PD 7974-4:2003

Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Symbols and abbreviations
5 Design approach
6 Design inputs and outputs
7 Fire detection
8 Activation of local and remote alarm systems
9 Activation of fire suppression systems
10 Activation of fire barrier systems
11 Activation of smoke control systems
12 Interactions of smoke control and suppression
   systems
13 Management of fire safety
Annex A (normative) Critical path analysis for fire
        control and suppression systems
Annex B (informative) Determination of heat detector
        spacing
Bibliography

Specifies guidance on the development, design and application of fire detection systems, and the activation of fire alarm and fire control systems to fulfill a role in the fire safety engineered design for a building.

This Published Document provides guidance on the development, design and application of fire detection systems, and the activation of fire alarm and fire control systems to fulfil a role in the fire safety engineered design for a building. Scientific and engineering principles are used as part of a structured approach. The key elements covered are:

• detection: information is provided on the various types of fire detection system and their application for a given set of circumstances, as derived from a qualitative design review, risk assessment and the results of formulae provided by other Sub-systems;

• activation and control: once the fire detection system has detected a fire, it activates a series of measures designed to fulfil the requirements of the fire safety engineered design. These measures may include operation of fire warning systems, the remote signalling to emergency services, and the operation of fire alarm, fire suppression and fire control systems. Guidance is given on the methodology and formulae required in ensuring that the appropriate systems are activated in an appropriate manner and within given criteria.

In the context of this document, fire control includes:

• fire suppression systems: active systems designed to suppress a fire, temporarily (i.e. control) or permanently (i.e. extinguish). Examples include automatic water sprinkler systems;

• fire barrier systems: active systems designed to contain a fire within a given area or separate a fire from another area. Such systems may be regarded as offering similar benefits to passive fire compartments or separations for the duration of their operation. Examples include fire damper systems and door release mechanisms;

• smoke/heat control systems: active systems designed to positively control the movement and build up of fire effluents such as smoke, heat and toxic gases. Examples include smoke venting systems and air pressurization systems.

NOTE This document does not contain detailed design and installation instructions for the systems covered. This information may be obtained from other relevant British Standard codes of practice and specifications.