Demand for regular testing
February 1st 2006

Orbik Electronics, manufacturer of emergency lighting and fire systems, is warning companies not to take too lightly the subject of regular testing and maintenance of their fire detection and emergency lighting systems.

In the event of a fire occurring where such emergency systems are proven to have failed due to a lack of maintenance, company directors could find themselves facing charges of corporate killing or corporate manslaughter.

Orbik says that while many companies may feel they do not have the resources to maintain the equipment themselves, there are many specialist companies who will provide this service and take on the responsibility for maintaining the emergency systems.

BS5839 Part 1 recommends that fire detection systems are tested weekly and BS5266 Part 7 calls for emergency lighting to be functionally checked monthly.

Orbik says it is becoming increasingly common for insurance companies to insist on seeing the records of maintenance and testing for the emergency systems before they will consider offering building insurance.

As the company says, it is better to implement correct testing and maintenance procedures now and take comfort from the fact that if there were to be a fire, those in the building would have the best chance of survival.

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