How Often Should Fire Alarms Be Serviced in the Workplace?
Fire alarms are one of those safety systems that people rarely think about until something goes wrong. But keeping them in good working order is not only common sense, it’s a legal requirement.
Regular fire alarm servicing helps make sure your system will do its job properly when it matters most.
So, how often should you be checking and servicing your alarm system, and what exactly is expected by law?
| A quick summary Test your fire alarm once a week using a different call point each time Have a professional engineer service it every six months Record everything in your fire safety logbook Call for an extra inspection if the system shows any faults or false alarms Keep your maintenance routine consistent to stay compliant with BS 5839 and the Fire Safety Order |
What the law requires
Every workplace in the UK must have a system for detecting and warning of fire. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, that system must be kept “in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.”
To meet this requirement, businesses are expected to follow BS 5839-1:2017, the British Standard for non-domestic fire alarm systems. It outlines how often different checks and servicing tasks should happen and who should do them.
Want to understand exactly what BS 5839 requires?
Take a look at our guide: Are You Compliant? Understanding BS 5839 Fire Alarm Standards
Routine checks inside your business
Some basic checks can be done by your own staff. These are quick and simple, but they make a big difference.
Weekly test:
Once a week, someone in your building should activate one manual call point (a break-glass fire alarm). Each week, test a different call point so that all of them are checked over time.
The purpose of this test is to make sure the alarm sounds and the control panel shows the right zone.
Log your results:
Keep a written record of every test. Note which call point was used, the date, the time, and whether everything worked correctly. This record is useful for audits and proves that your business takes fire safety seriously.
Visual checks:
Staff should also look out for anything that seems off, such as damage to detectors, missing covers, or warning lights showing on the alarm panel. If anything looks wrong, it’s best to call a qualified engineer straight away.
If you’d like a quick reminder of what to include in your regular safety checks,you can find all the key points in one place here: Fire Risk Assessment Checklist for Commercial Buildings
Professional servicing and inspections
According to BS 5839, a fire alarm system should be serviced by a competent engineer at least every six months. Some higher-risk buildings such as care homes, hotels, or large offices may benefit from quarterly inspections.
A professional service visit is more detailed than your weekly test. It usually includes:
- Testing detectors, call points, and sounders
- Cleaning smoke and heat detectors to remove dust or dirt
- Checking back-up batteries and power supplies
- Verifying that the system connects properly to any monitoring centre
- Looking at the pattern of recent alarms to identify false triggers
- Making sure logbooks and zone charts are up to date
At the end of each visit, the engineer should give you a service report and sign your logbook. Keep this as proof of compliance.
Why six months is the right interval
A lot can change in six months. Detectors can collect dust, electrical components can loosen, and even minor building works can affect how your system performs. Servicing twice a year gives engineers the chance to spot small faults before they become bigger problems.
Leaving too long between checks often leads to nuisance alarms or, worse, systems that fail to activate when needed. That can put lives at risk and could invalidate insurance cover.
When to arrange an extra service
Even if your system has recently been checked, some signs mean you should call for another inspection.
You might need an extra visit if:
- The system starts triggering false alarms regularly
- The alarm panel shows fault lights or beeps
- You notice any damage to detectors or wiring
- You’ve had electrical or construction work done near alarm equipment
- There’s been a fire, even a small one, in part of the building
Quick action can prevent faults from spreading and help keep your staff and property safe.
Keeping accurate records
Every check and service should be logged in a fire alarm maintenance record. This includes:
- The date and time of the inspection
- The name of the person or engineer who carried it out
- Any issues found and what was done to fix them
- Details of any repairs or replacements
Good record keeping shows that your business takes compliance seriously. It also makes life easier if the Fire and Rescue Service or your insurer asks for proof of maintenance.
Also read: How ready would you be if a fire inspector turned up?
Building a maintenance routine that works
It helps to have a clear schedule so checks are never missed. Here’s a simple plan based on BS 5839-1:
| Frequency | Task | Who does it | Notes |
| Weekly | Test one manual call point | Trained staff member | Rotate call points each week |
| Monthly | Visual inspection of panel and detectors | Facilities team | Look for warning lights or damage |
| Every 6 months | Full service and test | Qualified fire alarm engineer | Follow BS 5839 standards |
| Annually | Review fire safety risk assessment | Responsible Person | Update any procedures or layouts |
This approach keeps your workplace compliant, your system reliable, and your staff confident that they’ll be warned quickly if there’s ever a fire.
The benefits of professional servicing
It’s tempting to think in-house testing might be enough, but engineers offer expertise that goes far beyond a simple button press.
- They can find faults that aren’t visible or obvious
- They know how to check circuits, sensors, and control systems safely
- They make sure your system matches your building’s layout and fire zones
- They help reduce false alarms, which saves disruption and costs
- Their reports keep you fully compliant with insurers and regulators
For businesses in Bromley, local fire alarm engineers also understand the requirements of local authorities and can tailor the service to your specific type of building.
Book your fire alarm servicing in Bromley
Regular fire alarm servicing is one of the simplest ways to protect people, property, and your business. It keeps you on the right side of the law, prevents unnecessary disruption, and ensures your system is ready when it’s truly needed.
If your workplace in Bromley hasn’t had a professional check recently, now is a good time to arrange one. A quick visit from a qualified engineer can make all the difference between a reliable system and a risky one.
Jackson Fire & Security provides professional fire alarm servicing in Bromley, carried out by qualified engineers who understand local regulations and business needs. Whether you manage an office, warehouse, or school, we’ll help you stay compliant, reduce false alarms, and keep your people safe.
Book your fire alarm service in Bromley today or call 01322 250 350 to speak to our local team to arrange a free site assessment.