16/02/2026
In order for your company to remain compliant regarding fire regulations the "responsible person " must ensure that the tests for your fire provisions are carried out at the required time frames.
It can be onerous to ascertain when and how they should be completed and recorded.
I have attached a document listing what, how, who and the frequency of all your Fire Provision tests.
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You need to keep the fire safety measures and equipment in the workplace in effective working order. This includes all fixtures and fittings such as fire doors, staircases, corridors, fire detection and alarm systems, fire-fighting equipment, notices and emergency lighting. You need to carry out regular checks, periodic servicing and maintenance whatever the size of the workplace. Any defects should be put right as quickly as possible.
You, or an employee you have nominated, can carry out checks and routine maintenance work. However, it is important to ensure the reliability and safe operation of fire-fighting equipment and installed systems such as fire alarms and emergency lighting. This is best done by using a competent person to carry out periodic servicing and any necessary repairs. A record of the work carried out on such equipment and systems will help to demonstrate compliance with the law.
PERIODS FOR TESTING OF FIRE PROVISIONS.
BS installed fire alarms should be tested: -
o Annually by a qualified electrician.
o Weekly by a member of staff. (For multiple calls point alarms use a different call point each week).
Mains or battery-operated smoke detectors should be tested monthly. Unless the batteries are specifically longer life batteries they should be changed annually or when the low warning signal can be heard.
BS installed emergency lighting.
TESTING, MAINTENANCE AND RECORDING
The occupier/manager should be instructed in the method of operating and testing all systems. Results of all tests with the exception of a satisfactory daily inspection should be recorded in a logbook.
The emergency lighting provided should be such that when in operation the illumination given off is sufficient to enable persons to see their way out without the aid of the general lighting and also to illuminate all exit notices provided. The emergency lighting should operate not only on a complete failure of the normal lighting but also in the event of a sub circuit or local failure such as would be caused by the rupturing of a local distribution fuse. British Standard BS 5266: Pt 1 and Pt 8 (EN 50172): 2004 'Emergency escape lighting systems' details the acceptable standard. (A maintained system is required where the circulation area lighting is switched off during the hours of darkness). The emergency lighting system should be tested in accordance with British Standard 5266 Part 1.
Many inspections of premises reveal that the emergency lighting system is either ineffective or defective through lack of basic maintenance. The result is that owners must then carry out expensive repairs. This can be avoided by carrying out regular testing of the system. The emergency lighting system in your premises must be inspected at regular intervals to ensure that it is working properly; and to ensure the life expectancy of the batteries.
Note: All of the following should be confirmed in accordance with any manufacturer’s individual specifications.
INSPECTION'S AND TESTS SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT AS FOLLOWS:-
Daily Check that all lamps in a maintained system (i.e. a system which is illuminated at all times) are lit.
Monthly Test the function of the system by simulating an interruption of the normal mains supply for each sub circuit in the area of each lamp. This is normally done by withdrawing the lighting fuses or isolating the circuit by means of the circuit breakers. The mains power to the circuits should only be interrupted for the minimum amount of time necessary to check, that all the lamps on each circuit are illuminated. Switching off the power at the mains switch is not an acceptable method of carrying out this test.
With the exception of only the simplest of systems, it will be necessary to write down the locations of the fuse or circuit breaker boards. The instructions should be kept in your logbook. Similarly each board should contain instructions as to how to carry out the test e.g. "to test emergency lighting remove fuses 1, 2, 4 and 6"
Six Monthly The test is the same as the monthly test, with the exception that the mains supply should be interrupted for a period equal to above one third of the design duration of the system.(Most systems require a period of discharge to maintain the life of the batteries. This period should be confirmed in accordance with the manufacturers individual specifications).
The design duration of a relatively modern system is normally 3 hours. In many cases it should be possible to check the design duration by looking at the technical information on the luminaire itself.
Three Yearly You should contact a qualified electrician to test and inspect your system. All light fittings seem to attract dirt and the performance of emergency lighting luminaires can be dramatically affected. Luminaire covers and lamps should be regularly cleaned.
If torches are provided they should be checked monthly for operation and batteries changed annually.
Fire extinguishers should be: -
o Tested annually by a qualified service engineer.
o Visually checked monthly by a member of staff.
PAT testing of electrical equipment. (See table below)
The IEE Suggested Initial Frequency of Inspection & Testing (PAT Testing) of Class 1 Equipment.
Type of premises Type of equipment Formal visual inspection Combined inspection & testing
Offices & Shops Stationary equipment 24 months 48 months
IT equipment 24 months 48 months
Movable equipment 12 months 24 months
Portable equipment 12 months 24 months
Hand-held equipment 6 months 12 months
Hotels Stationary equipment 24 months 48 months
IT equipment 24 months 48 months
Movable equipment 12 months 24 months
Portable equipment 12 months 24 months
Hand-held equipment 6 months 12 months
Equipment used by the public Stationary equipment Monthly 12 months
IT equipment Monthly 12 months
Movable equipment Weekly 6 months
Portable equipment Weekly 6 months
Hand-held equipment Weekly 6 months
Industrial including commercial kitchens Stationary equipment None 12 months
IT equipment None 12 months
Movable equipment Monthly 6 months
Portable equipment Monthly 6 months
Hand-held equipment Monthly 6 months
Schools Stationary equipment None 12 months
IT equipment None 12 months
Movable equipment 4 months 12 months
Portable equipment 4 months 12 months
Hand-held equipment 4 months 12 months
Construction sites 110V equipment Stationary equipment Monthly 3 months
IT equipment Monthly 3 months
Movable equipment Monthly 3 months
Portable equipment Monthly 3 months
Hand-held equipment Monthly 3 months
o The equipment construction – The safety of Class 1 equipment is dependent upon a connection with earth. Class 2 equipment is not dependent upon a fixed earth.
o The equipment type – Appliances that are hand-held are more likely to be damaged than fixed appliances.
