BS 5839-1 2002 goes live in July - Prevention Focus

The revised standard for the design, installation, service and maintenance of fire detection systems comes into force in July 2003. This standard will have completed the transition period in July. All new systems should be compliant after this date. The standard has many new sections particularly addressing unwanted alarms, specification of cables and defines the design of a fire system into a menu based selection. It is based much more on risk assessments and the now seven classes of system. BT Redcare has sponsored an 80-page A5 detailed Guide to BS5839 to the standard to aid tire professionals quickly appreciate the important changes.

HALON HAS COME TO THE END OF ITS LIFE

It is no longer legal to refill fixed firefighting systems with Halon as this gas has been defined as a Ozone depleting substance by the Montreal Agreement. Systems that use Halon cannot be refilled and those that still contain Halon must be safely decommissioned by December 31 2003. Any Halon must be removed and disposed of safely and a certificate of safe destruction obtained as evidence. More information can be found at www.feta.org.uk

NEW WEB BASED INFORMATION

To aid specifiers, installers and consultants plus local fire safety officers Redcare has developed a website for policies on unwanted alarms titled Fire Service at: www.redcare.bt.com. The site lists the policies and control room contact details for over 20 brigades.

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