How often should a Cardiff Bay apartment block alarm be serviced?
At least twice a year under BS 5839-1, arranged so that every device is tested over a twelve-month period. In practice that means each six-monthly visit covers a proportion of the detection, all manual call points on rotation, sounders, batteries, panel functions and any interfaces. Blocks with a management company usually run a fixed schedule so the service record is always current when the building insurance is renewed or a leaseholder's solicitor requests it.
What gets tested during a Cardiff Bay service visit?
The panel and its standby batteries, a rotating sample of detectors and every accessible call point, sounder coverage in escape routes, fault and disablement functions, and the cause-and-effect programming. In the Bay's newer blocks that last item matters most: the alarm is usually interfaced with automatic opening vents, door retainers, lift homing and sometimes sprinkler monitoring. We test the interfaces operate as the fire strategy intends, then log any that do not.
Who is responsible for servicing in a leasehold block?
The responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for the common parts is normally the freeholder or the managing agent acting for them, not individual leaseholders. We work directly with Cardiff Bay block managers, arrange access with the concierge or key-holder, and send the service record and any remedial quotation to the agent so the audit trail sits in one place.
What happens if we find a fault?
Minor faults such as a failed detector, a flat standby battery or a dirty head are usually resolved on the visit from van stock. Anything larger is written up with a recommendation, priority level and a written quote, so the managing agent can put it to the board or the service charge budget with a proper description rather than a vague warning. Nothing is repaired beyond the agreed scope without sign-off.
