NOTE The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 [10] require that safe isolation is carried out prior to working on or near live parts. In this context, safe isolation includes confirmation that isolation has been successful.

45.1 Commentary

a) Periodic Inspection and Servicing:

Essential for identifying faults, ensuring system reliability, addressing false alarms, and noting any building changes affecting system protection.

b) Competence:

Inspections and servicing should be performed by a competent person or organization with specialist knowledge of fire detection systems. For external organizations, certification by a UKAS-accredited body ensures competence.

c) Scope of Servicing:

Servicing verifies the functionality of the existing system but does not constitute a design review. It may not identify all non-compliances with the standard unless these are significant or brought to attention.

d) Maintenance Advice:

While maintenance technicians may point out non-compliances, this does not imply a comprehensive review of the system design or that all issues have been identified.

45.2 Recommendation for quarterly inspection of vented batteries

All vented batteries and their connections should be examined by a person competent in battery installation and maintenance technology. Electrolyte levels should be checked and topped up as necessary.

NOTE In many large premises and sites, in-house maintenance personnel might be competent to carry out this task.

45.3 Recommendations for periodic inspection and test of the system

a) Periodic Inspection and Servicing:

Essential to identify faults, prevent issues, and address changes affecting system protection. Should be performed every six months by a competent person.

b) System Logbook:

Check for faults and ensure appropriate action has been taken.

c) Visual Inspection:

● Ensure manual call points remain accessible and visible.

● Verify no new obstructions or structural changes affect detectors.

● Confirm clear space around detectors and proper detector placement.

● Assess suitability of detectors in case of occupancy or building changes.

d) False Alarms:

Review the rate and address issues according to recorded data.

e) Battery Checks:

● Measure voltage with mains on and ensure it meets manufacturer’s recommendations.

● Disconnect standby battery, check power supply output voltage.

● Examine and load test batteries; check specific gravity of vented batteries.

f) Fire Alarm Functions:

● Test detectors and call points; log the tests.

● Confirm alarm signals are given on operation.

● Check controls, indicators, and automatic transmission facilities.

● Test ancillary functions, fault indicators, printers, and radio systems.

g) Manufacturer Recommendations:

Follow additional checks and tests recommended by the equipment manufacturer.

h) Completion:

Report defects, update the logbook, and issue an inspection and servicing certificate.

45.4 Recommendations for inspection and test of the system over a 12 month period

In addition to the work recommended in 45.3, the following work should be carried out every year.

NOTE 1 The work described can be carried out over the course of two or more service visits during each 12-month period.

1. Manual Call Points:

● Test switch mechanism via removal, test key, or normal operation.

2. Automatic Fire Detectors:

● Inspect for damage, paint, or adverse effects; functionally test every detector.

3. Heat Detectors:

● Functionally test with a suitable heat source; avoid live flames and follow safety guidelines.

4. Point Smoke Detectors:

● Test with simulated smoke or aerosols; ensure no damage or performance impact.

5. Optical Beam Smoke Detectors:

● Test by introducing signal attenuation with an optical filter or smoke.

6. Aspirating Systems:

● Ensure smoke can enter the detector chamber; verify performance through various methods like smoke introduction, transport time check, flow monitoring, or pressure measurement.

7. Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

● Test with carbon monoxide or similar gas following manufacturer’s guidance.

8. Flame Detectors:

● Confirm response to suitable radiation frequency per manufacturer’s guidelines.

9. Analogue Values:

● Ensure values at CIE are within manufacturer-specified range.

10. Multi-Sensor Detectors:

● Tests to confirm the product of combustion can reach sensors and produce a fire signal; follow manufacturer’s testing methods.

11. Fire Alarm Devices:

● Check for correct operation and ensure visibility and cleanliness of visual devices.

12. Filament Lamp Indicators:

● Replace all unmonitored, permanently illuminated indicators at CIE.

13. Radio Signal Strengths:

● Check and record adequacy in radio-linked systems.

14. Cable Fixings:

● Visual inspection to confirm they are secure and undamaged

15. Cause and Effect Programme:

● Test at least one cause and observe effects; further testing can be specified by the user.

16. Standby Power Supply:

● Check capacity for continued service suitability.

17. Zone Plan:

● Ensure a suitable plan or diagram is provided at CIE and repeat indicating equipment.

18. Annual Checks:

● Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for annual tests and inspections, including video fire detectors and associated lighting.

19. Completion:

● Report outstanding defects to premises management; record inspection and test results on the servicing certificate.

NOTE 2 The tests used need to prove only that the detectors are connected to the system, are operational and are capable of responding to the phenomena they are designed to detect.

NOTE 3 This can be achieved by introducing smoke into each sampling point in turn and verifying a response at the detector.

NOTE 4 For further guidance see the FIA Code of Practice for Design, Installation, Commissioning andMaintenance of Aspirating Smoke Detector (ASD) Systems [7].

NOTE 5 It is necessary to ensure that any test gas used does not cause damage to, or affect the subsequent performance of, the detector and that the manufacturer’s guidance on suitable test gases is followed.

NOTE 6 Suitable test methods for each type of sensor are as described in this subclause, e.g. for heat sensors, see 45.4c).

NOTE 7 Where individual sensors cannot be tested individually, this recommendation does not apply.

NOTE 8 Where a system includes a time-related configuration of detection, care needs to be taken to ensure that a sensor is not excluded from being tested as a result of the time-dependent mode.

NOTE 9 This test is intended to ensure that every fire alarm device operates in response to a fire alarm signal. It is not intended that sound pressure level measurements are made.

NOTE 10 Testing of a single cause is deemed acceptable and satisfies the recommendations of 45.3o). On a site with multiple cause and effect operations, if the user deems further causal testing is required, it is necessary for the user to specify this to the maintenance provider. Where no agreement is specified, testing of one cause will satisfy the recommendations.

NOTE 11 Further guidance on testing of the batteries is given in FIA Guidance: Testing of lead acid batteries used in Fire Detection & Alarm System Power Supplies [11].

NOTE 12 Where repeat indicating equipment relates to only part of the premises, the adjacent zone plan need only relate to that part of the premises.

NOTE 13 Since stimulus of the sensing element through introduction of the phenomena or surrogate phenomena which the above detectors are designed to detect forms part of the test, use of a test button or a test magnet (for example) or compliance with 45.4i) does not satisfy the recommendations given

45 Inspection and servicing