A common failing on a fire-risk assessment is the lack of maintenance for the fire alarm. Ongoing fire alarm maintenance is a legal requirement. BS5839 requires a minimum of two six-monthly service visits per year and in more challenging environments (e.g. a hostile, dirty environment like a foundry) then additional service visits may be required. Maintenance (just like design, installation, commissioning and handover) also requires certification –not just an engineer’s signed sheet but rather a BS5359:part1:2017 certificate of maintenance.

