TECHNICAL METHOD STATEMENT T1

Method Statement for: Scheduled Maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems

Quarterly Biannual & Annual / Periodic
Servicing of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems should be carried out at a minimum of six monthly intervals. This is recommended in the British Standard Code of Practice (BS5839 and BS5306). On each service visit, the following work should be carried out: 1. 2. 3. 4. Contact site manager on arrival. Isolate brigade/central station link if applicable. Isolate sounders on clients instructions only. Isolate all output shutdown relays as applicable, including any extinguishant triggers, carry out routine service as detailed below, test outputs on completion of service on clients instruction only. Isolate any links, which interlink to other systems i.e. building management alarms, carry out routine service as detailed below, test interlinks etc on completion of service on clients instruction only. All actions to be documented on form UNY52.

5.

6.

All devices tested on each visit should be colour code identified with the relevant colour dot for the month being of service, and as follows: JAN FEB MARCH: APR MAY JUNE: JULY AUG SEPT: OCT NOV DEC: Note: Items 2 5 inclusive should be reinstated and tested at least once prior to completion of each visit. Any exceptions should be noted and explained in your report. ORANGE GREEN YELLOW BLUE

S/Company Quality Mgmt/UNY Systems Quality Mgmt/Quality 2006/Risk&Method/H&S Service/T1 Fire Alarm Systems

ENGINEER ACTIONS
1. Take note of the information supplied on your job sheet. Use this information to populate the following fields on the form: Client Call Number / Site Number Location System Details Date Type of attendance

2. Within the report section, complete details of the defects, issues or non-compliances to be reported to the client. In addition, clear information should be given regarding any equipment, access and labour required to complete any remedial works being recommended. The current state of the system should also be reported. Completion of each of the following functions is indicated by completing the box adjacent to the relevant question. These boxes should be completed as follows:

If the function is carried out and fully completed with no outstanding issues.

If the function is not applicable to this particular site and the relevant equipment is not employed on this site and its absences does not contravene BS5839. If the function was not fully completed for any reason or any part of this failed to meet BS5839, CEFO, BAFE, NSI or FIA codes of practice (and other relevant codes and standards as applicable). Note: for any box marked X, a separate note should be added to the comments box detailing the reason for failure. Note 2: ALL boxes must be completed before signing off the form.

The following procedure should be adapted each visit. 1. The system log book should be examined. It should be ensured that any faults recorded have received appropriate attention. If it is noted weekly tests are not being recorded, offer the client training in completion of such test. Completion of this task should be indicated by answering the question: log book up-todate and available.

S/Company Quality Mgmt/UNY Systems Quality Mgmt/Quality 2006/Risk&Method/H&S Service/T1 Fire Alarm Systems

2. A visual inspection should be made to check whether structural or occupancy changes have affected the compliance of the system with the recommendations of this standard for the positioning of manual call points, automatic fire detectors and fire alarm devices. Particular care should be taken to verify whether: a. All manual call points remain unobstructed and conspicuous; b. Any new exits have been created without the provision of an adjacent manual call point; c. Any new or relocated partitions have been erected within 500 mm horizontally of any automatic fire detector. (See BS5839 22.3g); d. Any storage encroaches within 300 mm of ceilings, such as to obviate compliance with BS5839 22.3i); e. A clear space of 500 mm is maintained below each automatic fire detector (see BS5839 22.3n), and that the ability of the detector to receive the stimulus that it has been designed to detect, has not been impeded by other means; f. Any changes to the use or occupancy of an area makes the existing types of automatic fire detector unsuitable for detection of fire or prone to unwanted alarms;

g. Any building alterations or extensions require additional fire detection and alarm equipment to be installed. h. A visual check should be carried out to confirm no building alterations carried out since the last known audibility test could have affected the audibility. If this is unclear or no record exists of an audibility test, one should be recommended (as a guide, any ceiling mounted audible devices should be adequate to cover an area equal to that for up to two smoke detectors in the space. Any high output wall mounted device (6 bell or sounder) is likely to cover the immediate area and any closely adjoining areas through a maximum of one door). i. These checks should confirm compliance with the system category stated on the job sheet. Should the category have changed, this should be noted in your report. The system category should be noted in the system complies to category section only if the above checks have been completed satisfactorily and there are no outstanding recommendations or quotations.

Completion of this task should be indicated by answering the question: any change in use, structural changes, audibility satisfactory and system coverage satisfactory. 3. The records of false alarms should be checked. The rate of false alarms during the previous 12 months should be recorded. Action taken in respect of false alarms recorded should comply with the recommendations of BS5839 30.2j. However, reports of false alarms should be investigated and suitable recommendations made to prevent re-occurrence. Completion of this task should be indicated by:

S/Company Quality Mgmt/UNY Systems Quality Mgmt/Quality 2006/Risk&Method/H&S Service/T1 Fire Alarm Systems

a. Enter the number of recorded false alarms in activation within the last 12 months (A) box. b. Enter the total number of detection devices on the system in quantity of sensors on systems (B). c. Then complete the calculation (A) (B) x 100 to obtain the percentage of false alarms The box false alarm entered in log book should be completed to indicate the information was available to complete a-c above. If the figure shown in number of false alarms (%) A/B *100* is greater than 10% (current CEFO guidelines), the false alarm rate exceeds CEFO should be completed with a tick. 4. All the standby batteries should be disconnected and full load alarm should be simulated. This should be achieved with the issued battery test meter. 5. Batteries and their connections should be examined and momentarily load tested with the mains disconnected (other than those within devices such as manual call points, detectors and fire alarm sounders of a radio-linked system), to ensure that they are in good serviceable condition and not likely to fail before the next service visit. Vented batteries should be examined to ensure that the specific gravity of each cell is correct. The conclusion of tasks 4 and 5 should be indicated by completion of battery condition. Also the total number of power supplies with batteries tested in addition to the main control panel should be noted in number of auxiliary power supplies. 6. The fire alarm functions of the control and indicating equipment should be checked by the operation of at least one detector or manual call point on each circuit. An entry should be made in the log book indicating which initiating devices have been used for these tests. 7. The operation of the fire alarm detection devices should be checked as detailed in d-g below. The following percentage of devices should be tested each visit. For four visits per annum, 25% of total number of devices. Two visits per annum a minimum of 50% of total number of devices. One visit per annum a minimum of 100% of all devices. All devices tested on each service should be marked with an appropriately coloured dot (as detailed on page 1 Action Section 1). Completion of this task should be indicated by entering a percentage number in the box marked percentage of devices serviced on this visit. Note: As indicated on page 1 (Action Section 1), all field detection devices tested should be marked with a coloured dot (label) to indicate the quarter serviced to relevant colour to the inspection being completed should be noted in sensors serviced on this visit have been identified by. a. The switch mechanism of every manual call point, sprinkler flow switch and sprinkler pressure switch should be tested, either by removal of a frangible

S/Company Quality Mgmt/UNY Systems Quality Mgmt/Quality 2006/Risk&Method/H&S Service/T1 Fire Alarm Systems

element, insertion of a test key or operation of the device as it would be operated in the event of fire. The conclusion of this task should be indicated by completing: call points, sprinkler flow switch and sprinkler pressure switch. b. All automatic fire detectors and remote detectors should be examined, as far as the practicable, to ensure that they have not been damaged, painted, or otherwise adversely affected. Thereafter, every detector should be functionally tested. The tests used need prove only that the detectors are connected to the system, are operational and are capable of responding to the phenomena they are designed to detect. Where fitted, detector remote indicators should also be checked for correct operation. c. Every heat detector should be functionally tested by means of a suitable heat source, unless operation of the detector in this manner would then necessitate replacement of part or all of the sensing element (e.g. as in fusible link point detectors or non-integrating line detectors). Special test arrangements will be required for fusible link heat detectors. The heat source should not have the potential to ignite a fire; live flame should not be used, and special equipment might be necessary in explosive atmospheres. d. Point smoke detectors should be functionally tested by a method that confirms that smoke can enter the detector chamber and produce a fire alarm signal (e.g. by use of apparatus that generates simulated smoke or suitable aerosols around the detector). It should be ensured that the material used does not cause damage to, or affect the subsequent performance of, the detector; the manufacturers guidance on suitable materials should be followed. The conclusion of these tasks should be indicated by completing: smoke sensors and heat sensors. e. Optical beam smoke detectors should be functionally tested by introducing signal attenuation between the transmitter and receiver, either by use of an optical filter, smoke or simulated smoke. The conclusion of this task should be indicated by completing: optical beam detectors. f. Aspirating fire detection systems should be functionally tested by a method that confirms that smoke can enter the detector chamber and produce a fire alarm signal. It should be ensured that the material used does not cause damage to or affect the subsequent performance of the detectors; the manufacturers guidance on suitable materials should be followed. Furthermore, appropriate testing should be performed to verify that smoke is able to enter each sampling point (or collection of sampling points that are recommended by the manufacturer to cover the same area as a point smoke detector). This can be achieved by introducing smoke into each sampling point in turn and verifying a response at the detector. However, where access is restricted or other site conditions prevent this, other verification techniques should be employed such as:

S/Company Quality Mgmt/UNY Systems Quality Mgmt/Quality 2006/Risk&Method/H&S Service/T1 Fire Alarm Systems

verifying transport time from furthest hole or a dedicated test point and comparing with previously recorded results to identify deviations; confirming that the flow monitoring is capable of detecting loss of a single sampling point (or collection of sampling points that are deemed to be acceptable for the risks involved); inspection of flow readings and comparing with previously recorded results to identify deviations which would indicate a loss of detection performance; measurement of the pressure at each sampling point and comparing with previously recorded results to identify deviations which would indicate a loss of detection performance.

The technique used is dependent on the particular features of the ASD technology, the risk and details of the specific application. Such techniques may also be supported by visual inspection of sampling points where this is possible but it is essential to verify that adequate detection performance is maintained. Details of the techniques used should be recorded and agreed with all parties. (NOTE: For further guidance see FIA Code of Practice for Category 1 Aspirating Detection Systems). The conclusion of this task should be indicated by completing: aspirating detectors. g. Carbon monoxide fire detectors should be functionally tested by a method that confirms that carbon monoxide can enter the detector chamber and produce a fire alarm signal (e.g. by use of apparatus that generates carbon monoxide or a gas that has a similar effect on the electro-chemical cell as carbon monoxide). WARNING: Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas, and suitable precautions should be taken in its use. The conclusion of this task should be indicated by completion of: other devices tested. h. Flame detectors should recommendations. be tested in accordance with manufacturers

The conclusion of this task should be indicated by completion of: flame sensors. i. Any other devices employed should be tested in line with manufacturers recommendations. The conclusion of this task should be indicated by completion of: other devices tested. If this question is answered with a cross, the equipment this answer relates to should be detailed in the comments section and a reason for failure given in the report section.

S/Company Quality Mgmt/UNY Systems Quality Mgmt/Quality 2006/Risk&Method/H&S Service/T1 Fire Alarm Systems

j.

If this method has been followed, extinguishant systems should be marked with a 0.

k. While testing these devices, a visual inspection should be carried out of all accessible wiring and terminations. The conclusion of this task should be indicated by completion of: circuit wiring. 8. All controls and visual indicators at control and indicating equipment should be checked for correct operation. The conclusion of this task should be indicated by completion of: control equipment. 9. With clients authority, a functional test of all sounders/beacons and visual inspection to ensure coverage appears adequate. The conclusion of this task should be indicated by completion of: sounders. 10. If, during any of the above tests, it is found that any part or whole circuit has been disabled by any means, the have any devices been disconnected should be answered with a tick and details given in the report section. 11. The operation of any facility for automatic transmission of alarm signals to an alarm receiving centre should be checked. Where more than one form of alarm signal can be transmitted (e.g. fire and fault signals), the correct transmission of each signal should be confirmed. In cases where the signaling equipment is under third party control, the client should be instructed to put on test at the beginning of the service and also be asked to verify when the area have received the correct signals and reinstate before leaving site. All ancillary functions of the control and indicating equipment should be tested. A clear record should be made on both the log book and the electronic certificate of any auxiliary devices not tested at the express request of the client. All fault indicators and their circuits should be checked, where practical, by simulation of fault conditions. The conclusion of this task should be indicated by completion of: remote signaling. 12. Following consultation with client, all auxiliary output devices should be tested if possible. All printers should be tested to ensure that they operate correctly and that characters are legible. It should be ensured that all printer consumables are sufficient in quantity or condition to ensure that the printer can be expected to operate until the time of the next service visit. The conclusion of this task should be indicated by completion of: other devices tested, plant shutdown and door release unit details.

S/Company Quality Mgmt/UNY Systems Quality Mgmt/Quality 2006/Risk&Method/H&S Service/T1 Fire Alarm Systems

13. Radio systems of all types should be serviced in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer. See separate supplementary document (under construction). All further checks and tests recommended by the manufacturer of the control and indicating equipment and other components of the system should be carried out. The conclusion of this task should be indicated by completion of: radio systems. 14. At every visit you should ensure the client has sufficient supplies of consumable spares such as but not limited to call point glass, control panel keys, test keys, printer sundries (if applicable as above) and that our contract details label is clearly located on the control equipment and log book. 15. On completion of the work, any outstanding defects should be reported to the responsible person, the system log book should be completed and a servicing check sheet completed and signed by the client and the client informed. A paper copy of the certificate will be issued with the invoice. If major faults or deviations are found, a supplementary paper form report should be issued also. The conclusion of this task should be indicated by completion of: relevant details/defects explained and entered into the log book.

1.

The following information is required against the engineer section of the form. All boxes MUST be completed prior to the customer signing the form. a. Engineer on site time Enter the time you arrived on site b. Engineer off site time Enter the time you finished on site c. Travel time Enter the time you took to get to site d. Engineers signature Sign your name e. Engineers name Print your name in capitals f. Clients signature Customer to sign this MUST be obtained

S/Company Quality Mgmt/UNY Systems Quality Mgmt/Quality 2006/Risk&Method/H&S Service/T1 Fire Alarm Systems

g. Print name Customer to print their name this MUST be obtained h. Position Customer to print their position within the organisation this MUST be obtained i. Continuation form Tick this box if you are sending a further form relating to this certificate 2. Client Area This final section of the form should be completed by the client as follows: a. Repair faults on a time and materials basis i. Tick if customer has agreed that Uny Systems carry-out further repairs to the system on a time and materials basis. b. Quotation to be sent i. Tick if customer requires a quotation from Uny Systems. c. Please take no action i. Tick if the customer requires Uny Systems to take no action. If ticking this box, make sure the customer is well aware of the condition of the system. d. Return visit required i. Tick if a return visit is required by you or another Uny Systems engineer to complete this particular task. Ensure the customer is aware you will be reattending site and the likely costs associated with this. On receipt of paperwork at the office, a call-out will be set-up for your return visit.

CHECK ALL FIELDS WITHIN THE CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION HAVE BEEN COMPLETED
3. Coloured Copy Distribution a. White Copy: To be returned with your daily report in a timely manner to the Uny

Systems Admin Team. b. Pink Copy: To be retained by yourself for future reference.

c. Yellow Copy: Leave with the person responsible on site.

S/Company Quality Mgmt/UNY Systems Quality Mgmt/Quality 2006/Risk&Method/H&S Service/T1 Fire Alarm Systems