User manual

USER RESPONSIBILITIES
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S5839-1: 2002 is the British Standard code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and
maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Section 7 of the standard (User
Responsibilities) states that a named responsible person should be appointed to supervise all matters
pertaining to the fire alarm system {clause 47.2a}.
Highlighted below is a summary of the main functions of the responsible person is expected to carry out
with regard to BS5839-1: 2002 only. It does not
highlight any other responsibilities that may be required
of the user or responsible person that is listed in documentation such as the Employers Guide to Fire
Safety, the Fire Precautions (Workplace) regulations and/or any other legislation relevant to the premises.
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f in doubt, the fire authority can advise on the fire legislation that applies to any given building.
For countries outside the UK, different user responsibilities may apply.
BS5839-1: 2002 states the responsible person should:
(The bracketed numbers {xx} identify the BS5839-1: 2002 clauses to which the summary refers).
1 Ensure the fire alarm panel is checked daily to confirm there are no faults on the system {47.2b}.
2 Ensure arrangements are in place for the test, maintenance and regular servicing of the system with
regard to Section 6 of the standard {47.2c}.
Important: Clause 44 of BS5839-1: 2002 recommends weekly and monthly tests that should be carried
out by the user/responsible person - please refer to the bottom of this section for further details.
3 Ensure the system log book is kept up to date by recording fire signals, fault signals, work on the
system, etc, and make sure it is available for inspection at all times {47.2d/48}.
4 Ensure that all relevant occupants of the protected premises are instructed in the proper use of the
system {47.2e}.
5 Take steps to limit the number of false alarms on the system {47f}.
6 Ensure the effectiveness of the system is not impaired by ensuring there is a space of at least 500mm
in all directions around and below every fire detector and that all manual call points are
unobstructed and easy to see {47g}.
7 Liaise with all relevant building engineers, decorators, etc., to ensure any changes to (or maintenance
of), the building’s fabric does not compromise the protection given by the fire alarm system, create
faults or false alarms {47h}.
8 Ensure that any structural or occupancy changes planned for the building are done so with due and
early consideration given to any changes that may be required to the fire system {47h}.
9 Ensure that a selection of spare parts are held as appropriate within the premises {47j}.
Routine weekly and monthly testing to be undertaken by the user/responsible person:
To meet the requirements of Clause 44 of BS5839-1:2002 we recommend the following tests are carried
out at approximately the same time each week, during normal working hours:
Note: It is essential any alarm receiving centre is contacted before and after these tests to avoid
unwanted alarms and to confirm the fire signal is correctly received.
• Carry out an Indicator lamp test to check all zone lights show and the beeper sounds.
• Operate a manual call point or smoke/heat detector to test the fire alarm.
• Check that the alarm sounders operate.
• Reset the system by pressing the Silence/Activate Sounders button and Control Panel Reset button.
• Verify that no manual call points or smoke/heat detectors are obstructed in any way.
• Test a different zone each week using a different call point or detector so all are tested in rotation.
Monthly attention: Ensure authorised service personnel verify the system’s standby power supply (or
supplies) are in good working order.
Quarterly and periodic inspection, testing, servicing and maintenance
It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that an ongoing periodic plan is in place that meets Clause 45
(Inspection and Servicing) of BS5839-1:2002. The work required to meet this Clause must
be carried out by
a competent person with specialist knowledge of fire detection and alarm systems.
The standard recognises this will normally be an outside specialist fire alarm servicing organisation.
Please note: the above summaries do not replace Sections 6 and 7 of BS5839-1: 2002 but are intended to help the user
gain a greater understanding of his or her responsibilities. We strongly recommend the named responsible person
familiarises themselves with the full standard, copies of which are available from your local reference library or can be
purchased from the British Standards Institute, Customer Services Dept., 389 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 4AL. Tel:
[phone]. Web: www.bsi-global.com.
CFP USER MANUAL • Approved Document No. DFU7001010 Rev 1 • Page 5 of 20
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FP 2/4/8 ZONE CONVENTIONAL FIRE ALARM PANEL