Free cheat sheet · updated for the 2025 standard revisions
BS 5839-1 and BS 5266-1 were both fully rewritten in 2025 — plenty of templates and habits out there still cite the old editions. Here are the current test and service frequencies, with the exact clauses your paperwork should reference.
Enter your email and it's yours. I'll also hold a Founding 50 place for you — 60 days of EmberSuite Fire free with the £24.99/mo launch price locked for life. No spam, unsubscribe by replying "stop".
BS 5839-1:2025
| Frequency | What | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | User test from a manual call point — rotate through a different call point each week so every MCP is tested over time; confirm sounders are heard and the panel receives the signal. Record in the logbook. | Responsible person / trained user |
| Every 5–7 months | Periodic inspection and servicing visit. Successive visits at intervals of between 5 and 7 months — "every 6 months" habits are fine, but the 2025 edition frames it as a 5–7 month window. | Competent person (servicing organisation) |
| As they happen | Record every false alarm with cause, device and action taken — false-alarm management is a core 2025-edition theme. | Responsible person |
BS 5266-1:2025 (with BS EN 50172:2024 / BS EN 1838:2024)
| Frequency | What | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Short function test of all luminaires and exit signs — confirm each lamp operates on switching to emergency power. Record areas checked and failures. | Responsible person / trained user |
| Annually | Full rated-duration test (typically 3 hours) — luminaires must last their full rated duration. Record the duration achieved. | Competent person |
| At least every 5 years | Photometric performance verification of the installed system, recorded in the emergency lighting logbook. | Competent person |
BS 5306-3:2017
| Frequency | What | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Visual check — in place, unobstructed, pressure in range, seals intact, no visible damage. | Responsible person / user |
| Annually | Basic service of every extinguisher. | Competent person |
| Every 5 years | Extended service (discharge test and internal inspection) — water, foam, dry powder and wet chemical types. | Competent person |
| Every 10 years | CO₂ and primary sealed powder units — hydraulic pressure test at an approved centre. | Approved centre |
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 · BS 9999 for other premises
| Frequency | What | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterly | Checks of fire doors in communal parts. | Residential buildings over 11 m in height |
| Annually | Checks of flat entrance doors (best endeavours to gain access). | Residential buildings over 11 m in height |
| Routine (commonly 6-monthly) | Inspection of fire doors as part of general good management per BS 9999 guidance. | All other premises |
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 · Building Safety Act 2022 s.156
| Frequency | What | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| At least annually (commonly 6-monthly) | Fire / evacuation drill — practise the emergency plan; record evacuation time and areas covered. | RRO 2005 art. 15 |
| Induction + refreshers | Staff fire safety training, with per-person records and refresher due dates. | RRO 2005 art. 21 |
| Review regularly & after material change | The fire risk assessment — since 1 Oct 2023, s.156 requires the FULL assessment recorded in writing (all findings, not just significant ones), whatever the size of the business. Fines are unlimited. | RRO 2005 art. 9 + BSA 2022 s.156 |
FRA methodology: PAS 79-1:2020 for non-housing premises; BS 9792:2025 for housing.
EmberSuite Fire generates the certificates (worded to the current editions), keeps the statutory logbook digitally, and reminds you and your clients before anything lapses. Building owners get their logbook portal free. First 50 accounts: 60 days free, £24.99/mo locked for life.
See the Founding 50 offer →This cheat sheet is a general summary for guidance only and is not legal advice. Frequencies shown are the standards' baseline recommendations — your fire risk assessment, system category or insurer may require more frequent regimes. Always confirm against the current editions of the standards cited and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. © 2026 EmberSuite Fire.