How To Inspect, Maintain, And Test Your Fire Alarm System
The act of installing alarms systems in either your residential building or office building is simply the beginning. Even though it is widely known that these can save lives in cases of fire, alarms systems are only effective if they are properly maintained. The sad part is that the majority of the population doesn’t know how or doesn’t bother to learn the proper way of inspecting, maintaining, and testing fire alarm systems.
With that in mind, this article will focus on the importance of fire alarm maintenance.
Finding a Fire Alarm Service Company
Let’s start with the basics: finding a fire alarm service company! If you have not done so yet, try to look for a qualified and trusted fire alarm service company to assist you in your journey. Make sure that the company is fully licensed. Moreover, they must be recognized for their expertise in repairing, maintaining, installing, and designing the entirety of the fire alarm systems.
Continuous Fire Alarm Maintenance and Inspection
The next thing you should pay attention to is the regular maintenance of the actual alarms system. It is crucial that your fire alarm service company should perform an inspection regularly. This ensures that the system is capable of detecting a fire should the need arise.
In addition, you should also be familiar with how to maintain it well. It wouldn’t hurt to know the laws that govern fire alarms systems. If you understand the type of building you have, you are much more equipped with knowing the role of your fire alarm system.
Even though your fire alarm maintenance company will provide regular maintenance, you should also ensure that the system meets the requirements of the following:
Annual system inspection
Manufacturer’s recommended inspection frequency and standards
The local agency having jurisdiction
National Fire Prevention Association
Recording All Maintenance Activities
This is another task for you: ensure that you have a record of all fire alarm system maintenance activities. It is important that you possess a record of all adjustments or changes made to the alarms system. This data is necessary for any subsequent service personnel. With this, they’ll be able to understand the system’s existing conditions.
Now, let us proceed to your inspection checklist!
As soon as you have sorted out the details with your fire alarm maintenance company, you should now be able to come up with a list of things to inspect every now and then. This list will serve as your guide to ensure that your fire alarms systems are operational at all times.
Control Panel
Circuitry
Smoke Detectors
Heat Detectors
Manual Alarm Pull Stations
Notification Devices
Auxillary Power Sources
Battery Chargers
Door and Damper Releases
Annunciators
Central Monitoring
Detection Devices in Secondary Areas
Detection Devices in Elevator Shafts
In the end, you need to have ample knowledge of fire-related laws, as well as the basics of your fire alarms systems. This will ensure that everyone within the premises is safe should there be cases of fire. Luckily, your fire alarm maintenance partner will always be there to walk you through everything!
If you need alarms systems for fire and security for home or business, we got it all at Westminster Fire. Fully protect your property, contact us today and let’s discuss your needs/