Fire and smoke alarms are some of the most important devices in homes, commercial properties, and public buildings. It is their job to give people an early warning if there is an issue, allowing a timely response that could save lives. However, many people don’t keep up with testing their equipment. It can defeat the objective of having it, especially if there are faults. As one of the top providers of fire alarm installations in Saltburn, we want to give a warning and reminder of what to do to maintain the alarms.
Regular checks
While it may seem excessive, it’s good practice to get into the habit of testing alarms frequently. Monthly or even weekly checks are a good idea. This can ensure they have power and will work as needed if there is a fire. Ideally, you should have a competent person do the checks, especially if it is a commercial property, public building, or shared housing.
Batteries
One of the most important things to keep on top of is battery life. Some fire and smoke alarms get their power purely from batteries. Others have them as a back-up in case there is a loss of power supply. Whatever the case, it’s vital to check the condition regularly. In addition, make sure you replace the batteries before they reach the end of their life. Even if you have long life ones, it’s better to be safer than sorry.
Obstructions
It’s also a good idea to make sure there are no potential obstructions that would affect the performance of the alarms. Think about things like dust and dirt. You should test to make sure there are no issues and clean to remove anything that could cause problems.
Placement
One of the best things about working with us to arrange fire alarm installations in Saltburn is we will make sure there are alarms in the right places. It can be tricky to decide exactly where to place them. Luckily, we know best practice guidelines for various properties.
There are a couple of crucial things to keep in mind about placement when you are testing alarms. Most importantly, has there been a change in the property? Are you now using any equipment with the potential to cause a fire in an area where there isn’t any alarms? If so, you may need to install new equipment in the area.
Do they provide the right kind of warnings?
Finally, you should expand your testing to ensure your alarms give the right warnings to people in the property. Traditional equipment will have a sounder to emit a loud, shrill alarm. However, it may not be sufficient for people with hearing impairments, loud work settings, or workers that need to wear hearing protection. It’s important to consider if you need sensory alarms that vibrate or feature flashing lights. If you do have sensory alarms, you need to ensure you test them properly on a regular basis too.
Speak to us about fire alarm installations in Saltburn
Having the right equipment is one of the most important things if you want to maximise fire safety. This includes fire and smoke alarms, extinguishers, fire doors, and other products. Just as importantly though, you must maintain everything. The goal is to ensure that faults and wear and tear won’t cause issues like false alarms or failure to operate.
If you need some help with fire safety, we’d be happy to assist you. We’ve got a competent team and experience supporting clients with various properties. You can rely on us for fire alarm installations in Saltburn as well as various other services, including inspections and maintenance.
So, get in touch today if you need anything.
