Fire & Safety
use a call point cover to meet with the revised standard. Does this mean retroactively fitting call point
covers on all currently existing call points? The simple answer is no, not necessarily. The standard only really applies for any new work undertaken since the publication of the standard (31st August 2017). However, should a client request an upgrade, then of course this can be provided. Alternatively, this can be done at the next convenient time, for example, at the next service. The decision about whether to retroactively fit covers an all manual call points in a building should be down to the Responsible Person or Duty Holder.
A clear route
Another change in the update is point 20.1 – the ‘place of ultimate safety’, where the clause has been expanded to place emphasis on this. The reason for the change is because not all exits of a building are specifically designed as fire exits and during the course of a fire, people will use any exit (regardless of whether it is a designated fire exit). For example, some openings in the building envelope (such as a roller shutter door) are not normally considered as a pedestrian exit, but in an emergency are likely to be used as such. Therefore manual call points should be located on escape routes and, in particular, at all storey exits and all exits to open air that lead to an ultimate place of safety (whether or not the exits are specifically designated as fire exits). In addition, the standard has also been
updated in regards to multi-sensor detectors. Those that have fire sensitivity of BS EN 54-7 are now acknowledged as suitable for fire escape routes, but their configuration must include smoke detector mode.
Put to the test The updated standard also makes clear the method of inspection and servicing for multi- sensor detectors. Clause 45.4 states recommendations for inspection and test of the system over a 12-month period. In the first instance ‘Multi-sensor detectors should be operated by a method that confirms that products of combustion in the vicinity of the detector can reach the sensors and that a fire signal can be produced as appropriate.’ In addition, ‘the guidance of the manufacturer on the manner in which the detector can be functionally tested effectively should be followed’, and ‘multi-sensor fire detectors should be physically tested by a method that confirms
that products of combustion in the vicinity of the detector can reach the sensors and that the appropriate response is confirmed at the CIE’. Where the detector or system design permits, each sensor on which a fire detection decision depends (e.g. smoke, heat, CO) should be physically tested individually. Alternatively, individual sensors may be physically tested together if the detection system design allows simultaneous stimuli and individual sensor responses to be verified either individually or collectively. On completion of tests, the system should be returned to its normal configuration. It is also worthy to note that in stairways, the
update to the standard says that fire detectors should be sited at the top of the stairway and on each main landing. This is to ensure that there is
Does this mean retroactively fitting call
point covers on all currently existing call points? The simple answer is no, not necessarily.
The standard only really applies for any new work undertaken since the publication of the standard (31st August 2017).
ewnews.co.uk February 2019 electrical wholesaler | 33
adequate coverage at every level of the building as plumes of smoke are unpredictable and there is no exact way of knowing where the smoke will go, meaning that if detectors are not sited correctly, there could be a delay in the amount of time between the fire starting the system activating an alarm. A matter of minutes – or even a few seconds – may be the difference between the fire being small and manageable and a huge emergency. The sooner a fire is detected, the sooner it can be extinguished.
espuk.com
BS5839:1-2017 was published on 31 August 2017 and supersedes BS 5839-1:2013 which is now withdrawn.
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