The importance of a well documented fire alarm and fire extinguisher report

• Are your fire extinguishers primed and ready for use?
• Are your fire alarms working and fully tested?

As a business owner, of you were asked this question by an insurer of inspector, you would reach for the latest fire alarm and extinguisher report from your fire safety maintenance company. After all, that should be right, shouldn’t it?

Sadly, in our experience, it could be a complete work of fiction. 

At Spire Fire & Security, we have taken over many fire alarm maintenance schedules from other companies who have provided reports testing every three or six months. These are accompanied by a certificate to say that PPM (Planned Preventative Maintenance) has been completed. 

However, when we then inspect the system, it has clearly never been tested. In some circumstances, key detection devices such as smoke alarms still have their original covers on, meaning they have never worked properly. 

We also often find that fire extinguishers are not fit for purpose, with low pressure, missing seals, no ‘next service’ date label attached, and in some extreme cases, having been used and replaced empty.

As fire safety professionals working to keep people safe and secure in their workplaces, recreational spaces and accommodation, it deeply saddens us that some so-called professionals are letting our industry down so badly and putting people’s lives at risk. 

Regulations for a reason

The regulations around fire safety equipment are clear. The UK Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) state that all commercial properties must have appropriate fire-fighting equipment in place. 

This includes well-maintained fire extinguishers to that meet UK standards (which some cheap fire extinguisher imports don’t always do). Failure to have properly maintained fire extinguishers in place can lead to heavy fines or even prosecution. 

Fire extinguisher checks

Your responsible person (or fire marshal) should conduct a monthly visual check to ensure that all fire extinguishers: 

• Are in their proper place such as floor stands or wall hangers and not propping open a fire door…
• Are visible, easily accessible and not obstructed.
• Remain undamaged, with no rust, corrosion, or dents.
• Have intact tamper seals.
• Are correctly pressurised with pressure gauges in the green zone.
• Carry an up-to date maintenance label.
• Have their latest service date recorded in your site’s fire logbook.

Under BS 5306-3:2017, all fire extinguishers must be serviced annually by a qualified professional. This is to make sure they are functional and ready for use by anyone in an emergency. Other fire safety equipment such as hose reels or sprinklers also should have regular inspections to ensure your equipment is in full working order and not damaged. 

Fire alarms and detectors

Fire alarms are an integral part of any commercial building’s fire safety system, and need to be tested and maintained with rigorous fire alarm maintenance schedules. If they are not maintained, they may fail in an emergency and put you and your employees’ lives at risk.

British Standard 5839 (BS 5839) is the UK’s recommended code of practice for fire safety. Systems that meet BS 5839 are reliable, effective, and compliant with legal standards, and ensure proper coverage for the safety and protection of your commercial property and the people inside.

It’s not just about being compliant. Many insurance companies require businesses to maintain fire alarms and perform regular checks, and can demand proof. If you don’t maintain your systems, or the proof you provide is inaccurate or even false, you may be denied insurance or have claims turned down.

Let Spire take over (and relax)

If you’re concerned about the quality of your fire systems maintenance, and/or the validity of your reports, contact us. We offer a free, no-obligation survey and consultation and present you with options best suited to your premises, your type of business, and your budget.

If you’d like us to take care of your fire safety system, no problem, as we offer a stress-free ‘takeover service’. We take time to check all aspects of your fire alarm system are functioning correctly and highlight any required or suggested updates and upgrades. All our work is audited by BAFE, so you can be confident our work has been carried out correctly and to a high standard. 

• Call us on 0800 112 3551
• Email us
• Fill in our form

Comprehensive asset reports

Do you know precisely how many fire alarms you have, and where they are? As part of our initial visits, we asset tag each fire alarm device. 

Yes, this  takes time and attention to first log, but the resulting fully listed reports gives us a good insight to your system. It also gives you a comprehensive report detailing precisely which detectors and alarms have been inspected, maintained, tested or worked on during our visit. It also helps pinpoint any alarms that are nearing the end of their working life so we can schedule in their replacement at a suitable time. 

This ‘mapping’ also potentially identify gaps in your fire safety provision which often happens as your business grows and develops. We can then conduct a fire risk assessment and ensure you have the very best fire safety provision, based on a full working knowledge of the entire system.

Transparent and trustworthy

Spire is not one of those companies who seem to find faults at every visit, and then “need” to replace items or upgrade to expensive new units. At Spire, we believe in being 100% transparent. So if you don’t need something, that’s great. If you do, we’ll tell you why and offer options, from replacement fire extinguishers to remote monitoring.

Like the sound of our fire alarm system and extinguisher maintenance?

Contact us for all your fire and security needs across the Midlands, London and the Home Counties.

• Call us on 0800 112 3551
• Email us
• Fill in our enquiry form

About the author

David Whiteside is both Founder and Managing Director of Spire. David has been involved in the Fire & Security industry for over 15 years, experiencing the services at all technical and project levels. With a keen eye for detail, a passion for quality of work and unparalleled customer service, David ensures Spire F&D delivers a service that meets and exceeds to the demands of any industry and sector.