46.1 Commentary

Non-routine maintenance includes:

● Special Inspection: Conducted when a new servicing organization takes over.

● Repair: Addressing faults or damage.

● Modification: Adjustments for extensions, alterations, changes in occupancy, or false alarms.

● False Alarms: Actions to address an unacceptable rate of false alarms.

● Post-Fire Inspection: Inspection and testing following a fire.

46.2 Recommendations for special inspection on appointment of a new servicing organization

The following recommendations are applicable.

1. Special Inspection:

● Conduct a special inspection when a new servicing organization takes over.

● Study existing records to document information for effective future servicing.

2. Documentation of Major Non-Compliance:

● Identify and document major non-compliances to premises management. Major non-compliances include:

a) Inadequate number of call points.

b) Inadequate fire detection provision for the system's category.

c) Sound pressure levels not conforming to recommendations.

d) Standby power supplies not conforming to standards or absent.

e) Cabling with insufficient fire resistance.

f) Inadequate monitoring of circuits.

g) Non-compliance with electrical safety standards.

h) High rates of false alarms.

i) Changes in the premises' use, layout, or construction affecting system effectiveness.

j) Absence of a zone plan or suitable diagram.

3. Provision of Logbook:

● Provide a suitable logbook if one does not exist to ensure compliance.

NOTE 1 It is not implied that non-compliances need to be rectified; this is a matter for the user to determine, based on the advice of the servicing organization, the enforcing authorities, the insurer and any third-party advisers engaged by the user, as appropriate.

NOTE 2 Serious shortcomings in cable support that could result in collapse of a significant length of cable in the event of fire might also be regarded as a major non-compliance.

46.3 Recommendations for arrangements for repair of faults or damage

The following recommendations are applicable.

1. Emergency Call-Out Agreement:

● For third-party maintenance, there should be an agreement for emergency call-out, ensuring a technician can attend within 8 hours, 24/7.

● In very remote areas, this might not be feasible and should be recorded as a variation in the system logbook.

2. Contact Information:

● Display the name and telephone number of the third-party maintenance provider prominently at the main CIE.

● Keep records and documentation updated as per Clause 40.

3. Fault Recording and Repair:

● Record all faults or damage in the system logbook.

● Arrange for repairs to be carried out as soon as possible.

46.4 Modifications to the system

46.4.1 Commentary

1. Reasons for Modifications:

● Extending the system to new or previously unprotected areas.

● Changing detector types due to changes in occupancy or false alarms.

● Re-siting or adding detectors/alarm devices due to building layout changes.

● Reconfiguring system hardware/software to modify cause and effect logic for false alarm filtering.

2. Responsibility and Competence:

● Modifications should be managed by a person with sufficient design competence due to the element of re-design involved.

3. Testing and Errors:

● Modifications, especially in software-controlled systems, can require extensive re-testing to avoid software errors affecting unrelated parts of the system.

● Even simple changes necessitate thorough testing to ensure proper system function.

4. Remote Modifications:

● Modifications can be done remotely via modem, but care must be taken to:

a) Ensure the system remains compliant with BS 5839 or that non-compliances are not worsened.

b) Conduct suitable tests on-site to confirm correct system operation post-modification.

c) Update as-fitted drawings and records.

d) Document and provide modification details to premises management.

5. On-Site Visits:

● A competent person from the maintenance organization should visit the premises before and possibly after modifications to confirm validity and compliance, and to conduct necessary tests.

46.4.2 Recommendations applicable to all modification work

The following recommendations apply to all modification work, regardless of whether it is carried out on site or remotely.

1. Responsibility:

● Modifications must be overseen by a person competent in fire detection and alarm system design, familiar with BS 5839.

● This could be the original designer or a qualified representative from the user or maintenance organization.

2. Compliance Check:

● Ensure modifications do not negatively impact compliance with fire safety legislation.

● Consult enforcement authorities if necessary.

3. User Agreement:

● The user must be informed and provide written consent for any modifications.

● Obtain approval from enforcing authorities and/or insurers when appropriate.

4. Testing Post-Modification:

● Test all affected components, circuits, system operations, and site-specific software.

● Conduct additional tests to ensure no adverse effects on the overall system:

a) Test another device on the same circuit if devices are added or removed.

b) Test one device on each circuit if control equipment is modified.

c) Verify power supply and battery capacity if additional load is added.

d) Perform random testing if software is modified.

5. Documentation:

● Update all as-fitted drawings and relevant records after modifications.

● Provide updated documents with the system records.

6. Certification:

● Issue a modification certificate confirming compliance with BS 5839 or noting any variations.

● If someone other than the modifying organization is responsible for conformity, they must sign the certificate and ensure it is included with system documentation.

46.4.3 Recommendations applicable to modifications carried out remotely

In addition to the recommendations of 46.4.2, the following recommendations are applicable.

Access to Documentation:

● Person must have current as-fitted drawings of the system.

● Must have access to the current system configuration and details of cause and effect logic.

Knowledge Requirements:

● Person must be familiar with BS 5839.

46.4.4 Recommendations for action to address an unacceptable rate of false alarms

The following recommendations are applicable.

a) Investigating False Alarms:

● Follow guidance in Section 3 of BS 5839.

● Formally consider all recognized causes of false alarms as discussed in Clause 33.

b) Post-Modification Compliance:

● Ensure the system conforms to BS 5839 or is not more non-compliant than before modifications unless agreed by all parties.

c) Documentation:

● Make all relevant documentation available with the system records as per Clause 40.

46.4.5 Recommendations for inspection and test of the system following any fire

The following recommendations should be carried out as soon as possible after any fire.

1. Inspection and Testing:

● Inspect and test all manual call points, automatic fire detectors, and fire alarm devices affected by the fire or fire-fighting action per 45.4.

2. Visual Examination and Tests:

● Conduct visual examinations and tests on system parts within the fire area and areas affected by corrosive smoke or fire-fighting actions, including power supplies, control equipment, and cables.

● Take appropriate action if damage is found.

3. Circuit Testing:

● Test circuits external to the CIE for correct operation if potentially affected by the fire.

4. Recording and Notification:

● Record any defects found in the system logbook and notify premises management.

46.4.6 Recommendation for inspection and test of the system following long periods of disconnection

The recommendations for inspection and test of the system over a 12 month period (see 45.4) should be undertaken.

NOTE If there is a major change in occupation or use of a building it might be appropriate for the cause and effects of the system to be checked.

46 Non-routine attention