Busted! Don’t Believe These Myths About Annual Fire Alarm Testing!
Preventative maintenance plays a crucial role in the lifespan of your fire alarm system, so it’s vital to use high-tech testing equipment to ensure all problems get spotted before loud alarms are activated.
However, despite safety equipment such as fire alarms being essential to protect lives and property, there are still many myths surrounding the testing of this equipment, which prevents them from operating at peak performance.
To help you steer clear of these fire misconceptions, Regional Fire and Security Systems has debunked three of the most widely believed myths about annual fire alarm testing.
Myth 1: I can have my maintenance personnel test & repair interconnected smoke alarms.
Truth is only a licensed CFAA Technician can test and repair these devices as per OFC 2007, so It’s best to follow these safety standards.
Myth 2: I can discard my CAN/ULC 537 Verification Inspection Report after two years from the date it got performed.
This is not true! The verification report must be kept for the life of the system to keep a precise record of the inspections carried out.
Myth 3: I do not require a permit to replace a faulty fire alarm panel.
The truth is when a fire alarm panel fails; the contractor must contact the engineer and state that it is an emergency. Once the permit documents get sent, the engineer can then allow the work to commence. The engineer will communicate to the building/fire department inspectors the urgency of the repair and submit a permit package. Once the building permit gets approved, an ESA Inspection, Verification Inspection of one device per zone verification, and an annual inspection of all remaining devices must get performed. Once all of the reports get compiled, the contractor may call the building department and schedule a permit closing walkthrough.
If you’re looking to steer clear of these myths and stay safe by following fire protocols, reach out to Regional Fire and Security Systems.
As a leading fire alarm and security systems firm in the Greater Toronto Area, we have been around for thirty-five years and always exceed expectations.
Our services include fire alarm solutions, fire sprinkler and special fire extinguishing solutions, communication and emergency lighting solutions, security and monitoring solutions, and fire safety plans.
Our services are available across Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Barrie, Oakville, Milton, Ajax, Oshawa, Newmarket, Innisfil, Vaughan, Georgina, Aurora, Toronto, and the Greater Toronto Area.
For a complete list of our services, please click here. If you have any questions about fire alarms and security systems, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us here.