Landlord testing fire alarm and emergency lighting

[Guest HelenH]

Hi - I am trying to establish whether one of our landlords needs to do weekly testing and also the frequency of testing for the alarm panel and emergency lighting. They own a 2 storey Victorian property which has been converted into 3 separate dwellings (bedsits) the tenants only share the communal corridor. Many thanks. Helen

[AnthonyB]

Fire alarm - weekly testing using different call points in rotaton; 6 monthly service by a competent person with 100% of the system tested over a 12 month period

Emergency lighting - monthly function ('flick') test of all fittings; annual duration (usually 3 hours) test of all fittings. (Don't be conned into a 1 hour part duration test at 6 months, it hasn't been required since 2004 and only wears out the lighting quicker) 

[Tom Sutton]

Could you give the details of the type of fire alarm are you talking about.

[AnthonyB]

I've assumed that because there is a panel referred to that it's a Part 1 or Part 6 grade A system

[Tom Sutton]

I fully understand that AB but what I do not understand why a Grade A in a two storey premises I do not think Lacots would agree.

[AnthonyB]

From my experience regardless of AD B, LACORS, LGA Guide, etc residential of various flavours seems to invariably get a Part1 or Grade A system regardless of the set up!

Could have been a requirement of the BCO or AI too!

 

[Tom Sutton]

Thanks AB