Detection in new areas: L4 systems now require detection at the top of lift shafts and L2 systems now account for sleeping risk in addition to risk-assessed rooms.
Lockdown alarms: These can now be integrated into fire alarm systems, but the tone must be distinct from fire alarm tones.
Ceiling Obstructions: There is clarified guidance on how to handle obstructions like ductwork or closely spaced beams to avoid any potential interference with fire alarm and detection systems.
Monitoring Times: In Category L systems, signal monitoring must occur within 90 seconds, with faults recognised within 3 minutes.
Battery Calculations: The formula for battery backup sizing has been updated to offer additional clarity to end users.
Red Mains Cables: The requirement for fire alarm mains cables to be red has been clarified.
Prohibited Variations: Items like zone charts and remote monitoring in care homes can no longer be treated as variations.
Low-Risk Lobbies: Detection is now required in low-risk lobbies, such as toilet lobbies, depending on the specific system type. If you’re unsure then make sure you speak to your fire safety consultant who should be able to provide clarity.
New Panel Notice: To help reduce false fire alarms, fire alarm panels must now display a new label – “FALSE ALARM NOTICE: This fire alarm has an active connection to the fire and rescue service”
Recording Variations: All variations from the standard must be logged in the site’s fire alarm logbook.
Engineer CPD: Competent persons carrying out maintenance must now engage in continual professional development (CPD).
Battery Marking: Engineers are now permitted to write the battery fitted date directly on the battery with a marker.
Service Intervals: Still required every 6 months, but there’s new flexibility around this, where regular services can now occur every 5 to 7 months without being non-compliant.
Clock Synchronisation: The control panel clock must be checked and adjusted at every service.
Zone Charts: These must be verified during every maintenance visit to ensure they are up to date and correct.
Removal of Redundant Equipment: Old detection devices, call points, and interfaces must be removed if no longer in use to avoid any potential confusion in an emergency.
Interface Accessibility: Interfaces must be fully accessible, hidden panels are no longer acceptable.
Updated Certification Templates: Due to widespread paragraph renumbering, all certificates based on model forms in BS 5839 must now be updated, even if the clause content hasn’t changed.
New Section 7: A dedicated section for extensions and modifications makes it easier to adapt existing systems compliantly.
Restructuring of clauses: Clause 4 is moved to the Introduction, and Clause 33 is merged with Clause 31.
Standard Terminology: Terms such as “care homes” are now “residential care premises,” and “fire service” is now referred to as “fire and rescue service.”
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