In addition to this, some pieces of equipment might also need to be serviced, for example an organ. It is commonly recommended that parts of organs, like the blower and humidifying equipment, should be serviced every six months or as recommended by the service company. Although this might not be required for safety, not servicing such equipment has the potential to cause a safety hazard (such as the blower motor overheating, which may lead to a fire).
The advice of a reputable company should be sought for equipment such as sprinkler systems and fire pumps, smoke ventillation systems, air conditioning systems and certain work equipment (including lifting equipment).
Record keeping
You should keep a record of what testing and maintenance you do and when. With fire safety equipment, this is known as the 'fire log' but this can be combined with other items in a general 'safety log' book. Records are kept to prove that these checks have been made (which is often known as 'Due Diligence'). However, this paperwork need not be onerous, and a simple diary can be used and retained.
You simply need to make a note of who did what and when. You should also make a note of anything that did not work correctly or needs to be repaired or otherwise made serviceable again. This work should be done as soon as possible, such as the next day for a defective fire detector. The person carrying out this work should sign off the log book once the repair has been completed.
Where an external company is called in (such as for the fire extinguishers, a lift or a gas heating system), a certificate or report is usually produced. This must be checked carefully to make sure that no repair works have been identified. These documents must be kept in a safe place, with some people preferring to display a copy of certificates in a suitable place.
Spare parts
It is recommended that you keep a stock of spare parts somewhere safe. All these items can be used for simple maintenance tasks by anyone who competent and able to do them safely. A typical list of parts would include:
- Fire alarm glasses, which are available from your fire alarm installer
- Emergency torch bulbs and batteries (where used)
- Smoke alarm batteries (where required)
- Fuses, fuse wire and lamps / light bulbs
- 13A mains plugs and a selection of fuses
- Gaffer (duct) tape and insulating tape
- Hazard warning barrier tape (non-adhesive)
- Some basic tools (screwdriver, pliers and so on) and some screws
This kit would be used firstly to make a temporary repair or perhaps replace a fuse when it is blown. Sometimes, you might need to make something safe, for example taping over a damaged mains socket or cordoning off a damaged manhole cover. Lamps in emergency torches need replacement from time-to-time and a stock of spares is needed.
Other tools, keys and equipment might be needed, and this depends on your building. However, the above might not need to be kept in the building if it can be readily accessed by someone who lives nearby.
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