A person holding a clipboard and filling out a form with a pen, wearing a checkered shirt.
Fire & Life Safety

Weekly Fire Alarm Testing for Glasgow Businesses

Stay compliant with British Standard (BS 5839) and meet all fire safety standards with RACAM’s weekly fire alarm testing. Guarantee your Glasgow business's fire alarm systems function properly and business safe with RACAM, get your free weekly fire alarm quote today.
Logo with a turquoise column graphic on the left and purple text reading 'Constructionline' to the right.
NSI Silver
Round badge-style logo with a blue border and a white centre. It features a blue flower-like design at the top, the text 'SafeContractor' in white on a blue background, and the word 'APPROVED' beneath it.
cyber essentials certified badge

Get a Free Quote

    How often should your commercial fire alarms be tested?

    The British Standard BS 5839-6:2019 mandates a weekly fire alarm system test for optimal functionality. Testing ensures the system operates effectively in case of a fire. Familiarise yourself with the fire alarm panel locations to guarantee smooth operation and timely fire detection.

    On top of weekly fire alarm checks, a detailed inspection every six months for a thorough check should be conducted. Trust the experts and allow RACAM to keep your Glasgow business safe.

    Types of Fire Alarm Systems and How to Test Them

    The different types of commercial fire alarm systems:

    Conventional Fire Alarm Systems:

    These divide the building into zones. Each zone has multiple detectors, and when one triggers, the specific zone’s information is displayed.

    Addressable Fire Alarm Systems:

    In these systems, each detector has a unique address, allowing precise identification of the triggered device’s location.

    Wireless Fire Alarm Systems:

    These operate without physical wiring, relying on radio signals to communicate between components.

    How to test your commercial fire alarm systems:

    Manual Call Point Test:

    Activating the call points to check if they trigger the alarm and signal the control panel.

    Detector Test:

    Verifying individual detectors by generating smoke or heat near them to ensure they detect these elements and trigger the alarm.

    Audible and Visual Alarm Test:

    Testing sirens, strobes, or other alarm signals to ensure they activate properly.

    It’s important to test a different call point each time to make sure your entire fire alarm system is functioning as it should be!

    Regularly testing these systems, following manufacturer guidelines and national standards, helps ensure they’re ready to protect lives and property in case of a fire. For detailed and accurate testing, consider professional fire alarm services in Glasgow to guarantee your system’s reliability.

    Trusted by

    South Lanarkshire council logo
    The Sea Cadets logo
    Logo with the letters 'OCS' in bold font, where 'O' and 'S' are in dark blue, and 'C' is in orange.
    Qinetiq company logo
    The Salvation Army logo

    How should my weekly fire alarm test be carried out?

    Carry out your fire alarm testing using these 10 easy steps:

    Read Instructions: Always start by checking the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper testing procedures.
    Notify Staff: Inform your team before conducting the test to avoid unnecessary alarm.
    Scheduled Testing: Test the system at the same time every week for consistency.
    ARC Connection: If your alarm connects to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), inform them before testing and put the system on ‘test’ mode.
    Prepare Key: Have a manual call point reset key ready to reset the activated call point after testing.
    Record Details: Keep a record of the test, noting the zone and call point tested.
    Activate Call Point: Trigger a manual call point to initiate the alarm.
    Confirmation: Check the alarm sounds, then reset the call point using the reset key.
    Control Panel Check: Confirm on the fire alarm control panel that the activated call point address and zone are accurate.
    Silence and Reset: If everything is correct, silence the alarm and reset the fire alarm control panel.
    Remember, test a different call point each week to ensure your entire system is functioning. Regular testing guarantees your fire alarm activates and alerts you of fire dangers when needed. For thorough and professional testing, consider engaging fire alarm service experts to ensure your Glasgow premises fire system’s reliability.

    Fire Alarm System Maintenance For Glasgow Businesses

    A technician wearing a hard hat and blue uniform installing or fire alarm and smoke detector device on a ceiling.

    Your company’s designated fire safety professional (generally the property manager or fire warden) holds a legal obligation for regular service and maintenance of the fire alarm in a building.

    To ensure the system’s efficiency and durability, a competent specialist, approved under BAFE SP203-1, must conduct this maintenance. Such as our fire safety professionals at RACAM.

    Keeping a detailed logbook of weekly tests and service visits to maintain a comprehensive record of the fire alarm’s upkeep is a must. Trust our qualified experts to maintain your fire alarm systems, guaranteeing your Glasgow premises safety.

    How should fire alarm testing be logged? 

    Having a detailed log provides you with a clear history of your weekly fire alarm system testing and maintenance, aiding in compliance and ensuring the system’s reliability. Here’s what you need to do to record your fire alarm testing at your Glasgow property:

    Logbook: Maintain a dedicated logbook specifically for fire alarm testing records.
    Details: Note down the date, time, and details of each test performed, including the zone or specific devices tested.
    Results: Record the outcome of the test—whether the alarm activated, any issues encountered, and actions taken.
    Service Visits: Include details of professional service visits, noting the work done and any adjustments made.
    Consistency: Ensure regular entries after each test or service visit to maintain an up-to-date record.
    A RACAM employee wearing a tool belt installing a fire alarm system in a kitchen.

    Preventing false alarms

    Most automatic fire alarms detect various elements beyond fires, leading to false alerts from steam, smoke, or aerosols. This highlights the value of having weekly tests conducted by fire safety professionals for your Glasgow business.

    To minimise false alarms:

    Appropriate Alarm Type: Ensure the fire alarm suits the building’s needs to avoid unnecessary triggers.
    Regular Maintenance: Keep the alarm system well-maintained to enhance its reliability.
    Thorough Investigation: Investigate every false alarm to identify causes and take necessary corrective measures.
    Filtering Process: Implement a safe process to investigate alarm triggers before contacting the fire brigade. This ensures a cautious approach to alarm responses, reducing unnecessary emergencies.

    By choosing the right commercial fire alarm to install for your Glasgow business, maintaining it diligently, investigating false alarms, and introducing cautious filtering processes, you can significantly decrease false alarms, ensuring a more reliable fire alarm system and the safety of occupants and emergency responders.

    For expert weekly fire alarm testing services and advice, get in touch with our fire safety engineers today for a free quote.

    Trusted by

    Logo featuring a grey silhouette of a bear walking, with the text 'BEAR' in blue and 'Scotland' in grey beneath it.
    BoConcept Logo
    Amey company logo
    ED Leisure + Culture business logo
    Wellwood communications company logo

    Fire Alarm Testing FAQs

    What is the legal requirement for fire alarm testing?
    In the UK, fire alarm testing is a legal obligation under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The responsible person, like a building owner or manager, must ensure regular testing to ensure the alarm system is in proper working order, creating a safe environment for everyone inside the premises.
    What is the procedure for fire alarm testing?
    How much does it cost to test a fire alarm?
    How often should smoke alarms be tested?

    RACAM: Trusted Fire Safety Specialists For Glasgow Businesses

    RACAM is here to make sure your commercial fire alarm system is up to the mark, keeping your premises safe and secure.

    Our trusted team in Glasgow is ready to provide you with expert weekly fire alarm testing as well as other comprehensive fire services. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for professional advice, reliable solutions, and a free weekly fire alarm testing quote specifically to meet your Glasgow business’s fire safety needs!

    Certified Excellence

    Our Accreditations

    Constructionline logo
    NSI Silver
    Round badge-style logo with a blue border and a white centre. At the top is a blue floral-like emblem, followed by the text 'SafeContractor' in white on a blue band, with the word 'APPROVED' directly below
    cyber essentials certified

    Client Testimonials

    Katie BellKatie Bell
    21:24 08 Aug 23
    Highly recommend contacting Andrea as a real professional who will understand client requirements and go the extra mile to ensure needs are met. 5 🌟
    brian talentbrian talent
    20:34 07 Aug 23
    Very punctual and professional team
    David EarleyDavid Earley
    13:32 07 Aug 23
    I wouldn't look anywhere else for my security needs. RACAM offer a professional and reliable service
    Bill MuirBill Muir
    12:01 07 Aug 23
    First class company providing a 1st class service. They will cover call aspects of your security to give you total peace of mind. Give Andrea a call and she will put your mind at ease from the outset. I would totally recommend this company to all businesses and homes looking for the correct level of security.
    Arthur BeverlyArthur Beverly
    11:35 07 Aug 23
    Hi. I’ve known Andrea for just under a year and in that time I’ve found her to diligent, hardworking and extremely knowledgeable about her work. Don’t be shy about contacting her. She’ll be delighted to help you as much as she can.
    David BoughtonDavid Boughton
    09:53 27 Jun 23
    Engineer arrived on time and installed alarm system without problems and left my home clean and tidy . The office staff where very helpful from start to finish of the project.
    George MonaghanGeorge Monaghan
    09:18 20 Jun 23
    Delighted to give Racam a 5 star review after all the work carried out at the home address in Wishaw. Cctv installation work was excellent and the monitoring system was fully explained to me. Highly recommended for all your security needs. Just first class.
    War GravesWar Graves
    17:27 17 Aug 22
    An outstanding, professional and expert service from initial contact, through to survey, quotation and installation. RACAM supplied and installed a 5 MP set of CCTV cameras at my home to cover the exterior of the property and my cars. The price was good but that is not the only reason that I used them, it was their commitment, professional attitude and willingness to work to my timescale which was urgent. I'd not hesitate to recommend RACAM or to use them again. A definite FIVE STARS from this very satisfied customer.
    js_loader

    Your Safety, Our Commitment: Protecting Central Scotland Since 1998​

    Every year there are more than 1 million burglaries and attempted burglaries in the UK, and we want to help reduce that number significantly. There are many ways to protect your premises and with our knowledge and expertise, you’ll be in safe hands.

    Setup by Brian Maguire & Joe Armstrong in 1998 and later joined by Brian’s son Calum, their team are proud to have protected thousands of homes and businesses throughout Central Scotland.

    Our engineers are fully trained & suitably qualified, and our business is NSI accredited meaning that we are recognised by the industry’s premier security & fire certification body for our technical expertise and reassuring quality of service.

    Commercial Services

    With 38% of businesses with premises finding themselves a victim of crime, the most prevalent of which was theft, having a reliable security system is a must (Gov.UK). We offer expert advice and quality products at affordable prices.

    Security Systems
    Fire & Life Safety
    Communications

    Residential Services

    A UK home is burgled every 164 seconds (Cladcodecking.com). A home security system not only gives you peace of mind it can also deter crime. For expert advice, quality products at affordable prices contact us today. Your safety and security is our business.

    Home CCTV Installations
    Intruder Alarm Systems
    Innovation Through Partnership

    Our Technical Partners