FIRE ALARMS
Servicing your fire alarm system is critical to ensure early fire detection, life safety, legal compliance, and property protection. In the UK, fire alarm maintenance is a legal duty under fire safety law and must follow strict British Standards to guarantee the system operates effectively in an emergency.
🔥 WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SERVICE YOUR FIRE ALARM SYSTEM?
⚖️ 1. Legal Requirement – Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “responsible person” must:
“Ensure that the fire detection and alarm system is subject to a suitable system of maintenance and is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.”
Failing to maintain your fire alarm system can result in:
Prosecution, fines, or imprisonment
Invalidated insurance
Enforcement notices from the fire service
📘 2. Compliance with British Standard BS 5839-1
This is the primary UK standard for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises.
🔧 Key servicing requirements from BS 5839-1
Routine inspection every 6 months (minimum)
Weekly user checks of system functionality (by a responsible person)
Servicing must be carried out by a competent person
The service should include:
Functional testing of all detectors, call points, sounders
Battery and power supply inspection
Fault log review and resolution
Confirmation that any changes to the building layout haven’t affected coverage
🔁 For large or high-risk buildings, more frequent inspections (e.g. quarterly) may be required
🧯 3. Life Safety and Early Warning
A properly serviced fire alarm:
Detects fire early, giving occupants more time to escape
Helps prevent smoke inhalation, injuries, or fatalities
Alerts emergency services promptly, especially if connected to a monitoring station
If the system fails due to poor maintenance, it could delay evacuation, increase fire spread, and lead to loss of life.
🔍 4. Prevents False Alarms and System Failures
Poorly maintained fire alarm systems are prone to:
False alarms (which waste fire brigade resources and may incur charges)
Undetected faults, such as disconnected detectors or failed sounders
Power supply issues, especially with backup batteries
BS 5839-1 highlights that routine maintenance reduces the risk of false or failed alarms.
💰 5. Insurance and Liability Protection
Insurers often require evidence that the fire alarm system is maintained to BS 5839-1
In the event of a fire, claims can be denied if the system wasn’t working or maintained
Legal liability may be imposed if injuries occur due to neglected fire safety systems
✅ Summary
Requirement | Standard / Regulation | Key Obligation |
Legal Duty | Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 | Maintain system in efficient working order |
Technical Standard | BS 5839-1 | 6-monthly servicing, weekly user checks |
Risk Mitigation | Fire Risk Assessments | Maintenance must be reflected in FRA |
Insurance Compliance | Policy Terms | Non-maintenance can void cover |
Servicing your fire alarm system is not optional — it’s a legal duty and a critical part of your building’s fire safety strategy.