BSI to publish revised BS 9991:2024 for residential buildings

11/19/2024 |

BSI to publish revised BS 9991:2024 for residential buildings

A comprehensive update to BS 9991, the UK’s essential fire safety standard for residential buildings is due to be published by the end of November.

BS 9991:2024 Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings – Code of practice covers a wide range of building types, from apartment blocks and flats to residential care homes.

The objective of the standard is twofold:

  • To ensure an adequate standard of life safety in the event of a fire, focusing on occupant safety, firefighter safety, and the protection of emergency services.
  • To offer property protection, safeguarding not only the building in question but also adjacent properties, businesses, and the environment.

 

The key changes include:

  • Expanded scope: BS 9991 now covers residential care homes, recognizing the unique evacuation needs and fire safety challenges unique to those properties.
  • Explicit exclusions on timber have been removed: The scope of the standard has been limited in terms of reaction-to-fire classifications of load-bearing elements of structure to better reflect the available evidence regarding the use of mass timber in medium and high residential buildings.
  • Revised guidance for sprinklers and single-stair buildings: Updates include a new height limit for single-stair buildings and adjustments to sprinkler installation guidelines.
  • European classifications for fire doors: National fire door classifications have been replaced with European classifications to ensure consistency and reliability in fire resistance.
  • Enhanced recommendations for smoke control and evacuation lifts: Improved provisions for smoke control systems and detailed recommendations for evacuation lifts, making tall buildings safer in fire emergencies.
  • Updates on ancillary areas, kitchens, and external wall systems: The recommendations for these areas have been revised to account for the latest safety practices.

The 2024 edition offers a robust framework for fire safety in residential buildings, accommodating advancements in building technology while maintaining practicality.

 

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Experienced Fire Alarm Engineer Wanted

01/06/2024 |

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced fire detection and alarm systems service and maintenance engineer looking for a new opportunity in the south of the UK. Come and join a successful and well-established Fire Protection Company – RES Systems Ltd.

Hours of work: 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

Location: London and primarily the counties of Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Middlesex, Essex and Kent.

Salary: Circa £40k depending on experience

Benefits: Mobile phone, uniform and additional tools in order to complete the work. Use of shared company vehicle. A company pension scheme and private healthcare is also in operation. Four weeks annual leave (plus bank holidays) and additional days.

Role Responsibilities:

  • Service and maintenance of conventional and addressable systems and modification works to the relevant British Standards and guidance documents.
  • You will be required to undertake commissioning, small works, emergency light testing and repairs for a wide variety of sites such residential buildings, schools and commercial premises.
  • Ensure company policies, procedures, and standards are in place and adhered to.
  • Completion of mandatory paperwork via a customer management system.

The successful candidate:

  • You will be able demonstrate recent relevant experience of conventional and addressable systems
  • Full UK driving licence.
  • You will be required to deal with call outs and out of hours work.
  • Proven knowledge on relevant fire industry British Standards.
  • All applicants for this job should be able to prove they are legally entitled to work in the UK.
  • Undergo regular CPD and training.

RES are an equal opportunities employer.

Interviews will take place at our office in Reading.

Job Type: Permanent

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

Experience:

  • Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Engineer: 3 years (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 25/03/2024
Expected start date: 01/05/2024

Send your CV to richard@resfire.co.uk using ref RES24

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