What's Happening?
The British Standards Institution (BSI) has released a draft of a new Publicly Available Specification (PAS) standard aimed at improving fire safety practices within the construction industry. This draft, known as PAS 9970, is divided into two parts and is currently
open for public consultation until March 18, with the final standard expected to be published by September. The first part of the standard provides recommendations and guidance on strategic fire safety practices for construction firms, emphasizing the development and implementation of proportionate fire safety management systems. These guidelines are intended for projects lasting over 30 working days and employing more than 20 people, or those exceeding 500 working days. The second part outlines requirements and performance criteria for life-critical fire detection and alarm systems to be used in temporary installations during construction. This section targets manufacturers, suppliers, and system specifiers, but may also interest installers and construction site managers. Additionally, BSI has proposed revisions to the standard for underground fire hydrants, following recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the PAS 9970 standard is a significant step towards enhancing fire safety in the construction sector, which has been under scrutiny following high-profile incidents like the Grenfell Tower fire. By setting clear guidelines and performance criteria, the standard aims to mitigate fire risks on construction sites, thereby protecting workers and the public. The focus on temporary fire detection systems addresses a critical gap in current safety practices, ensuring that even short-term projects maintain high safety standards. The revisions to the underground fire hydrant standards further demonstrate a commitment to addressing systemic safety issues identified in past inquiries. These measures are likely to influence construction practices across the industry, potentially leading to increased costs for compliance but ultimately resulting in safer construction environments.
What's Next?
Following the consultation period, the BSI will review feedback and finalize the PAS 9970 standard for publication in September. Construction firms, manufacturers, and other stakeholders will need to prepare for the implementation of these new standards, which may involve updating safety protocols and investing in compliant fire detection systems. The industry can expect increased scrutiny from regulators and possibly new legislative measures to enforce compliance. Stakeholders will likely engage in discussions to balance the costs of compliance with the benefits of enhanced safety. The revisions to the underground fire hydrant standards will also require attention from relevant authorities to ensure that infrastructure meets the updated requirements.
