Regular servicing of your fire and security equipment can have a host of benefits including, ensuring top performance, and elongating the life of the system in place. The importance of these checks cannot be stressed enough. Regular checks of life systems such as fire detection systems make certain that they will work effectively in the event of an emergency.
Whilst installing a custom alarm system suited to your property type and use is a great investment, the aftercare of the system is ultimately what will ensure that the system is working to keep your property and occupants safe and secure. Having a servicing agreement in place upon project completion will ensure that your system will be scheduled to be maintained and to the standards required.
In this article, we will cover the maintenance and servicing basics for fire and security equipment.
What is a Fire & Security Maintenance Agreement?
A maintenance agreement is a document that outlines when inspections are required to keep equipment in full working order. Having an agreement in place will ensure that these regular visits are planned inline with the required schedule.
Agreements will be customised to suit each customer, property type and use, to ensure that their systems are getting the best care. There are a variety of legal requirements and standards that may be required by insurers that must also be taken into consideration.
For a fire alarm system to be compliant to BS5839, an agreement must be in place for the servicing of the equipment.
Maintenance Reports
After each visit you will receive a detailed report. This report will document inspection and any issues that may have been found. Remedials and recommendations may also be on the report.
Depending on the size of your system and requirements, will determine the number of visits required per annum.
Fire alarms are required to be inspected at least twice per annum. Whilst for security systems, only one visit per annum is required unless the system is monitored with police response.
Why is Corrective Maintenance Less Effective than Preventative Maintenance?
Prevention is better than cure, especially in terms of fire and security systems. If you think about it, if you do not have your system regularly serviced, you will only find out it is not operating correctly when there a real emergency. Whether a security breach or fire, your alarm systems are in place to keep your property, occupants and assets protected but cannot do so if they are not working satisfactorily.
Corrective maintenance is the process after an issue has occurred with the system. Preventative maintenance is the servicing and maintenance visits to check on the system.
Having a preventative maintenance plan in place is the best idea for your fire and security systems. Having the systems regularly checked by a professional will ensure the safety of your properties.
