Four new fire standards have recently been published by British Standards Institution.
Four new fire standards have recently been published by British Standards Institution. Two are concerned with fire detection and fire alarm devices, one covers smoke and heat control and the other gives definitions for used by fire protection agencies.
BS 5446-3:2005 is the Specification for smoke alarms for deaf and hard of hearing people. Although smoke alarms for use in dwellings have been available for many years, (and are addressed in BS 5446-1). people with hearing loss can be unaware of an alarm sound from such devices.
There are recognised methods of alerting deaf and hard of hearing people, including the use of vibro-tactile and visual alarm devices. To provide a fire warning for these people, it has become common practice for such devices to be coupled to domestic smoke alarms.
BS 5446-3 describes the requirements and test methods for kits and their components used to create such systems in domestic dwellings. The standard also outlines the requirements and test methods for smoke alarm kits intended for use in caravans.
BS EN 54-13:2005 states the requirements for compatibility and connectability assessment of system components that either comply with the requirements of BS EN 54 ‘Fire detection and fire alarm systems’, or with a manufacturer’s specification where BS EN 54 does not apply.
This document specifies requirements:
It does not, however, specify the manner in which the system is designed, installed and used in any particular application.
BS 4422:2005 Fire vocabulary, brings together in one document terms and definitions relating to safety from fire in existing codes and standards, government legislation, regulations and guidance documents, and documents published by other leading organisations.
BS EN 12101-6:2005 replaces BS 5588-4:1998 and specifies pressure differential systems designed to hold back smoke at a leaky physical barrier in a building, such as a door (either open or closed), or other similar openings. It describes relevant and critical features of installation and commissioning procedures needed to implement the calculated design in a building.
It also covers systems intended to protect means of escape, such as stairwells, corridors and lobbies, and systems intended to provide a firefighting bridgehead for the Fire Services. (Fire safety engineering and fire testing terms are covered in BS EN ISO 13943.)
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