Schedule of inspection & testing

A. Inspection and testing

1. Introduction

In order that the systems put in place for the safety of staff and students may remain operative and functioning at their peak, regular inspection is vital. These inspections range from the day-to-day observation of components such as fire doors, fire escape routes, operation panels, fire extinguishers etc, which should be done by anyone and everyone as a matter of course, to the less-frequent but more comprehensive inspections that are to be carried out by competent person(s). All inspection and testing is carried out in accordance with BS5266 : Part 1 : 1988.

2. Means of Escape

Daily:

  • All fire resisting doors to be self-closing and close fitting in the frame, with smoke seals (if fitted ) sealing gaps and in good condition.
  • All exit doors to be unobstructed, maintained available for immediate use, and secured only by approved emergency locks or night latches.
  • All circulation areas forming the exit routes, (i.e. entrance halls, staircases, corridors and passageways) to be kept clear of all combustible storage, upholstered furniture and furniture containing storage facilities.
  • All ‘Exit Routes’ to be clearly indicated with appropriate ‘FIRE EXIT’ signs.
  • All ‘Notices’ relating to fire routine, fire resisting doors, cupboard storage doors etc, to be effectively displayed and secured in position.

Any defects or deviations from the above to be reported to Buildings & Estate Division without delay.

3. Fire Warning Systems

Daily:

  • Check the panel/s indicate normal operation, and record and report any faults for action. (May be carried out by staff nominated by their Head of School).
    Weekly:
  • Test the system by activating a call point (and zone, where applicable), and record results.

Monthly:

  • Test emergency generator (if provided).
  • Other Inspections and tests in accordance with BS5839 : Part 1 : 1988.

Annually:

  • Other Inspections and tests in accordance with BS5839 : Part 1 : 1988.

4. Escape Lighting (where applicable)

Daily:

  • Check the panel indicates ‘normal’ operation and record and report any faults for action.

Monthly:

  • Inspect and test strictly in accordance with BS5266 : Part 1 : 1988, preferably by arranging a maintenance contract with a reputable emergency lighting company, or by a suitably qualified member of University Staff.

Six monthly / annually / and triennially:

A maintenance contract is strongly recommended for these inspections and tests which should be carried out strictly in accordance with BS5266 : Part 1 : 1988.

5. Fire Fighting Equipment

Daily:

  • All fire fighting equipment should be correctly positioned, and maintained in efficient operating condition.

Quarterly:

  • Check that all appliances and spares are in their proper place, and have not been discharged or damaged

Annually:

  • All appliances should be inspected (and tested by discharge when necessary) strictly in accordance with BS5306 : Part 3 : 1985. (all tests to carried out only by suitably qualified members of University Staff).

B. Recording of Results

All University buildings have a Fire Precautions Log Book, which is normally located in a locked metal cabinet at or near the main entrance. Written records of inspections, tests, drills, defects and remedial action must be recorded in the Log Book.

The following tests should result in the deposit of test certificates:

1. Fire alarm systems

  • Quarterly and Annual tests.

2. Escape lighting system

  • Six monthly, three yearly, and annually thereafter.

3. Fire fighting equipment

  • At the intervals required by Buildings and Estate, in accordance with University policy, (but at least once every twelve months).

D. Monitoring of the results

Monitoring of the results will normally form part of the safety duties of staff responsible for health and safety in the building concerned. In addition, Health, Safety & Environment Office, Safety Committee, Fire Service and other authorised inspectors will have the right to see and check test and inspection result.

E. Remedial Action

If inspection and testing shows a defect or fault in any piece of fire-fighting apparatus, fire safety system or component thereof, the fact must be reported immediately to the maintenance unit responsible for repairs, and the fact noted in the record.

Remedial action must be taken on any reported defect without delay. When the deficiency is made good, the fact must be recorded.

F. Training

Inspection and Testing of fire safety measures must be carried out by Competent Persons.

Suitable persons (normally members of the University Technical or Maintenance Staff) may, where appropriate, be given suitable and sufficient training to carry out any or all of these tasks. Such Competent Persons may be required to produce evidence of competence.

Where contractors are employed, University staff should request written evidence of their competence.

G. Fire Evacuation drills

The University has a Policy and Procedure for Fire Evacuation Drills.

If fire routines are to be effective, staff and students must be familiar with the means of escape, their use and all other arrangements, equipment or installations designed to ensure their safe evacuation from the premises.

Evacuation drills should be carried out at least once every 12 months and arranged to involve as many building occupants as possible. For student residences the drills should be carried out in the first term of the academic year.

During these exercises, the fire alarm should be operated by a specially nominated member of staff.

The responsibility for initiating evacuation drills lies with the Director of Building, who usually nominates a Fire Drill Supervisor to arrange and invigilate the exercises.

A record of all drills and exercises should be entered in the building’s log book.