The importance of maintenance of fire safety equipment

Fire safety is of paramount importance in any building, and fire safety equipment plays a crucial role in preventing disasters and protecting lives. However, it’s not just about having the equipment – regular maintenance of fire safety equipment is key to ensuring that it functions effectively when needed the most.

Regular inspections, testing, and maintenance of fire safety equipment means you’re gaining peace of mind knowing that your systems are in optimal condition and are ready to activate in the event of a fire.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the importance of maintaining fire safety equipment and why it’s essential to keep your fire safety devices in optimal working condition. By understanding the significance of maintenance, you can safeguard your property and most importantly, protect those who rely on these safety measures.

What are the different types of fire safety equipment in the UK?

Protecting your building and occupants from fire hazards should be your number one priority, and there are several different types of fire safety equipment that building owners can install to ensure this. Fire safety equipment encompasses a range of devices designed to detect, alert, and suppress fires, as well as facilitate safe evacuation.

Some of the most common types of fire safety equipment found in the UK include:

• Fire alarm systems which detect smoke or heat and sound an alarm to alert occupants. This includes smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual call points.
• Emergency lighting which are strategically placed to illuminate escape routes, staircases, and assembly points during power outages.
• Fire extinguishers which provide a first line of defence against small fires.
• Sprinkler systems that automatically spray water to suppress fires in their early stages.
• Fire doors which act as barriers to prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building.

What is the legal framework for fire safety equipment maintenance?

Whilst there is no legal requirement to maintain fire protection measures, there is a robust framework in place to ensure the proper maintenance of fire safety equipment that safeguard lives and property. This framework encompasses standards that set out the recommended responsibilities of building owners, employers, and other responsible persons.

At the heart of the UK’s fire safety regulations is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to almost all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. This comprehensive legislation places a duty on the ‘responsible person’ to ensure the safety of everyone on the premises.

In Article 17 of the legislation, it states that the “responsible person must ensure the premises and any facilities, equipment, and devices … are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair”.

There are many different types of maintenance that should be carried out on your fire protection systems such as:

• Visual checks – it’s recommended this is carried out on a monthly basis and consists of checking the equipment for any signs of damage or tampering, ensuring it’s clean and unobstructed, and verifying that the pressure gauge is within the green zone on your fire extinguishers.
• Basic services – you should consult a qualified professional to test alarm sounds, check battery backups, and inspect sensors for any dust or debris on your fire alarm systems, ideally every 6 months.
• Extended services – at least annually, it’s recommended that a qualified technician should conduct a thorough inspection of all components, cleaning, testing, and carry out any necessary repairs or replacements of fire safety equipment.
• Open protocol – this a more comprehensive inspection that should be carried out every three years which involves testing of all aspects of a fire alarm system, including detectors, control panels, and wiring.

Another crucial aspect of the legislation is the requirement for regular fire risk assessments. These assessments must identify potential fire hazards, evaluate the risks, and recommend appropriate fire safety measures, including the provision and maintenance of fire safety equipment.

Some practical steps for maintaining fire safety equipment

Ensuring your fire safety equipment remains in optimal condition necessitates more than simply having it installed. These checks aim to identify any potential issues early on, ensuring the equipment operates effectively when needed.

To stay ahead in maintaining your fire safety equipment, you should consider implementing a comprehensive checklist for each type of fire safety equipment. For example, for a fire extinguisher, be sure to check:

• The pressure gauge reading falls within the green zone, indicating adequate pressure.
• The tamper seal is intact, which signifies it hasn’t been discharged or tampered with.
• The extinguisher’s body is free from dents, corrosion, or any signs of damage.

For a fire alarm system, carry out the following monthly checks:

• Test the fire alarm by activating a manual call point or using a test button, ensuring a loud and clear alarm sound.
• Briefly press the test button on each smoke detector to check for a response, which will confirm the sensor’s functionality.
• Replace batteries in smoke detectors annually or as indicated by the manufacturer. If the alarm emits a chirping sound, it’s usually a sign of low batteries.

By implementing these simple yet effective maintenance habits, you can rest assured that your fire safety equipment is primed to provide vital protection when you need it the most.

Professional maintenance services vs. in-house checks

When it comes to fire safety equipment maintenance, businesses often face the decision of whether to handle it in-house or invest in a professional maintenance service, like the ones we offer here at the LS Fire Group. While in-house checks performed by trained staff can identify visible damage and ensure basic functionality, it’s important to remember this will only go so far. Professional maintenance services like ours will offer a much more comprehensive approach.

Our qualified fire technicians possess specialised knowledge and industry-standard tools to conduct thorough inspections, identify hidden faults, and perform necessary repairs. They adhere to strict safety protocols and use calibrated equipment to test and calibrate fire safety systems accurately. For added peace of mind, our professional maintenance services come with documentation and certification, providing you with valuable evidence of compliance with fire safety regulations.

Contact us today for fire safety equipment maintenance

There’s no denying that regular maintenance of fire safety equipment is crucial for ensuring the safety of lives and property. By conducting routine inspections of your equipment, you’re mitigating potential risks with your equipment and maximising their effectiveness.

At the LS Fire Group, we’re committed to keeping your people, property, and assets safe and legally compliant. Our expert engineers hold relevant qualifications and knowledge on all systems and products through specialised training to provide you with a complete maintenance solution for you.

If you’d like to learn more about our fire safety equipment maintenance services, or you’d like any further guidance on fire safety equipment maintenance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts today.