LE2 · Highfields
Fire Alarm Servicing
in Highfields
Fire detection and alarm systems must be maintained in efficient working order. BS 5839-1 recommends servicing by a competent person at intervals not exceeding six months, alongside the weekly call point test carried out by the occupier.
Duty summary
England & Wales
- Duty
- Fire Alarm Servicing
- Instrument
- article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Also
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Standard
- BS 5839-1:2025 for non-domestic systems and BS 5839-6 for domestic and HMO systems
- Frequency
- At intervals not exceeding six months, alongside the occupier's weekly call point test
- Carried out by
- A competent person
- Enforced by
- Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
- Guide price
- £90 – £250 per service visit
Guide price only. The firm we pass your enquiry to sets its own price once it knows the building.
For building owners, landlords and managers in Highfields, so that the safety of occupants is a primary concern. Regular fire alarm servicing in Highfields is a crucial part of this responsibility. The area, characterised by its dense Victorian terraces and large subdivided villas immediately east of the city centre, presents specific challenges. Highfields, within the LE2 postcode district, has one of the highest concentrations of shared houses and licensable Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the city, alongside a mix of shops and places of worship. These diverse property types all require robust fire safety measures. For many of these premises, a properly maintained fire alarm system is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental safeguard for life and property. A fire alarm servicing in Highfields typically costs £90 to £250 per service visit. This figure is a guide and depends on the specific building and system. The exact quote will come directly from the fire safety firm we put you in touch with.
What Fire Alarm Servicing Covers
Fire alarm servicing involves a comprehensive check of your system to ensure it is fully operational and compliant with relevant standards. This work typically includes inspecting all components, such as control panels, smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual call points, sounders, and batteries. The scope of the work and, consequently, the price, will vary based on several factors. These include the total number of devices and control panels within your premises, the system category (for example, M, L1 to L5, P1 or P2, which refer to different levels of protection and detection coverage), and whether the site is a single building or comprises several separate structures. The age of the control panel and the availability of spare parts can also influence the cost, as older or more obscure systems may require specialist attention. Finally, the number of service visits contracted per year will affect the overall pricing.
How the Enquiry Works
Leicester Fire Risk Assessment is an enquiry service. We do not carry out the servicing ourselves. Our process is straightforward:
- You provide us with details about your premises and fire alarm system through our enquiry form.
- We then pass these details to a local, fire safety firm that operates in the Highfields area.
- That firm will contact you directly to discuss your specific needs and provide a tailored quote for the fire alarm servicing.
- You will then deal directly with that firm for all aspects of the service, from quoting to completion of the work.
The Legal Position on Fire Alarm Servicing
The legal obligation for maintaining fire safety systems, including fire alarms, falls squarely on the duty holder. Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 explicitly states that fire detection and alarm systems must be maintained in efficient working order and good repair. This is further supported by the broader duties outlined in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees and others who may be affected by their work activities.
For non-domestic systems, the industry standard for guidance on fire alarm maintenance is BS 5839-1:2025. For domestic and HMO systems, BS 5839-6 provides the relevant recommendations. Both standards recommend that fire alarm systems should be serviced by a competent person at intervals not exceeding six months. This regular professional servicing complements the weekly call point test, which is typically carried out by the occupier or a designated person on site. It is important to note that any assessment of fire safety, including the need for and maintenance of fire alarms, must be carried out by a competent person. This page provides general information and should not be considered specific advice for your building. Enforcement of fire safety regulations in Highfields falls under the jurisdiction of the local fire and rescue service or the local authority, depending on the type of premises.
Questions duty holders ask
7 answers
How often should a fire alarm be serviced?
Industry standards, specifically BS 5839-1 and BS 5839-6, recommend that a competent person services your fire alarm system at least every six months. This regular professional maintenance ensures the system remains fully operational, compliant with regulations, and capable of providing early warning in the event of a fire.
What is the weekly call point test?
The weekly call point test is a simple check that should be carried out by a responsible person on site. It involves activating a different manual call point each week to ensure the alarm sounds. This test confirms that the alarm system is functioning correctly between professional service visits.
What is a category L2 system?
A category L2 fire alarm system is designed to protect life by providing automatic fire detection in all escape routes and in all rooms or areas that present a high fire risk. This category is often specified for premises where there is a greater risk to occupants, such as in HMOs or larger commercial buildings.
Do I need a fire alarm logbook?
Yes, a fire alarm logbook is essential. It provides a record of all tests, services, false alarms, and repairs carried out on your fire alarm system. This logbook is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and demonstrates due diligence in maintaining your fire safety provisions.
Can any electrician service a fire alarm?
While some electricians may have a basic understanding of electrical systems, fire alarm servicing requires specialist knowledge and competency in fire detection and alarm systems. It is crucial that the person carrying out the service is competent and familiar with the relevant British Standards (BS 5839-1 or BS 5839-6) to ensure effective and compliant maintenance.
How much does fire alarm servicing cost in Highfields?
The cost for fire alarm servicing in Highfields typically ranges from £90 to £250 per service visit. This price can vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of your system, the number of devices, and the specific requirements of your premises. The firm we put you in touch with will provide a tailored quote.
What happens after I submit an enquiry?
Once you submit your enquiry to Leicester Fire Risk Assessment, we will pass your details to a local fire safety firm that specialises in fire alarm servicing. This firm will then contact you directly to discuss your needs, answer any specific questions you may have, and provide you with a bespoke quote for the required work.
Sources and review
Checked against Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 art.17, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, BS 5839-1:2025 and BS 5839-6 on . We recheck this page against the legislation quarterly, and sooner if the law changes. Spotted something wrong? Tell us at enquiries@leicesterfireriskassessment.co.uk and we will correct it.
Fire Alarm Servicing nearby
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This page is general information about fire safety law in England and Wales. It is not a fire risk assessment and it is not legal advice. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 the Responsible Person must ensure an assessment is carried out by a competent person.