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Note: Diesel Engine Restart Tests
Diesel engines must be run for thirty minutes, or for the time
recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is the longer. The engine
should then be restarted using the manual start before shutting
down. A check should be made on the water level in closed circuit
cooling systems.
ANNUAL
Arrange for annual inspections and tests to be carried out on self
contained luminaires with sealed batteries, if more than 3 years
old, by competent persons, any defects to be logged and the necessary
action taken, and ensure that certificates of satisfactory testing
are received.
THREE YEARLY
Arrange for the three-yearly inspections and tests of the emergency
and escape lighting to be carried out by competent persons; for
any defects found to be logged and the necessary action taken, and
ensure that certificates of satisfactory testing are received.
Sprinkler Systems:
DAILY CHECKS
The following should be checked:
a. Unless the connection to the Fire Service is continuously
and automatically monitored, the continuity of the connections between
the alarm switch and the control unit, and between the control unit
and the Fire Service (usually via a remote staffed centre);
b. Unless automatically controlled, the water level and air
pressure in any pressure tank providing a duplicate supply; and
any corrective action(s) taken.
WEEKLY CHECKS
The following should be checked:
a. Water and air pressure gauge readings on installation,
trunk mains and pressure tanks, water levels in elevated private
reservoirs, rivers, canals, lakes, water storage tanks, and all
gauge readings and levels recorded;
b. That each water motor alarm has been sounded for at least
thirty seconds;
c. Fuel, oil and coolant levels of diesel engines used to
power automatic pumps;
d. That automatic pumps start when the water pressure is
reduced to the specified level and, if powered by a diesel engine,
the oil pressure, the flow of cooling water through open-circuit
cooling systems, or the water level in the primary circuit of closed-circuit
cooling systems, and whether the engine will re-start, using the
manual start test button;
Note: Diesel Engine Restart Tests
Diesel engines must be run for thirty minutes, or for the time
recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is the longer. The engine
should then be restarted using the manual start before shutting
down. A check should be made on the water level in closed circuit
cooling systems.
e. The electrolyte level and density of all lead acid Plante
cells and, if the density is low, the battery charger; if the charger
is working correctly, ensure that the affected cells have been replaced;
f. The operation of the mode monitoring system for stop valves
in life safety installations;
g. The continuity of connection between the alarm switch
and the control unit, and between the control unit and the Fire
Service (usually via a remote staffed centre) for automatically
monitored connections;
h. The correct functioning of trace heating systems provided
to prevent freezing in the sprinkler system.
THREE MONTHLY
Arrange for the quarterly inspections and tests of the sprinkler
systems, to be carried out by competent persons; for any defects
found to be logged and the necessary action taken, and ensure that
certificates of satisfactory testing are received.
a. Inspection, cleaning and corrosion prevention of sprinklers,
multiple controls and sprayers.
b. Inspection of pipe work and hangers.
c. Electrical earthing connection.
d. Testing of water supplies and alarms.
e. Inspection of electrical supplies and batteries.
f. Satisfactory operation of electrical supplies from diesel
generators.
g. Stop valves manipulated to check they are in working order.
h. Flow switches checked.
i. Replacement parts held as spare checked for number and
condition.
SIX MONTHLY
The following should be checked:
a. Dry alarm valves and any accelerators and exhausters
in dry pipe or tail end installations.
b. Fire & Rescue Service and/or collector station communication links.
ANNUAL
Arrange for annual inspections and tests to be carried out by competent
persons, any defects to be logged and the necessary action taken,
and ensure that certificates of satisfactory testing are received.
The following should be checked:
a. Automatic pump flow test
b. Diesel engine fail to start test
c. Inspection and operation of float valves on storage tanks.
THREE YEARLY
Arrange for the three-yearly inspections and tests of the sprinkler
systems to be carried out by competent persons; for any defects
found to be logged and the necessary action taken, and ensure that
certificates of satisfactory testing are received.
FIFTEEN YEARLY ROUTINE
Cleaning, draining and inspection of Type A and D suction tanks
by a competent person.
Fire Door Automatic Release Mechanisms:
DAILY CHECKS
Release all doors held open by automatic release mechanisms by
simulation of alarm conditions.
MONTHLY CHECKS
Check (and record) the operation of the fail-safe mechanisms, either
by 'breaking-out' the doorset, or by simulating failure of the mains
power supply, as appropriate.
Portable Fire Extinguishers and Hosereels
DAILY CHECKS
Check that all portable fire extinguishers and hosereels are in
place and not obstructed, discharged, or damaged. Any extinguisher
used in a fire, or for training, should be recharged immediately.
ANNUAL
Arrange for annual inspections and tests to be carried out by competent
persons, any defects to be logged and the necessary action taken,
and ensure that certificates of satisfactory testing are received.
Gaseous, Foam and Powder Extinguishing Systems:
WEEKLY CHECKS
The following should be checked:
a. Any pressure gauges;
b. That all operating controls are both properly set and
accessible;
c. That all indicators are functioning;
d. That the equipment, particularly pipe work and nozzles,
is free from dust and dirt, is not physically damaged or leaking,
and remains in its designated position;
e. That the fire risk and its enclosure has not changed;
f. That the quantity of extinguishing medium is correct and,
for foam systems, that the water supply is available and at the
correct pressure.
MONTHLY CHECKS
Check that all personnel who may have to operate the equipment
or system(s) are properly trained and authorised to do so, and in
particular that new employees have been instructed in their use.
SIX MONTHLY
Inspection and testing is to be carried out by competent persons
on extinguishing systems and for any defects found to be logged,
and the necessary action to be taken, and ensure that certificates
of satisfactory testing are received.
Smoke Control Systems for Means of Escape:
WEEKLY CHECKS
Simulate actuation of the System, and ensure that any fans and
powered exhaust ventilators operate correctly, smoke dampers close
(or open in some systems), natural exhaust ventilators open, automatic
smoke curtains move into position, etc.
ANNUAL
Arrange for annual inspections and tests to be carried out by competent
persons, any defects to be logged and the necessary action taken,
and ensure that certificates of satisfactory testing are received.
Evacuation Lifts and Firefighting Lift Installations:
WEEKLY CHECKS
Check the operation of the evacuation and firefighting lift switch
(es).
MONTHLY CHECKS
Simulate the failure of the primary power supply. If a generator
provides the standby power supply, it should energize the lift(s)
for at least one hour.
SIX MONTHLY
Inspection and testing is to be carried out by competent persons
on firefighting lift(s) and for any defects found to be logged,
and the necessary action to be taken, and ensure that certificates
of satisfactory testing are received.
ANNUAL
Arrange for annual inspections and tests to be carried out by competent
persons, any defects to be logged and the necessary action taken,
and ensure that certificates of satisfactory testing are received.
Fire Hydrants:
WEEKLY CHECKS
Check that there are no obstructions impeding access, that the
indicator plates are in position, and that the isolating valves
are locked open.
ANNUAL
Arrange for annual inspections and tests to be carried out by competent
persons, any defects to be logged and the necessary action taken,
and ensure that certificates of satisfactory testing are received.
Hosereels:
WEEKLY CHECKS
Check that water is still reaching the equipment.
MONTHLY CHECKS
Check that there are no leaks, and that drum assemblies are free
to rotate on their spindles.
ANNUAL
Arrange for annual inspections and tests to be carried out by competent
persons, any defects to be logged and the necessary action taken,
and ensure that certificates of satisfactory testing are received.
Fire Mains:
SIX MONTHLY
The following should be checked:
a. That inlets, landing valves, drain valves, door hinges
and locking arrangements for inlet and landing valve boxes are ready
for immediate use, and that spindles, glands and washers are in
a satisfactory condition.
b. For wet mains:
i. Booster pumps and their associated mechanical and electrical
apparatus are fully operational;
ii. That storage tanks are full of clean water.
ANNUAL
Arrange for annual inspections and tests to be carried out by competent
persons, any defects to be logged and the necessary action taken,
and ensure that certificates of satisfactory testing are received.
Fire Doors:
SIX MONTHLY
The following should be checked:
a. That heat-activated seals and smoke seals are undamaged;
b. That door leaves are not structurally damaged or excessively
bowed or deformed;
c. That gaps between the door leaf and the frame are not
so small as to be likely to bind, or so large as to prevent effective
fire and smoke sealing;
d. That hanging devices, securing devices, self-closing devices
and automatic release mechanisms are operating correctly.
Electrical Inspections and Tests
FIVE YEARLY
Arrange for the electrical system of fire safety installations
to be checked in accordance with the testing and inspection requirements
of the current IEE Wiring Regulations; for any defects found to
be logged and the necessary action taken, and ensure that certificates
of satisfactory testing are received.
FURTHER ADVICE
If you require any further advice please contact your local
Fire Safety Office at one of the following addresses:
Salisbury Fire Station
Ashley Road
Salisbury
SP2 7TN
01722 439300
Or
Swindon Fire Station
Drove Road
Swindon
SN1 3AD
01793 401229
Or
Trowbridge Fire Station
Hilperton Road
Trowbridge
BA14 7TB
01225 756530
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