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USER RESPONSIBILITIES
BS5839-1 is the British Standard code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fi re detection
and fi re alarm systems for buildings. Section 7 of the standard (User
Responsibilities) states that a named responsible person should be appointed to supervise all matters pertaining to the fi re
alarm system {clause 47.2a}.
Highlighted below is a summary of the main functions of the responsible person is expected to carry out with regard to
BS5839-1 only. It does not highlight any other responsibilities that may be required of the user or responsible person that is
listed in documentation such as the Employers Guide to Fire Safety, the
Fire Precautions (Workplace) regulations and/or any other legislation relevant to the premises. If in doubt, the fi re authority
can advise on the fi re legislation that applies to any given building.
For countries outside the UK, diff erent user responsibilities may apply.
BS5839-1 states the responsible person should:
(The bracketed numbers {xx} identify the BS5839-1 clauses to which the summary refers).
1 Ensure the fi re alarm panel is checked daily to confi rm there are no faults on the system {47.2b}.
2 Ensure arrangements are in place for the test, maintenance and regular servicing of the system with regard to Section 6 of
the standard {47.2c}.
Important: Clause 44 of BS5839-1 recommends weekly and monthly tests that should be carried out by the user/responsible
person - please refer to the bottom of this section for further details.
3 Ensure the system log book is kept up to date by recording fi re signals, fault signals, work on the system, etc, and make sure
it is available for inspection at all times {47.2d/48}.
4 Ensure that all relevant occupants of the protected premises are instructed in the proper use of the system {47.2e}.
5 Take steps to limit the number of false alarms on the system {47f }.
6 Ensure the eff ectiveness of the system is not impaired by ensuring there is a space of at least 500mm in all directions around
and below every fi re detector and that all manual call points are unobstructed and easy to see {47g}.
7 Liaise with all relevant building engineers, decorators, etc., to ensure any changes to (or maintenance of ), the building's
fabric does not compromise the protection given by the fi re alarm system, create faults or false alarms {47h}.
8 Ensure that any structural or occupancy changes planned for the building are done so with due and early consideration
given to any changes that may be required to the fi re system {47h}.
9 Ensure that a selection of spare parts are held as appropriate within the premises {47j}.
Routine weekly and monthly testing to be undertaken by the user/responsible person:
To meet the requirements of Clause 44 of BS5839-1 we recommend the following tests are carried out at approximately the
same time each week, during normal working hours:
Note: It is essential any alarm receiving centre is contacted before and after these tests to avoid unwanted alarms and to con-
fi rm the fi re signal is correctly received.
• Carry out an indicator lamp test to check all Zone lights show and the beeper sounds.
• Operate a manual call point or smoke/heat detector to test the fi re alarm.
• Check that the alarm sounders operate.
• Reset the system by pressing the Silence/Resound Sounders button and Control Panel Reset button.
• Verify that no manual call points or smoke/heat detectors are obstructed in any way.
• Test a diff erent zone each week using a diff erent call point or detector so all are tested in rotation.
Monthly attention:
Ensure authorised service personnel verify the system's standby power supply (or supplies) are in good
working order.
Quarterly and periodic inspection, testing, servicing and maintenance
It is the user's responsibility to ensure that an ongoing periodic plan is in place that meets Clause 45
(Inspection and Servicing) of BS5839-1. The work required to meet this Clause must be carried out by a competent person
with specialist knowledge of fi re detection and alarm systems.
The standard recognises this will normally be an outside specialist fi re alarm servicing organisation.
Please note:
the above summaries do not replace Sections 6 and 7 of BS5839-1 but are intended to help the user gain a
greater understanding of his or her responsibilities. We strongly recommend the named responsible person familiarises them-
selves with the full and current standard.
2/4/8 ZONE CONVENTIONAL FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL
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