APSAD R7 maintenance: the annual checklist that secures your insurance
Updated :
Most fire insurance contracts contain an APSAD R7 clause that operators often overlook. Here's the annual checklist to stay covered and audit your provider.
What does APSAD R7 actually cover?
APSAD R7 (CNPP) defines the service requirements applicable to fire detection system (SDI) maintenance. It certifies both the provider's competence (Q7) and the intervention quality (R7) via independent annual audits.
What are the 5 critical points to verify?
1. Visit frequency
- 4 quarterly visits: sounder tests, batteries, alarm relay check
- 1 in-depth annual visit: per-detector smoke test, chamber sensitivity, panel calibration
- 1 ad-hoc visit after any incident or installation change
2. Timestamped digital reports
Every visit must produce a signed, timestamped report kept for at least 5 years. Serious providers expose a digital platform with insurer access.
3. Fire safety register
Kept up to date by the operator, it logs EVERY intervention (maintenance, tests, faults, alarms). Enforceable document in case of incident.
4. Certified spare parts
The contract must guarantee exclusive use of EN54-certified parts from the original manufacturer. Generic components void the installer's warranty.
5. Continuous staff training
Annual evacuation training is mandatory (French Labour Code R4227-39), including a fire drill with archived attendance log.
Frequently asked questions
Can my insurer deny a claim if a quarterly report is missing?
Yes, and it happens regularly. The APSAD R7 clause is a contractual condition: any documented breach lets the insurer invoke an exclusion. Keep 5 years of timestamped reports.
How do I check whether my provider is genuinely APSAD-certified?
Ask for the CNPP certification number (Qn° / Rn° format) and verify it on cnpp.com. Certifications are annual: a provider whose certification has lapsed no longer covers your installations.
What annual budget should I plan for R7 maintenance?
Between 4% and 7% of the initial SDI value, depending on site complexity. Roughly €3,000 ex-VAT/year for a small ERP, up to €35,000 ex-VAT/year for a multi-building Seveso site.
What to do if a quarterly visit is missed?
Schedule a catch-up visit within 30 days with a specific report stating the delay and its cause. Beyond 30 days, run a full ad-hoc inspection and notify the insurer.
