Yes. Annual pressure testing and six-monthly visual inspections are mandatory under UK law for any building with a dry riser installed.
Three separate pieces of legislation and guidance create the duty to test fire safety systems in UK buildings.
The RRO requires the "Responsible Person" for any non-domestic premises to carry out and maintain suitable fire safety measures. This includes ensuring that all passive and active fire protection systems — including dry risers — are maintained and tested regularly.
This British Standard sets out the inspection and testing requirements for dry riser systems. It specifies an annual hydraulic pressure test and an interim visual inspection every six months. These intervals are the minimum required to demonstrate compliance.
Approved Document B (Fire Safety) requires dry risers to be installed in buildings over a certain height. Once installed, the ongoing duty to test and maintain them falls on the Responsible Person under the RRO.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the duty to test and maintain fire safety systems falls on the "Responsible Person" — which in practice means one of the following:
Where multiple parties are involved — for example a freeholder, a managing agent, and a tenant — the duty may be shared. Legal advice should be sought if responsibility is unclear.
Minimum intervals set by the relevant British Standards.
| Service | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Dry Riser Annual Pressure Test | Every 12 months |
| Dry Riser Visual Inspection | Every 6 months |
| Fire Hydrant Flow & Pressure Test | Every 12 months |
| Sprinkler System Maintenance | Every 12 months |
These are minimum requirements. Your insurer or local fire authority may require more frequent testing.
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