Guide
The weekly fire alarm test: who does it and what to record
Updated
The weekly test costs nothing and catches most of what goes wrong between service visits. It is also the record an inspector is most likely to ask to see first.
What it is for
- Confirming the alarm actually sounds, and that the panel registers the activation.
- Finding a fault within days instead of at the next service visit.
- Making sure occupants recognise the sound of the alarm in the building they work in.
- Producing a dated record that shows the maintenance system in article 17 of the Fire Safety Order is real and running.
How it is normally done
- Tell occupants a test is due, so nobody evacuates and nobody ignores a real alarm.
- Operate one call point, using a test key where the point needs one, and use a different call point each week so the whole system is exercised over time.
- Check the panel shows the expected zone and that sounders operate audibly where people work.
- Reset the panel, confirm it returns to normal, and log the date, time, call point tested, result and who did it.
- Report any fault to the servicing company straight away rather than waiting for the next visit.
The weekly user test is not a substitute for the periodic service. The service visit exercises detection devices, batteries and interfaces that a call point test does not touch.
Who should carry it out
A member of your own staff, briefed on the procedure. It does not need an engineer. Article 21 of the Fire Safety Order requires the responsible person to ensure employees are provided with adequate fire safety training when first employed and on being exposed to new or increased risks, repeated periodically where appropriate (legislation.gov.uk), and the person doing the weekly test is an obvious candidate for a short written procedure.
The logbook entry
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Date and time | Shows the interval is being kept without gaps |
| Call point tested | Proves the rotation is real rather than the same point every week |
| Zone shown at panel | Confirms the panel is reporting the correct location |
| Sounders audible where people work | The point of the test, and the thing most often assumed rather than checked |
| Faults found and action taken | Turns the log from a tick sheet into evidence of a working maintenance system |
| Name of person testing | Ties the record to the training given |
Keep the weekly log with your service reports. Between them they are what shows a suitable system of maintenance is in place, which is what article 17 requires of the responsible person.