Why Weekly Fire Alarm Testing Is Critical (And Legally Required)

Protect your people, your property, and your peace of mind — with just a few minutes a week.

In the world of fire safety, one phrase is echoed by professionals across the UK: “Compliance saves lives.” Yet, one of the most overlooked — yet legally vital — aspects of fire protection is the weekly fire alarm test.

If you’re a building owner, facilities manager, or responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, understanding your obligations under BS 5839-1:2017 isn’t optional — it’s essential. This British Standard lays out the gold standard for fire detection and alarm systems, and within it lies a simple yet powerful requirement: your fire alarm must be tested every single week.

Let’s break down why weekly testing matters, what BS 5839 mandates, and how staying compliant protects more than just your premises.

What Is BS 5839, and Why Should You Care?

BS 5839-1:2017 is the UK’s code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises. It is widely recognised and referenced in both legislation and insurance policies.

Weekly testing — outlined in Clause 44.2 — is one of the most practical and enforceable parts of this standard. The purpose? To ensure that:

• All components of the fire alarm system are operational

• Any faults are detected early

• Staff remain familiar with the sound of the alarm

• Evacuation procedures are regularly reinforced

Failure to carry out this testing can result in prosecution, invalidated insurance, or, most critically, loss of life in a real emergency.

5 Critical Reasons You Must Carry Out Weekly Fire Alarm Testing

1. It’s a Legal Requirement

Under the Fire Safety Order 2005, the “responsible person” must ensure that fire alarms are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. Weekly testing, in accordance with BS 5839, is the recognised method of doing this.

2. Early Fault Detection Saves Lives

Batteries fail. Sensors get dusty. Wiring degrades. Weekly tests highlight these issues before they compromise your safety. Many serious incidents stem from alarms that didn’t trigger when they should have — often because of an unspotted fault.

3. Reduces Liability and Insurance Risk

In the event of a fire, you’ll be asked for your maintenance and testing records. Regular weekly testing — properly documented — demonstrates your due diligence and compliance, which can be crucial in avoiding fines, legal action, or insurance claim rejections.

4. Promotes Safety Culture in Your Organisation

Hearing the alarm weekly builds muscle memory. Staff become more aware of escape routes, procedures, and the general importance of fire safety. This passive reinforcement plays a vital role in emergency readiness.

5. It Takes Less Than Five Minutes

Weekly testing isn’t a huge burden. In fact, a competent person can perform a simple test in under 5 minutes — making it one of the most efficient safety tasks you can implement.

What Does BS 5839 Say About Weekly Testing?

Clause 44.2 of BS 5839-1:2017 clearly outlines the weekly test procedure:

• A manual call point (MCP) should be activated each week.

• Each week, a different call point should be tested to ensure coverage over time.

• The test should be carried out at approximately the same time and day each week.

• Staff should be aware of the test schedule to avoid unnecessary evacuations.

• Any failures or faults must be recorded and actioned without delay.

• 
  

Who Should Perform the Weekly Test?

The test should be carried out by a competent person — this doesn’t necessarily mean a fire alarm engineer. Often, this is a trained member of your own staff (with guidance provided by professionals like us at Fitzroy Fire Safety).

However, if you manage multiple sites, complex systems, or lack trained staff, outsourcing your testing ensures accuracy, consistency, and third-party assurance.

What Happens If You Skip Weekly Tests?

Let’s be clear: missing a week here and there due to staffing or oversight won’t land you in court. But systematic failure to comply can have serious consequences:

• Increased risk of malfunction in a real emergency

• Fines or enforcement notices from the fire authority

• Void insurance policies due to lack of records

• Civil or criminal liability in the aftermath of an incident

Think of weekly testing as your fire alarm’s health check. Just like a car without MOT, a fire alarm without tests is a liability waiting to happen.

How Fitzroy Fire Safety Can Help You Stay Compliant

At Fitzroy, we know that compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about building resilience, reducing risk, and protecting lives.

We offer:

• On-site staff training so your team can carry out weekly tests correctly

• Scheduled weekly testing visits if you'd prefer to outsource

• Digital fire logbooks with automatic reporting and audit trails

• Free compliance reviews to assess your current fire safety practices

Whether you manage a single office or a portfolio of properties, we make compliance easy, cost-effective, and hassle-free.

Don’t Leave Compliance to Chance

Are you 100% sure your weekly tests are being carried out — and recorded correctly?

Let Fitzroy Fire Safety help you take control. Contact us today to book a free consultation and ensure your fire safety systems are fully compliant with BS 5839.

📧 Email: Admin@FitzroyFire.co.uk📞 Phone: 07794354838📍 Address: 11 Russell Court, Bloomsbury, London, WC1H 0LL