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    Amendment to British Standard: BS 5839-6+A1

    2 November 2020 

    BSI, in its role as the UK National Standard Body, has published an amendment to BS 5839-6+A1:2020. Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings Part 6: Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises.

    BS 5839-6 gives recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises that are:

    • designed to accommodate a single family;
    • houses in multiple occupation that comprise a number of self-contained units, each designed to accommodate a single family;
    • sheltered housing, including both the dwelling units and the common areas.

    The recommendations refer to fire detection and fire alarm systems installed for the purpose of life safety and property protection.

    The new amendments address new knowledge that some children may be unable to hear fire alarm tones while asleep. It recommends warnings for the householder which signpost that children could sleep through the alarm and advice on how to plan for the occurrence of a fire.

    It also includes certificate updates including, model acceptance certificate for Grade A and model design, installation and commissioning certificate for Grade C, Grade D and Grade F systems.

    The amendments were discussed by the technical committee of experts[1] and comments were reviewed before the changes were finalized and published.

    The changes to this standard will be of interest to architects and other building professionals, enforcing authorities, installers and others responsible for implementing fire precautions in domestic premises.

    Further information about this British Standard is available here: https://shop.bsigroup.com/bs5839-6-2020  

    - ENDS -

    Notes to the editor:

    1 Technical committee:

    British Fire Consortium, Fire Industry Association, Fire and Security Association, IET -Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, SELECT and SSAIB.