It’s only in the event of a real emergency that you truly understand how incredibly important having the correct fire safety precautions in place is. In the day to day of business life, essential fire maintenance services are just one more administrative task to stay on top of. But if the worst ever happens, having the correct, well-maintained equipment is vital. And can literally make the difference between life and death.
At 1st Class Fire Protection, we provide the essential fire maintenance services your business needs to remain safe in all eventualities. But do you know what equipment your business needs? Or what maintenance that equipment requires?
Find Out What Essential Fire Maintenance Services Your Business Needs
1. Fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are your first line of defence in any fire event. But many businesses struggle to work out how many fire extinguishers they need, and which type of fire extinguishers they should be using in the various areas of their business.
There are five different types of fire extinguisher available. And they are each suitable for use in a specific set of circumstances.
But while most people know that they are legally required to have fire extinguishers on their business premises, what many people don’t realise is that fire extinguishers need to be serviced at least once every year. And inspected monthly. Your annual fire extinguisher service is required to ensure that all of your extinguishers are fully functional and ready to work if they are ever called on. Although they typically have a long lifespan, fire extinguishers don’t last forever. So, your annual service will also let you know whether any of your fire extinguishers need to be replaced.
1st Class Fire protection provides a range of fire extinguisher maintenance services. Including basic annual service, extended service, and any other maintenance required by your insurance company. Our BAFE registered engineers will work with you, around the needs of your business. Helping to ensure that you have the right kinds of fire extinguisher in the right places. And that they are all fit for purpose.
2. Fire alarms
Unless you work in a small, open-plan, single story building, where all parts of the premises can be seen by all workers, UK businesses are legally required to have a fire detection system installed. But with eight distinct fire alarm types available, understanding which fire alarm category is right for your business isn’t always easy.
At 1st Class Fire Protection, we can help you identify the best fire alarm type for your premises – manual, life protection, or property protection. And create a schedule for your essential fire alarm maintenance. Which should include servicing at least every six months. And any related repairs.
Our highly qualified and experienced engineers work to current British Standards. And we can supply, install, and maintain fire alarm systems for all business types and sizes.
3. Emergency lighting
According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and British Standards EN 1838, British businesses must have emergency lighting installed. Also known as escape and standby lighting, emergency lighting springs into action whenever there is a power outage. Whether through mains-related issues, or a more localised power cut, as would happen in the event of a fire. And there are four different types of emergency lighting:
- Escape route lighting
- Open area emergency lighting
- High-risk task area lighting
- Standby lighting
All of these emergency lighting types require regular testing and maintenance. Primarily to ensure that bulbs are functioning, all connections are intact, and there are no problems with the battery.
Emergency lighting testing should take place at least once a month. With the lights being activated for at least 10 minutes. While an in-depth three-hour test should occur annually. This is usually best managed out of hours to avoid too much disruption to the business.
Emergency lighting servicing should also happen annually and be conducted by a qualified technician. This will allow you to identify any potential problems with the system, and ensure that everything is in full working order for any future fire events.
As well as maintaining your emergency lighting system, 1st Class Fire Protection can guide you through correct emergency lighting placement. And supply and install new lights and complete emergency lighting systems.
In order to keep your business, employees, and customers fully protected, it’s important that you plan a regular schedule of essential fire maintenance. That way, you will not only be fully compliant with UK fire safety regulations. But you will know that you have done the very best for your business.
1st Class Fire Protection is an industry-leading fire protection company serving customers throughout Norfolk, Suffolk, and the surrounding areas of Cambridgeshire. We provide full installation and maintenance for the complete range of fire protection solutions for businesses. Get in touch to arrange your essential fire maintenance services.
