Clocks Go Back on 25 October: Your Autumn Fire Sprinkler and Smoke Alarm Check

When the clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, it’s a good time to review your property’s fire safety arrangements. As evenings get darker, and temperatures drop down, households tend to spend more time indoors, with their heating on, cooking, and using electrical appliances. 

For homeowners, landlords, and property managers, autumn is a fantastic reminder to check smoke alarms, and ensure that existing fire sprinkler systems are properly maintained. 

Smoke alarms provide an early warning of a fire, while a well maintained sprinkler system can help to control a fire if one breaks out. Both are essential in residential fire safety, and therefore need appropriate checks to remain dependable. 

Why Is The Clock Change A Good Time To Check Fire Safety?

Darker evenings usually mean more light, heating, and cooking at home. People might be using their portable heaters, candles might be used more often, and electrical equipment can be left charging overnight. 

In flats and shared accommodation, these risks can impact a number of residents and communal areas also, which is why a few simple checks are necessary to help identify problems before they become more serious. 

Use the clock change to review your fire safety arrangements, but remember that this is not the only time this needs to be done. For example, your smoke alarms should be tested regularly throughout the year. 

Test Your Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are there to warn you of a fire as early as possible, giving occupants the chance to respond and get out of the building before the fire spreads. 

When the clocks go back, check that your alarms are working as they should be. To do this, use the test button as outlined in the manufacturers instructions, and ensure that everyone in the building knows what the alarm sounds like. On top of this, do the following:

• Test smoke alarms regularly, weekly is ideal

• Check for fault signals and low battery warnings 

• Replace batteries where needed

• Keep alarms clear of dust and any kind of obstruction

• Check the guidelines for the expected lifespan and replacement needs

If an alarm doesn’t respond as it should, ensure that you’re investigating why, and arranging a replacement if needed. Landlords and property managers should ensure suitable smoke alarms are provided and maintained in accordance with the requirements applicable to their properties. 

Don’t Forget Your Fire Sprinkler System

Smoke alarms let you know that there could be a fire, but they don’t help to control the fire. A residential sprinkler system on the other hand provides another layer of protection by giving out water when a sprinkler head is activated by heat. 

However, a sprinkler system should never be installed and forgotten about. Valves can be tampered with, components can weaken over time, and sprinkler heads can get damaged. That’s why you need fire sprinkler testing and fire sprinkler servicing, to help identify problems that could impact the performance of the system overall. 

Professional servicing should follow the correct system requirements and maintenance guidance. Ideally, this should be carried out at least once per year, or if you believe that there is an issue. 

It’s important to understand that the clock change does not create an additional servicing requirement, it just reminds you to check your service records and check whether maintenance is needed. 

You can find out more on our fire sprinkler testing and servicing page.

What Does Professional Fire Sprinkler Servicing Involve?

Professional servicing checks the condition of the system, and how it’s working. This helps to identify issues that might otherwise go unnoticed and could end up meaning a system doesn’t work in the event of a fire. 

Depending on the equipment that you have installed, these checks can include:

• Checking sprinkler heads, valves, and pipework for damage, corrosion, or obstructions

• Checking water flow and pressure testing at test points

• Checking the pump and tank if applicable

• Confirming relevant warning signals are operating as they should be

• Recording faults and suggesting repairs or further action that might be needing

After servicing, the system should be returned to its normal operating condition, with any outstanding faults clearly known and a plan in place to fix them. If you would like some more information, read our guide on common issues found during fire sprinkler testing. 

Simple Sprinkler Checks You Can Carry Out

Professional servicing is essential, but you can also look for obvious issues between appointments. Make yourself an autumn safety checklist, and look for the following things:

• Sprinkler heads covered in dust, decorations, or paint

• Furniture obstructing sprinkler heads

• Signs of damage on components of the system

• Control valves that seem closed

• Visible leak around pipework and valves

You should never ever try to do anything like adjust control valves or touch a sprinkler head yourself. If you notice something is wrong, contact the correct professional to help.

Fire Safety In Flats And Rental Properties 

For landlords and property managers, the clock change is a good chance to review maintenance records and remind residents about fire safety. In a block of flats, sprinkler systems may be in individual flats, or be part of a wider building system, and responsibility for servicing depends on the system. 

Student accommodation and shared housing also needs special attention, and there are multiple residents who may not know what to do when needed. Make sure they know where to get out in the event of a fire, and to report any incidents. 

Make Fire Safety Part Of Your Autumn Routine

The clocks going back provide a useful point to test smoke alarms, check fire safety arrangements, and ensure that sprinkler servicing is up to date. Fire Sprinkler Servicing Ltd specialises in testing, inspection, maintenance, and repairs for residential and domestic sprinkler systems across the UK.

If your fire sprinkler service is due, contact our team to talk about your property, and arrange the right servicing solution for it. A few simple checks can help keep the building as safe as possible all year long.