FEATURES TECHNICAL UPDATE
Continued from page 23
however now being allowed in existing dwellings in Scotland under Scottish Government guidance produced for implementing the extension of the tolerable standard and for the modification to the repairing standard to the Housing (Scotland) Act.
Government guidance Looking at Table 1 in BS 5839-6 in relation to existing premises, the minimum recommended grade and category of system for an owner- occupied two-storey house is a Grade F2, Category LD3 system. For a rented two-storey house it is a Grade D1, Category LD2 system. However, the notes to Table 1 in BS 5839-6:2019 highlight that, “In Scotland, under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (Tolerable Standard) (Extension of Criteria) Order 2019 [11] Grade F1, Category LD2 systems are required as a minimum in all existing dwellings by 2 February 2021”. This applies to all tenures of housing including private housing, private rented housing and social rented housing. Scottish Government guidance states
that “satisfactory equipment” to comply with the tolerable standard comprises one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes, one smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, one heat alarm in every kitchen and all
TO CONCLUDE
At the beginning of this article, it was stressed that adequate knowledge of relevant legislation, standards and guidance is an important part of being competent to undertake fire detection and fire alarm system work. Tis is a necessary part of confirming conformity of a system which will be required by enforcing authorities, such as local authority building control and local licensing boards. Tis may also be a way of being able to
prove compliance with legislation and standards in the event of any future liability claim that might result from a fire incident or a contractual dispute. Te recommendations given
for installation, commissioning and certification of the systems in British Standards such as BS 5839-1:2017 and BS 5839- 6:2019 should therefore be closely followed. It has also been highlighted in this article that a continuous approach to competence is now
24 CABLEtalk AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019
being recommended as part of developing fire safety for those who live and work in buildings. Companies and installers
should try to ensure that at all times they have knowledge of the legislation, standards and guidance and that they adopt a proactive approach to ongoing education and training. Certainly, as a minimum
starting point, copies of the standards relevant to the type of work being undertaken – including BS 5839-1:2017 and
BS 5839-6:2019 – would be essential and should be readily accessible for those who are undertaking such work. To conclude, a commitment
to training and to continued professional development may be of significant benefit to all parties involved to ensure fire safety within buildings. Tis is something the fire industry will no doubt be looking at closely as part of an industry response to the proposed new regulatory framework.
smoke and heat alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked. Interlinking of alarms can be by wiring or by wireless technology to form an integrated system of protection in the home. It is also highlighted that when
instructions. The standard required to meet the tolerable standard also now satisfies the repairing standard.
Making the grade However, the Scottish Government guidance for satisfactory equipment in existing premises is not satisfied by simply complying with the recommendations in Table 1 of BS 5839-6:2019. For example, a Grade F2, Category
ABOVE: Te remains of Grenfell Tower following the devastating fire in 2017 © Sasa Wick,
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adding to an existing hardwired system, care should be taken to ensure that all alarms are interlinked, with all alarms sounding when any one device is activated. Mains-operated alarms (with battery back-up) are permitted, and tamper-proof long-life lithium battery alarms are also allowed. Alarms should also be regularly maintained and tested in accordance with manufacturer’s
LD3 system is recommended for an owner-occupied two-storey house, but this would not be suitable as the Scottish Government guidance requires a greater level of protection. To comply, at least a Grade F2, Category LD2 system would be required. A similar issue exists with the recommendations that are given for a rented two-storey house. Table 1 recommends a Grade D1, Category LD2 system but this actually provides a higher reliability than the requirement for compliance with the Scottish Government’s guidance. Both private and social landlords will therefore have to take a considered view on the minimum requirements when they specify or agree on what is a suitable grade of system in their properties for compliance with the tolerable standard. This would not preclude a higher specification than the minimum required but they may want to specify a higher reliability system, such as a Grade D system (mains powered with battery back-up alarms).
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