This blog post is intended to give those responsible for self-catering holiday accommodation, information and guidance around the change over check process. we have also included a handy downloadable change over check sheet as an example.
Within your holiday at fire safety management processes should be a robust change over check procedure, this will often be carried out by your professional cleaning team attending the property on changeover days.
Holiday let fire safety change over checks: IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU TEST AND MAINTAIN FIRE SAFETY MEASURES REGULARLY AND SUITABLY RECORD YOUR RESULTS.
Holiday let fire safety change over checks: Testing and Maintenance
Ensure that all your fire safety systems are regularly tested and undergo suitable maintenance to ensure they are in good working order.
Smoke Alarms should be tested on each change-over:
Inspect for damage and check if the detectors have been tampered with. Ensure the alarm can be heard in all areas of the premises. Record the results of your tests and inspections.
Fire detectors should be cleaned periodically in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Fire-fighting Equipment should be inspected at each change-over:
Ensure all firefighting equipment is in its dedicated location and check to ensure it has not been tampered with.
Remember all firefighting equipment will have a life span and this is usually stamped onto the item. If expired or damaged, replace the equipment. Record the results of your tests and inspections.
Instructions on the use and maintenance of equipment vary with each manufacturer; refer to manufacturer’s guides for further information.
If any defects are found during your inspections and tests, ensure that suitable remedial action is taken prior to occupation.
Emergency Lighting:
If you have provided fixed emergency lighting, ensure that the system is tested and maintained in accordance with BS5266-8.
This includes a recorded monthly function test and an annual service by a competent person. During the function test, ensure that the units provide sufficient light in order for occupants to make their escape.
At each changeover check to ensure that the units are both clean and undamaged. Record the results of your tests and inspections.
If you have provided torches check these at each change-over to ensure they are in full working order and are correctly positioned.
The following checks and tests should be carried out as specified below
Daily checks (for premises in which staff or the owners are present)
• Make sure that exit routes are not obstructed and are kept clear of storage
Weekly checks (for premises in which staff or owners are present)
If the premises are fitted with a fire detection and alarm system (rather than domestic smoke alarms), the system should be tested, using a different manual alarm call point each week, to make sure that the system is operating
Check that any fire-resisting doors fitted to stairways and escape routes close effectively under the action of the self-closing devices fitted
Monthly checks
• Carry out a functional test of rechargeable torches and/or all emergency escape lighting units to make sure that they operate correctly
• Domestic smoke/heat alarms should be tested to check they work and are loud enough to wake anyone who is sleeping. Manufacturers also provide recommendations on other necessary maintenance, so check their guidance
• Make sure all exit doors that are not in regular use can be easily opened
Six-monthly checks
Any fire detection and alarm systems should be serviced by a competent contractor
Fire doors should be checked to make sure they remain in good condition, are not damaged, and remain a good fit in their frames
Annual checks
• Emergency escape lighting should be serviced by a competent contractor
• Any fire extinguishers should be serviced by a competent contractor
On each change of occupancy of premises in which staff or owners are not present (e.g. self-catering premises)
• The above weekly and monthly tests should be carried out
It is important that your fire safety systems are regularly tested and undergo suitable maintenance to ensure they are in good working order.
DOWNLOAD Our free example check sheet
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