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FIRE SAFETY => Fire Alarm Systems => Topic started by: Alec on February 12, 2015, 07:24:00 PM

Title: Testing of manual call points (care home)
Post by: Alec on February 12, 2015, 07:24:00 PM
Hi I know this has been covered in depth on other posts but I would just like your opinion please.

A care home that I provide training for recently had a visit from the local authority fire inspector.

He was very happy with the fire safety in the care home all but a minor point on the recording of the testing of the of manual call points (MCP)
Now I can only write what they have told me, the care home has 15 MCP but the inspector has informed them that they need to test 4 MCP a week that would mean that they would all be tested in calendar month.

I have looked through BS 5839-1:2013 Section 6: Maintenance, 44 Routine testing sub paragraph (D) test one call point per week etc. etc.

Am I missing something here is anyone aware of another doc he might be quoting from or do you think this might be a breakdown in communication and they have misunderstood him?
Thanks
 
Title: Re: Testing of manual call points (care home)
Post by: AnthonyB on February 12, 2015, 10:15:01 PM
In the old BS you were meant to get around them all in a fixed time (not a month!) but that's long gone.

Save a lot of time digging & call his bluff and ask him to quote his source....
Title: Re: Testing of manual call points (care home)
Post by: Phoenix on February 13, 2015, 12:00:52 AM
They get it wrong sometimes, you know.
Title: Re: Testing of manual call points (care home)
Post by: Alec on February 13, 2015, 10:53:56 AM
Thanks guys
Title: Re: Testing of manual call points (care home)
Post by: colin todd on February 13, 2015, 06:54:04 PM
They get it wrong sometimes, you know.

Only sometimes?
Title: Re: Testing of manual call points (care home)
Post by: lyledunn on February 14, 2015, 10:58:54 PM
Surely such a place should have a robust, written fire safety strategy. Visiting inspectors commenting on individual items using only code compliance without considering it in the context of an overall strategy would seem just an unhelpful snipe.
I am only an observer, but it never ceases to amaze me that even when you take the trouble to develop a strategy on the basis of a professional FRA you still have code compliance usurping it all.
Title: Re: Testing of manual call points (care home)
Post by: AnthonyB on February 15, 2015, 07:47:46 PM
I think the issue is it's not even code compliance as it's not in any codes or standards!
Title: Re: Testing of manual call points (care home)
Post by: Dinnertime Dave on February 15, 2015, 10:06:26 PM
They get it wrong sometimes, you know.

It is not me that gets it wrong, it is only other inspecting officers.  ;D ;D