How important are hours after a fire alarm fault has occurred?
Read the Fault Panel Carefully
Note that a fault signal on a fire alarm panel is not the same as causing a false alarm and therefore should be recorded and reported to the engineer. Most fault indicators on the panel show the zone, or the individual device that has caused the fault. Write down the information shown on the panel fault indicator for the engineer.
Act While the System Is Impaired
Under the duties set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, you must continue to maintain your fire safety measures whilst the fire alarm system is out of action. For example, implement roving patrollers and inform all occupants of the building of the temporary measures in place until such time as the system is brought back online.
Know Which Faults Need Same-Day Repair
A total failure of a system, a fault within an escape route or a dead battery to the UPS would normally require an engineer on the same day as the notification. A single detector fault in a low risk area would generally be programmed into the engineers schedule for a service visit.
Keep a Written Record
Make sure you keep a written record of the fault, the time that it was discovered, the actions that you took in the interim, and the date and time that the repair was carried out. This will serve as evidence that you are meeting your compliance obligations should a fire authority request information in the future. There is more on Fire Alarms Northamptonshire at https://isefireproducts.co.uk/fire-alarm-systems/northamptonshire/.
Prevent Repeat Faults After Repair
What caused the fault? Typical faults are caused by dirty detectors, connections to the panel being accidentally disconnected and low voltage to the battery backup system (which supplies power to escape route signage and gravity feed hose reel-systems during a mains power failure).
A clear record of the fault with prompt action to resolve will ensure your building is safe and you are compliant.