weekly mcp test

[Davro]

Customer asked me today if it is o.k to do there weekly test with the sounders and relays disabled so everything is silent when tested.
I said if must yes but if could let the sounders go. Question is, is this o.k and if not do the customer have to check sounders/door access/shutdown on each test, in all areas?

[Graeme]

The weekly test is only to ensure that the fire alarm is capable of processing a fire alarm signal to the sounders and generally relies on the occupants reporting any areas with low sound levels from the sounders.

It is not expected that the weekly test ensures all sounders work as the routine maintenance will but it kind of defeats the purpose of having a fire alarm and doing silent tests

[GregC]

Section 44.2 a) "it is not necessary to confirm that all fire alarm sounder circuits operate correctly at the time of this test"

Could have been better written as it is open to abuse.

[colin todd]

what abuse

[Allen Higginson]

The key reasons for the weely test are (i) to check that the fire alarm can process an input and activate outputs,(iparticularly if the fire alarm is linked to an ARC then this needs to be checed) & (ii) to make staff familiar with the sound associated with the fire alarm (furthermore,if the site has workers who do not normally work during the hours of the weely test (eg - full time nightshift) then an additional test should be done at least once a month.

[Allen Higginson]

Section 44.2 a) "it is not necessary to confirm that all fire alarm sounder circuits operate correctly at the time of this test"

Could have been better written as it is open to abuse.

It would be unreasonable (and possibly impossible) for a client to do this on their weely test,hence it being not necessary.

[Galeon]

It might have been understood in general if it said individual audible/visual devices instead of sounder circuits. Bearing in mind we now have networked systems so you would need a pair of Nike trainers on you , to gallivant to the rest of the panels to check the sounder operation , hence thats why the BS words it that way, so it makes sense to me.

Better still offer a sound pressure level test twice a year ,Ker ching , bobs your uncle.

[kurnal]

Why does the client want to test the alarm in silent mode? It only takes a few seconds and has the huge benefit of familiarising all occupants with the sound of the fire alarm, its volume relative to ambient noise levels. It should not cause any significant disruption except in call centres and control rooms. In most workplaces I think it brings significant benefits.

Disable other outputs certainly- fire shutters, etc because these may well disrupt operations and will in any case be subject to their own, relevant test regime.

But if the weekly fire alarm test is to be operated in silent mode then I would take a look at what other arrangements are in place to ensure that building users are familiar with the sound and the thing remains audible throughout.

[AnthonyB]

Seeing as most quarterly/6 monthly services are done with sounders silenced due to client requirements, the weekly test is the best way of identifying a defective sounder (in occupied areas at least) in addition to the familiarisation aspect.

[GregC]

I read it as not all sounders need to be checked but this is on the assumption that the ones where you are testing a manual call point operate.

Am I wrong and BS says its ok to have a fire alarm system that is weekly tested but could have no sounders operational between 6 monthly inspections and the customer can hide behind this clause?

[SeanW]

I would expect the weekly test to be a full test i.e to ensure the full cause and effect is operational on the system. A silence test is a waste of time.This is the reason for weekly tests to ensure correct operation of the fire system.

[Wiz]

I read it as not all sounders need to be checked but this is on the assumption that the ones where you are testing a manual call point operate.

Am I wrong and BS says its ok to have a fire alarm system that is weekly tested but could have no sounders operational between 6 monthly inspections and the customer can hide behind this clause?

Yeah GregC, but that's a little different from calling it abuse!

Don't give CT palpitations with your phraseology otherwise the BS will only get even more difficult for us to understand in the future

CT has the following things to say in his guide to the BS, that may be relevant to the various opinions stated above:

... The Code now recommends that the duration for the which the alrm sounders should operate at the time of the weekly test should not normally exceed one minute......

....The second, but more subsidary, objective of the weekly test is to make occupants familiar with the fire alarm signal.....

I'm now off on holiday for a week so I don't really care if anyone tests anything at all - silently or otherwise  

[Graeme]

I read it as not all sounders need to be checked but this is on the assumption that the ones where you are testing a manual call point operate.

Am I wrong and BS says its ok to have a fire alarm system that is weekly tested but could have no sounders operational between 6 monthly inspections and the customer can hide behind this clause?

Yeah GregC, but that's a little different from calling it abuse!

Don't give CT palpitations with your phraseology otherwise the BS will only get even more difficult for us to understand in the future

CT has the following things to say in his guide to the BS, that may be relevant to the various opinions stated above:

... The Code now recommends that the duration for the which the alrm sounders should operate at the time of the weekly test should not normally exceed one minute......

....The second, but more subsidary, objective of the weekly test is to make occupants familiar with the fire alarm signal.....

I'm now off on holiday for a week so I don't really care if anyone tests anything at all - silently or otherwise  

what about the ejector button underneath your seat on the plane?

[Wiz]

There won't be much silence if I get ejected.

You'll hear my screams up in Scotland 

[colin todd]

The weekly test is mainly only to ensure that the system has not fallen over and died. We said sounder circuits because we meant sounder circuits, not devices.  There is no intention that it be confirmed that all circuits are checked for correct operation and there is certainly no suggestion whatsover that there is full cause and effect testing. It is simpll a case of key in the call point, ding a ling a ling (assuming that as someone said there are sounders in the area of the mcp), reset the system and Robert is your aunts husband. End of story. Ker-chink.