Q & A of the Day – What fire alarm and emergency lighting tests should be carried out?

Question: My company carries out fire alarm and emergency lighting testing for a local authority, but the authorities seem unsure of how often these should be tested. Are there certain tests that should be performed each year? The type of buildings we test are sheltered housing units, day centres and office blocks.

Answer: BS 5266-8:2004 (BS EN 50172:2004) includes details of routine inspections and tests of emergency lighting systems. Monthly tests should be carried out to check that each lamp illuminates. Annual full duration tests should also be carried out.

BS 5839-1:2002 includes details of inspection and tests of fire detection and fire alarm systems. Six-monthly and annual tests are described in the standard.

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