How often should a fire suppression system be serviced?
Regular fire suppression system servicing and maintenance is crucial. Not only does it check your systems are in good working order, it reduces the likelihood of breakdown or malfunction and is the best way to ensure the safety of personnel and vehicles.
Frequent servicing and maintenance also gives you the best possible protection against costly downtime, and provides peace of mind that comes with knowing your fire suppression systems are always ready to perform. But how often should a fire suppression system be serviced? Here, we answer that question and detail what’s involved.
How often should a fire suppression system be serviced?
There are no laws dictating how regularly checks should be done. However, the Fire Industry Association’s (FIA) best practice guidelines state:
“A responsible person must ensure that the premises and any protective measures are subject to a suitable system of maintenance. This includes the maintenance of critical fire safety equipment. All protective measures for fire safety must be safe, reliable, efficient, and ready for use at all times. This is achieved through regular inspection and testing by the responsible person and a competent person (qualified service provider) at “suitable” intervals.”
The frequency of servicing a fire suppression system can vary depending on several factors, including the type of system, the specific components involved, local regulations, and manufacturer recommendations. However, in general, it’s recommended to have a fire suppression system serviced at least once a year. Due to the risks associated with gas suppression systems, it’s recommended that they’re tested more regularly - at least twice a year.
In line with manufacturer's guidelines, Ardent Vehicle Fire Suppression Systems for mobile plants are serviced at six-monthly intervals to give maximum assurance that they’ll operate effectively and safely when needed the most. Two visits a year allows our field engineers to pick up on any potential problems that may cause problems further down the line, helping to minimise long-term costs and maximise a system’s lifespan.
What’s involved in a service?
Annual servicing helps ensure that fire suppression systems are functioning properly and are ready to respond effectively in the event of a fire. During the service visit, a qualified technician will inspect and test various components of the system, including detectors, alarms, control panels, valves, and any other relevant equipment. They’ll also pressure test the system and may perform maintenance tasks such as cleaning, lubrication, and replacing worn-out parts.
To ensure the optimal functioning of your fire suppression system and to comply with local regulations, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified fire protection professional or contact the manufacturer of the system for their specific recommendations on servicing intervals.
What maintenance checks can be done in-house?
In-between our regular servicing, there are some daily maintenance checks we recommend our customers perform. For vehicles, these include regular cleaning, inspecting the primary ignition points, checking for wear and tear, tightening loose connections, and checking the braking system.
Need to get organised with your servicing and maintenance? We deliver a personalised servicing schedule that works around you and your operations. In case of emergency, contact us and our field engineers will respond to callouts within a matter of hours.