BS 5908-1:2012

What is this standard about?

This first part of BS 5908 provides recommendations and guidance for the control of fire and explosion risks on sites where chemicals are stored or processed in significant quantities.

Who is this standard for?

• Building designers
• Fire safety managers
• Facilities managers/maintenance staff
• Chemical plants
• Chemical storage sites

Why should you use this standard?

Fire precautions are crucial on sites handling chemical products to ensure the safety of people in the event of fire, to preserve property and to protect the environment. Additional dangers include the release of toxic materials, free flowing fires from liquid products and the ejection of chemical containers.

The recommendations of this code of practice include guidance on:

• Fire risk assessment
• Site and layout selection
• Drainage and pollution control 
• Prevention of escalation 
• Emergency procedures 

NOTE: This standard is intended to be used with BS 5908-2, which gives guidance on the legislation and standards applicable to onshore industrial premises that handle significant quantities of flammable gases, liquids or dusts.

What’s changed since the last update?

• BS 5908-1:2012 has been fully revised by experts to bring it up to date with technological developments and industry best practice
• It supersedes BS 5908:1990 Code of practice for fire precautions in the chemical and allied industries, which is withdrawn