Contents. Scope BS 5839 Part 1 provides recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of and for non-domestic premises. Recommendations for fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises are given in BS 5839-6.
It does not recommend whether or not a fire detection and alarm system should be installed in any given premises, nor does it provide any exceptions for non-domestic premises which are under construction. The term 'fire detection and fire alarm systems' is a fairly wide definition, including small systems whose field devices consist only of sounders and, to complex networked systems with a large number of automatic fire detectors, manual call points and sounders, connected to numerous networked control and indicating panels. BS 5839 Part 1 does not cover systems whose primary function is to control or extinguish fire (such as or ), but does cover the secondary alarm signal generated by such systems. It also does not cover voice alarm systems (which are separately addressed in BS 5839-8), or systems that integrate fire alarm functions with non fire related functions. It also does not cover manually or mechanically operated notification devices, such as hand-cranked bells. The Estates publications HTM 05-03 Part B (in England and Wales) or SHTM 82(in Scotland) provide recommendations for fire detection and fire alarm systems in.
System components should comply with the appropriate family part, developed by as.
In the case of fire safety, BS 5839-6: 2013 (also known as BS 5839: Pt.6) is the code of practice for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection in domestic premises. What is the British Standard BS 5839-6:2013? British Standard BS 5839-6:2013 covers specific recommendations for fire alarm systems in all dwellings and covers both new-build and existing properties.
Changing Standards: BS5839 Part 6 2013 It seems to be quite a regular occurrence that we have to spend time in familiarisation with some amended or updated guidance document. Of course this is essential, but it leaves us all with the problem of somehow finding out about all the changes taking place. This is a major problem for most of us as there are myriads of application standards and other essential inter-related documents. Fire detection in flats and apartments is an area of work commonly carried out by electrical installers but are we all aware exactly what standards and legislation applies?
This is covered in detail within the recently updated ‘Code of Practice’ standard: BS5839 Part 6 2013. What exactly is BS5839? BS5839 Part 6 2013 is the ‘Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings – Code of Practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises’. This supersedes the previously issued BS5839 Part 6 2004 and is the primary document detailing the required standards of design, installation, commissioning and maintenance for a Fire Detection & Alarm System within domestic premises in the United Kingdom. This standard categorises systems into Grades from A to F. This ranges from Grade F – ‘one or more battery-powered smoke or heat alarms’, through ‘main-powered & interlinked smoke alarms’ up to Grade A – advanced systems including central ‘Control and Indicating Equipment’ (i.e., control panel). Generally, this standard relates to domestic premises only and does not cover any communal areas of a building (i.e., in an apartment block) which would normally be covered under BS5839 Part 1.
Some overlap does occur, and it is not uncommon for a fire system in the communal area to be extended into each apartment to provide some or all of the protection required by BS5839 Part 6. Like, Part 6 is often quoted as being a set of guidelines that should largely be adhered to where possible. However, the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order has significantly changed the scene by effectively making the relevant standard into a minimum legal requirement; i.e. Partial compliance is no longer good enough.
Further guidance is available from in the document entitled ‘Fire safety in purpose built blocks of flats’ and from in ‘Approved Document B’ What are the key changes? This recent update is termed a ‘Technical Update’ as it is has not been subject to more comprehensive re-write, but it does include some important differences. In order to help identify any key changes we have studied the detail of both the new and the superseded documents as follows:. The scope of the standard has now changed to include Sheltered Housing Premises and as a consequence of this the previously used wording of ‘dwelling’ has been largely replaced by ‘premises’. In a similar manner to the way that BS5839 Part 1 recommends that Care Homes should use addressable fire detection systems to give accurate and unambiguous information regarding the source of a fire, Part 6 recommends that addressable systems should be used in Sheltered Housing. Also, for Sheltered Housing premises, fire signalling systems using a social alarm system must not be delayed by any other signals. Some category recommendations have been upgraded, i.e., a four storey house should now have a Grade A system instead of Grade B.
It is no longer satisfactory to cover the principle habitable rooms of new premises with heat detection: smoke detection should be utilised. Loft spaces may require detection due to increased risk from plant equipment. Electrical power supply requirements for systems are detailed for Housing in Multiple Occupation premises. Advice is given for those with hearing impairments who may require additional forms of warning. How does this affect a system installer? Basically, in order to be deemed competent to work on a fire system you should:.
Obtain a copy of the standard and familiarise yourself with it. Attend regular training to ensure that your understanding is relevant and to help in demonstrating competence. Fully comply with the standard at all times; ensure clear documentation of any variation or non-compliance. Is an established online wholesaler of,.
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