Smoke Ventilation System Maintenance FDS Contracting
As many building owners know, the maintenance of any element of their property is vital to maximise the comfort – and even the safety – of a property’s occupants, while also preventing the need for expensive repair works to be carried out in the future.
This is especially true from a fire-safety perspective.
Not only do a building’s fire safety systems work to safeguard building occupants and assets, they also allow a property to pass Building Regulations in the first place.
This is why it’s vital to ensure that any fire safety systems installed are also maintained and routinely serviced throughout a building’s ongoing use. This ensures they operate as efficiently as intended, in line with the property’s initial fire safety strategy, which is vital in any situation, but particularly in commercial or residential premises with large-scale or complex fire and life safety systems.
From smoke detectors and alarms, which alert residents and help firefighters to locate the source of a fire, to smoke ventilation systems, which provide a safe escape route and clear access for the fire services, each system has an important role to play in a building’s overall level of safety. The consequences of failing to maintain a life safety system can be dire.
Smoke Ventilation System Maintenance Regulation
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, companies are deemed responsible for providing the correct level of fire safety on their premises. As any fire safety systems installed form part of a building’s fire strategy, the RRO calls for the appointment of a responsible person to ensure that all of this equipment is maintained and in good working order. If this isn’t carried out, it is considered an offence, and can result in the prosecution of the building’s owner or manager. If a system fails during a fire there is also a potential for injury and loss of life.
Similarly, British Standards BS 7346:1-1990, BS 5588:12-2004 and The Buildings Regulations Approved Document B (ADB) also requires systems to be serviced regularly and maintained to a high standard, leaving no ambiguity as to whether this is mandatory.
Benefits of Routine Maintenance
Carrying out routine maintenance can also provide significant cost savings, as preventative upkeep can allow systems to run more efficiently for longer, and inspections can identify issues before they can develop into costly system failures.
While some buildings may have maintenance staff that can undertake some checks, it makes sense to have an expert regularly check and maintain systems – particularly when you consider the cost of fines for non-compliance, or the potential loss of income from an office being closed by the local fire service.
FDS Contracting Maintenance
Regardless of the system’s manufacturer or installer, FDS Contracting’ team of experts will visit your premises twice a year, undertaking complete tests of the fire alarm and smoke detection systems, in order to ensure the building stays compliant with key legislation like the RRO.
Along with visual inspections, the team will also undertake a rigorous 15-point test of each component throughout the building, keeping you compliant and keeping your occupants safe. In the event of a system failure, we also offer a 24-hour emergency call out service, and each visit, whether a callout or routine scheduled maintenance, will be thoroughly documented.
For more information on our service and maintenance offering, contact us: www.FireDesignSolutions.com/Contact-Us/
