BS 5839
Part 1 : 2013
Changes
By Don ScottBS 5839 Part 1 : 2013
•This new edition of the CoP is not a full revision but technical and nomenclature changes
•It could in reality have been classed as A3, however a BS can only be amended twice, so this had to published as a new
version
•It is recognized that a full revision is required and this will follow in due course
Reasons for Revision
1. Findings from the Rose Park Fire
2. As a result of the research carried out by BRE regarding high ceiling detection
3. Up-date references to reflect latest versions and new standards
Nomenclature Changes
Old Terminology New Terminology
care home residential care premises
fire service fire and rescue service responsible person premises management
New Title to Better Reflect Scope and Content
BS 5839, Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Part 1: Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises
Normative References
•BS 9999, Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of Buildings
•BS EN 54-23:2010, Fire detection and fire alarm systems – Part 23: Fire alarm devices – Visual alarm devices
•Code of practice for the Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Aspirating Smoke Detector (ASD) Systems, Fire Industry Association, Issue 3 February 2012
Clause 3 Terms and Definitions
•3.9 coincidence
arrangement designed so that an output is obtained only when at least two independent input triggering signals are present at the same time
NOTE This is not to be mistaken for “double knock”, which is a colloquial term often used for an arrangement whereby an
output is given only when two successive signals are received from the same device.
Clause 3 Terms and Definitions
•3.12 competent person
person with the relevant current training and experience, and with access to the requisite tools, equipment and
information, and capable of carrying out a defined task
Clause 3 Terms and Definitions
•3.45 premises management
persons having day-to-day control of the premises, the fire
detection and fire alarm system(s) and implementation of the fire procedures
NOTE In large premises, a single person with specialist
knowledge is often delegated the responsibility for the fire
detection and fire alarm system and associated matters. In small premises, a person with specialist knowledge is unlikely to be
present, but responsibility for the fire detection and fire alarm system can still be delegated to a specific person.
Reference to premises management
Section 7, clause 47; the title has been changed from
‘Responsible Person’ the ‘Premises Management’. This section has been reworded to remove the term ‘Responsible Person’ but the meaning of 47 remains largely unchanged.
Clause 48 Logbook, 48.2 a) has been amended to remove the term ‘Responsible Person’ but otherwise the meaning of the sub-clause is unchanged. It is worth pointing out that the
identity of the persons responsible for the FD&FA system should be recorded in the logbook which is something that is often
Clause 3 Terms and Definitions
•3.58 staff alarm
restricted alarm, following the operation of a manual call point or automatic fire detector, given to certain staff in the premises to permit investigation prior to evacuation and/or summoning of the fire and rescue service
NOTE The use of staff alarms in response to signals from manual call points is not generally acceptable.
Clause 3 Terms and Definitions
•3.66 zone plan
diagrammatic representation of a building, showing specific topographic information and the division of the building into detection zones
Reference to Zone Plan
Clause 6; Exchange of information,
6.1 states “Experience shows that the responsibility for provision
of a zone plan is often ill-defined, leading to the absence of a suitable zone plan when an installation is handed over. It is
important that this responsibility is defined at an early stage of the planning of an installation.”
6.2c recommends that the installer consult with the designer, the user or purchaser, the supplier of the system and
consultants and that during these consultations that the topic of the provision of the zone plan should be settled.
Reference to Zone Plan
Clause 23 Control and Indicating equipment, 23.1 New paragraph
In at least one multiple-fatality fire, it has been determined that some or all of the deaths could have been avoided if a
diagrammatic representation of the premises (commonly
described as a zone plan) had been provided in close proximity to the CIE. Accordingly, it is important to ensure that a suitable zone plan is provided adjacent to all CIE (including any repeat control and/or indicating equipment), unless the CIE
incorporates a suitable display (e.g. an illuminated mimic
diagram). The objective is to ensure that those responding to a fire alarm signal (including staff on the premises and
firefighters) are given unambiguous information as to the location of a fire.
Reference to Zone Plan
Clause 23 Control and Indicating equipment,
23.2.2 The following recommendations apply to the facilities provided for visual indication of fire signals.
e) On or adjacent to indicating equipment, there should be a
diagrammatic representation of the building, showing at least the building entrances, the main circulation areas and the division into zones. Where the division into zones is not provided by the display
recommended in 23.2.2c) or 23.2.2d), a correctly orientated zone plan of the premises (see 3.66) should be displayed.
NOTE 3 In some complex premises, e.g. shopping centres, additional
information, such as occupier names, might be of value to those who are unfamiliar with the premises. This could be provided by a supplementary list that, for example, enables a unit number on a zone plan to be
related to the occupier name, such as the name of a retailer in a
shopping centre. Where such information is provided, it is important that it is kept up-to-date.
Reference to Zone Plan
Clause 42 Acceptance,
42.2.b) New sub-clause 5 inserted
5) that a suitable diagrammatic representation of the premises is provided close to all CIE [see 23.2.2e)];
46.2 b) Major non-compliance, new sub-clause 10
10) the absence of a zone plan or other suitable diagrammatic
Reference to Zone Plan
Annex H Model Certificates, (Informative) H.4 Acceptance certificate
Tick box:- A suitable zone plan (or other suitable diagrammatic representation) of the premises is provided on or adjacent to all control and indicating equipment. (Delete if not applicable.)
7 Variations from the recommendations of this standard
7.2 e) Major non-compliances (see 46.2) that are agreed
variations should be clearly recorded in the logbook so that they are readily available for future reference by maintenance companies and any other interested parties.
This removes any guess work at a later date as to the reasons for any design or installation variations to the standard.
8 Relationship between system Category and areas
protected
8.2 f) In a Category L1 or P1 system, automatic fire detectors should be installed in all rooms and areas of the building, but the following rooms or areas need not be protected if they are of low fire risk (see 3.32):
1) toilets, shower rooms and bathrooms;
NOTE 7 In some public buildings, such as hospitals and
shopping centres, toilets might not be of low fire risk, owing to the potential for arson.
2) stairway lobbies and toilet lobbies
8 Relationship between system Category and areas
protected
8.2 f) Cont.
NOTE 8 A riser in which there is a fire-resisting floor and ceiling may be treated as a cupboard.
NOTE 9 If detection can be excluded from any room or area
in a Category L1 system, it can also be excluded from such rooms or areas in a Category L2, L3 or L4 system.
4) some shallow voids (less than 800 mm in depth) [see 2.2d)].
11 System components
11.2 k) CIE should conform to BS EN 54-2.
NOTE 1 BS EN 54-2 contains optional performance
characteristics which are not necessarily provided in all CIE, even if third-party certificated against BS EN 54-2. It needs to be ensured that the CIE provided has appropriate facilities to
enable compliance with all the recommendations of this British Standard.
12 Monitoring, integrity and reliability of circuits
external to control equipment
12.2.2 System integrity
d) Two simultaneous faults on a manual call point or fire
detector circuit should not disable protection within an area greater than 10 000 m2.
NOTE 1 The areas quoted in c) and d) are relatively arbitrary; in the case of c), the recommendation is based on custom and
practice in non-addressable fire detection and fire alarm systems over many years. Engineering judgement might
determine that, in a given system, minor increases in the areas quoted do not significantly impede the system integrity, but this ought then to be regarded as a variation from the
13 Detection zones
13.1 Commentary
If a detector is concealed in a relatively inaccessible area (such as a floor or ceiling void), it is normally desirable to provide a
remote indication of its operation. In an addressable system, the provision of an individual remote indicator might not be
necessary provided that the location of each fire detector is clearly indicated at the CIE.
13.2.5 Remote indication of detector operation
NOTE Remote indicators might be required in a specification for areas such as inaccessible voids or locked rooms. See also 40.2 for the as-fitted drawing.
15 Communication with the fire and rescue service
15.1 Commentary
Since the objective of a Category L system is evacuation of occupants, rather than protection of property, manual
summoning of the fire and rescue service by occupants may, again, suffice. However, if the early attendance of the fire and
rescue service is likely to be essential to life safety in the event of fire (e.g. in hospitals), a secondary, automatic means of
transmission might be warranted, unless there are adequate arrangements to ensure that there will be no delay at any time in manual summoning of the fire and rescue service by
occupants. Automatic transmission of fire alarm signals is also necessary in the case of residential care premises.
15 Communication with the fire and rescue service
15.2 e) If the early summoning of the fire and rescue service is
considered critical to the safety of occupants (e.g. on the basis
of a fire risk assessment), facilities should be provided for automatic transmission of alarm signals to an alarm
receiving
centre, unless there are reliable arrangements for summoning
the fire and rescue service by persons in the building.
NOTE 2 In the case of shopping centres and hospitals, compliance with the Technical Handbooks (see
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-
Environment/Building/Building-standards/publications/pubtech)
that support the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004
necessitate automatic transmission of fire alarm signals to an
15 Communication with the fire and rescue service
15.2 f) In residential care premises, facilities should be provided
for automatic transmission of alarm signals to an alarm receiving
centre.
NOTE 3 In the case of residential care premises, compliance
with the Technical Handbooks (see
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Building/
Building-standards/publications/pubtech) that support the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 [3] necessitates
automatic
transmission of fire alarm signals to an alarm receiving centre.
15 Communication with the fire and rescue service
15.2 i) Any alarm receiving centre to which fire alarm signals
are relayed should conform to the recommendations of BS 5979.
NOTE 4 Schemes exist for third-party certification of alarm
receiving centres to BS 5979. However, transmission of fire
alarm signals (as opposed to intruder alarm signals) is not always
within the scope of the alarm receiving centre’s certification; if
reliance is placed on third-party certification, it needs to be confirmed that monitoring of fire alarm signals is within the scope of certification.
16 Audible alarm signals
16.2.3 Recommendations applicable to hospitals and residential care premises
The following recommendations are applicable.
a) Audible alarms in hospitals should conform to the
recommendations of the Department of Health publications HTM 05-03 Part B (in England and Wales) or SHTM 82 (in
Scotland).
b) Audible alarms in residential care premises should conform to 16.2.1, except that, if the alarm signal is not intended to
rouse occupants of some or all rooms from sleep, 16.2.1a)3)
does not apply. Any relaxation of 16.2.1a)3) should, however, be subject to the specific agreement of every authority responsible for enforcing fire safety legislation in the premises. NOTE More than one authority may be responsible for enforcing relevant legislation in
residential care premises (e.g. the fire authority and the social services department of the local authority).
18 Fire alarm warnings for people with impaired
Hearing
18.2.1 General
e) Where tactile devices are provided, control and transmission equipment should comply with the
recommendations of Annex C.
18.2.2 Portable alarm devices
j) The system should conform to the recommendations of the following clauses and subclauses of this part of BS 5839.
— 12.2.1a)4) — 12.2.1e) — 23.2.1e) — 27.2g)1) — 12.2.1a)5) — 12.2.1g) — 23.2.1f) — 27.2g)2) — 12.2.1a)6) — 12.2.2m) — 25 — 27.2g)3)
— 12.2.1a)7) — 23.2.1b) — 26 — 29.2e) — 12.2.1b) — 23.2.1c) — 27.2c) — Annex C
19 Staged fire alarms
19.2.2 Recommendations applicable to staff alarms
b) In residential care premises, a staff alarm should not incorporate any delay in summoning of the fire and rescue
service when the fire alarm system operates, but there may be a delay in the general alarm signal, provided all staff are made
20 Manual call points
20.2 h) h) Manual call points should be fixed at a height of 1.4 m above finished floor level, at easily accessible, well-
illuminated and conspicuous positions free from potential obstruction. They should be sited against a contrasting
Background to assist in easy recognition. A lower mounting height is acceptable in circumstances where there is a high
likelihood that the first person to raise an alarm of fire will be a wheelchair user.
NOTE 6 The figure of 1.4 m is arbitrary, but reflects long
established custom and practice. A minor difference (e.g. less than 300 mm) in mounting height (e.g. to align with the
mounting height of light switches) need not be regarded as significant, nor need it be recorded as a variation.
21 Types of fire detector and their selection
21.1.3 Smoke detectors
The final paragraph of 21.1.3 Smoke detectors (which is a
commentary) which describes video smoke detection has been expanded and slightly reworded. While there is no
corresponding recommendations, it does indicate that this technology is now coming of age and will shortly become mainstream.
22 Spacing and siting of automatic fire detector
22.9 Recommendations for limits of ceiling height
21 Types of fire detector and their selection
21.1.7 Choice of fire detection principle
For aspirating systems, specialist application guidance needs to be sought from the manufacturer.
The COP has now adopted the terminology used in BS EN 54- 20 to describe high sensitivity ‘class A’, enhanced sensitivity ‘class B’ and standard sensitivity ‘class C’.
21 Types of fire detector and their selection
21.2 e) In areas in which early detection of a smouldering fire is required, optical smoke detectors, optical beam detectors,
aspirating smoke detection systems, carbon monoxide fire
22 Spacing and siting of automatic fire detector
In clause 22 Spacing and siting of automatic fire detectors sub clause 22.1 Commentary, aspirating systems are referred to alongside beam detectors as suitable detection types in tall spaces. Where it discusses stratification it suggests that
positioning sample holes at different levels might be employed. Also
Similarly, as the hot gases and smoke flow horizontally across a ceiling, there is a stagnant boundary layer at the surface of the ceiling; this precludes the sensitive element of a heat or smoke detector from being mounted flush with a ceiling. This
restriction does not apply to the sampling points of an aspirating smoke detection system, which may be flush-
mounted because the sampled air drawn into the sampling hole comes from the main flow outside the boundary layer.
22 Spacing and siting of automatic fire detector
22.7 Recommendations for siting of aspirating smoke detection systems
a) However, as the detector actually draws samples of air through sampling points (holes in the pipework), 22.3d) does not apply and the sampling points may be flush with a ceiling.
Slight re-wording 22.3 d) 25mm from ceiling
c) Where an aspirating smoke detection system is used to
protect spaces with high ceilings (>25 m) and there is a risk that the smoke could stratify before reaching the ceiling, sampling should be provided at multiple levels using drop-pipe
arrangements at the wall and, where practical, within the main space.
22 Spacing and siting of automatic fire detector
22.3 i) Where an area contains partitions or storage racks that reach within 300 mm of the ceiling, the partitions or storage racks should be treated as walls that extend to the ceiling (see Figure 9).
NOTE 9 Where a rack contains high-value or high-risk materials or where the height of the rack exceeds 8 m, the use of in-rack detection might be considered.
22 Spacing and siting of automatic fire detector
22.3 and 22.7 both refer to the FIA Code of Practice for Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Aspirating
22 Spacing and siting of automatic fire detector
22.5 Recommendations for siting of optical beam smoke detectors
d) If optical beam smoke detectors are installed at a distance of more than 600 mm below ceiling level in order to provide
supplementary detection of a rising smoke plume within a high space (e.g. an atrium), the width of the area protected on each side of an optical beam should be regarded as 12.5% of the
height of the beam above the highest likely seat of fire (see Figure 13).
NOTE 1 An optical beam smoke detector may be installed at an angle from the horizontal, pointing down from the ceiling, in
order to provide supplementary detection [i.e. in addition to beams located at or near the ceiling, as recommended in
22 Spacing and siting of automatic fire detector
22.9 Recommendations for limits of ceiling height
22 Spacing and siting of automatic fire detector
22.5 Recommendations for siting of optical beam smoke detectors
However, the COP gives no advice on Quantity, spacing, mounting height or the angle of the OBSDs.
35 Measures to limit false alarms
35.2.3 Recommendations for selection and siting of automatic fire detector
a) In areas with high levels of dust and dirt which could contaminate detectors and/or lead to unwanted alarm,
aspirating smoke detectors may be used which incorporate
mechanical filtration of the air samples before they are analysed for the presence of smoke. It should be confirmed that the
Filters used for any such detectors are covered under the
detectors’ approval to BS EN 54-20. Furthermore, consideration should be given to the consequences of blocked filters to the
detection capability of the system and a rigorous regular maintenance regime established if needed.
35 Measures to limit false alarms
35.2.3 Recommendations for selection and siting of automatic fire detector
j) Many aspirating smoke detection systems can operate at a level of sensitivity much higher than normal point type smoke
detectors. Special consideration should be given to the potential for false alarms when a high sensitivity (Class A) or enhanced
sensitivity (Class B) aspirating smoke detection system is
proposed, to ensure that an unacceptable rate of unwanted alarms is not likely to result.
35 Measures to limit false alarms
35.2.3 Recommendations for selection and siting of automatic fire detector
NOTE 2 Such systems are often used to provide signals
intended to be managed as a “pre-alarm warning” (to indicate that an alarm condition is approaching) or as a very early
warning (to alert staff of abnormal conditions that are worthy of investigation). Such signals might not be suitable (or intended)
to be managed as an alarm signal that triggers alarm devices
and evacuation of the building. In fact, such pre-alarm warnings or very early warning signals can be used to avoid false alarms and unnecessary evacuations. In some applications in which Class A and/or Class B aspirating smoke detection systems are used, a Class C (normal sensitivity) signal is provided which is managed as an alarm condition.
35 Measures to limit false alarms
35.2.7.2
d) Staff alarms should conform to 19.2.2.
NOTE 1 19.2.2 recommends that, in residential care premises, the fire and rescue service is summoned immediately when the fire detection and fire alarm system operates.
e) If the fire and rescue service is not summoned immediately at the start of any investigation period associated with a staff alarm, it is essential that they are summoned immediately on expiry of this period, unless it has been determined that the alarm signal is a false alarm.
NOTE 2 Reliability in compliance with this recommendation would be aided by a monitored facility for automatic
transmission of an alarm signal to an alarm receiving centre on expiry of the investigation period.
35 Measures to limit false alarms
35.2.7.2
f) Any arrangements for filtering of automatic summoning of the fire and rescue service by an alarm receiving centre should conform to BS 5979. Such filtering should not be applied to
45 Inspection and servicing
45.1
Routine servicing of a fire detection and fire alarm system does not constitute a fresh review of system design; it is a verification of the
functionality and serviceability of the existing system. Accordingly, it will not necessarily be the case that non-compliances with Section 2 of this Standard will be identified at the time of routine servicing; in any case, the
maintenance technician might not be aware as to whether an apparent non- compliance is, in fact, simply an agreed variation, particularly if the design certificate is not available. However, at their own prerogative, the
maintenance organization may point out aspects of non-compliance with Section 2. Nevertheless, any such advice provided to the user by the
maintenance organization cannot be regarded (by users, enforcing
authorities or any other party) as an implication that the maintenance
technician has identified, or has endeavoured to identify, all such areas of non-compliance, or that there has been any review of the original design.
45 Inspection and servicing
45.3 Recommendations for periodic inspection and test of the system
d) The battery voltage should be measured with the mains on to check the steady state charge voltage and check it is within the manufacturer’s recommendations. New
d) The standby battery should be disconnected and full load alarm should be simulated. Old
If however the service technician is not in possession of an
appropriate test within the manufactures maintenance manual. The FIA would recommend carrying out both the old and the
45 Inspection and servicing
45.4 Recommendations for inspection and test of the system over a 12 month period
o) The cause and effect programme should be confirmed as
being correct by activating at least one cause and observing the operation of effects.
46 Non-routine attention
46.2 Recommendations for special inspection on appointment of a new servicing organization
b) 10) the absence of a zone plan or other suitable
46 Non-routine attention
46.4.6 Recommendation for inspection and test of the system following long periods of disconnection
The recommendations for inspection and test of the system over a 12 month period (see 45.4) should be undertaken.
NOTE If there is a major change in occupation or use of a
building it might be appropriate for the cause and effects of the system to be checked.
Section 7: User’s responsibilities
47 Premises management
47.2 A single, named member of the premises management should be appointed to supervise all matters pertaining to the fire detection and fire alarm system. This person should
normally be the keeper of the documentation as described in Clause 40, and should be given sufficient authority to carry out the following duties.
i) Ensuring that, where necessary, a suitable zone plan is displayed and is kept up-to-date [see 23.2.2e)].
NOTE 2 It would be of value for the premises management to be aware of the policy of the relevant fire and rescue service with regard to response to calls from the premises and/or any ARC, in the event of operation of the fire detection and fire
25 Power supplies
25.2 Recommendations for mains power supplies
c) To facilitate local isolation during maintenance, suitable
means should be provided for double pole isolation of the low voltage supply circuit that serves the power supply and control equipment [see 29.2e)].
NOTE 2 The contractor responsible for supplying the 230 V
mains power supply needs to ensure that the particular device used does actually afford isolation. A number of switching
devices do not meet the required isolation performance criteria. BS 7671:2008+A1:2011, Table 53.4, details whether a particular device can actually be used for the purpose of “isolation”.
25 Power supplies
25.2 Recommendations for mains power supplies
h) Every isolator, switch and protective device that is capable of disconnecting the mains supply to the fire detection and fire alarm system should be situated in a position inaccessible to
unauthorized persons or be protected against unauthorized operation by persons without a special tool.
NOTE 4 A special tool may, for example, be a key actuator (sometimes called “secret key”) for a mains switch device.
25 Power supplies
25.2 Recommendations for mains power supplies
NOTE 4 It is recognized that in such an arrangement the
recommendations of Clause 26 in respect of the fire resistance of the mains power supplies cables do not apply.
26 Cables, wiring and other interconnections
26.1 All references to the use of RCD’s and surface mounted cable for the FD&A system and BS 7671 introduced by
27 Radio-linked systems
27.2 Recommendations has been subtly rewritten making it
clear that wireless devices, that rely solely on battery power,
should have two independent batteries such that if one set (primary) should fail a second would continue to support
the
device. A number of paragraphs in 27.2 have been deleted and
the paragraphs renumbered. These paragraphs described the
operation of the equipment and are no longer required as BS
Clause 17 Visual alarm signals
Basically this Clause remains the same apart from reference to BS EN 54 Part 23 and reference to the new informative annex ‘F’ Annex ‘F’ is basically the same as
22.3 Recommendations for siting of heat and smoke
detectors
e) Detectors within rooms that open onto escape routes in a
Category L3 system should either be sited in accordance with
22.3d) or should be sited on a wall, close to any door that opens onto an escape route. Wall-mounted detectors
should be
sited such that the top of the detection element is between 150
mm and 300 mm below the ceiling, and the bottom of the detection element is above the level of the door opening.
22.3 Recommendations for siting of heat and smoke
Detectors
e)
NOTE 6 Wall mounting may also be adopted in those rooms or areas in which the protection afforded by a Category L2 system reflects only the recommendations for a Category L3 system, in that the purpose is protection of the adjacent escape route (i.e. other than in areas in which detector siting needs to reflect the objective of protecting the occupant of the room of fire origin, as is the case in bedrooms intended for disabled people, or
16 Audible alarm signals
16.2.1 Recommendations applicable to Category M and L
systems (other than in hospitals and residential care premises) NOTE 8 An instrument conforming to BS EN 61672-1, set to slow response and A-weighting, is suitable for measuring the sound pressure level of the alarm signal.
Conformity versus compliance
There a number of instances where the term ’comply with’ has been changed to ‘conform to’ where the clause refers to some part of BS5839-1. Because BS5839-1 is a code of practice, and only has recommendations and uses the word ‘should’, it is not a hard and fast set of rules that must be complied with; conform is, therefore, more appropriate.
Fire Detection and Fire Alarm
There are numerous references to ‘fire detection and alarm’ and ‘fire alarm’ which have been expanded to read ‘fire detection and fire alarm’.
CIE
The 2008 version had various references to CIE and Control and Indicating equipment. The 2013 version now standardises on
