Download BS 5839-1 PDF for Free: Code of Practice for Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems in Non-Domestic Premises
BS 5839-1:2017 - A Guide to Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings
Fire detection and fire alarm systems are essential for protecting lives and properties from the devastating effects of fire. They can alert occupants, staff, emergency services and other relevant parties to the presence of a fire, as well as initiate other fire protection measures, such as activating sprinklers, closing doors or shutting down equipment.
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However, not all fire detection and fire alarm systems are created equal. Depending on the type, size, use and risk profile of the building, different levels of fire protection may be required. Moreover, fire detection and fire alarm systems need to be designed, installed, commissioned and maintained in accordance with the best practices and standards to ensure their reliability, effectiveness and compliance.
One of the most widely recognized and respected standards for fire detection and fire alarm systems in the UK is BS 5839-1:2017. This standard provides a code of practice for designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises. It covers a wide range of buildings, such as offices, shops, hotels, schools, hospitals, care homes and more.
In this article, we will explain what BS 5839-1:2017 is, why it is important, what are the main changes compared to the previous version, and how to design, install, commission and maintain a fire detection and fire alarm system according to this standard.
What is BS 5839-1:2017 and why is it important?
The scope and purpose of BS 5839-1:2017
BS 5839-1:2017 is a British Standard published by the British Standards Institution (BSI). It contains recommendations for the locations of fire alarm system components based on the objective the system should fulfil, known as categories. It also provides a code of practice for designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises.
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The term 'fire detection and fire alarm systems' in the context of this standard includes systems that range from those comprising only one or two manual call points and sounders to complex networked systems that incorporate a large number of automatic fire detectors, manual call points and sounders. It also includes systems that are capable of providing signals to initiate the operation of other fire protection systems or safety measures.
The standard does not cover systems whose primary function is to extinguish or control fire. It also does not cover voice alarm systems, systems combining fire alarm functions with non-fire related ones, audible or visual way-guidance systems designed to complement the fire alarm function, or public emergency call systems (999 or 112).
The legal and regulatory context of BS 5839-1:2017
BS 5839-1:2017 is not a legal requirement, but rather a code of practice that provides guidance and recommendations for achieving compliance with the relevant legislation and regulations. The main legal framework for fire safety in the UK is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales, the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 in Scotland, and the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 in Northern Ireland.
These regulations place a duty on the responsible person, such as the owner, employer, occupier or manager of a premises, to carry out a fire risk assessment and implement appropriate fire safety measures to protect the people and property in the premises. This may include the provision of a suitable and sufficient fire detection and fire alarm system, depending on the outcome of the risk assessment.
By following BS 5839-1:2017, the responsible person can demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to comply with their legal obligations and reduce the risk of fire. However, BS 5839-1:2017 is not a substitute for a fire risk assessment, and it may not cover all aspects of fire safety that are relevant to a specific premises. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a competent fire safety professional before designing, installing, commissioning or maintaining a fire detection and fire alarm system.
What are the main changes in BS 5839-1:2017 compared to the previous version?
BS 5839-1:2017 is the latest version of the standard, which was published in September 2017. It supersedes BS 5839-1:2013, which was published in August 2013. The main changes in BS 5839-1:2017 compared to the previous version are as follows:
Improved definition of the L2 fire alarm system
The L2 fire alarm system is one of the categories of fire detection and fire alarm systems defined by BS 5839-1:2017. It is intended to provide early warning of fire in areas of high risk or high fire hazard within a building. The previous version of the standard did not specify which areas should be covered by an L2 system, leaving it to the discretion of the designer or the responsible person.
The new version of the standard provides a clearer definition of the L2 system, stating that it should cover all areas that are defined as escape routes (such as corridors, stairways and exits) and all rooms or areas that open onto escape routes. This means that an L2 system should provide full coverage of all parts of a building that are likely to be used by occupants to escape from a fire.
Modified guidance for use of multi-sensor detectors
Multi-sensor detectors are devices that combine two or more types of sensors, such as smoke, heat or carbon monoxide sensors, to detect different characteristics of a fire. They can offer advantages over single-sensor detectors, such as improved performance, reduced false alarms and increased flexibility.
The previous version of the standard recommended that multi-sensor detectors should be treated as either smoke detectors or heat detectors, depending on which sensor was dominant. The new version of the standard recognizes that multi-sensor detectors can have different modes of operation and response depending on the type and combination of sensors. Therefore, it provides more detailed guidance on how to select, position and configure multi-sensor detectors according to their specific characteristics and functions.
Clarification on the use of voice alarm devices and visual indicator devices
Voice alarm devices are devices that broadcast pre-recorded or live voice messages to alert occupants of a fire or other emergency situation. Visual indicator devices are devices that emit flashing or steady lights to indicate the presence of a fire or other emergency situation. Both types of devices can be used to supplement or replace conventional sounders in certain situations.
The previous version of the standard did not provide clear guidance on when and how to use voice alarm devices and visual indicator devices in fire detection and fire alarm systems. The new version of the standard clarifies that voice alarm devices should be used when they can provide more effective communication than sounders, such as in large or complex buildings, buildings with high ambient noise levels, buildings with occupants who may not respond well to sounders, or buildings where sounders may cause panic or confusion.
The new version of the standard also clarifies that visual indicator devices should be used when they can provide more effective warning than sounders, such as in buildings with occupants who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, buildings with high ambient noise levels, buildings where sounders may be mask