Testing Smoke Alarms Properly
The test button does not test the sensor. What it actually checks, why alarms have an expiry date, and how to keep a register that tells you which one you tested.
Guide
Safety checks · SC-02
Fire Extinguisher Check Log
A free printable fire extinguisher check log — an extinguisher register, a monthly visual check grid and a professional service record.
Download Free · no sign-up
2 pages. Choose your paper size — both versions are laid out identically, so neither one gets shrunk to fit.
Print it and write on it
Fill it in type and save
The fillable versions have real form fields — open them in any PDF reader, type into them and save. Printing help.
What this sheet is for
Keep a dated record of monthly visual checks, and separate them clearly from the professional servicing that premises usually also need.
Who it is for
Homes, workshops, boats, holiday lets and small premises.
How to use it
- List each extinguisher with its type, size and serial number.
- Check monthly: gauge in the green, pin and seal intact, hose clear, no damage, still visible and accessible.
- Record faults and what you did about them.
- Log professional servicing separately in the lower table.
What is on the sheet
2 pages, in this order:
Page 1
Printed under the title: A monthly visual check and service record for portable fire extinguishers, in a home, a workshop, a boat or a small premises.
Visual check, not a formal inspection. This is an owner's visual check, not a formal inspection. Where extinguishers are part of a workplace or a let property, servicing by a competent person is usually required as well — check what applies to your premises and record it in the service table below.
Write-on lines: Premises · Year
Extinguisher register
Table, 7 rows: No. · Location · Type · Size · Serial no. · Manufactured · Replace by
Monthly visual check — gauge in the green · pin and seal intact · hose clear · no damage or corrosion · clearly visible
Table, 12 rows: Month · 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · Checked by · Faults / action
Page 2
Professional service record
Table, 11 rows: Date · Company · Units serviced · Next due · Cert. no.
Questions
Is a visual check enough?
Not on its own for most premises. A visual check by the responsible person is usually monthly, with servicing by a competent person at a longer interval — but the exact duties depend on the type of premises and the country. Check what applies to yours.
Read next
Related sheets
Smoke and CO Alarm Test Log
Prove the alarms were tested, and catch the thing most people miss: alarms have an expiry date, and a working test button does not mean a working sensor.
SC-01 2 pages
Rental Property Inspection Record
Record a property visit properly, with space for photograph references and both signatures, so the visit is evidenced.
RP-02 2 pages
Also in the resources library
The same subject, with a version you can fill in on screen.
Fire Safety Inspection Checklist
Whether the alarms actually sound, and when they were last tested.
SF-96 Checklist PDF Online
