Virtus Fire Ltd

While the law does not specify “weekly testing” word-for-word, UK fire safety legislation requires that fire alarm systems are maintained in efficient working order.

British Standards guidance sets weekly testing as best practice, and it is widely expected by:
• Fire authorities
• Insurers
• Fire risk assessors

Failure to test regularly can be treated as non-compliance.

The Responsible Person is legally accountable. This may be:
• The employer
• The building owner
• The landlord or managing agent
• Anyone with control of the premises

The task can be delegated, but responsibility cannot be transferred.

Weekly testing:
• Confirms the alarm will operate in an emergency
• Identifies faults early
• Ensures sounders can be heard
• Demonstrates ongoing compliance

Fire alarm faults often go unnoticed without regular testing.

A basic weekly test typically includes:
• Activating one manual call point
• Checking alarms sound throughout the building
• Confirming the control panel resets correctly
• Recording the result in the fire log book

Each week, a different call point should be tested in rotation.

Only long enough to confirm operation — usually a few seconds.

Prolonged sounding is unnecessary and can cause:
• Disruption
• Alarm fatigue
• Complaints from occupants

Yes — where possible.

Testing at a consistent day and time:
• Builds familiarity for occupants
• Reduces confusion
• Helps identify unusual behaviour

Any changes should be communicated clearly.

Yes.

Occupants should be:
• Notified in advance
• Told it is a test
• Informed of the regular testing schedule

This prevents unnecessary evacuation or panic.

No.

Weekly testing is a user check only.

Fire alarm systems also require:
• Regular professional servicing by a competent engineer
• Inspection, testing, and certification at defined intervals

Both are required.

If a fault is identified:
1. Record it in the fire log book
2. Take immediate action to investigate
3. Contact a competent fire alarm engineer
4. Implement temporary safety measures if needed

Unresolved faults must not be ignored.

Weekly testing is expected in:
• Workplaces
• Blocks of flats with communal alarms
• HMOs
• Commercial premises

The fire risk assessment should confirm the required regime.

Even small or low-risk premises are expected to:
• Test their fire alarm system regularly
• Keep records
• Ensure faults are addressed

The test may be simpler, but the duty still applies

Yes.

A fire log book should record:
• Date and time of test
• Call point tested
• Result
• Any faults or actions taken

Lack of records is a common enforcement issue.

Yes.

Many organisations appoint a competent fire safety contractor to:
• Carry out weekly tests
• Maintain records
• Flag faults early
• Support overall compliance

This helps reduce risk and ensures consistency.

Failure to test can lead to:
• Enforcement action
• Insurance issues
• Increased liability
• Higher risk to life

After an incident, missing test records can significantly worsen legal outcomes.

Yes — knowingly ignoring faults or disabling systems without mitigation can be treated as serious non-compliance.

Fire alarm issues must always be addressed promptly.

Weekly fire alarm testing is simple, quick, and vital.

Done properly, it:
• Confirms systems will work in an emergency
• Reduces legal risk
• Protects occupants
• Demonstrates due diligence

Ignored or forgotten, it becomes a major compliance failure.

Emergency lighting is lighting that automatically operates when the normal power supply fails.

Its purpose is to:
• Illuminate escape routes
• Highlight fire exits and safety signs
• Allow people to evacuate safely
• Enable fire-fighting and shutdown procedures

In most non-domestic premises, yes.

UK fire safety law requires that:
• Escape routes are adequately lit
• Lighting remains available during a power failure

If people could be put at risk in darkness, emergency lighting is required.

Emergency lighting is commonly required in:
• Workplaces
• Offices and shops
• Factories and warehouses
• HMOs
• Blocks of flats (communal areas)
• Public buildings

The need is determined by the fire risk assessment.

The Responsible Person is accountable. This is usually:
• The employer
• The landlord or managing agent
• The building owner
• Anyone with control over the premises

Tasks can be delegated, but legal responsibility remains.

Emergency lighting should typically cover:
• Escape routes and corridors
• Stairways and changes in level
• Fire exit doors
• Fire alarm call points
• Fire-fighting equipment
• Plant rooms and safety equipment

The aim is safe evacuation, not full illumination.

• Emergency lighting provides illumination
• Exit signs show the direction of escape

Both often work together and may be combined into a single fitting.

Emergency lighting requires:
• Monthly functional testing
• Annual full-duration testing (usually 3 hours)

Both tests must be recorded.

A monthly test checks that:
• The light operates when power is interrupted
• The fitting illuminates correctly

This is a short test and should not fully discharge the battery.

An annual test:
• Fully discharges the battery
• Confirms the light stays on for its rated duration (usually 3 hours)

After testing, the system must be allowed to recharge fully.

Yes.

A fire log book should record:
• Date of test
• Type of test carried out
• Results
• Faults identified
• Remedial actions taken

Missing records are a common compliance failure.

Monthly functional tests can usually be carried out in-house, provided:
• The person is competent
• The test is done correctly
• Results are recorded

Annual tests are often carried out by a competent contractor.

Typically:
• 3 to 5 years

Battery life depends on:
• Usage
• Environment
• Maintenance

Failing batteries are one of the most common faults.

If a fault is found:
1. Record it immediately
2. Arrange repair or replacement
3. Implement temporary safety measures if required

Non-functioning emergency lighting must not be ignored.

Yes — usually in communal areas, such as:
• Corridors
• Stairwells
• Entrance halls

Individual flats typically do not require emergency lighting, but common escape routes do.

Failure to maintain emergency lighting can lead to:
• Enforcement notices
• Fines or prosecution
• Insurance complications
• Increased risk of injury or death

In an emergency, darkness can cause panic, falls, and blocked escapes.

LED emergency lighting:
• Uses less power
• Has longer lamp life
• Still requires regular testing
• Still relies on batteries

LED does not remove maintenance responsibilities

No.

Emergency lighting is a life-safety system that must be:
• Tested
• Maintained
• Recorded

Neglect is one of the most common fire safety breaches.

Emergency lighting only matters when everything else fails — which is exactly when it must work.

Proper testing and maintenance:
• Protect occupants
• Support safe evacuation
• Demonstrate legal compliance
• Reduce risk and liability