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BS 5839-1 practice

Weekly fire alarm test log for UK hospitality

A weekly fire alarm test log records that a manual call point was activated, which zone, who tested it, and whether the system sounded. BS 5839-1 is the usual code of practice for weekly tests. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires maintenance. It does not print a weekly form.

Last reviewed: . Written by Oriel Technology Ltd.

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What a weekly fire alarm test log is

It is the dated record that you tested the fire alarm that week: which manual call point, which zone, who did it, and whether the sounders ran. In a restaurant that is often “Zone 1 — call point by the kitchen door” — the same language as the paper book.

Law versus British Standard

RRO 2005 requires the Responsible Person to maintain fire precautions. It does not say “test every Friday and write it in a red book”. BS 5839-1 is the code of practice most competent persons specify for weekly occupier tests. If your fire risk assessment says otherwise, follow the assessment.

What to write down

  • Date and time
  • Call point / zone tested
  • Whether the alarm operated
  • Faults and what you did
  • Name of the person who tested

Extinguishers, emergency lighting, and drills belong in the same fire logbook. They are not this weekly test.

How System Hub logs the weekly test

Fire Safety includes a weekly fire alarm test with zone and call-point detail, timestamped, with a name on the line. Overdue tests show during the week, not at month-end. 14-day trial, no card, then £5/week per location via Stripe.

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FAQ

Questions about weekly alarm tests

How often should a restaurant test the fire alarm?
Weekly is the usual practice under BS 5839-1: activate a different manual call point each week and confirm the system sounds. The RRO 2005 requires the system to be maintained. Follow your fire risk assessment if it sets a different regime.
What should a weekly fire alarm test log include?
Date and time, which call point or zone, whether the alarm sounded, faults, and who carried out the test. A tick in a binder at month-end with no name is the record that fails when the fire officer asks about Zone 1.
Is a digital log acceptable?
Yes, if it is complete, dated, and accessible. Fire officers need evidence the tests happened. We do not claim a fire-authority endorsement. See digital fire logbook.
How much is System Hub Fire Safety?
14-day trial, no card. Then £5/week per location via Stripe. Cancel anytime.