Fire Alarm Certificate

Your Assurance of Fire Safety

Fire and Smoke Alarms

Fire and smoke alarms are critical for ensuring the safety of occupants within a property, especially when installed and maintained in accordance with the latest standards. Their proper functioning is essential in the event of a fire emergency, as they provide early warning and allow for timely evacuation. To ensure these systems are working as intended, regular inspections are not only important but also a legal requirement for non-domestic premises under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Fire and smoke alarm systems also must be tested in line with British Safety Standards (BS 5839) for domestic properties. Following successful testing, an official Fire and Smoke Alarm Certificate is issued, confirming that the system is compliant and operational. This certificate serves as formal proof of the system’s reliability and ability to effectively detect fires and alert occupants. It plays a vital role in enhancing fire safety, reducing risk, and supporting a swift evacuation in the event of an emergency.

What Does a Fire Alarm Certificate Cover?

A Fire Alarm Certificate is an official document that confirms a fire alarm system has been professionally installed, tested, inspected, or maintained in accordance with the relevant British Standards. Here’s a summary of what it covers:

Legal Requirement

In the UK, while the law doesn’t specifically require a document called a “fire alarm certificate,” it does legally require that fire alarm systems in certain buildings are installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with British Standard BS 5839 and The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. To prove compliance, a fire alarm certificate is typically issued by a competent person after installation, commissioning, or maintenance. This certificate serves as formal evidence that the system meets safety and legal standards, particularly important for landlords, business owners, and those responsible for HMOs or commercial premises. Failure to demonstrate compliance can lead to fines, enforcement notices, or prosecution in the event of a fire safety breach.

Fire Safety Inspection Process

The fire alarm inspection process involves a detailed check of a fire alarm system to ensure it is operating correctly and in compliance with British Standards (BS 5839). It is typically carried out by a qualified fire alarm engineer or competent person and is essential for maintaining fire safety in both residential and commercial buildings. Here we explain in more detail about the typical process:

Step 1 – Visual Inspection

The engineer begins by visually inspecting the entire fire alarm system. This includes checking the condition of detectors, manual call points, sounders, and the control panel to ensure everything is clean, undamaged, and properly installed.

Step 2 – Control Panel Check

Next, the fire alarm control panel is tested to confirm it’s functioning correctly. The engineer checks for power, fault indicators, correct zoning, and whether essential functions like reset, silence, and evacuation are operational.

Step 3 – Detector and Call Point Testing

A portion of smoke and heat detectors, along with manual call points, are activated to ensure they correctly trigger the alarm system. These are usually tested on a rotating basis so that all are inspected over the course of a year.

Step 4 – Sounder and Alarm Tests

The alarm sounders are tested to verify they can be clearly heard throughout the building. Sound levels are checked to meet minimum legal requirements, and visual alarms (if fitted) are also tested to ensure they’re working correctly.

Step 5 – Battery and Power Supply Check

The mains power supply and backup batteries are inspected to ensure the system remains functional in the event of a power outage. Battery condition and voltage are tested to confirm adequate backup capacity.

Contact KCS Electrics for a Fire Alarm certificate

At KCS Electrics, our team of qualified supervisors and fire safety experts is dedicated to ensuring your fire and smoke alarm systems meet the latest Health and Safety Regulations and British Standard BS 5839. We carry out thorough inspections covering all key safety aspects, and upon successful completion, we issue a valid Fire and Smoke Alarm Safety Certificate. Our reliable inspection services help protect you from potential legal or financial penalties by ensuring full compliance. With affordable pricing and a commitment to high-quality service, KCS Electrics takes the stress out of fire safety compliance so you can focus on what matters most.