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Fire Safety Standards Public Consultation Announced Is Now Open

Announced in the week of the Dagenham residential building fire, which could have easily developed into another Grenfell disaster, Fire Matters news has announced the following:

The British Standards Institution (BSI) is seeking public input on a draft update to BS 8674, a code of practice that sets out the competence criteria for individuals conducting fire risk assessments in occupied buildings. This update, available for public comment until October 15, refines the guidelines to ensure that fire risk assessors meet the necessary standards to evaluate fire risks and safety measures effectively.

The draft standard outlines three levels of competence—Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced—with the Advanced level representing the highest expertise. The criteria primarily focus on non-invasive assessments, which involve visually inspecting existing fire safety measures without causing damage to the structure. These assessments consider various aspects, including fire prevention, protection, and safety management, and are grounded in the broader competence framework established in BS 8670-1.

However, BS 8674 does not cover the processes for conducting fire risk assessments, which are detailed in other standards like PAS 79-1 and BS 9792. It also excludes assessments involving invasive procedures, specialist fire safety engineering measures, or high-risk environments like chemical or nuclear installations, which require expertise beyond the scope of this standard.

Stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to review the draft and provide feedback to help refine the standard, ensuring it meets the needs of fire risk assessors and enhances safety in the built environment.

Read the draft version of BS 8674 Built Environment – Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors – Code of Practice online by clicking on the image above right.

Source: BSI / FireMatters

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