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How often should you test fire alarms in the workplace?

Once you’ve got a great fire alarm system installed, it can be tempting to sit back and assume you have done your bit for health and safety. But correct maintenance of your system is essential for it to remain a true safeguard against fire. At Sentinel Security, we are experts in all things fire safety. Here we answer one of the most common fire alarm questions – how often should you test fire alarms in the workplace?

In Ireland, the key piece of legislation governing fire safety for employers is the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. This says that employers must ensure their business complies with health and safety law by assessing any fire-related risks and taking action to mitigate any danger. Employers have a duty of care to everyone who uses their premises to take all reasonable measures to safeguard against the outbreak of fire.

There are several steps for employers to take to ensure they are fulfilling their duty of care. These are:

  • Carry out a fire risk assessment
  • Keep sources of fuel separate from sources of ignition
  • Maintain good health and safety practices, including appropriate employee training
  • Ensure there is a well maintained fire alarm system in place
  • Ensure that firefighting equipment is available
  • Regularly review and update your risk assessment

And the final, key step: maintain your fire alarm system.

Here is a sample schedule for how often you should test your fire alarm systems in the workplace.

  • Daily – check that your system operation panel is displaying normally.
  • Weekly – test at least one alarm on each circuit to ensure basic operation is in place.
  • Quarterly – ask your installer or manufacturer to perform a thorough review of your system and any updates or fixes as required.

 

Are you looking to install a commercial fire alarm system in Cork, Ireland? Get in touch with Sentinel Security today, for expert advice from our team of fire safety professionals.

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Address:
Sentinel Security,
4 South Main Street, Bandon,
Co. Cork.
P72 XV82

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