How often do fire alarm systems have to be inspected?

[Guest KarenMill]

Hi, Is it a legal requirement to have a place of business fire alarm inspection at least twice a year or will just the one suffice?

Appreciate your help

Regards Karen

[Tom Sutton]

The legislation says all premises subject to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 should have means of raising the alarm of fire. If you require an electronic fire alarm system then it has to be fit for purpose which means in accordance with BS 5839-1:2002 + A2:2008. Part of that British Standard includes a section on maintenance which says there should be periodic inspections by a competent persons at an interval of no more than six months. For more information on the maintenance check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-alarms/ which explains all the tests.

[Guest Garry]

When booking maintenance, can you confirm or otherwise whether it is written that you can carry out the work one month either side of the due dat?

[AnthonyB]

It's certainly written in BS5306-3:2017 for portable extinguishers, whereas in standards for other systems it's not so lenient - fire alarms are "not exceeding six months" allowing early, but not late, servicing