Any opportunity to approach the topic of safety in a rapidly developing city such as Dubai and stimulating business activity
ascending like a skyscraper should be taken. Probably one of the most
important things to focus on when it comes to the safety of businesses and homes is
to make sure that the fire alarm systems are well maintained. A fire alarm
system is not just bought and installed; it is a working system that needs
periodical inspection and sometimes repairs so that it’s most effective where
it is needed most.
In this post, we’ll look at why fire alarm system maintenance is
important, the dangers of not doing this, and how you can make sure that your
fire alarm is always ready.
A fire alarm system is the initial way of identifying and
combating fire risks in your compound. It is early enough to alert occupants,
afford them sufficient time to run out and take necessary action. If you don’t
perform your fire alarm maintenance regularly, your fire alarms may not operate
when the need arises.
1. Ensures Functionality: As with any other system, gunfire
alarms may dematerialize with time. Original and even daily check-up guarantees
that all the devices, starting with the detectors and ending with the control
panel, are in proper order.
2. Reduces False Alarms: Inadequate or poorly installed systems
are known to produce false alarms that confuse, and a wastage of resources
among other things. That is why, regular maintenance helps to minimize such
problems.
3. Compliance with Dubai Regulations: The Dubai Civil Defence
or DCD as the fire safety authority has put measures that fire alarm systems
should be maintained. Failure to maintain these systems may attract large fines,
business shutdowns or at worst, legal responsibility in the event of a fire.
Besides safety, regular maintenance of your fire alarm
system will save you lots of time legal troubles and hefty fines.
Fire alarms have been manufactured to function for years,
however, several problems can occur if they are not adequately maintained. It
is essential to know some standard problems that form in fire alarm systems to
appreciate the need to conduct the inspections.
1. Dust or Dirt Build-Up: Smoke detectors are especially
vulnerable to dust and dirt because the dust particles which accumulate on the
surface of the smoke detectors cover the detector’s sensors and make the
detector unable to sense smoke.
2. Battery Failure: Fire alarms are connected to backup
batteries in the event of a power cut. It will however shock you that if these
batteries are not replaced frequently the system can fail during emergencies.
3. Corrosion or Wiring Issues: Sometimes the wiring that
connects the fire alarm systems may degrade or even change its nature due to
corrosion or other related factors that would degrade its performance.
4. Sensor Malfunctions: Circuit boards may become damaged
through heat-producing false alarms or not detecting fire risks at all.
These problems explain why maintenance should be done
frequently to have your system running to the optimum.
The fire code of Dubai is very rigorous and the commercial establishments
and residences in Dubai are bound by the maintenance schedules provided by the
Dubai Civil Defence.
1. Weekly Testing: The fire alarm should be weekly tested by the
businesses and this involves checking if all facilities within the fire alarm
panel are on.
2. Monthly Checks: Conduct a closer examination, to verify that
all detectors and alarms installed are working as they are supposed to work.
3. Annual Professional Maintenance: An accredited person should
conduct an annual inspection and service of the system since it is complex.
This includes testing of the sensors, inspection of wires, cleaning of the fire
system and even inspecting if the installations adhere to the current fire
safety requirements.
As this routine is performed, problems are identified right
away and your system remains by the laws.
The inability to maintain the fire alarm system has proved
dangerous to both business and residential buildings. It becomes fatal to
people’s lives and their property, and will also lead to severe legal and
financial consequences.
1. Fire Risk: An improperly functioning fire alarm system means
a fire can start and no one will know until it gets much worse. This increases
the chances of getting involved in an accident, death, and massive loss of
property.
2. Non-Compliance Penalties: Inability to adhere to the
requirements regarding maintenance of fire alarm systems attracts fines or even
business shutdowns. Dubai Civil Defence highly regards the aspect of fire
safety and non-compliance with regulations is punishable.
3. Higher Insurance Premiums: They may elevate your rates
because they noticed that you weren’t servicing your fire alarm, which raises
the probability of a fire claim.
4. Loss of Trust: To businesses, a fire incident that has
resulted from negligence in the handling of alarm systems can cost you the
customers, their trust and so much more.
Regular fire alarm system service doesn’t only help save
lives, it also saves your money and your home business from unnecessary losses.
Weekly and monthly reviews can be easily conducted
internally, but for an annual general check and maintenance of your fire alarm
system, it’s advisable to consult professionals. The fire alarm maintenance
service provider confirms that each one of these is checked, serviced and
replaced where necessary.
1. System Testing: Examining the control panel, batteries,
detectors, alarms as well as the wiring systems in a community for indications
of a problem.
2. Calibration of Sensors: The characteristic should be that
the smoke and heat detectors are set properly to alert the system to possible
dangers.
3. Cleaning and Inspection: Sensors and alarms are cleaned by
washing them with water to ensure they are capable of giving out the best
performance.
4. Documentation: A professional service gives you a
maintenance report which confirms to local laws that your system is legal.
Professional maintenance will make sure that your system is
working and is also compliant with the legalization of Dubai Civil Defence.
The following chapter is dedicated to the definition of a method
for evaluating the fire alarm system maintenance provider. You require a
provider who has certified experts, is well-equipped in matters to do with fire
disasters, and has adequate knowledge of what is expected of him so that you
can get the best services.
1. Certification and Accreditation: It is also important that
the company gets certified by an authorized body for fire safety like the Dubai
Civil Defence.
2. Experience: Search for those service providers who have
relevant experience in the operational fire alarm systems of commercial
buildings and homes in Dubai.
3. Comprehensive Service: The company should engage in
providing thorough inspection, cleaning, testing as well and documentation
services for full compliance.
4. 24/7 Support: Some contingencies require the attention of
the customer’s maintenance provider; hence, a reliable company should be able
to offer necessary help in instances of system breakdowns or any other distress
call.
Selecting a reputable company allows you to have confidence
in the firm that your fire alarm system will be well-maintained and ready to
function if needed.
Having a fire alarm system is not only a legal requirement
for conducting business in Dubai but a necessity for the survival of the lives,
properties and the future of any business firm. Maintenance brings confidence
that your system is operating according to the intended design, and necessary
compliance is met– failing which may lead to hefty fines or even fatal fire
disasters.
Welcome to Guard Master Safety Systems – for all your fire
alarm system maintenance needs and more, to keep your business or family safe.
Our staff of certified technicians is well prepared to handle all aspects of
fire alarm maintenance, including testing, servicing, or repairs to keep your
fire alarm system performing at its best. Call us today to book your desired
appointment regarding fire alarm maintenance and ensure your property’s safety.
