BSI opens public consultation on BS 9990 non-automatic firefighting systems in buildings

by ActiveFeatured NewsPassiveSafety

Non-automatic firefighting systems draft open for comment

A draft update to BS 9990 covering non-automatic firefighting systems in buildings is open for public comment until 5 April 2026.

The British Standards Institution (BSI) is progressing the draft through its FSH/18 Fixed firefighting systems committee.

The draft supersedes BS 9990:2015.

It gives recommendations for non-automatic firefighting systems such as wet and dry fire mains.

It covers good practice affecting their design, installation, testing and maintenance.

It treats the provision of fire mains as an essential element of fire protection in large and complex buildings.

It states that these systems should be maintained so they are ready for use when required.

What non-automatic firefighting systems are

Non-automatic firefighting systems in this standard are fixed systems that require manual use by firefighters rather than automatic activation.

In practice, the draft centres on wet and dry fire mains installed within buildings.

These are permanent pipe systems intended to provide water at upper levels where it may be difficult to supply from outside.

The draft does not include hose reels, foam inlets, automatic foam systems or portable firefighting equipment.

Those areas are covered separately in other British and European standards listed in the scope note.

Timetable and implementation

The Draft for Public Comment will close on 5 April 2026.

Comment resolution is expected to begin in September 2026.

Publication of the final BS 9990 standard is anticipated on 28 October 2026.

The schedule provides a defined consultation period before the standard is finalised for use.

BSI committee considers new emergency communication Code of Practice for premises plans

by CommunicationsFeatured News

Emergency communication standard proposal and scope

A proposal is being considered to develop a new British Standard covering the use of sound systems for emergency purposes in premises where a formal communication plan is required.

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) said it has been informed of the proposal being considered by BSI committee EPL/100 – Audio systems for emergency communication.

The proposal relates to a new British Code of Practice for emergency sound systems used under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn’s Law), including communication for lockdown, evacuation and invacuation scenarios.

It also covers emergency sound systems used for fire emergencies, particularly in high-rise residential buildings, where audio communication systems operate independently of the fire detection and alarm system.

Purpose, content and consultation window

BSI is considering the new standard to address areas where existing guidance is limited or fragmented.

The proposed Code of Practice would focus on communication outcomes, with guidance on planning and system design.

It would also cover audibility and intelligibility.

It would include guidance on testing and the ongoing operation of emergency audio systems.

The standard is intended to complement existing fire, security and product standards, rather than duplicate them.

The proposal is open for comment until 19 February.

FIA members who wish to contribute are encouraged to submit comments directly to BSI via the project link, where registration may be required.

The FIA said further details on the proposal can be found on the BSI Standards Development Portal.