This is the first in a short series of British Standards giving requirements and recommendations for applying particular types of firefighting systems or mediums. BS 5306-0:2020 is the introductory standard for the series. It gives guidance on the selection and use of on-premises firefighting systems and technologies.
This standard is a valuable tool, enabling specifiers, risk assessors and other fire engineers to understand the firefighting systems and technologies available to them and use the understanding gained through Part 0 to make informed decision on where, why and how these systems and equipment can be effectively deployed.
BS 5306-0:2020 gives guidance on the selection, use and application of automatic water sprinkler, water spray, water mist, gaseous, foam, condensed aerosol, wet chemical and powder fire-fighting systems and hypoxic air fire-prevention systems. It gives guidance on installed equipment for fire and rescue service use, and on the application of portable fire extinguishers. The standard also contains requirements and test procedures with pass/fail criteria, so that component performance can be objectively assessed by a recognized test facility and result in certification.
BS 5306-0:2020 incorporates the latest innovations in the various systems technologies and assists in developing market confidence in correctly utilizing them. It will increase understanding and confidence in fire protection systems engineered to British Standards and will be used to understand where and why particular firefighting systems are installed and enable more consistent accuracy throughout the procurement process.
NOTE: This part of BS 5306 does not cover fire-fighting systems for use on ships, in aircraft, on vehicles and mobile fire appliances or for below ground systems in the mining industry or explosion suppression systems.
This is a revision of BS 5306-0:2011. Since that standard was published firefighting systems technologies and their associated standards have developed significantly.
This revision also contains content from BS 7974-4, which has been abandoned, and which covers fire detection and activation of fire detection systems (Sub system 4). It also supplies explanations of how the various systems are configured, the design principles behind them, and their applications and limitations.