* An informative annex providing data on the typical sound levels found in buildings to assist in calculating the requirements for sounders. This is to assist in choosing the appropriate category of fire detection and alarm system. * An annex indicating the system category typically used in various types of premises. Several annexes augment the recommendations with more detailed guidance: Greater use of diagrams makes the document easier to read and the structure of the document reflects the progression of a typical fire alarm contract: Design considerations, Limitation of false alarms, Installations, Commissioning and handover, Maintenance and user responsibilities. A useful feature, intended to help understand the requirements, is the provision of informative commentary, separate from the more succinct and auditable recommendations. Another problem was that the guidelines did not reflect the practicalities of how a typical fire alarm contract worked they were neither complementary with certification schemes nor suitable for the auditing of a job.īS 5839-1 has a completely new structure following the practice specification format (BS 5588). To allow a fire safety engineer to fully understand and make judgments about what is required needed a more detailed explanation of the intent of a safety measure. A fire-engineered solution is where science and engineering are applied to achieve a specific fire safety objective without necessarily following the prescribed recommendations. Although there have been minor amendments, it was widely accepted that it was out of touch with current custom and practice and did not take account of recent advances in technology.Ī more modern approach, likely to be endorsed by forthcoming changes in the UK Fire Safety Legislation, is based on risk assessment and fire-engineered solutions.
The last major review of BS 5839-1 was in 1988, making this code of practice 14 years old. Why were changes needed and how does this affect the requirements for a fire alarm installation? In October 2002, a new, dramatically revised edition of BS 5839-1 was released. The fire industry is traditionally very conservative its working practices have evolved from the experience gained over many years. Transition to the new standard will be complete by July 2003. ‘Variation’ from the recommendations will require documentation of the rationale and principles used to ensure adequate protection. Electrical contractors are now required to certify that their work meets the designed specification and the requirements of BS5839-1.
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