When it comes to fire alarm inspections and tests, both of these are extremely important in order to ensure that alarms are in compliance with NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. These are inspections that can also end up revealing many different areas of the fire signaling system within a building that may need to be either replaced or repaired. Furthermore, whenever the system itself is properly maintained, businesses will be able to fully protect themselves in the event of a fire by proving that their system is in alignment with the fire protection requirements mandated by their insurance company. The information provided can apply to smoke and building, warehouse, home, and office fire alarm inspections, monitoring, and installations.
While fire alarm inspections likely won’t be at the top of the list of priorities in terms of operating a business, the amount of time it takes and the slight disruption it may cause is slight in comparison to what can end up happening if the system itself were to malfunction as the result of an emergency.
In any fire alarm inspection, the first thing that happens involves the experienced technicians contacting the local fire department and ensuring that they are aware of any and all tests that they will be performing in order to make sure that no false alarms will be provoked. From there, the technicians will then head to the location where the inspection needs to be performed. When they arrive, tests will be conducted in order to ensure that every component of the system is working as properly as they should be. Generally, the following items will be inspected and tested:
*Heat and smoke detectors
*Zones and annunciators
*Batteries
*Activations and output relays
*Low-pressure alarms, flow switches, and tamper switches
*Switches and supervised control valves
In terms of exactly how long the inspection and test of a fire alarm takes, this is something that depends solely on the overall size of the building in which the alarm itself is situated. For instance, smaller-sized systems that are in a more contained area may end up taking approximately an hour to be inspected and tested; however, it can end up taking upwards of a few days to inspect and test larger-sized facilities that feature more complex systems. It’s important to note that the inspections and tests themselves will need to be as thorough as possible and should never, ever be rushed.
When it comes to employees, they should always be as familiar as possible with all procedures involving fire drills. Furthermore, they also must be made aware that all fire alarm testing will be occurring in the building where they work, as well as exactly when this type of testing will be taking place. For instance, inform them that factors such as strobes and alarms, while disruptive in nature, will only last for a few short minutes at one time in order to ensure that everything is working properly.
Fire alarm inspections and tests typically take place once a year in order to ensure that facilities are both safe and NFPA compliant. This involves technicians taking the time to test fire alarm control panels, alarm communication equipment, initiating devices, and remote annunciators, all of which is the majority of the inspection process itself. On the other hand, sensitivity tests involving smoke detection devices, as well as function tests, should be conducted once every two years.
Reach out to Dyezz Surveillance and Alarm for a free consultation today! See more about how we can help with office fire alarm inspections, monitoring, and installations!