MEDIA RELEASE
14 October 2008
BSI British Standards has published a new standard that gives recommendations and guidance on the design, management and use of buildings to achieve an acceptable level of fire safety for all people in and around buildings. BS 9999 Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings, a progression from the Draft for Development, DD 9999, is now available from www.bsigroup.com/bs9999
The standard builds on government guidance to legislative requirements, providing an advanced approach to fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings. It promotes a more flexible approach to fire safety design through use of structured risk-based design where designers can take account of varying human factors. The guidance on means of escape for disabled people (in respect of both design and management) is greatly expanded within BS 9999 from that in DD 9999 to reflect the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and the principles of inclusive design.
BS 9999 is applicable in the design of new buildings, and to alterations, extensions and changes to the use of an existing building, with the exception of individual homes and with limited applicability in the case of certain specialist buildings The standard provides guidance on fire safety throughout the entire lifecycle of the building, including guidance for designers to ensure that the overall building design enhances the management of fire safety.
BS 9999 is presented as a coordinated package covering the four main areas that influence fire safety measures:
• Fire safety management
• The provisions of means of escape
• The structural protection of escape facilities and the structural stability of the building in the event of a fire
• The provision of access and facilities for fire-fighting
BS 9999 will supersede DD 9999, and the entire BS 5588 series (with the exception of
BS 5588-1), which will be withdrawn on 6 April 2009.
David Smith, Chairman of the BSI committee that drafted BS 9999, said, “BS 9999 is a major step forward in the provisions for fire safety in buildings. This single consolidated and consistent document replaces a series of standards and makes use of recent research and fire engineering principles in establishing the parameters for fire life safety. It will be of great value to all involved in the design, construction and management of buildings, including architects and engineers, fire safety managers, building managers and those who approve buildings, such as the fire and rescue service, health and safety inspectors and specifiers.”
BSI Conference: Fire Safety in Buildings, BS 9999:2008
12-13 November 2008, 15 Hatfields, London, SE1 8DJ
Visit www.bsigroup.com/fireconference for more information and to book your place.
Speakers from fire and rescue services, construction bodies, disability and accessibility organizations and standards bodies will outline how BS9999 can help improve the effective management of fire safety. The conference workshop, led by David Smith, Chairman of the BSI committee that developed the standard, will offer delegates a hands-on introduction to BS9999.
Attending this conference will benefit anyone responsible for the design, management and use of buildings, including architects and surveyors, facilities managers, building owners, fire and rescue service professionals, building control officers, risk consultants and safety inspectors.
To request a media review copy of BS 9999 please contact Lucy Fulton on 020 8996 7248 or email lucy.fulton@bsigroup.com
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Notes to Editors
For media information:
Lucy Fulton
Public Relations Officer
BSI British Standards
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7248
Mob: +44 (0)7717 451 990
Email: lucy.fulton@bsigroup.com
About BSI British Standards
BSI British Standards is the UK’s National Standards Body, recognized globally for its independence, integrity and innovation in the production of standards and information products that promote and share best practice. BSI works with businesses, consumers and government to represent UK interests and to make sure that British, European and international standards are useful, relevant and authoritative. For further information please visit www.bsigroup.com/britishstandards.
About BSI Group
BSI British Standards is part of BSI Group, a global independent business services organization that inspires confidence and delivers assurance to customers with standards-based solutions. Originating as the world’s first national standards body, the Group has over 2,300 staff operating in over 120 countries through more than 50 global offices. The Group’s key offerings are:
• The development and sale of private, national and international standards and supporting information
• Second and third-party management systems assessment and certification
• Product testing and certification of services and products
• Performance management software solutions
• Training services in support of standards implementation and business best practice.
For further information please visit www.bsigroup.com
