What if Mains Failure Tests were viewed as an opportunity for a site team to see first-hand, exactly what happens, and what should/could happen in the event of a power failure.   

If your building has a standby generator that provides power in the event of a power outage, whether this is for Business As Usual (BAU) or for Essential/Life Safety Services only. A Black Building Test, or Mains Failure Simulation Test is an extremely important exercise to carry out but is all too often seen as an inconvenience and not completed. 

Failure to carry out this testing can leave uncertainty as to whether the generator will start, the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) will operate or if the services supplied by the generator will operate correctly under generator conditions. 

A mains failure test can offer a wealth of valuable experience for the site facilities team and occupiers, which in the event of a genuine power outage, can mean the difference between panic and a calm, measured approach.   

• How many times have the team in your building (Security, Cleaning, Front of House, Building Manager) been in the property during a power cut? 

• During that power cut, what would they do if there was a fire alarm activation with limited lighting, no CCTV, no landline phones? 

• Do the team know what should automatically start up again on generator supply and what can be operated whilst the generator is running? (smoke ventilation fans, lift, etc..)  

• How confident are your occupiers, that their own resilience systems are fully functional and will protect their business in a power cut? 

A thorough Black Building Test procedure requires careful consideration along with the involvement and cooperation of all parties.  

If the test is planned and carried out thoroughly with the involvement and input of Facilities Team and occupiers, all the above points can be incorporated into the exercise. This will provide you with the comfort that if the worst happened, your team on site would be able to deal with the situation calmly and effectively. It would ensure that the occupiers had safely exited the building, the emergency services were able to safely enter the building to carry out their duties (if required), and the building can be made secure until the mains power is restored. 

It is worth noting that regular testing of a generator, including ATS’s is referenced in both SFG20 and BS9999 documents. The frequency and intensity of recommended testing varies depending on the systems installed at the property but is often a monthly test requirement. 

KJ Tait has extensive knowledge of the requirements for testing and can assist with the planning of your regular testing to ensure safety and compliance for your building.