out the regular servicing and annual inspection. BS 5839-1 requires this.
Is a fire alarm service the same as a fire risk assessment? No. A service checks that the alarm system works. A fire risk assessment reviews fire risks across the whole building. Most sites need both, each on its own schedule.
