Building managers today have a greater responsibility than ever when it comes to fire safety. It is not enough for the installations to exist and have been approved at a certain point in time — they must be permanently operational, properly maintained and able to be checked at any time by the competent authorities.
Experience shows that many of the problems discovered during ISU audits are not caused by a lack of investment, but by lack of simple periodic checksThis checklist can help you quickly identify the most common risks before they become costly problems.
1. Does the fire panel display faults?
The first thing to check is the status of the fire detection and alarm control panel. Check if there is:
- fault messages;
- disabled areas;
- detectors out of order;
- communication problems;
- power supply defects.
A fault ignored for months may mean that certain areas of the building are no longer properly monitored.
2. Have periodic checks been carried out?
Request and verify documents confirming maintenance has been performed. There must be clear records of:
- periodic checks;
- the interventions performed;
- systems testing;
- troubleshooting.
Lack of documentation can become a problem during an inspection.
3. Are the batteries up to date and functional?
Many installations appear to operate normally, but the batteries no longer provide the necessary autonomy in the event of a power outage. Check:
- installation date;
- the results of the latest tests;
- any replacement recommendations.
4. Is the security lighting working?
In the event of a building evacuation, emergency lighting can make the difference between an orderly evacuation and a dangerous situation. Check that:
- bodies are functional;
- evacuation signs are visible;
- periodic tests are performed and documented.
5. Are the smoke extraction systems operational?
Smoke extraction is designed to keep escape routes usable and reduce the effects of smoke on occupants. Make sure that:
- the hatches work;
- engines are tested;
- activation commands are operational;
- the checks are documented.
6. Have the PSI pumping units been tested?
In many buildings, pumping units are used very rarely and that is precisely why problems can arise unnoticed. Check:
- the existence of periodic tests;
- pump condition;
- electrical power supply;
- backup power, if any.
7. Have any changes been made to the building?
One of the most common sources of non-conformities is modifications made after the building has been put into operation. Ask yourself:
- Have spaces been re-compartmented?
- Has new equipment been installed?
- Have new cable routes been created?
- Has the purpose of some rooms changed?
Any changes may affect the operation of existing systems.
8. Does the staff know what to do in case of fire?
Even the most efficient facility needs people who know how to react. Check:
- the existence of instructions;
- updating procedures;
- staff training;
- evacuation exercises.
9. Is there any equipment that has exceeded its useful life?
Many buildings use panels, detectors and components that were installed 15–20 years ago. Signs that an upgrade is needed include:
- repeated defects;
- lack of spare parts;
- impossibility of expanding the system;
- manufacturer's recommendations.
10. Have you performed a technical audit in the last year?
An independent audit provides a true picture of the condition of the facilities and can identify problems that are not obvious in daily operation. An audit can highlight:
- operational risks;
- non-conformities;
- end-of-life equipment;
- investments that need to be planned.
The most common mistakes made by administrators
From the experience of projects carried out by GreenSoft, the most common situations are:
- ignoring damage considered "minor";
- postponement of battery replacement;
- lack of updated documentation;
- incomplete periodic checks;
- building modifications without re-evaluation of fire safety systems.
Most of these problems can be identified and remedied before they cause serious consequences.
How GreenSoft can help you
GreenSoft provides audit, verification and maintenance services for fire safety installations in commercial buildings, hotels, industrial units and public institutions. Through our assessments, we quickly identify non-conformities, operational risks and equipment requiring interventions, so that administrators can make informed decisions and avoid the costs generated by failures or unplanned shutdowns.
If you can't answer all 10 questions on this checklist with certainty, it's time for a technical assessment. Contact GreenSoft for an assessment of your fire safety installations.
