As well as checking the aforementioned equipment, the Responsible Person will also be expected to report on any damage they discover during checks to the firefighting shaft during construction activity or by any other activity, such as vandalism (removed doors, smashed glass or other failure that allows smoke spread).
When faults are found, the Responsible Person will not have to report them to the FRS if they believe that the faults can be resolved within 24 hours. If the issue cannot be resolved in 24 hours, it must be reported to the local FRS. Once the issue is resolved, it should be corresponded with the FRS. The reason for this is so that the FRS can be fully prepared at all times in the event of a fire related incident, offering the best chances of escape for all building occupants.
It is also important for the Responsible Person to consider the impact of the fault. In some cases, a fault can cause the building’s fire risk assessment (FRA) to be non-compliant (e.g. lift fault hindering escape route), if the fault means that compliance is no longer achieved, the FRA should be changed ensuring compliance with the Fire Safety Order.