I.1 General

a) On-Premises Copy:

Keep the fire safety manual on the premises and make it available for inspection by the fire enforcing authority or other relevant authorities upon request.

b) Duplicate Copy:

Maintain at least one identical duplicate copy in a separate location away from the premises.

I.2.2 Fire detection and fire alarm systems

All fire detection and fire alarm systems should be inspected daily. In particular, it should be ensured that:

a) the control and indication panel indicates normal operation or, if any fault is indicated, that it has been logged and the appropriate action(s) taken;

b) any fault recorded the previous day has received attention.

I.2.3 Emergency and escape lighting systems

All emergency and escape lighting systems should be inspected daily. In particular, it should be ensured that:

a) every lamp is lit if the system is maintained;

b) the control panel for any central battery system or generator indicates normal operation;

c) any fault found is logged and the appropriate action(s) taken.

I.2.4 Sprinkler systems

Daily Inspection: Inspect all sprinkler systems daily.

a) Connection Monitoring: Ensure continuity of connections between the alarm switch, control unit, and fire and rescue service. If not automatically monitored, check manually.

b) Water & Air Pressure: Verify correct water level and air pressure in pressure tanks providing duplicate supply if not automatically controlled.

c) Corrective Actions: Take necessary corrective actions if issues are found.

I.2.5 Fire door automatic release mechanisms

All doors that are held open by automatic release mechanisms should be released daily.

I.2.6 Portable fire extinguishers and hose reels

Daily Inspection:

Inspect locations of portable fire extinguishers and hose reels daily.

a) Replace Missing Equipment: Replace missing fire extinguishers or hose reels immediately.

b) Recharge Used Equipment: Recharge any extinguisher used in a fire, training, or otherwise discharged immediately.

c) Repair or Replace Damaged Equipment: Repair or replace damaged fire extinguishers or hose reels.

I.3 Weekly

I.3.1 General

In addition to the checks recommended in I.2, the checks described in I.3.2 to I.3.7 should be undertaken once a week.

I.3.2 Fire detection and fire alarm systems

Weekly Inspection:

Inspect all fire detection and alarm systems weekly.

Control Equipment: Ensure the control equipment can receive fire signals, initiate evacuation procedures, and record trigger devices per BS 5839-1:2013.
Standby Power: Check that standby batteries are in good condition and that fuel, oil, and coolant levels of standby generators are correct, topping up as needed.

I.3.3 Sprinkler systems

Weekly Inspection: Inspect all sprinkler systems weekly.

a) Gauge Readings:

Check that water and air pressure gauges and water levels in reservoirs meet design criteria, and record readings.

b) Alarm Valve Testing:

Test each alarm valve and sound the water motor alarm for at least 30 seconds.

c) Automatic Pumps:

Ensure pumps start when water pressure drops to the specified level.

d) Diesel Engine Pumps:

Verify fuel and oil levels meet specifications.

Check oil pressure, cooling water flow, or water level in cooling systems as per specifications.

Test manual restart of the engine.

e) Lead Acid Batteries:

Ensure electrolyte levels and density meet specifications; check battery charger and replace cells if density is low.

f) Mode Monitoring:

Confirm correct operation of the mode monitoring system for stop valves in life safety installations.

g) Connection Continuity:

Ensure continuity of connections between the alarm switch, control unit, and fire and rescue service for monitored connections.

h) Trace Heating Systems:

Verify that trace heating systems for preventing freezing are functioning correctly.

I.3.4 Gaseous, foam and powder extinguishing systems

Weekly Inspection:

Inspect all gaseous, foam, and powder extinguishing systems.

a) Pressure Gauges:

Ensure pressure gauges are functioning correctly.

b) Operating Controls:

Verify that all controls are properly set and accessible.

c) Indicators:

Check that all indicators are functioning correctly.

d) Equipment Condition:

Ensure equipment, including pipework and nozzles, is clean, undamaged, leak-free, and properly positioned.

e) Fire Risk & Enclosure:

Confirm that the fire risk and its enclosure have not changed.

f) Extinguishing Medium:

Verify the correct quantity of extinguishing medium and, for foam systems, check the water supply is available and at the correct pressure.

I.3.5 Smoke control systems for means of escape

Weekly Simulation:

Simulate system actuation weekly.

a) Fans & Exhausts:

Ensure fans and powered exhaust ventilators operate correctly.

b) Smoke Dampers:

Verify smoke dampers close (or open if applicable).

c) Natural Ventilators:

Check that natural exhaust ventilators open.

d) Smoke Curtains:

Confirm automatic smoke curtains move into position.

NOTE On large multi-zone installations it might be acceptable, with agreement from the relevant authorities, to rotate the equipment tested so that a system is tested every week and individual items are operated at intervals of no more than three months.

I.3.6 Evacuation lifts and firefighters lift installations

The operation of the evacuation and firefighters lift switches should be tested once a week and should be repaired or replaced if found to be faulty.

I.3.7 Fire hydrants

Weekly Inspection: Inspect all fire hydrants.

a) Access:

Ensure there are no obstructions impeding access.

b) Indicator Plates:

Check that indicator plates are in position.

c) Isolating Valves:

Verify that isolating valves are locked open.

I.4 Monthly

I.4.1 General

In addition to the checks recommended in I.2 and I.3, the checks described in I.4.2 to I.4.9 should be undertaken once a month.

I.4.2 Fire detection and fire alarm systems

Monthly Startup:

Start up any standby generator monthly by simulating a power failure.

a) Operation Duration:

Allow the generator to run for at least 1 hour while monitoring for malfunctions.

b) Battery Charging:

Test the generator starting battery charging arrangements and address any issues.

c) Oil & Coolant:

Top up oil and coolant levels.

d) Fuel:

Ensure fuel tanks are filled.

I.4.3 Emergency and escape lighting systems

a) Monthly Failure Simulation:

Simulate a failure of the normal lighting supply.

Inspection: Check all luminaires and exit signs for correct functionality.
Generator Test: If using a generator with backup batteries, test to ensure luminaires and exit signs function even if the generator fails to start.
Repairs: Repair or replace any non-functioning luminaires or exit signs.

b) Post-Restoration Checks:

Normal Supply Indicators: Verify that indicator lamps show normal supply has been restored for self-contained luminaires, exit signs, and central battery systems.
Charging Arrangements: Ensure that charging arrangements for central battery systems and generator starting batteries are functioning correctly.
Oil & Coolant: Top up oil and coolant levels.
Fuel: Fill fuel tanks.

I.4.4 Gaseous, foam and powder extinguishing systems

· Monthly Check: Ensure all personnel who may operate equipment or systems are properly trained and authorized.

· New Employees: Confirm that new employees have been instructed in the use of the equipment or systems.

I.4.5 Evacuation lifts and firefighters lift installations

Monthly Simulation: Simulate a failure of the primary power supply.

Generator Test: If using a generator for standby power, ensure it energizes the lift(s) for at least 1 hour.

I.4.6 Hose reels

Monthly Visual Inspection: Inspect hose reels.

· Leaks: Check for any leaks.

· Drum Assembly: Ensure drum assemblies rotate freely on their spindles.

I.4.7 Automatic opening doors

Monthly Test: Test fail-safe mechanisms.

Testing Methods: Use “breaking out” the door set or simulate mains power failure.
Record Results: Document the test results.
Faulty Doors: Repair or replace any faulty doors.

I.4.8 Doors on hold- open doors

Monthly Test: Test hold-open devices.

Testing Methods: Simulate mains power failure or operation of the fire detection and alarm system.
Record Results: Document the test results.
Faulty Devices: Repair or replace any faulty doors.

I.4.9 Emergency and panic escape doors

Monthly Check: Inspect emergency and panic escape devices.

Ease of Operation: Verify ease of operation and door opening.
Weather Impact: Account for weather conditions affecting door and frame alignment.

I.5 Three- monthly

Quarterly Simulation: Test all smoke control systems.

Zone Testing: Simulate actuation for each zone separately.
System Checks: Ensure fans, powered exhaust ventilators, and smoke dampers operate correctly.

I.6 Six- monthly

I.6.1 General

Semi-Annual Inspections: Conduct checks every six months.

Systems Covered: Fire detection and alarm systems, sprinkler systems, extinguishing systems, emergency and escape lighting, firefighters' lift.
Tasks: Log defects, take necessary actions, and obtain certificates of testing.

I.6.2 Fire doors

Semi-Annual Inspection: Check all fire doors.

Heat and Smoke Seals: Ensure seals are undamaged.
Door Leaves: Verify no structural damage, excessive bowing, or deformation.
Gaps: Check gaps between the door leaf and frame for proper sealing.
Devices: Ensure hanging, securing, self-closing, and automatic release mechanisms function correctly.

I.6.3 Fire mains

Semi-Annual Inspection: Check all fire mains.

· General Conditions: Ensure inlets, landing valves, drain valves, door hinges, and locking arrangements are ready for use; spindles, glands, and washers are in good condition.

· Wet Mains:

· Booster Pumps: Verify correct operation of mechanical and electrical apparatus.

· Storage Tanks: Ensure tanks are full of clean water.

I.7 Yearly

Annual Inspections and Performance Tests:

a) Systems and Equipment:

· Fire detection and alarm systems

· Self-contained luminaires with sealed batteries (if >3 years old)

· Sprinkler, drencher, and watermist systems

· Smoke ventilators and control systems

· Fire dampers

· Evacuation lifts

· Firefighters lift installations

· Fire hydrants

· Fire mains

· Portable fire extinguishers

· Hose reels

b) Actions:

· Log defects

· Take necessary action

· Obtain testing certificates

Foam Concentrate:

a) Check stocks annually

b) Replenish as necessary

NOTE Attention is drawn to the testing and inspection requirements of BS 7671.

Annex I (normative) Routine inspection and maintenance of fire safety installations