1. Is it really true that Fire Alarm Systems have to be tested annually by a Certified Fire Alarm Technician?
Yes this is true. The Ontario Fire Code 6.3.2.2 states that Fire Alarm Systems shall be inspected and tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S536, which is the standard for the “Inspection & Testing of Fire Alarm Systems”. Because the Ontario Fire Code is Law, this Fire Alarm Testing standard also becomes law. This standard tells us that annual testing by a certified Fire Alarm Technician is required and it also tells us exactly how they are to be tested. Documentation for all testing must be kept a minimum of two years and must be available for the Municipal Fire Departments or the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office to inspect, if necessary.
2. What’s the big deal if I don’t have my system tested? The Fire Department hasn’t made me do it yet!
It is the building owners’ responsibility to follow the laws of the Ontario Fire Code. Building owners must be aware, that they are responsible for having their Fire Alarm Systems tested and maintained in accordance with Sentence 1.1.5.3.(1) of the Ontario Fire Code. This law came into effect on November 21, 1999. Insurance companies will know of the building owners responsibilities for annual Fire Alarm Testing and if a fire occurs, an annual Fire Alarm Testing report, could be the first thing they ask to see.
3. Is it true that monthly testing must also be done?
Yes this is true as well, but it does not have to be done by a certified Fire Alarm Technician. This testing can be done by the building owner or a building owners representative. Valley Fire Alarm Services offers to set up all of their customers with the proper documentation and teach them how to do it, completely free of charge. It is our way of saying thank-you for allowing us to do your annual testing & inspections.
4. What about apartment buildings or special care occupancies with interconnected smoke alarms, but with no real Fire Alarm System. Do these systems have to be tested?
Yes they do and they have to be tested annually by a certified Fire Alarm Technician. The standard for testing interconnected smoke alarms is CAN/ULC-S552-02 and it states that interconnected smoke alarms in apartment buildings or special care buildings must be tested annually by a Certified Fire Alarm Technician and any repairs or replacements must also be done by a certified technician.
5. How often does emergency lighting have to be tested?
Emergency lighting must be tested every month to make sure the unit is working. This can be done, just by unplugging the unit or pressing the test switch to activate the unit and can be done by the building owner or representative. Annually, it has to be tested to make sure it stays on for the proper amount of time for the occupancy type of the building. In most cases this is 30 minutes but in hospitals and special care occupancies it can be up to 2 hours. Valley Fire Alarm Services does the annual testing of your Emergency Lighting free of charge, while doing your annual Fire Alarm Testing.
6. How often do we need our Fire Extinguishers serviced?
Fire Extinguishers must also be inspected every month by the building owner or representative. This is a quick check to make sure the fire extinguisher is in its designated place and it has no obvious physical damage. If the extinguisher has an indicator needle, the needle should be in the normal operating range.
Annually, the extinguishers is to be maintained by someone that has been trained in the maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers. New dated seals are required and a service card for monthly inspections and annual service would be installed. Your normal ABC dry chemical extinguishers are to be internally inspected and recharged every 6 years and the cylinder itself has to be hydrostatically tested every 12 years, much the same way your BBQ tank has to be done.