(68.52) A Guide to Residential Fire Detection With Reference to BS 5839: Pt.
Contents Company Profiles Introduction Fire Safety - Statistics The Essential Changes to BS 5839: Pt.6: 2004 BS 5839: Pt.6 - An Introduction The Scope of BS 5839: Pt.
INTRODUCTION When first introduced in 1995, the BS 5839: Pt.6 Code of Practice became the most important set of recommendations ever made on fire safety in the home. It had an immediate impact on architects, system designers, installers and landlords in the private or public sector, all of whom were required to familiarise themselves with these important recommendations.
FIRE SAFETY - THE STATISTICS According to the latest UK figures the majority - over three quarters - of all fire casualties occur in the home. Until the introduction of BS 5839: Pt.6, business and commercial premises were the subject of far more stringent fire safety regulations than residential dwellings. BS 5839: Pt.6 was introduced to start redressing the balance. Every year around 450 people die in fires in this country, and close to 13,000 are injured.
THE ESSENTIAL CHANGES TO BS 5839: Pt.6: 2004 – AT A GLANCE THE DOCUMENT ITSELF Each clause of the document is now split into 2 parts. Firstly, there is the commentary – in italics – this sets out the reasoning behind what at first sight may appear to be arbitrary recommendations. The recommendations are in normal type, so it is quite possible to simply refer to these alone. The intention is to make the document easier to use; whether it succeeds in this aim is a matter of personal perception.
OTHER ALARM TYPES SYSTEM VARIATIONS For the first time, BS 5839: Pt.6 now covers CO fire alarms and multi-sensor alarms. Where a modification to a system is made, the standard now refers to it as a ‘Variation’ rather than a ‘Deviation’, as the latter term implied that the system was in some way inferior. Note that, in cases where a variation from the recommendations is proposed, the system certificate has to be signed and agreed by all parties.
BS 5839: Pt.6 - AN INTRODUCTION BS 5839: Pt.6 is not intended for householders themselves, but to provide guidance and recommendations for architects and other building professionals, enforcing authorities, contractors and others responsible for implementing fire precautions in buildings. The new 2004 Code further takes into consideration “changes in technology, custom and practice, and changes in guidance that supports national building regulations” since 1995. BS 5839: Pt.
SYSTEM DESIGN - FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT How can a system be designed to meet the latest standards? The Code recommends that a system is designed – where reasonably practicable - based on a fire risk assessment of the property. This needs to take into account: • • • • • • • • • The probability of fire Ignition sources Possible fire prevention methods The lifestyle of the occupants The probability and extent of harm Means of escape Number of storeys in the dwelling Flammable materials (e.g.
FIRE RISK WHERE DO FIRES START? Just over half of all fatalities occur in the room where the fire breaks out; in HMOs, this rises to 60%. The Code notes that, in the United Kingdom, some 40% of all fatal fires start in living rooms or dining rooms, whereas 30% of fatal fires start in bedrooms. For this reason, the Code recommends that if alarms are to be installed within rooms, the living room and the dining room should be the first priority.
Interestingly, the Code acknowledges that people on a low income are more at risk than other groups, which is borne out by statistics from the British Crime Survey. They may not be able to afford to replace batteries in smoke alarms and the Code consequently points out that ‘a more reliable power supply for the fire detection and alarm system is essential’.
MAINS POWERED SMOKE ALARMS - GRADE E The Code states that mains powered smoke alarms are potentially more reliable and are recommended to be installed in existing dwellings occupied by people who are unlikely to be able to change a smoke alarm’s battery. However, mains powered systems have their drawbacks; power cuts or the termination of supply for whatever reason disables them totally. They can also be rendered useless by the tripping of a protective device, or even - in some cases - by the fire itself.
QUALITY & COMPATIBILITY The quality of equipment installed is a factor that needs to be carefully considered. The Code states that, in general, all components should conform to relevant British Standards and should have undergone type testing to those Standards. Suppliers should preferably have approval to a recognised quality approval scheme such as the relevant BS EN ISO 9000 series standard. If no British Standards apply, reasonable care should be taken that components are fit for the purpose intended.
SELECTING THE RIGHT SYSTEM How do you choose which grade of system to install? The Code states that the grade of system that should be installed depends “on the nature of the dwelling, the level of the fire risk and the characteristics of the occupants.” It points out that Grade F systems (battery alarms) are the least reliable and the system used in new dwellings should be Grade D (mains powered with integral back-up supply) or higher.
CHOOSING WHICH ALARMS TO USE BS 5839: Pt.6 also looks in depth at the different kind of fire alarm sensors on offer. Sensibly, it points out that there is no single type of alarm that is most suitable in all cases and the final choice of which type of alarm to use will depend on individual circumstances. In general, these circumstances are the desire to afford the earliest possible warning of a fire and the need to minimise false alarms.
Positioning of Smoke Alarms: Loft Conversion Garage Bedroom Landing Bedroom Living Room Hallway Kitchen AVERAGE TWO STOREY HOUSE Optical or ionisation smoke alarm as best suited for the particular circumstances Optical smoke alarm Smoke or heat alarm as best suited for the particular circumstances Heat alarm Do not install smoke or heat alarms in bathrooms, shower rooms or toilets SITING OF SMOKE ALARMS How you position smoke alarms can be as important as choosing the right type of alarm to use.
AUDIBILITY In the event of a fire being detected, a small vibrating pad located beneath the sleeper’s pillow gently alerts them. At the same time a powerful strobe light flashes to provide a further visual warning. the edges, with the dust cover that should be supplied with each alarm. Only when all cleaning is finished should these dust covers be removed.
provisions might have previously technically precluded the use of wireless systems and overcomes this by pointing out that issues relating to power supplies, fault monitoring and integrity and performance may not be the same for hard wired and radio linked systems. Special recommendations are also given to their use in HMOs.
2 Where the smoke alarm is defective in manufacture 3 Where the smoke alarm is located where it cannot operate 4 When there are not enough smoke alarms 5 Where the source of power fails 6 Where the source of power for the smoke alarm is removed 7 When the smoke alarm has been incorrectly installed 8 Where the smoke alarm has been damaged during installation 9 Where the smoke alarm has been damaged as a result of malice 10 Where the smoke alarm has been removed from the property No matter how circumspect th
• Do not locate unit within 1m of dimmer controlled lights and wiring - some dimmers can cause interference • Do not wire into the same circuit as a dimmer • Do not locate unit within 1.5m, or route wiring within 1m of fluorescent light fittings as electrical “noise” and/or flickering may affect the unit.
Easi-fit DESIGN TECHNOLOGY One of the most significant developments in the design of smoke alarms since the introduction of BS 5839: Pt.6 has been the introduction of new ‘Easi-fit’ design technology. Easi-fit alarms are exceptionally quick and simple to install, helping to reduce installation costs. Further cost-savings are also made possible because Easi-fit alarms do not require the separate purchase of an additional wiring enclosure or mounting kit.
Ei161 Ionisation With Hush • Responds quickly to fast flaming fires • Advanced suppression and calibration technology • Unique and proven long life ionisation smoke chamber • Hush button for false alarm control • Separate mains and warning LEDs • 10 year+ rechargeable lithium cells back-up designed to outlast the alarm - life expectancy of cells endorsed by Panasonic • Kitemarked to BS 5446: Pt.
FOUNDATION OF THE COMPLETE SOLUTION TO RESIDENTIAL FIRE DETECTION The use of radio interconnection in Grade D alarm systems means that it is much easier to comply with the extended alarm coverage recommended in BS 5839: Pt.6: 2004. With no interconnect wiring required, the contractor and specifier can agree fixed costs, allowing a quicker, simpler and more cost effective solution to smoke and heat alarm installation programmes.
ANCILLARY FIRE DETECTION PRODUCTS • Alarm clock input • Can be used with RadioLINK ALARM SYSTEMS FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED Ei169 - Control box with integral strobe, vibrating pad and cable for connections, for use with the 150 series alarms (not supplied). Residents with hearing difficulties require a different approach to fire protection. The Ei Professional Alarm for the hearing impaired is currently the only unit on the market made by an experienced smoke alarm manufacturer.
MODIFIRE INTERMEDIATE SYSTEMS (GUIDE ONLY) A Modifire system is exceptionally simple to design and install, thanks to its modular design and unique Easi-fit technology. Just tailor the system to meet the needs of the premises. The Ei161R ionisation or Ei166R optical alarm with rechargeable back-up provides the starting point. Then you can add extra alarms, call points and locator switches as required, all interconnected with PVC mains wiring cable.
SAB300 Remote Strobe Xenon Beacon • Mains powered • For internal or external use • Flash energy of 3 watts and flash frequency of .
SAT332 Smoke Alarm Tester 9 Volt Alarms With 10 year+ Life Lithium Battery Cells This useful device - used in conjunction with an SAA300 aerosol of synthetic smoke - is the only reliable method of testing the smoke chamber on ionisation and optical alarms. • Safe and easy to use • Synthetic smoke is non-flammable and environmentally friendly Both of these alarms are supplied with tamper-resistant, non-replaceable 10 year life lithium battery cells to meet the requirements for a BS 5839: Pt.
Ei SMOKE ALARMS - THE FIRST CHOICE FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS NATIONWIDE Ei Professional smoke alarms and ancillary products have been specified by literally hundreds of Local Authorities and Housing Associations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as the products of choice for their retrofit programmes. Many of these would be pleased to discuss their experiences of product reliability and after sales support with interested parties.
A Guide to Residential Fire Detection With Reference to BS 5839: Pt. 6: 2004 Aico Ltd, Mile End Business Park, Maesbury Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8NN Tel: 0870 758 4000 Fax: 0870 758 4010 • Sales - Tel: 0870 758 4001 Fax: 0870 758 4011 e-mail: enquiries@aico.co.uk • www.aico.co.uk E & OE As our policy is one of continuous development, we reserve the right to amend designs and specifications without prior notice.
