BS 8492:2009 pdf free download – Telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling – Code of practice for fire performance and protection.
4 Balanced approach to fire threat mitigation
COMMENTARY ON CLAUSE 4
Clause 4 relates to the management of fire within premises and gives recommendations for the reduction of the risk of fire, and for the mitigation of the effects of fire, by the selection of suitable components and techniques for fire prevention, fire detection and fire suppression.
The recommendations are based upon the consideration of the fire hazard posed by the installation of telecommunications equipment and cabling infrastructure within premises as described in Annex A, which addresses:
a) ignitability;
b) flame spread;
c) heat release;
d) the production of fire effluent (i.e. smoke, toxic gas and corrosive gas). The relative importance of these factors can differ throughout the areas served by the telecommunications cabling and associated infrastructure. Therefore, it is important to note that a single solution covering product selection, and containment, detection and suppression systems might not be appropriate.
4.1 General
The balanced approach to fire threat mitigation detailed in 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 should be applied, wherever practicable.
The recommendations of Clause 4 are the primary approach in premises and should be used wherever practicable. Only where the balanced approach in premises is rendered impracticable or deemed inappropriate, owing to the nature of the building or its occupancy, should the recommendations of Clause 6 be considered in isolation.
4.2 Compartmentation within premises
4.2.1 General
Within the premises, compartments should be created that are separated by vertical and horizontal barriers with appropriate levels of fire performance in order to:
a) prevent the spread of fire and its effluent;
b) minimize the extent of loss.
The selection of compartment boundaries should take into account the impact of fire within each compartment.
The fire performance of items within each compartment, in combination with the fire detection and suppression systems of the compartment, should:
1) reflect the risk to property, personnel and business continuity;
2) be selected to satisfy the needs of the premises’ owners, landlords, tenants and insurers.
NOTE Guidance on assessing risk is given in 4.2.2.2.
4.2.2.2 Risk assessment and business continuity analysis
A risk assessment should be carried out for each compartment which takes account of the following:
a) architectural considerations;
b) the fabric and contents of the compartment and building;
c) the requirements of the owners, landlords, tenants and insurers, including for example;
1) protection of the building and its personnel;
2) business continuity;
3) aesthetics and finish;
4) electrical and optical performance of the cabling system.
Where appropriate, business continuity analysis should also be applied. NOTE Recommendations for risk management are given in BS 31100. For
guidance on business continuity, see 8525999.