What is BS 8629:2019+A1:2023 - Evacuation alert systems about?
BS 8629 is the national standard gives detailed recommendations for installing an evacuation alert system (EAS) for use by fire and rescue personnel in the extremely rare situation where a residential building must be evacuated. BS 8629:2019+A1:2023 amends the original 2019 standard.
NOTE: BS 8629 is not intended to imply that the “stay put” strategy normally adopted in new blocks of flats is inappropriate. The purpose of the standard is to assist fire and rescue personnel in carrying out their duties.
Who is BS 8629:2019+A1:2023 - Evacuation alert systems for?
BS 8629:2019+A1:2023 is used by:
- Fire and rescue services
- Manufacturers of evacuation alert systems
- Building managers
- Local authorities and building control
What does BS 8629:2019+A1:2023 - Evacuation alert systems cover?
BS 8629 gives recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by the fire and rescue service in buildings containing flats.
The evacuation alert systems covered by BS 8629:2019+A1:2023 comprise evacuation alert control and indicating equipment (EACIE) which incorporates manual controls by which evacuation alert sounders within each flat can be operated by the fire and rescue service.
NOTE: The systems covered in BS 8629:2019+A1:2023 are not to be regarded as fire detection and fire alarm systems, and the systems do not incorporate automatic fire detectors or manual call points. Recommendations for fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises are given in BS 5839-1. Recommendations for such systems in domestic premises are given in BS 5839-6.
What are the benefits of BS 8629:2019+A1:2023 - Evacuation alert systems?
- It describes a reliable and effective tool to assist fire-fighters in the protection of life and which obviates the need for firefighters to manually alert flat occupants
- The amended standard reflects that installation of an EAS is a requirement in buildings over 18m in Scotland, while Approved Document B (in England and Wales) includes the provision of an EAS conforming to BS 8629 for compliance with Requirement B5 of the Regulations
- The use of this standard can help EAS manufacturers enter new markets
BS 8629:2019+A1:2023 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, Goal 10 on reduced inequalities and Goal 15 on life on land.
What’s new about BS 8629:2019+A1:2023 - Evacuation alert systems?
BS 8629:2019+A1:2023 amends BS 8629:2019. Major changes include:
- An amended title which reads: Design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in buildings containing flats – Code of practice
- The change of “user” to “premises management” throughout where “user” refers to a person or organization having control of the building in which the EAS is installed
- An amended introduction explaining the recent changes in legislation and guidance that now includes reference to BS 8629
- New commentary and recommendations on system components
- New recommendations on fault monitoring and system integrity
- New commentary and recommendations on evacuation alert sounders and audibility
- New recommendations on arrangements for disabled people
- New recommendations on siting of evacuation alert devices
- New commentary and recommendations on evacuation alert control and indicating equipment (EACIE)
- New commentary and recommendations on networked systems
- New commentary and recommendations on maintenance inspection, testing and servicing
