Modern building projects include a variety of detection systems. The fire alarm system acts as an essential interface to other technical systems. It is the nervous system of fire protection!
What functions do fire alarm systems perform?
In an emergency, the fire alarm system is a direct point of contact with the fire department. The maintenance and servicing of this system is therefore extremely important. Be it in terms of insurance cover or, above all, the safety of employees.
Early fire detection can save lives and prevent major damage to property. However, a fire alarm system is only as good as its maintenance!
Who is authorized to service fire alarm systems?
The maintenance of fire alarm systems should therefore only be carried out by persons who are familiar with the operational conditions. If external companies are commissioned to carry out this maintenance, they should be certified in accordance with ÖNROM F 3070.
The following points are mandatory for the functionality of a fire alarm system:
Who is responsible for the maintenance of a fire alarm system?
Inspections which are the responsibility of the maintenance provider (property owner):
Every three months: visual inspection for soiling, damage and labeling by trained, in-house personnel.
Once a year: Testing of the automatic fire detectors by qualified personnel with regard to the activation of the respective fire size.
Manual call points_
Monthly: Visual inspection by qualified personnel for damage
Once a year: Function test via triggering
Maintenance of fire alarm systems:
The requirements of ÖNORM F 3070 must be observed. Depending on the fire alarm system, intervals of 12 to 60 months apply. If the actual data determined during maintenance does not correspond to the target data, repair measures may need to be carried out.
When do inspections have to be carried out for fire alarm systems?
Inspections must be carried out every 2 years: by state-accredited testing and inspection bodies. Subsequent modifications and any changes in use are often taken into account and the condition of the fire alarm system is checked on a regular basis. The inspection report issued serves as proof of the condition of the fire alarm system for the system operator and the authorities.
What must be carried out during inspections of fire alarm systems?
Aspects of the audit
- Fire alarm control panel: accessibility, labeling, checking the mains fault, battery fault, possible wire breaks, alarms, acoustic signals, the display element
- Power supply: Check whether there is sufficient bridging time and when the next battery replacement is required
- Command and control equipment (operating group directory, fire control directory, alarm group plans, fire protection plans)
- Any changes to the scope of protection of the conversions or additions, changes in dedication
- Control book, entry of fire protection officer, alarm organization, fire protection officer (BSB), control bookkeeping, continuous alarm counter readings
- Checking the maintenance log
- Checking the number of triggered detectors during maintenance
- Check for any inconsistencies between the entry in the maintenance log and the conditions on site
- When connecting the fire alarm control panel to alarm receiving points, check whether the connection conditions are still fulfilled.
- Function test by triggering a detector with complete alarm history
- Preparation of an inspection report, which must include all inspection points
It is mandatory that the initial commissioning and all maintenance, servicing and inspection work carried out are documented in a corresponding inspection logbook.
What is the best way to maintain a fire alarm system?
Fire protection systems can save lives – provided they work! Regular, professional maintenance is therefore essential. MyBuilding24 helps with internal operations: don’t miss any maintenance appointments, document all inspections, revisions and maintenance work so that you can provide the relevant evidence in the event of damage.
Glossary – Laws – Standards:
- TRVB O120 (Technical Guideline for Preventive Fire Protection)
- ÖNORM B 1205
- ÖNORM B 3850
- ÖNORM EN 14637
- TRVB B 148
- TRVB 123 S (Technical Guidelines for Preventive Fire Protection)
- Workplace Ordinance
- Trade regulations (for companies subject to the trade regulations)
- ÖNORM F 3070