What Is It?
A fire alarm test log is a chronological record of every test, inspection, and maintenance activity carried out on a fire alarm system. It documents who tested the system, which call point or detector was tested, whether the system activated correctly, any faults found, and what corrective action was taken. Under BS 5839-1, this log must be maintained as part of the fire alarm system's logbook and be available for inspection by the fire authority, insurers, and auditors at all times.
About This Template
Regular testing and maintenance of fire alarm systems is a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England and Wales) and equivalent legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland. BS 5839-1 (the Code of Practice for fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises) specifies that fire alarm systems must be tested weekly and serviced at least every six months by a competent person. For landlords of HMOs, residential care homes, and commercial premises, maintaining a fire alarm test log is essential evidence of compliance. This template provides a structured format for recording weekly tests, quarterly inspections, six-monthly servicing, and annual certification.
When to Use
- Every week when carrying out the mandatory weekly fire alarm test required by BS 5839-1 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- During quarterly visual inspections of all fire alarm system components including detectors, call points, sounders, and control panels
- At every six-monthly service visit carried out by a competent fire alarm engineer
- After any fault, false alarm, or system modification that requires documentation
- When preparing for a fire risk assessment or fire authority inspection
- When handing over building management responsibilities to a new responsible person or facilities management company
What to Include
- Building identification: name, address, and the responsible person's name and contact details as defined under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Fire alarm system details: manufacturer, type (conventional, addressable, or wireless), number of zones, total number of detectors and call points, and date of original installation
- Weekly test record: date, time, call point or detector tested (rotating through a different one each week), whether the alarm sounded correctly, any faults observed, and the name of the person carrying out the test
- Quarterly inspection record: visual check of all detectors, call points, and sounders for damage or obstruction; check of control panel for fault indications; battery condition check
- Six-monthly service record: name of the servicing company and engineer, tests carried out (including sensitivity testing of detectors), components replaced, and confirmation the system meets BS 5839-1
- Annual certification: confirmation from the servicing company that the system has been fully tested and is compliant with BS 5839-1, with the next service date recorded
- Fault and false alarm log: date, time, cause, zone or device affected, action taken, and date resolved
- A rotation schedule for weekly tests showing which call point or zone is to be tested each week, ensuring every device is tested at least once per year
- Space for the fire risk assessor or fire authority officer to sign during inspections, confirming they have reviewed the log
Tips
Test a different call point each week and record which one was tested. Over the course of a year, every manual call point in the building should be tested at least once — this is a BS 5839-1 requirement that fire risk assessors specifically check
Keep the fire alarm test log next to the fire alarm control panel or in the building's fire safety logbook. It must be immediately accessible during a fire authority inspection — do not file it away in an office on another floor
Ensure that whoever carries out the weekly test is trained to do so. They should know how to activate a call point, silence the alarm, reset the panel, and identify basic fault indications. Record their name each week for accountability
If a fault is found during testing, record it in the log AND report it to the fire alarm maintenance company immediately. Do not wait for the next scheduled service visit. The fault should be rectified within the timeframe specified in your fire risk assessment (typically 24-72 hours depending on severity)
For addressable systems, the control panel can identify exactly which device has a fault — record the device address or location in the log to help the engineer locate it quickly during the service visit
Review the test log as part of your annual fire risk assessment review. Patterns of false alarms from specific detectors may indicate they need cleaning, repositioning, or replacing
