Standard for fire detection and fire alarm systems revised by BSI

The British Standards Institution (BSI) has revised its standard for fire detection and fire alarm systems.

The standard, BS 5839-1:2017, which is referred to in the Government’s statutory guidance fire safety, details the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in and around non-domestic premises.

The revised standard takes into account the changes to other major fire safety standards including BS EN 54 series of standards for fire detection and fire alarm systems and BS 9999 for fire safety in commercial buildings. These changes will also reduce confusion in the marketplace around how to implement the recommendations given in BS 5839-1.

The revised standard will also provide additional guidance for:

• The use of multi-sensor detectors;
• The use of voice alarm systems;
• Employees working at night time so they can recognise the alarms;
• New technology for fire detectors; and
• Fire detection and fire alarm system inspections.

Link to BSI website.

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