BS 851188 - British Standard for flood resistance products

In recent years, we’ve seen the impact of climate change with increasing rainfalls and the rise in sea levels, disrupting normal lives of people in the UK and mainland Europe. They’ve also underlined the importance of flood-resistance products and systems to communities and local and national economies. 

But there is some good news: the flood-resistance industry is evolving to meet the increased demand for effective flood-resistant products and systems.

One of the keys to this evolution is the new British Standard, BS 851188.

Published on October 1st 2019, BS 851188 replaces the previous publicly-available specification for flood-protection products and systems, PAS 1188. 

What BS 851188 means for manufacturers

The new standard differs from PAS 1188 in several important ways. For example:

  • The term ‘resistance’ (rather than ‘protection’) has been used to reflect the scope of the standard better and align it with the new code of practice and guidance for property flood tesilience (PFR) from the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA).
  • The designated maximum water depth (DMWD) has been removed so products that can meet greater depths can be tested.

Commercially, the new standard creates new opportunities. In the UK, certification to BS 851188 is supported by the Environment Agency, sponsors of PAS 1188, and it is likely to increase the confidence of buyers.

Buy the standard

The BSI Kitemark difference

The Kitemark for flood resistance is available for a wide range of products for use in residential and commercial buildings, from flood doors and barriers designed to protect building apertures to air brick covers and demountable flood gates.

An entirely voluntary standard and a world-renowned quality symbol exclusive to BSI, the Kitemark will further differentiate your business.

To find out more, download our brochure below.

Help for buyers - the BSI product directory

Anyone looking for effective flood-resistant products can search our product directory. This provides details of manufacturers and products approved by us.

BSI Product Directory >

Recorded webinar: Driving innovation and growth with the first national standard for flood products

As flood resistance is being more widely associated with public safety, well-being and financial security, how can stakeholders be sure that the products are fit for purpose?

Join us on our webinar to hear from BSI and Environment Agency experts where they discuss changes in the new standard and how to initiate growth and innovation in a few easy steps.

Register to watch

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