BS 9991:2015, also known as Fire safety in the design, management, and use of residential buildings – Code of practice, is a British Standard that provides guidance on fire safety in the design, construction, and use of residential buildings This standard was published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and replaces BS 9991:2011.
BS 9991:2015 aims to ensure that residential buildings are designed, constructed, and managed in a way that minimizes the risk of fire and its spread It covers various aspects of fire safety, including means of escape, fire detection and warning systems, firefighting measures, and the management of fire safety in buildings.
One of the key features of BS 9991:2015 is its focus on the concept of life safety as opposed to just property protection This means that the standard places a strong emphasis on ensuring that occupants of residential buildings can safely evacuate in the event of a fire, rather than just protecting the building from damage.
The standard provides guidance on the following key areas:
1 Means of escape: BS 9991:2015 specifies requirements for the design and construction of escape routes, exits, and other measures to ensure that occupants can safely evacuate a building in an emergency This includes provisions for protected stairways, escape routes with alternative means of escape, and the provision of firefighting lobbies to assist the fire and rescue service.
2 Fire detection and warning systems: The standard outlines the requirements for the installation and maintenance of fire detection and warning systems in residential buildings This includes recommendations for the placement of detectors, the type of alarms to be used, and the provision of a means to alert occupants to a fire.
3 bs9991 2015. Firefighting measures: BS 9991:2015 provides guidance on the provision of firefighting measures in residential buildings, including fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, and firefighting lifts The standard also covers the requirements for fire safety signs and notices to assist occupants in the event of a fire.
4 Management of fire safety: The standard includes recommendations for the management of fire safety in residential buildings, including the appointment of a responsible person to oversee fire safety measures, the conduct of regular fire risk assessments, and the provision of training for occupants on fire safety procedures.
BS 9991:2015 is intended to be used by architects, engineers, building designers, fire safety professionals, and other stakeholders involved in the design, construction, and management of residential buildings By following the guidance set out in the standard, these professionals can ensure that residential buildings are designed and built to the highest standards of fire safety.
In conclusion, BS 9991:2015 is a comprehensive standard that provides detailed guidance on fire safety in residential buildings By following the recommendations set out in the standard, designers, builders, and managers can help to minimize the risk of fire and its spread, and ensure the safety of occupants in the event of an emergency