FAQs

Access Control

Do I need to service my system?

Yes BS EN 50133 states the system should be maintained at least once a year.

Can I use my phone to unlock doors?

Many systems now have mobile device apps to allow you access to a door with your phone

Can I use my existing cards?

Yes subject to survey

Automist

How many outlets do you need?

The number of Outlets required, will depend on the property and the reason you require an Automist system. If you require ‘full coverage’ you require at least one outlet per room. However if you’re having a loft conversion or you just need to cover an exit route, you’ll just need to cover the exit route. Send in your plans for a free design and quotation, to see exactly what you need and cost to carry it out!

How does the installation work?

Chilman Fire and Security will install all aspects of the Automist equipment. The process will vary depending on your development. If this is a new build or property refurbishment, we will split the installation into two visits. A first fix consists of running the high pressure hoses and 2nd fix fitting the outlet, pump and detectors. If you require a retrofit, we will complete the full installation in one visit.

Does the Automist system need to be serviced?

The Automist system requires an annual service to ensure it is operational but also to maintain the lifetime warranty.

How does the lifetime warranty work?

The lifetime warranty applies to all parts manufactured by Plumis, this covers the Pump, Controller and the Outlets. The warranty is a 12 months rolling warranty. The Automist system requires an annual service, following the service, the warranty is extended for the next 12 months. If you were to miss one service, but had one the following year, the warranty would be reinstated.

CCTV

Do I need to service my system?

Yes, for best results the system should be maintained at least once a year

Where are the images stored?

In most cases images are stored locally on your recording device. It is possible to have images stored on the cloud (subject to subscription)

Can I see it on my phone?

Yes - Most systems have the ability to connect a remote device app that can be connected to a system; (subject to checks and network connectivity)

Emergency Lights

Why is the service 3 hours long?

The emergency lighting annual service is a 3-hour discharge of the lights. This is how long the emergency lighting is required to last during a mains power outage, when the lights will be powered by the battery back up facility. The importance of emergency lighting in a fire or power failure cannot be understated. Without light even a familiar environment becomes more dangerous and more frightening, so it is essential not only that the emergency lighting comes on when needed, but also stays on for the required duration to enable evacuation of occupants and to assist emergency services with their work.

How often should you test Emergency Lights?

Emergency lighting should be tested monthly and recorded in the fire log book. The monthly test should include checking that all emergency lights are charging. This is often indicated with a red or green charge light. The power should then be turned off (using the test key switch) to ensure the light will illuminate when the electricity supply is disconnected.

Fire Alarms

How often should I test my alarm?

Non-residential premises must carry out a daily check of the fire alarm pane, ensuring no faults are displayed, as well as a weekly test of the alarm system. The weekly test should involve testing a different fire alarm manual call point each week and ensuring the alarm sounder/bells activate. The manual call points should be numbered and the test recorded in the fire log book.

What is BS5839?

BS5839 if the British standards for fire detection and alarm systems

Should my fire alarm system be monitored?

The requirement for fire alarm monitoring can be driven by insurance companies wanting a fire alarm system for property protection (P System) When considering whether the fire alarm system within your premises should be monitored ask yourself: Would my business survive an unnoticed fire? If the answer is no, then monitoring the fire alarm system would be recommended

How often does a fire alarm system need servicing?

Fire alarm systems in non-residential buildings are required to be serviced within six months under BS5839.1:2017, however, some high-risk buildings or fire risk assessments may require a more frequent service schedule.

Fire Extinguishers

How much does commercial fire extinguisher installation cost?

Cost depends on the number of extinguishers, the mix of types required by your fire risk profile, and whether you need an annual maintenance contract. Every Chilman installation is quoted from a free site survey - there are no hidden costs and we never sell extinguishers you don't need.

How many fire extinguishers does my business need?

BS 5306-8 sets out the minimum: at least one Class A extinguisher per floor (with a minimum total fire rating of 26A for floor areas up to 400 m²), plus additional units for specific risks — Class F in kitchens, CO₂ near electrical equipment, dedicated lithium-ion units near battery storage. Chilman scopes the exact number against your floorplan and risk profile in the free site survey.

Do I legally need a fire extinguisher in my workplace?

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for any non-domestic premises must provide adequate fire-fighting equipment. The exact specification is determined by a competent fire risk assessment, but in practice this means at least one commercial fire extinguisher of the correct type for every 200 m² of floor area, with additional units near specific hazards.

How often should Fire Extinguishers be replaced?

Water, foam and powder extinguishers have to be discharged and refilled every five years.
CO2 extinguishers must be refurbished every 10 years.

How often should Fire Extinguishers be serviced?

British Standards BS5306 states that fire extinguishers should be serviced annually

What are the different types of extinguishers and what are they used for?

Water - This covers class A fires
Co2 - This covers class B and electrical fires
Powder - This covers class A, B, C and electrical fires
Foam - This covers class A and B fires
Wet Chemical - this covers class F fires
Multi-Class Foam - This covers class A, B and F fires

Fire Risk Assessments

What is covered in a Fire Risk Assessment?

A fire risk assessment is carried out using five steps
Identify Fire Hazards
Identify the persons at risk
Evaluate, Remove or reduce the risks
Record the findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training
Review and update The fire risk assessment regularly

Should I use a 3rd Party Accredited Company?

Third-party accreditation is the best way to ensure that the contractor has obtained a nationally recognised benchmark. This will provide peace of mind that the contractor has been independently verified and the quality, robustness and accuracy of the fire risk assessment meets the standards that are set out by the professional trade bodies and auditors within the fire safety industry. Using a third-party accredited contractor is the best way to ensure that your staff, users of the building and the building itself, is in safe hands and will ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is produced.

How often should I have a Fire Risk Assessment?

In accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 there is no specific timescale, however the Fire Safety Act 2021 (An amendment to the RRSO) Requires that a fire risk assessment must be carried out forl non-domestic and some types of domestic properties. A fire risk assessment is also required for all communal areas of blocks of flats. The law states that all businesses and communal areas of blocks of flats, must have a fire risk assessment carried out regularly and must remain up to date. It also states that the fire risk assessment must be suitable and sufficient. Structural changes to the building, Change of work processes, increase in staff numbers or legislation changes, will drive the responsible persons to ensure that a fire risk assessment is carried out and is reviewed

Fire Warden Training

What is covered?

Fire warden training sessions cover, the law and current legislation, fire science, how to respond in the event of an emergency, what to do in a fire situation, duties of a fire warden, preventative and protection measures (passive and active), throughout a building, hazard spotting and the practical use of fire extinguishers (Including a controlled live burn simulator)

Where does it take place?

Chilman Fire & Security offer training courses that can be carried out within your own building and are tailored to your needs accommodating up to a maximum of 10 attendees per session, we can also offer in-house training at our HQ in Kidlington for limited numbers of up to a maximum of 6 attendees

How many fire wardens do I need?

Numbers of trained fire wardens can vary on your business and the type of process, the golden rule of thumb is to ensure that you cover all areas and all levels, providing a minimum of one appointed fire warden for those areas and levels, if the appointed persons are off work due to long term absence, sickness or unauthorised leave, then the best practice is to ensure all areas and all levels will require a deputy to take on their duties. It must also be considered that large complex buildings would require additional numbers at a ratio of 1-10 (1 fire warden per 10 persons) or a percentage ratio of 10%. This can vary between business purpose groups, for example it is recommended that all staff members working within a care home are all trained to the same level, where as an office that only has 5 members of staff could have 1 designated fire warden and a deputy to cover in their absence

How often should you take part in Fire Warden Training?

It is highly recommended that individuals should undertake a fire warden training session annually, to ensure that they remain competent within their role as Fire Warden. In accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person within the organisation, is required to appoint adequate numbers of competent persons to assist them in undertaking the preventative and protection measures throughout the building. This will minimise the risk to the users and maximise their safety, as a competent, trained fire warden will understand the importance of the protocols that they are required to follow, in the event of an emergency situation occurring such as; FIRE

Intruder

Can I have a system if I have pets?

Yes, we can provide sensors that are pet sensitive

Will the police come if my Alarm goes off?

Only if the system is monitored with additional police response. This would be an additional cost, but will provide peace of mind.

Do I need to service my system?

Yes, PD6662 states the system should be maintained at least once a year. And if monitored (linked to the police) this should be serviced every 6 months

Do I need a wired system

This would be subject to a free site survey, we can assess if devices need to be wired or not. It is possible to have all devices wireless if that is preferred.

Can I use my phone to arm or disarm my system

Yes many systems have the ability to work with a smart device app ( subject to survey)

Access Control

Do I need to service my system?

Can I use my phone to unlock doors?

Can I use my existing cards?

Automist

How many outlets do you need?

How does the installation work?

Does the Automist system need to be serviced?

How does the lifetime warranty work?

CCTV

Do I need to service my system?

Where are the images stored?

Can I see it on my phone?

Emergency Lights

Why is the service 3 hours long?

How often should you test Emergency Lights?

Fire Alarms

How often should I test my alarm?

What is BS5839?

Should my fire alarm system be monitored?

How often does a fire alarm system need servicing?

Fire Extinguishers

How much does commercial fire extinguisher installation cost?

How many fire extinguishers does my business need?

Do I legally need a fire extinguisher in my workplace?

How often should Fire Extinguishers be replaced?

How often should Fire Extinguishers be serviced?

What are the different types of extinguishers and what are they used for?

Fire Risk Assessments

What is covered in a Fire Risk Assessment?

Should I use a 3rd Party Accredited Company?

How often should I have a Fire Risk Assessment?

Fire Warden Training

What is covered?

Where does it take place?

How many fire wardens do I need?

How often should you take part in Fire Warden Training?

Intruder

Can I have a system if I have pets?

Will the police come if my Alarm goes off?

Do I need to service my system?

Do I need a wired system

Can I use my phone to arm or disarm my system

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