How often must a fire alarm system be tested in BC (British Columbia)?
The Inspection Standard for Fire Alarm Systems (CAN/ULC-S536-04) identifies three periodic tests which every fire alarm system IN CANADA must undergo. Most Provincial/Territorial Fire Codes will no doubt reference these tests as well. THE DAILY TEST involves a visual inspection of the fire alarm system’s “common trouble” and “power on” indicators. If you’re a building owner or manager you should also be performing your daily inspection as outlined in the building’s Fire Safety Plan. Documentation required: NONE. THE MONTLY TEST requires that a manual pull station be activated (on a “rotatiional basis”) and that all the audible alarm signals in the building sound. The appropriate zone indicator lamp must also illuminate at both the common control and any remote annunciators. In addition, the stand-by batteries must be inspected. This may require the removal of the panel dead front to access (which we have addressed in a previous FAQ). If the building is equipped with fire phones and an
