BS 5839 & FSO - Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings

BS 5839-6 : 2004 is the part of BS 5839 that provides recommendations for the planning, design and installation of fire detection and fire alarm systems in dwellings and dwelling units that are designed to accommodate a single family. It also gives similar recommendations for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) that comprise a number of self-contained units each designed to accommodate a single family. The recommendations apply to both new dwellings and existing dwellings. Recommendations for routine attention are also given.

While BS 5839-6 is based on a risk assessment approach for each situation, it recognises that the guidance given, in most cases, can be applied as a minimum standard. However, if there are additional risk factors, a risk assessment may be required.

The Code considers different 'Grades' - effectively the reliability of a system in terms of its power sources - including Grade D (interlinked mains smoke/heat alarms with backup power), Grade E (mains without backup power) and Grade F (battery only). Grade F is only suitable for a limited range of existing dwellings and only where there is a 'reasonable certainty' that batteries will be replaced when necessary. In all new homes and most existing homes, Grade D is now the recommended minimum standard - hard-wired smoke and heat alarms with backup, installed by qualified electrical contractors.

The systems covered in this part of BS 5839-6 : 2004 range from those comprising a single self-contained smoke alarm to systems of the type described in BS 5839-1. The recommendations of this part of BS 5839 can also be applied to the fire detection components of combined domestic fire and intruder alarm systems, or fire and social alarm systems.

This standard was drawn up for use by electrical contractors and installers, as well as for specifiers, enforcing authorities and architects, and for all others responsible for implementing fire precautions in dwellings. It is not intended for occupiers, for whom advice is published by the Government.

The recommendations made by BS 5839-6 : 2004 refer mainly to fire detection and fire alarm systems installed for the purpose of life safety, but there are also recommendations provided for systems intended to protect property.

BS 5839-6 : 2004 therefore comprises the following topics: Scope; Normative references; Terms and definitions; Fire risk assessment; System components; Monitoring of circuits; Grades & categories of systems; choice of system; types of fire detector and their selection; location and siting of fire detectors; limitation of false alarms; audible fire alarm devices and audibility; fire alarm warnings for deaf and hard-of-hearing people; power supplies; wiring; control and indicating equipment; manual call points; zoning and other means for identification of source of alarm conditions; remote transmission of alarm signals; radio-linked systems; electromagnetic compatibility; installation, commissioning and certification; user instructions; routine testing and, finally, maintenance.

Other parts of BS 5839 and other references:

It is important to be aware of the recommendations, applying to control and indicating and power supply equipment in BS5839-1: 2002. Some of these recommendations are in addition to the requirements in EN 54-parts 2 and 4. BS5839-4 is now withdrawn, and has been replaced by BSEN 54-2 (fire detection and fire alarm systems - control and indicating equipment) and BSEN 54-4 (fire detection and fire alarm systems - power supply equipment).

BS 5839-6 : 2004 supersedes BS 5839-6:1995, now withdrawn. It includes the following cross-references: BS 476 (relevant parts), BS 5446-1:2000, BS 5446-2, BS 5446-3, BS 5588-1:1990, BS 5839-1:2002, BS 5979, BS 7671, BS EN 54-2, BS EN 54-3, BS EN 54-4, BS EN 54-5, BS EN 54-7, BS EN 54-11, BS EN 54-12, BS EN ISO 13943, LPS 1265: Issue 1.0.

The Regulations in Scotland and Ireland:

The regulations in the Island of Ireland are broadly similar. Northern Ireland's current Technical Booklet E: 1994 (amended 2000) refers to BS 5839 Part 6, so that compliance with the Code meets the statutory requirements. Moreover, the Republic of Ireland's new Technical Guidance Document B, Fire Safety, implemented in June 2006, also refers to BS 5839 Part 6, and has similar requirements.

Scotland is different. Scotland's Domestic Technical Handbook 2006 - Section 2 provides guidance on meeting the requirements of the Scottish Building Standards, a new regulatory system, but it also uses the out-of-date, 1995 Code of Practice, calling only for a Category LD3 system having merely smoke alarms in halls and landings.

The Fire Safety Order:

As part of the Government's commitment to reduce death, injury and damage caused by fire, it has recently reviewed fire safety law, and has made a number of changes designed to make the law easier to understand and comply with. One result is The Fire Safety Order (FSO) 2005. This became law on the 1st October 2006, and it concerns, not domestic premises but those having employees, such as businesses, or guests, such as hotels.

The FSO applies in England and Wales. Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own laws. It covers 'general fire precautions' and other fire safety duties which are needed to protect 'relevant persons' in case of fire in and around most 'premises'.

The FSO represents a highly important and major change in the way fire safety is handled, and it replaced 118 other pieces of legislation, repealing the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and revoking The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations.

The main effect of the changes has been a move towards greater emphasis on fire prevention in all non-domestic premises, including the voluntary sector and self-employed people with premises separate from their homes. No longer is it the Fire Service's duty to make sure the workplace is safe. That duty lies with 'the responsible person', who is held accountable under the new legislation. This is a profound cultural change with major practical implications.

However, Fire Protection Officers (FPO) will audit Fire Risk Assessments and associated documentation relating to any premises and at the end of that premises' audit. The 'responsible person' will then be informed of their compliance or otherwise. If there are matters of concern, then FPOs can use their powers of enforcement.

Types of premises covered by the FSO:

• Offices and shops.
• Premises providing sleeping accommodation.
• Residential care.
• Small and medium places of assembly.
• Large places of assembly.
• Factories and warehouses.
• Theatres and cinemas.
• Educational premises.
• Healthcare premises (responsibility of the Department of Health).
• Transport premises and facilities.
• Open-air events.

FSO objectives:

The objectives of the FSO are to:

• Create a single regime, which can be better understood and administered by both businesses and the relevant authorities.
• To create a regime clearly based on risk assessment and fire prevention and mitigation measures.
• To increase compliance.
• To focus resources for fire prevention on those premises which present the greatest risk.
• To ensure that fire safety facilities and equipment (including fire alarms) are well maintained.
• These objectives will contribute to the overall aim of reducing avoidable fires, and consequently death, injury and loss of property.

FSO main points:

The main points of the FSO are as follows:

• Fire certificates cease to have any effect.
• Responsibility for complying with the FSO will rest with the 'responsible person'. In a workplace, this is normally the employer or any other person having control of the premises, e.g. the occupier or owner.
• The responsible person must carry out a fire risk assessment focusing on the safety of all people on the premises.
• The assessment must include an action plan to use appropriate fire precautions to compensate for the risks in the building this includes agreeing the appropriate category.

Risk Assessments:

Previously, the Fire Precautions Act required that premises with more than 20 employed, or six in sleeping accommodation, needed a Fire Certificate. The Workplace Directive endorsed the use of fire certificates and extended the scope to all premises with employees by requiring employers to conduct and act on a risk assessment. The FSO, however, only requires fire officers inspection for very few high-risk premises. In its place there is an employers risk self-assessment based on specific application guides.

The 'responsible person', who can be the employer, manager, occupier or the owner of the premises, MUST perform a risk assessment.

This should:

• Identify fire hazard - eg: sources of ignition, fuel, work processes etc.
• Identify the location of people at risk.
• Evaluate the risks - check that existing fire safety measures are adequate, check fire detection systems and the means of escape, as well as emergency lighting systems. The maintenance procedures and the testing of fire precautions should also be checked.
• Carry out any improvements needed.
• Record findings and any actions taken.
• Prepare an emergency plan and train employees.
• Keep the Risk Assessment under review and revise for changes.

Implications for fire alarm systems and other products:

The FSO has implications for fire alarm systems in terms of risk assessments, and whether fire certificates are required, or whether self-certification with an audit by the fire authority concerned is required. This all depends on how many people are likely to be on the premises concerned, including sleeping people. To see these implications in full, go to Chris Watts' PowerPoint presentation entitled 'Implications for Fire Alarm Systems' elsewhere in this VoltiBULLETIN.

Even cables (and other products) might be affected by the requirements of the FSO. For example, some manufacturers or importers may cut corners by reducing the amount of copper used in the manufacturing process, and/or using insulation materials without the correct degree of flame retardance. This could expose some wholesalers, distributors and contractors to unnecessary risk, and they could be held to account if an accident occurred. The FSO stresses the need to use only superior, proven products and places more responsibility on wholesalers and contractors.

Where rented accommodation is concerned, although certain regulations are different in Scotland and the Island of Ireland, even so, around the UK and Ireland the pressure is on landlords to install smoke, heat and - in many cases - CO alarms in their properties in order to comply with the law. Moreover, the BS Code of Practice is clear in recommending hard-wired units with backup, which must be professionally installed. The challenge for electrical contractors is to help educate their customers about these responsibilities, highlight rewiring and refurbishment opportunities to fir smoke, heat and CO alarms, and gear up to meet the demand.

Read more about BS 5839-6 : 2004 and the FSO in the other parts of this VoltiBULLETIN.