In schools and colleges, fire safety is so important, protecting students and staff is always the priority. Well-maintained fire alarms for schools can mean the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic event. 

We’re here to share everything you need to know about school fire alarm system maintenance, highlighting who’s responsible, best practices, and how to find expert help when needed. 

What is a fire alarm at school?

In schools, fire alarms are typically part of a wider fire protection strategy that includes detectors, alarms, and sometimes sprinkler systems. Fire protection and detection systems aim to provide early warning and facilitate the safe evacuation of students, staff, and visitors in the event of an emergency.

What is the purpose of a school fire alarm system?

The primary purpose of a school fire alarm system is to protect lives and minimise property damage. These fire detection systems provide an early warning to everyone inside, ensuring timely evacuation and helping fire services respond quickly by notifying them of the emergency. 

As fire detection systems can reduce the risk of extensive fire damage, they also mitigate disruption to students’ education. Having a proper fire alarm system in place also ensures compliance with fire safety regulations, including BS5839, which governs fire alarm systems in the UK. Given that schools are environments with vulnerable populations, reliable fire alarms are essential for maintaining a safe learning environment.

Can a school open without a fire alarm?

The short answer? No, a school cannot legally or safely operate without a functional fire alarm system. 

UK regulations, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, require all educational institutions to have an adequate fire detection system in place. Opening without a fire protection system puts lives at risk and exposes the institution to legal repercussions, significant fines, and potential closures.

At Magni Fire, we ensure that schools not only meet these necessary regulations but also benefit from fire detection systems tailored to their specific needs. From installation to ongoing fire alarm maintenance, we provide end-to-end solutions to keep your students and staff safe. 

Who is responsible for school fire alarm system maintenance?

As with fire risk assessments for schools, the responsibility for maintaining a school’s fire alarm system falls on the “responsible person” - this may be the headteacher, school administrator, or building manager, depending on the institution’s structure. This person is tasked with ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations, including organising regular inspections, servicing, risk assessments and addressing any issues promptly.

Looking to ensure your school’s fire alarm system is always in top condition? We’d recommend partnering with an experienced fire protection provider such as ourselves. Our certified technicians can handle everything from fire alarm maintenance to full system installation to give you peace of mind. 

How often should a school fire alarm system be tested?

According to BS5839, school fire alarm systems should undergo:

• Weekly Testing: A designated individual should test the system by activating a different manual call point each week.
• Quarterly Maintenance: A certified fire alarm technician such as ourselves should inspect and service the system every three months to ensure it remains compliant.
• Annual Inspections: A full check of the entire system should be carried out at least once a year.

What are the components of a school fire alarm system?

Fire alarm systems for schools are usually made up of a few key components that work together to ensure safety. At the heart of the system is the control panel, which is the central hub, monitoring the entire system and signalling alarms when necessary. 

Detectors, such as smoke, heat or carbon monoxide detectors, are then strategically placed throughout the building for early fire detection. Similarly, your school fire alarm system should have several manual call points, often designed as break-glass units, positioned in accessible locations to allow for the manual activation of the alarm should it be required. 

To provide both audible and visual alerts, your system should include sounders and beacons so that everyone in the building is aware of a potential fire. Finally, communication links are included to notify emergency services immediately when the alarm is triggered.

What is included in a school fire alarm system inspection?

A thorough inspection of a school fire alarm system begins with visual checks, where the technician will inspect control panels, detectors and other system components for signs of damage or wear. They’ll also complete functional testing by activating the detectors and call points to ensure proper functionality. Battery tests should also be completed to check that all power and backup power supplies are working properly.  

Our Magni Fire technicians will also complete a system calibration to optimise performance and provide a detailed report documenting our findings and recommending any necessary repairs or upgrades required. 

What are the consequences of neglecting school fire alarm system maintenance?

Neglecting your school's fire alarm system maintenance can have dire consequences. Malfunctioning alarms are a massive safety risk, as they may fail to alert students and staff on time, leading to injury or loss of life. Schools that fail to properly maintain their fire alarm systems risk facing regulatory non-compliance, including fines, legal action, and even closure. 

Legal ramifications aside, neglecting proper maintenance can still be costly as it can lead to higher repair costs, as minor issues that may have once been easily fixed can escalate the longer that you wait. 

Ultimately, a fire incident due to a faulty system is a failure on the school’s part that could result in extensive damage to the school, forcing temporary closures and disrupting education.

What are some best practices for school fire alarm system maintenance?

Stick to the recommended weekly, quarterly, and annual testing and maintenance routines, and this will help you stay on top of any issues that may arise ahead of time. We’d also recommend training key staff members to operate and test the system correctly so that it isn’t just one team member. 

To avoid dangerous downtime and costly repairs, make sure to address any issues you see promptly, fixing faults as soon as they are identified to prevent further complications. You should also make sure to keep detailed records of inspections, tests and any maintenance activities. 

Where can I find a qualified school fire alarm system technician?

Finding a qualified technician for fire alarms in schools is necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff, and also to maintain compliance with regulations. Based in Essex, we are a trusted provider of fire detection and protection solutions across London and the UK. 

With us, you can be assured that you’re receiving expert service, as all of our technicians are fully trained and BAFE SP203 certified. Our tailored solutions mean that we can design, install, and maintain fire alarm systems specifically for educational environments.

If you’d like to learn more, contact us today to learn more about our fire alarm maintenance services for schools. Let us help you create a safer environment for your students and staff.