Updated BS 5839-1 issued for fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises

The revised British Standard, which aims to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date recommendations for fire detection and fire alarm systems, includes recommendations and guidance on system planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance.

BS 5839-1 Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings – Part 1: Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Systems in Non-Domestic Premises – Code of Practice is designed to enhance fire protection, reduce risk and support safety for building occupants in the event of a fire.

BS 5839-1 covers systems that include manual Call Points, sounders, automatic fire detectors and interlinked control and indicating panels. It also addresses systems that are capable of providing signals to initiate the operation of other fire protection systems or safety measures (such as smoke control systems, automatic door release mechanisms, gas or oil shut-off valves and lift grounding).

The latest edition, which is a revision of the previous guidance published back in 2017, updates the recommendations (encompassing design, installation, commissioning and certification processes) so that new work – including those aspects of extensions and alterations that involve new work – can be carried out consistently.

Compliance role

BS 5839-1 is also intended to play a vital role in supporting compliance with the UK’s Building Regulations and fire safety legislation. It’s referenced in both volumes of Approved Document B (Fire Safety), forming the basis of key fire safety recommendations aimed at safeguarding lives.

Approved Document B provides guidance on how to meet the fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations for common building situations. As such, it contains guidance on fire safety, including means of escape, fire spread, structural fire protection and Fire and Rescue Service access.

Revised British Standards generally include changes made due to new evidence or information relating to a specific topic. In this case, the guidance on modifications and extensions has been expanded and introduces a shift in approach for those rooms used for sleeping. It covers buildings mainly used for commercial, public or industrial purposes (such as hotels, shops and restaurants).

Specifically, it recommends prioritising forms of automatic fire detection other than heat detectors (or sprinklers functioning as heat detectors) in order to improve early detection and occupant safety.

In addition, the new guidance explicitly sets out those variations that are now considered (as a direct result of a number of fatal fires) to be unacceptable.

Critical importance

Ant Burd, director of the built environment at the BSI, commented: “Detection and alarm systems are of critical importance to people’s safety in the event of a fire breaking out. This latest revision of BS 5839-1 reflects the BSI’s continued commitment to ensuring that fire detection and alarm systems meet the evolving needs of modern buildings and their occupants.”

Burd concluded: “By incorporating lessons learned from recent research, industry feedback and real-world incidents, the updated British Standard is purpose-designed to offer clear and comprehensive guidance. Ultimately, this is all about saving lives, supporting compliance and strengthening fire safety right across the built environment.”

*Further information about BS 5839-1 is available online at https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/fire-detection-and-fire-alarm-systems-for-buildings-design-installation-commissioning-and-maintenance-of-systems-in-non-domestic-premises-code-of-practice