A dictionary of key

fire terminology
Peter Hodgson and Don Christian
F is for Fire
F is for Fire
A Dictionary of Key Fire Terminology

Peter H od g son an d Don Ch ristian

First published in the UK in 2007

by
BSI
389 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4AL

© British Standards Institution 2007

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, no part
of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by
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While every care has been taken in developing and compiling this publication, BSI accepts no
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While every effort has been made to trace all copyright holders, anyone claiming copyright should
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asserted by them in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents
Act 1988.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN 978 0-580-50222-4

Typeset by Helius, Brighton and Rochester

Printed in Great Britain by MPG Books, Bodmin, Cornwall
Contents

Acknowledgements vii
Introduction ix
The Dictionary 1
Acronyms used in Fire Safety 1 55
Bibliography 1 67
Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the following organizations who all made contributions
to this publication: Association for Specialist Fire Protection, Commission DG Enter-
prise, Fire Protection Association, Fire Industry Association, Health & Safety Execu-
tive, Institution of Chemical Engineers, London District Surveyors Association and the
Loss Prevention Certification Board. All public sector information material is repro-
duced under the terms of the Click-Use Licence: C2007000968. All Commission DG
Enterprise material © European Communities, 1 995–2006.
I n trod u cti on

Terminology is essential for specialists in all fields of work. This is particularly true for
fire safety specialists working in many countries across the world. The need for common
meanings for terms used within the discipline cannot be overemphasized. This publica-
tion attempts to bring together the common terms and their definitions, as used through-
out the world of fire safety, to enable a better understanding of the subject.
The principal technical committee concerned with fire safety within Europe is
CEN TC1 27 – Fire Safety in Buildings. This European committee has been mandated by
the European Commission to prepare all the technical standards in support of the Con-
struction Products Directive (Council Directive 89/1 06/EEC) for fire resistance testing
and measuring reaction to fire properties. It has been necessary for TC1 27 to agree defi-
nitions and terminology for use in all the documents and standards it has produced. The
technical committees drafting standards for individual products are committed to utilize
the agreed definitions and terminology of TC1 27.
Composite definitions are provided for some terms because there are currently a num-
ber of different definitions being used for a single term and, in some cases, a number of
terms relating to the same definition, depending upon the documents one is using at the
time. By providing a single definition for each term, where this is possible, we hope to
alleviate the confusion which currently occurs. This publication has dealt with this prob-
lem in line with current ISO standards for terminology.
For detailed references and explanations on terminology it is recommended that the
reader consult the following:

– ISO 704:2000 Terminology work — Principles and methods

– ISO 1 087-1 :2000 Terminology work – Vocabulary — Part 1 : Theory and application
– ISO 1 0241 :1 992 International terminology standards — Preparation and layout.

The terms and definitions in this book are either quoted verbatim or adapted from Brit-
ish Standards, International Standards or other published documents. The source docu-
ment is cited after each definition. The Bibliography provides full details of the source
documents. If the source is a BS or an ISO that has been withdrawn, there is an asterisk
before it. For example, *BS 581 0 or *ISO 3261 .
I n trod u cti on x

Within this publication, in most cases, terms related to a common field are listed
together. For example, all terms related to fire extinguishers are listed together. Where
this does not occur naturally from the alphabetical order the name ofthe common field is
the leading word, under which the term is listed, and the rest of the term is inside angled
brackets, < >. Terms are listed in alphabetical order and cross-referenced within the
book, for example:

fi re exti n g u i sh er See extinguisher.

BS 4422
fi re exti n g u i sh er < a erosol > Small dispos-
able container incorporating a valve and con-
taining a fire extinguishing medium kept
under greater than atmospheric pressure by
means of a propellant. The contents are dis-
charged when the valve is operated.
BS 61 65
fi re exti n g u i sh er < foa m , ch em i ca l > See
foam fire extinguisher <chemical>.
BS 5306-3
fi re e xt i n g u i s h e r < fo a m , gas ca rt ri d g e >

See foam fire extinguisher <mechanical

gas cartridge>.
BS 5306-3
fi re e xti n g u i sh er < foa m , stored p ressu re >

See foam fire extinguisher <mechanical

stored pressure> .
BS 5306-3
fire extin g uish er < g as cartrid g e, operated >

Extinguisher in which the pressure for expul-

sion of the medium from the body of the
extinguisher is produced by the opening at
the time ofuse, ofa compressed or liquefied
gas cartridge.
ISO 8421 -4
fi re exti n g u i sh e r < powd er, g a s ca rtri d g e>

Extinguisher containing powder that is

expelled by pressure released from a gas
cartridge .
*BS 4422-4

This dictionary aims to provide you with a definitive catalogue of fire terms, which can
be used by all fire safety specialists. We hope that you will find it useful.

Peter Hodgson and Don Christian

Th e Di cti on a ry
A

a b l a ti ve m a teri a l s Materials which gradu- a ccess room Room which forms the only

ally erode under the influence of heat and escape route from an inner room .
can be used to insulate/protect adj acent ele- BS 5588-6
ments.

BS 4422 a ccessi bl e With respect to buildings or parts

of buildings, means that access is facilitated

abnormal heat <electrotechnical> Heat that for disabled persons.

is additional to that resulting from use under Approved Document M – Access to and
normal conditions , up to and including that Use ofBuildings . 2006.
which causes a fire .

FDIS 1 3943 a ccessi bl e a rea Area to which disabled peo-

ple, including wheelchair users, may gain

access.
a ccel era tor S ee sprinkler accelerator.
BS 4422 *BS 581 0
a ccom m od a ti on sta i rwa y S tairway, addi-
a ccepta n ce cri teri a Qualitative and quanti-
tional to that or those required for escape ,
tative criteria which form an acceptable basis
provided for the convenience of occupants.
for assessing the safety of a built environ-
ment design.
BS 5588-8
FDIS 1 3943 ach ievabl e m axim u m con cen tration Con-
centration (as a p erc entage b y vo lume)
a ccess d eck S ee deck accesss .
which would be produced in the net volume
BS 5588-1 of a protected enclosure , by the uniform

distribution of extinguishing gas, including

a ccess l evel < to a bu i l d i n g > Level at which
any for extended discharge, discharged by
there is suitable entry to the building from
the system.
an area to which fire service appliances have
BS 5306-5.1
access.

PD 7974-5 a ckn owl ed g em e n t si g n a l S ignal transmit-

ted back solely as a result of the reception of

a ccess l eve l < to eq u i pm en t> One of sev- another signal, e. g. a signal received at the

eralstates of a fire alarm control and indi- call-out point of a remote control system

cating equipment in which selected: indicating that remote equipment has oper-

– controls can be operated; ated. It may not, however, indicate that other

– manual operations can be carried out; alerting systems linked to the remote equip-

– indications are visible; and/or ment are in fact operating.

– information can be obtained. Fire Service Training Manual

BS EN 54-2
a cti on pl a n Measures identified in the course

a ccess p a n el Fire resistant panel used to of the fire risk assessment that need to be

gain access to service ducts and shafts. implemented to ensure the required level of

Approved Document B (Fire safety) – fire safety is achieved or maintained.

Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2000 Edition) PAS 79

activation time 4

activation time Time interval from response aerial appliance Fire appliance incorpo-
by a sensing device until the suppression rating a turntable ladder or a hydraulic
system , smoke control system, alarm platform .
system or other fire safety system is fully ISO 8421 -8
operational.
FDIS 1 3943 AFFF See foam concentrate <aqueous film
forming (AFFF)>.
active fire protection system See fire pro- BS 4422
tection system <active> .
BS 4422 afterflame Flame which persists after the
ignition source has been removed.
actual calorific value heat release Calo-
BS EN ISO 1 3943
rific energy per unit mass which is released
by the combustion of a material under
afterflame time
specified test conditions.
duration of flame Length of time for which
Note It is expressed in J kg –1 . an afterflame persists under specified con-
BS ISO 4880 ditions.
Note It is expressed in s.
actual delivered density (ADD) See sprin-
kler <actual delivered density (ADD)> .
BS EN ISO 1 3943
FDIS 1 3943
afterglow Persistence of glowing combus-
actuating detector Form of fire detector, tion after both removal of the ignition
not part ofa fire alarm system, used to actuate source and the cessation of any flaming
subsidiary fire protection equipment. combustion .
BS 4422 BS EN ISO 1 3943

acute toxicity Toxicity which causes rap- afterglow time Length of time for which an
idly occurring poisonous effects. afterglow persists under specified condi-
FDIS 1 3943 tions.
Note It is expressed in s.
addressable point Point that can be indi-
BS EN ISO 1 3943
vidually identified at the fire alarm control
and indicating equipment.
agent outlet One or more orifices of a pip-
BS EN 54-2
ing system by means of which an extin-
guishing fluid can be applied towards a fire
addressable system System in which sig-
nals from each fire detector and/or fire source.
alarm manual call point are individually
FDIS 1 3943
identified at the fire alarm control and
indicating equipment. air bag Rubber-coated reinforced bag which,
BS 5839-6 when inflated by compressed air, expands
to lift or move heavy objects.
adjustable sensitivity detector Fire detec- ISO 8421 -8
tor, the response threshold ofwhich can be
varied within detector specified limits with- air chisel Compressed air operated tool with
out permanent indication of such variation. assorted cutting attachments used to cut metal.
BS 4422 ISO 8421 -8
 5 a i r h a n d l i n g voi d

a i r h a n d l i n g voi d alarm receiving centre Continuously manned

pl en u m Duct, usually a ceiling or floor void, premises, remote from those in which a fire
which forms part of either the supply or the alarm system is fitted, where the informa-
return air distribution system. tion concerning the state of the fire alarm
BS 5588-9 system is displayed and/or recorded, so
that the fire and rescue service can be sum-
a i r i n l et moned.
a i r i n ta ke Opening through which air is sup- PAS 79
plied.
BS 4422 Means oftemporarily
a l a rm si l en ce fa ci l i ty

disabling or desensitizing a smoke alarm .

a i r rel ea se Means by which pressurizing air BS 4422
is able to escape from a nominally unpres-
surized space to external air. a l a rm test va l ve See sprinkler alarm test
BS 4422 valve .
BS 4422
a i r sa w Saw operated by compressed air.
ISO 8421 -8 a l a rm ti m e Time interval between ignition
of a fire and activation of an alarm .
air tran sfer g ril l e Fixed grille, not connected Note The time of ignition may be known,
to the ductwork system, allowing the free e.g. in the case of a fire model or a fire test,
transfer of air between adjacent spaces. or it may be assumed, e.g. it may be based
DD 9999 upon an estimate working back from the
time of detection. The basis on which the
a i r-en tra i n m en tMixing of ambient air into time of ignition is determined needs to be
a j et or plume of gas or liquid as a result of stated.
momentum transfer.
FDIS 1 3943
PD 7974-2
a l a rm va l ve See sprinkler alarm valve .
Operation ofaudible and visible annun-
al arm
BS 4422
ciators.
*BS 5345-5 a l a rm va l ve < a l t e rn a t e > See sprinkler
alarm valve <alternate>.
a l a rm con d i ti on Condition in which a fire BS EN 1 2845
detector is giving a signal specified as indi-
cating the possible existence ofa fire. a l a rm va l ve < com p osi te> See sprinkler
BS 4422 alarm valve <composite> .
*BS 4422-4
Indication at the indicat-
a l a rm i n d i ca ti on

ing equipment to show that a detection alarm valve <dry> See sprinkler alarm valve
signal has been received. <dry> .
BS 4422 BS EN 1 2845
a l a rm of fi re Warning of fire, originated by a l a rm va l ve < p re-a cti on > See sprinkler
a person or by an automatic device. alarm valve <pre-action> .
BS 4422 BS EN 1 2845
a l a rm of fi re < fa l se> See false alarm of a l a rm va l ve < re c yc l i n g > See sprinkler
fire . alarm valve <recycling>.
ISO 8421 -3 BS 5306-2
a l a rm va l ve < wet> 6

a l a rm va l ve < wet> S ee sprinkler alarm a l tern a ti ve exi t One of two or more exits ,
valve <wet>. each of which is separate from the other.

BS EN 1 2845 BS 4422
a l a rm zon e Geographical sub-division of the AM AO S ee sprinkler <assumed maximum

protected premises in which an alarm of area of operation (AMAO)>.

fire can be given separately from any other BS 4422
sub- division.

BS 4422 am bien t con di tion Property of the surround-

ings outside the influence of a fire .

a l coh ol resi sta n t foa m con cen tra te S ee PD 7974-2
foam concentrate <alcohol resistant>.
Detector
ISO 8421 -4 a n a l og u e d etector which gives

an output signal representing the value of

the sensed phenomenon.

a l e rt e r s ys t e m C al l- o ut s ys te m uti li zi ng

p o c ke t- al e rte rs , c arri e d b y re tai ne d fi re - Note This can be a true analogue signal or

fighters, which are triggered by a radio sig- a digitally encoded equivalent of the sensed

nal remotely transmitted. value.

Fire Service Manual: Fire Service Technol- BS 4422

ogy, Equipment and Media – Fire Service
Equipment – Inspection and Testing of an ch orin g < for a con veyor system > Means

Equipment Vol 1 of attachment of the closure for a conveyor

system to the various components of the
alight ( adjective) Undergoing combustion . supporting orassociated supporting con-
FDIS 1 3943 struction <for a conveyor system> to
ensure correct functioning.
escape from
a l l owa bl e tra vel ti m e Time to
BS EN 1 366-7
a building to a place of safety or, in some

circumstances , a protected zone . a n ci l l a ry a ccom m od a ti on All parts of the

DD 9999 building that are ancillary to the main use of

the building and under the control of the

Indicator capable of
a l ph a n u m eri c d i sp l a y
management of the overall premises.
giving information by the display of mes-
BS 5588-1 1
s age s c o ns i s ti ng o f text and/o r nume ri c

characters. a n ci l l a ry servi ce

BS EN 54-2 a n ci l l a ry d evi ce D evice, facility or system

which is required to operate in response to a

a l tera bl e m e m ory Memory whose contents
fire alarm signal.
can be altered as part of the operation of the
BS 4422
control and indicating equipment without
the use of any special programming device a pp l i a n ce ven ti l a ti on d u ct Duct provided

external to the system. to convey combusted air through a gas appli-

*BS 5839-4 ance.

Approved Document B (Fire safety) –

a l t e r n a t i ve esca pe rou te Escape route Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition)
sufficiently separated by either direction and

space, or by fire- resisting construction, to a p pl i ca tor Extension tube for a spray noz-
ensure that one is still available should the zle to enable an operator to apply spray to

other be affected by fire . otherwise inaccessible places.

BS 4422 Fire Service Training Manual

7 approach fire fighting

approach fire fighting Limited, specialized for the purpose of selection, installation and

fire fighting operations conducted at a dis- maintenance of electrical apparatus.

tance from incidents involving very high BS 7535
levels of radiant, convective and contact

heat, such as fires involving bulk flamma- area of coverage Area throughout which

ble gas and/or bulk flammable liquid . speech signals from a voice alarm system
BS 4422 are sufficiently intelligible and warning sig-

nals from the system are sufficiently audi-

approvals body O rganizatio n res p o ns ib le ble.

for approving the fire safety aspects of a BS 5839-8

building.

BS 7974 area of higher fire risk Room or other area

which, because of its function and/or con-

approvals body <Construction Products tents, presents a greater risk of fire occur-

Directive> B o dy autho ri ze d to i s s ue ring and developing than elsewhere.

European Technical Approvals (Article 1 0 Note Such areas can include a large kitchen,

of the CPD) . boiler room, large storeroom and other sim-

The Construction Products Directive ilar risks.

(Council Directive 89/1 06/EEC) BS 4422

aqueous film forming foam concentrate area of sprinkler operation Floor area
(AFFF) S ee foam concentrate <aqueous to be flooded by a sprinkler system , for
film forming (AFFF)> . design calculation purposes.

BS 4422 BS 4422
arc resistance Ability of an electrically insu- arm pipe S ee sprinkler arm pipe .
lating material to resist the influence of an
BS 4422
electric arc along its surface, under speci-

fied conditions. arrester S ee flame arrester.

Note The arc resistance is identified by BS 4422
the length of the arc, the absence or pres-

ence of a conducting path, the burning or arrester element S ee flame arrester ele-
damage of the specimen under test. ment.

BS EN ISO 1 3943 BS 4422

arson Crime of setting a fire , usually with
arc tracking <electrotechnical> See track-
intent to cause damage.
ing <electrotechnical> .
FDIS 1 3943 FDIS 1 3943
as low as reasonably practical (ALARP)
area burning rate Area burned per unit time
Where all reasonable measures will be taken
under specified conditions.
in respect of risks which lie in the tolerable
Note
2 –1
It is expressed in m s . zone to reduce them further until the cost of

BS EN ISO 1 3943 further risk reduction is grossly dispropor-

tionate to the benefit.

area classification <dust> Notional divi- PD 7974-7

sion of works, (plant or installation) into

zones in accordance with the likelihood of ASET See available safe escape time (ASET) .
the existence of a hazardous area <dust> BS 4422
a sh 8

a sh appliances, equipment or personnel to a fire

a sh es Mineral residue resulting from com- or other emergency.
plete combustion . ISO 8421 -8
BS EN ISO 1 3943
Form of construc-
a ssoci a ted con stru cti on

a sp ect ra ti o Ratio of the height of a pane to tion that may be required for the testing of
its width. some elements ofconstruction and to which
BS EN 1 364-1 the test specimen is connected, e.g. the wall
into which a glazed element would be fit-
asph yxian t Toxicant causing hypoxia, result- ted.
ing in central nervous system depression or BS 476-32
cardiovascular effects with loss of conscious-
ness and ultimately death. a ssoci a ted fl oor a rea of a n a tri u m Floor
FDIS 1 3943 area in an atrium building (including the
area of the atrium base ) not separated from
Sampling apparatus
a s p i ra t e d a p p a ra t u s the atrium by construction having a fire
which draws a sample of the atmosphere resistance equal to that required for the ele-
into a sensor by means of a pump. ments of the structure of the building.
BS 4422 Note The area of the atrium base should
be included in the calculation of the associ-
a sp i ra ted foa m See foam <aspirated>. ated floor area.
BS 4422
BS 5588-7
a sp i ra ti n g d etecti on system Fire detec-
tion system in which a sample of the atmo- a ssoci a ted su p porti n g con stru cti on < for a

sphere in the protected space is sucked by a con veyor system > Specific construction
fan or pump into a fire detector which can in which a closure and conveyor system
assembly is to be installed and which is
be remote from the protected space .
BS 4422 used to close offthe furnace and provide the
levels of restraint and thermal heat transfer
a s p i ra t i n g
d etector Detector system in
to be experienced in normal use.
which a sample of the atmosphere in the BS EN 1 366-7
protected space is sucked by a fan or pump
into a detector which may be remote from a ssoci a ted wa l l con stru cti on Mechanism
the protected space. for closing the vertical side of a furnace for
*BS 5839-1 the required period of fire resistance .
BS EN 1 364-3
a ssem b l y or structure composed of a
Unit
combination of materials or products , or a ssu m ed m a xi m u m a rea of opera ti on

both. ( AM AO )See sprinkler <assumed maxi-

BS EN ISO 1 3943 mum area of operation (AMAO)> .
BS 4422
a ssessm en t Undertaking of an investigation
in order to arrive at a judgement based on a ssu m ed m a xi m u m a rea of op era ti on

evidence. < h yd r a u l i c a l l y m o s t fa vo u r a b l e l o c a -

PD 7974-7 ti on > See sprinkler <assumed maximum

area of operation, most hydraulically fa-
a ssi sta n ce m essa g e Message from the fire vourable location>.
ground initiating the dispatch of additional BS 5306-2
 9 a tri u m ( pl. a tri a )

a tri u m ( pl. a tri a ) S pace within a building, a u to-exti n g u i s h S ee self-extinguish .

not necessarily vertically aligned, passing FDIS 1 3943
through one or more structural floors.
a u to-exti n g u i s h a bi l i ty Deprecated term.
Note lift wells
FDIS 1 3943
Enclosed and escalator wells,

building services ducts and stairways are

not classified as atria.

a u to-exti n g u i s h i n g D eprecated term.

BS 5588-7 FDIS 1 3943

atrium base Plan area of the lowest floor level, a u to-i g n i ti on

sel f-i g n i ti on
bounded by lines proj ected down from the

edge of the floor slab immediately above spontaneous ignition Ignition resulting from
the lowest floor level within the atrium . a rise of temperature without a separate igni-
DD 9999 tion source .
Note 1 The ignition may be caused either

a tri u m b u i l d i n g B uilding containing one or by self-heating or by heating from an exter-

more atria. nal source.

BS 5588-7 Note 2 S ee also self-ignition .

FDIS 1 3943
a tten d a n ce ti m e S ee fire brigade atten-
dance time . a u to-i g n i ti on tem pera tu re

BS 4422 sel f-i g n i ti on tem pera tu re

spon ta n eou s i g n i ti on tem pera tu re Mini-

attendant fire phenomena Special phenom- mum temperature at which ignition is obtain-
ena occurring during burning such as flam- ed under specified test conditions without

ing debris , darting flame s , fo rmatio n o f any source of piloted ignition .

sparks.
Note It is measured in ° C.
BS EN 1 1 02 FDIS 1 3943
a u d i bi l i ty < of a fi re a l a rm > Property of a
a u tom a ti c d evi ce or system Device or sys-
sound which allows it to be heard among
tem providing an emergency function with-

other sounds. out the necessity for human intervention

Note Audibility depends upon the rela- and designed to actuate as a result of the

tive loudness and frequency content of the presence of specified conditions.

sound in comparison with other sounds which *BS 4422-2

are present at the same time.

BS 5839-8
a u tom a ti c d i a l l i n g eq u i pm en t S ignalling

equipment that automatically dials a prede-

termined telephone number and subsequently

a u d i bl e wa rn i n g d evi ce S iren or klaxon
transmits a voice message via a switched
fitted to a fire appliance and sounded to
telephone network.
indicate that it is an emergency vehicle.
*BS 4737-1
ISO 8421 -8
au tom ati c d oor rel ease m ech an ism Device

a u th ori ty < spri n kl e r a pp rova l s> O rgani- that can be used for retaining a door in the

zation, office or individual responsible for open position, against the action of a door
approving equipment, installations or pro- closer, and automatically releasing under

cedures. specified conditions.

BS 5306-2 BS 4422
a u tom a ti c fi re d etecti on a n d a l a rm system 1 0

a u tom a ti c fi re d etecti on a n d a l a rm system a u tom a ti c sm oke cu rta i n S ee smoke cur-

S ystem (other than a single self contained tain <automatic> .
smoke alarm or fire alarm ) in which an BS 4422
alarm of fire may be initiated automati-

cally. a u tom a ti c stea m i n j ecti on system S ystem

BS 4422 of pipes connected to a supply of steam and

fitted with nozzles at suitable intervals and

automatic fire hose reel See hose reel <auto- heights, through which steam is discharg-

matic>. ed automatically on the operation of a fire

BS 4422 detector.
ISO 8421 -4
a u tom a ti c fi re protecti on system S ee fire
protection system <automatic> . a u t o m a t i c /m a n u a l c h a n g e o ve r d e vi c e

BS 4422 Device that can be operated to prevent the

fire detection system from activating the

automatic release of extinguishing medium
a u tom a ti c fi re si g n a l Alarm of fire origi-
while the protected space is occupied.
nated by an automatic device, given audibly

and/or visibly.
BS 4422
BS 4422
a u tom a ti c/m a n u a l or m a n u a l -on l y ch a n g e-

ove r d e vi ce Device that can be operated

a u tom a ti c fi re su ppressi on system Fire-
protected by
before a person enters a space
fighting system designed to automatically
a fire extinguishing system preventing the
suppress or extinguish a fire .
fire detection system from activating the
Fire Safety – Risk Assessment
automatic release.

a u tom a ti c l oweri n g l i n e Device for lower-

BS 5306-4
ing persons from a height, fitted with an
a u to-su p pressi on Mechanical methods of
auto matic b rake to c o ntro l the s p eed o f
fire suppression which are activated auto-
descent.

BS 4422
matically – such systems may include water

sprinklers and CO 2
flooding systems.

HTM 81 : Fire precautions in new hospitals

(Firecode) . 1 996.
a u t o m a t i c p o we re d s m o ke a n d h e a t e x-

h a u st ven ti l a tor S ee smoke ventilator

<automatic powered> .
a va i l a bi l i ty Ability of a system to be in a
BS 4422 state to perform a required function under

given conditions at a given instant of time or

a u tom a ti c rel e a se m ech a n i sm S ee auto- over a given time interval, assuming that the
matic door release mechanism . required external resources are provided.
BS 4422 PD 7974-7
au tom atic sel f-cl osin g d evice Device which a va i l a bl e sa fe e sca p e ti m e ( AS E T) Calcu-
is capable of closing a door from any angle lated time available between ignition of a
and against any latch fitted to the door. fire and the time at which tenability crite-
Approved Document B (Fire safety) – ria are exceeded in a specified space in a

Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2000 Edition) building.

BS 4422
a u tom a ti c sm oke a n d h ea t exh a u st ven ti -

l a tor S ee smoke ventilator <automatic>. a vera g e a fter fl a m e ti m e Average of the

BS 4422 time measured for each test piece, during

1 1 a vera g e bu rn l en g th

which the test piece continues to burn after the volume of air as extracted by a ventila-

the burner flame has been withdrawn. tion system during the same period of time.

Note It is expressed in s.
BS EN 501 76
BS EN 231 0
averag e fl am in g ti m e of d ropl ets See flam-
a vera g e bu rn l en g th Average of the dis-
ing time of droplets <average> .
tances measured for each test piece from the BS 4422
original edges of the test pieces to the far-

thest extent of damage resulting from flame a vera g e h ea t for su sta i n ed bu rn i n g Aver-

impingement. This includes areas which have ag e o f the val ue s o f heat for sustained
undergone combustion , charring , partial burning measured at a number of specified

or total embrittlement but excludes areas positions.

Note
–2
which have become blackened, stained, dis- It is expressed in units of MJ m .
torted, discoloured, or have shrivelled or
BS ISO 5658-2
melted by the heat.

Note The measurements are expressed in a vera g e ra te of com bu sti on Average rate
mm. calculated for each test piece by taking the

BS EN 231 0 quotient of the distance covered by a flame

between two suitable reference points by

a vera g e con cen tra ti on of fl a m m a b l e coa t- the time taken.

i n g powd er i n a i r Mass of flammable

Note M e a s u re m e n ts a re e x p re s s e d in
coating powder introduced into the spray- –1
mm min .
ing area divided by the volume of air as

extracted by the ventilation system during

BS EN 231 0
the same period of time.

BS EN 501 77 a xi -sym etri c pl u m e Plume of combustion

products and entrained air rising above a

a vera g e con cen tra ti on of fl a m m a bl e sol - fire source where the air is entrained sym-

ven ts i n a i r Mass of flammable solvents metrically towards the source.

introduced into a spraying area divided by PD 7974-2

B

b a ck b u rn S ee counter fire . b ea m tra n sm i tter Components from which

ISO 8421 -8 the optical beam emanates.

backd raft Rapid flaming combustion caused beh a vi ou ra l scen a ri o Description of the be-

by the sudden introduction of air into a con- haviour of occupants during the course of a

fined space which contains oxygen-deficient, fire .

hot products of incomplete combustion. FDIS 1 3943
Note In some cases these conditions may

result in an explosion . b i ol og i ca l a ssa y

FDIS 1 3943 b i oa ssa y S ystem to detect and/or measure

the amount of a biologically active mate-

backin g board Non-combustible board used rial.
to support, shield or insulate a specimen in BS ISO TR 91 22-2
a fire test under specified conditions.
Body which completely absorbs
BS ISO 5658-2 b l a ck bod y

any electromagnetic radiation falling upon

ba l a n ced system S ee extinguishing system it.

<balanced> . FDIS 1 3943

BS 5306-7
b l a ck bod y ra d i a n t sou rce Radiant source

ba l con y a ccess/ba l con y a pproa ch (Apart- which produces electromagnetic radiation

ment buildings) design in which each dwell- as described by Planck’s distribution func-

ing is approached externally via an open tion.

balcony. Note The emissivity of an ideal black body

BS 5588-1 radiant source is unity.

base injection See foam <sub-surface appli- bl a n k ca p Cover fitted to delivery, inlet and

cation>. suction connections when they are not in

BS 4422 use.

ISO 8421 -8
b a sem en t S torey with a floor which is at

some point more than 1 . 2 m below the high-

b l a s t wa ve P re s s ure p uls e fo rme d b y an
est level of ground adj acent to the outside
explosion .
walls.
BS 4422
BS 5588-1 1
bod y S hell of the extinguisher not fitted
bea m d etector Components , including any
with its accessories but fitted with all its
reflectors, necessary for the detection of
welded parts.
smoke by the attenuation of an optical beam
Note Body is the term commonly used for
external to the fire detector.

BS 5839-5 reference to fire extinguishers. In the pack-

aging industry in general the term ‘ con-

tainer’ is used for the equivalent item.

b ea m rece i ver Components receiving an

optical beam. *BS EN 3-3

1 3
Those parts ofan extinguisher
bod y fi tti n g s
that, under normal working conditions, are
permanently attached to the body shell and
are subject to the working pressure.
BS 5306-3
bod y sh el l Unfinished outer case ofan extin-
guisher usually comprising a cylindrical part
with dished ends, and containing an aper-
ture or apertures for charging the extinguisher
or for subsequent fitting of components such
as nozzles , pressure gauges and closures.
*BS 5306-3
b oi l over Condition in which the hot zone at
the top of a burning liquid extends suffi-
ciently deeply to boil water that has drained
to the base of the liquid, so that a large part
of the burning liquid is expelled violently
when the water boils.
BS 5306-0
boi l i n g l i q u i d expa n d i n g va pou r expl osi on
( B LE VE ) Explosion caused by the rupture
of a tank containing liquid at a temperature
higher than its boiling point at atmospheric
pressure.
Note If the liquid is flammable , then sub-
sequent ignition of the dispersed vaporized
contents can lead to a fireball.
BS 4422
booster pu m p See sprinkler booster pump .
BS 4422
booster reel See hose reel <fire brigade>.
ISO 8421 -8
borrowed l i g h t Light received from another
room.
BS 5588-1 1
bou n d a ry Edge of the land belonging to a
building, or, where the land abuts a road,
railway, canal or river, the centreline of that
road, railway, canal or river.
DD 9999
bou n d i n g a reaArea of the real or notion-
al surface (sides, bottom and top) of an
bod y fi tti n g s
enclosure round a hazard protected by a
total flooding extinguishing system .
BS 5306-7
box < d ry ri ser> Form of construction which
can enclose a landing valve when posi-
tioned:
– on the face of a wall;
– within a duct;
– in such a way as will complete the exist-
ing structure to form an enclosure .
BS 5041 -4
Box containing
box < foa m /d ry ri se r i n l et>
the inlets of foam pipes or water mains,
installed in, or within the boundaries of the
site of a building , preferably recessed in
a wall with inlets normally at street level
through which foam or water can be pumped
to provide a supply at discharge points at
various levels in a building.
BS 5041 -5
box <in l et> Box containing the inlets of foam
pipes or water mains, installed in or within
the boundaries of the site of a building.
BS 4422
box < ou tl et> Form of construction enclos-
ing a landing valve .
BS 4422
boxed va l u e Criterion used at the ENV stage
together with the National Application Doc-
uments, offering a National choice for a
value. (It has to disappear in the EN Euro-
codes.)
Common Position ofthe Construction Unit
ofDG Enterprise
bra n ch
bra n ch pi pe Fitting at the delivery end of a
hose which reduces its diameter and thereby
increases delivery velocity to the nozzle .
ISO 8421 -8
bran ch m an Firefighter controlling a branch.
ISO 8421 -8
bra n ch system 1 4

bra n ch s ys t e m See sp rinkler system breathing apparatus control board <stage 2>

<branch>. Breathing apparatus control board used

ISO 8421 -4 when there is more than one entry point to a
building in use, or when more than four
b rea th i n g a ppa ra tu sSelf-contained appa- wearers are deployed, to co-ordinate and
ratus designed to allow a firefighter to breathe control the activities at stage 1 end points.
in an otherwise non-respirable atmosphere ISO 8421 -8
for a limited period.
ISO 8421 -8 b re a t h i n g a p p a ra t u s i d e n t i fi c a t i o n ta l l y

Personal control tag on which is recorded

b re a t h i n g a pp a ra tu s < c o m p re s s e d a i r> the name of the wearer, time of entry to the
Breathing apparatus using compressed air, building, and cylinder pressure at that time.
in which the expelled air is not re-used and (The tag is left with the breathing appara-
the supply is governed by the wearer’s breath- tus control officer.)
ing demand. ISO 8421 -8
BS 4422
Light line,
breath i n g apparatus safety l in e

brea th i n g a ppa ra tu s < posi ti ve pressu re>
Breathing apparatus wherein a constant
pressure, above that of atmospheric pres-
sure, is maintained within the face mask.
ISO 8421 -8
on which there may be indicators, used to
assist breathing apparatus wearers to find
their way out of a smoke-filled environ-
ment.
ISO 8421 -8

brea th i n g a ppa ra tu s < re g e n e ra t i ve > breath i n g apparatu s safety l in e < person al >

Breathing apparatus , usually using oxy- Short line which can be clipped on to a
gen, in which the exhaled air is recycled and breathing apparatus safety line as an addi-
the supply is governed at a constant rate. tional safety precaution.
ISO 8421 -8 ISO 8421 -8

brea th i n g a p pa ra tu s com m u n i ca ti on set Fitting used to unite

breech in g <col l ecti n g >

Standard breathing apparatus incorporat- two or more lengths ofhose into one hose or
ing a means of communication between the pipe.
breathing apparatus control personnel and ISO 8421 -8
the leader of the breathing apparatus team.
ISO 8421 -8 breech i n g < con trol l ed > Dividing or col-
lecting breeching fitted with a control valve
Dis-
b rea th i n g a pp a ra tu s con trol boa rd to direct flow to or from either or both out-
play board comprising sections into which lets.
breathing apparatus identification tallies ISO 8421 -8
can be inserted and on which additional
information can be recorded. Fitting used to divide
breech i n g < d i vi d i n g >

ISO 8421 -8 one line of hose into two or more.

ISO 8421 -8
breathing apparatus control board <stage 1 >

Breathing apparatus control board used bri d g eh ea d Part of a building, usually the
when there is not more than one entry point floor below the fire (floor above in the case
to a building in use and when there are not of a basement) from which firefighting
more than four breathing apparatus wear- teams may be safely committed to attack the
ers. fire.
ISO 8421 -8 BS 5588-5
 1 5 bu i l d i n g el em en t

bui l d i n g el em en t Integral part of a built bu rn ed a rea Part of the damaged area of a

environment. material that has been destroyed by com-

Note This includes floors, walls, beams,
bustion or pyrolysis , under specified con-
ditions excluding any area damaged only by
columns, doors, and penetrations, but does
deformation.
not include contents.

FDIS 1 3943 Note 1 S ee also damaged area.

Note 2
2
It is expressed in m .

BS EN ISO 1 3943
b u i l d i n g protecti on < a cti ve> Provision of

a fire detection system and/or an extin-

guishing system within a building to limit
bu rn ed l en g th Maximum extent in a speci-
structural damage to the building due to
fied direction of the burned area .
fire .
Note 1
BS 4422 It is expressed in m.

Note 2 S ee also damaged length .

bu i l t en vi ron m en t B uilding, other structure
BS EN ISO 1 3943
or transportation vehicle.

Note Examples of other structures include bu rn i n g be h a vi ou r All the physical and/or

tunnels, bridges, offshore platforms and mines. chemical changes that take place when an

ignition source.
FDIS 1 3943 item is exposed to a specified

BS EN ISO 1 3943
bu n d Raised perimeter of an area used to
bu rn i n g beh a vi ou r < fi re tests> Response
contain and prevent the spreading of liq-

uids.
of a test specimen when it burns under

specified conditions.
Note catchpit.
S ee also
FDIS 1 3943
BS 4422
burning rate Deprecated term. See area burn-
Convective updraft of fluid
bu oya n t p l u m e
ing rate ; linear burning rate ; mass burn-
above a heat source.
ing rate; heat release rate; and flame spread
Note S ee also fire plume . rate .
FDIS 1 3943 FDIS 1 3943
bu rn ( intransitive verb) Undergo combustion . bu rsti n g Violent rupture of an obj ect due to

BS EN ISO 1 3943 an overpressure within it or upon it.

BS EN ISO 1 3943
bu rn ( transitive verb ) Cause combustion .
FDIS 1 3943 b u rs t i n g p re s s u re < of a n e xt i n g u i s h e r>

Minimum plastic instability pressure obtained

bu rn ba ck ti m e S ee foam burnback time . during a bursting test under pressure.

BS 4422 *BS EN 3-3
C

ca l i bra ti on < of a com p u ta ti on a l m od el > ca rbon d i oxi d e (CO ) The chemical com-
2

Process of adjusting modelling parameters pound CO 2 used as a fire extinguishing

in a computational model for the purpose of medium .
improving agreement with experimental data. BS EN 25923 (BS 6535-1 ISO 5923)
FDIS 1 3943
carbon dioxide extinguishing system Fixed
ca l l < l i ft> Operation of pressing a landing extinguishing system containing CO 2 as
call button to summon a lift, or, in the lift extinguishing medium .
car, of pressing the appropriate button to
ISO 8421 -4
take a lift to the desired level.
PD 7974-5 carbon dioxide fire extinguisher Fire extin-
guisher containing carbon dioxide as extin-
cal l -out in stal l ationLine installation or radio
alerter system, with associated control equip- guishing medium under pressure.
ment used to summon firefighters to the ISO 8421 -4
fire station from their homes and/or places
of employment. ca rboxyh a em og l obi nsa tu ra ti on Percent-
Fire Service Training Manual age of blood haemoglobin converted to car-
boxyhaemoglobin from the reversible reac-
ca l l -ou t poi n t Place from which a call-out tion with inhaled carbon monoxide.
installation is remotely controlled. FDIS 1 3943
Fire Service Training Manual
ca ta stroph i c l oss ( CL) Estimate of the loss
cal orific poten tial Deprecated term. See heat on a site (of a building) resulting from the
of combustion . following type of events:
FDIS 1 3943 – Explosions resulting from massive releases
of flammable vapours or gases, com-
ca l ori fi c va l u e Deprecated term. See heat
monly known as ‘ vapour cloud’ explo-
of combustion .
sions.
FDIS 1 3943 – Tank or vessel failures resulting in flam-
mable liquid fires involving large areas
ca l ori m eter Apparatus that measures heat
by detecting the change in its temperature of plant, including boiling liquid expand-
ing vapour explosions (BLEVEs) .
over time.
FDIS 1 3943 – Pressure rupture of process equipment
resulting in damage from shrapnel.
ca n opy Any horizontal structure projecting – The release of a large quantity of toxic
into a void, e.g. the soffit of an upper level gas which, although not necessarily caus-
walkway which is not fully stepped back ing significant property damage, could
from the level below. result in significant business interruption
BS 5588-1 0 as a result of having to shut plant down
pending investigation.
ca r con trol s ta ti on Control panel in the lift These events do not include sabotage, natu-
car for the use of passengers. ral disasters such as hurricanes or earth-
BS 5588-5 quakes and falling aircraft.
 1 7 ca tch pi t

ca tch pi t Enclosure usually filled with stone
chippings normally below ground level to
contain leakage or spillage of flammable
and/or toxic liquid.
ISO 8421 -2
ca vi ty Any concealed space or hidden void
within a building which could provide a
ready route for smoke or fire spread e.g.
spaces in roofconstruction, cavities in walls,
the void between the suspended ceiling and
the underside of the top covering.
BS 5502-23
cei l i n g screen See smoke baffle .
BS 4422
cei l i n g syste m Full ceiling assembly sub-
mitted to test, including hangers and fix-
ings, e.g. lighting and ventilation ducting
and access points.
BS EN 1 365-2
ceil in g void Cavity between a structural floor
or roof and the suspended ceiling below,
through which building services may pass.
BS 5588-9

c a vi t y b a rri e r Construction, other than a central commercial alarm centre See alarm
receiving centre .
smoke curtain , provided to close a con-
cealed space against penetration of smoke
BS 4422
or flame , or provided to restrict the move-
cen tral fire al arm station See alarm receiv-
ment ofsmoke or flame within such a space.
ing centre .
BS 4422 BS 4422
cei l i n g fixed under a floor or roof
Material
central monitoring station See alarm receiv-
plus any supporting framework, including ing centre .
hangers, fixings and any insulation mate- BS 4422
rial.
Note The ceiling may be attached directly centrally supplied luminaire See emergency
to the structural building member or be sus- luminaire <centrally supplied> .
pended from it or be self-supporting. BS 4422
BS EN 1 364-2
ch a n n el l i n g screenSmoke barrier or auto-

cei l i n g h ookTool consisting of a pole, hav-
ing a metal point with a spur at right angles,
mainly used to pull down ceilings or other
similar constructions to gain access to burn-
ing materials.
ISO 8421 -8
matic smoke barrier fitted beneath a bal-
cony to prevent sideways emission of smoke
from a fire along the underside ofa balcony.
BS 7346-3
noun ) Carbonaceous residue resulting
ch a r (

from pyrolysis or incomplete combustion .

cei l i n g j etGas motion in a layer near a ceil-
BS EN ISO 1 3943
ing that is generated by the buoyancy of an
ch a r ( verb ) To form char.
impinging fire plume .
BS EN ISO 1 3943
FDIS 1 3943
ch a r l en g th Length of carbonaceous resi-
cei l i n g Non loadbearing ele-
m em bra n e
due.
ment of a building construction designed to
Note 1 In some standards, char length is
provide horizontal fire separation as dis-
defined by a specific test method.
tinct from protection to any floor or roof
above. Note 2 See also burned length .
BS 476-22 BS EN ISO 1 3943
ch a ra cteri sti c m a teri a l properti es 1 8

ch a ra cteri sti c
m a teri a l properti e s Prop- ch em ical spl ash su it Protective overall made
erties of a material which are specified for of chemically resistant material.
a grade of material which may be used for ISO 8421 -8
design purposes.
BS EN 1 363-1 ch i m n ey effect Upward movement of hot
fire effluent caused by convection cur-
ch a ra cteri sti c va l u e See foam <character- rents confined within an essentially vertical
istic value> . enclosure .
*BS ISO 7203-1 Note This usually draws more air into the
fire .
Mass or volume
ch a rg e of a n exti n g u i sh er
BS EN ISO 1 3943
of the extinguishing agent contained in the
extinguisher. ch i m n ey rod s Jointed rods to which the tub-
Note The charge of appliances based on ing of a stirrup pump can be connected for
water is expressed in l and that of other ap- dealing with chimney fires.
pliances in kg. Fire Service Training Manual
BS 61 65
Space (including a pro-
ci rcu l a ti on spa ce

tected stairway) mainly used as a means of

ch a rred a rea Surface area enclosed by the
extremity of flaming or glowing , following access between a room and an exit from the
light brushing. building or compartment.
*BS 7525 BS 5839-1

ci rcu m s t a n c e sFacts or conditions which

ch a rri n g Formation by heating of more or
less pure carbon during pyrolysis or incom-
plete combustion .
*BS 4422-2:1 971
Valve that permits flow of fluid
ch eck va l ve
in one direction only.
ISO 61 82-6
ch em i ca l foa m See foam <chemical>.
BS 4422
chemical incident unit Fire appliance which
carries a wide range of equipment and pro-
tective clothing for dealing with chemical
emergencies, including decontamination .
ISO 8421 -8
ch em i ca l protecti on su i t Rubber or plastic
suit which, in conjunction with self-contained
breathing apparatus , gloves and boots,
affords protection to the skin from damage
by aggressive solids or liquids through spill-
age or splash.
Fire Service Training Manual
affect the hazard created by a defined fire
scenario , e.g. the ignition source, the mate-
rial first ignited , how the fire spreads.
BS 7899-1
Type of sealing assembly.
cl a pp er
ISO 61 82-6
cl a ri ty Property of a sound which allows its
information-bearing components to be iden-
tified by the listener.
BS 5839-8
cl a ss< cl a ssi fi ca ti on > See marine <divi-
sion> and fire classification .
BS 4422
cl a ss 0 Product fire performance classifi-
cation for wall and ceiling linings when
tested to specified conditions.
Approved Document B (Fire safety) –
Volume 1: Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition)
Cl a ss A fi re Fire(s) involving solid materi-
als , usually of an organic nature, in which
19 Class B fire

combustion normally takes place with the conveyor system which provides a return to
formation of glowing embers. closed position.
BS EN 2 Note The closing device ensures that the
closure for a conveyor system is closed from
Class B fire Fire(s) involving liquids or lique-
any open position.
fiable solids.
BS EN 2 BS EN 1 366-7

Class C fire Fire(s) involving gases. closure and conveyor system assembly
BS EN 2 Complete assembly of a closure for a con-
veyor system and, where relevant, its frame
Class D fire Fire(s) involving metals. or guide, which is provided for closing off a
BS EN 2 permanent opening in a separating wall.
This includes the anchoring parts for the
Class F fire Fire(s) involving fats and cook- connection with the separating element, a
ing oils. length of any penetrating component on
BS EN 2 either side of the construction and the pene-
tration seal, any sealing system between
clear width Width of a corridor, stair, pas- the closure system and any closing and/or
sage or doorway opening, measured at its separating device .
narrowest point. BS EN 1 366-7
BS 5588-1 1
closure area Vicinity at an opening which
clearing device <for a conveyor system>
needs to be cleared in order to permit the
Device which is generally part of a con-
shutting of the closure for a conveyor sys-
veyor system used to clear the closure area
tem .
of transportable goods during the shutting
of the closure for a conveyor system . BS EN 1 366-7
BS EN 1 366-7
closure for a conveyor system Device to
clinker Solid agglomerate ofresidues formed shut an opening for a conveyor system
by either complete or incomplete combus- within a fire separating element.
tion and which may result from complete or Note A closure for a conveyor system in-
partial melting. cludes all components used to close the
BS EN ISO 1 3943 opening e.g. frames, guide rails, pivoting
flaps, fittings and interlocking devices.
closed section of pipework That section
BS EN 1 366-7
between two valves which may be inten-
tionally or unintentionally closed, or between
code compliant Where a building or part of
valves and storage containers including fill-
a building complies with the recommenda-
ing and product balance lines.
tions of an appropriate prescriptive code.
BS 5306-4
PD 7974-0
closed test arrangement Form of com-
partment, capable ofimposing a restriction coincidence detection Detection method
on ventilation at some stage during a fire . in which an alarm condition is obtained
BS 476-32 only when at least two independent fire detec-
tors show the presence of fire .
closing device <for a conveyor system> RC3e – Part 5 – Electronic data processing
Device to be attached to a closure for a equipment; In cabinet protection
col l a pse 20

col l a pse Mechanical failure of a complete
specimen that allows it to fall from the posi-
tion into which it has been fixed.
BS 476-20
Fitting used to connect one
col l ecti n g h ea d
com bu sti bl e l oa d Theoretical mass which
would be lost from a test specimen when
it is assumed to have undergone complete
combustion in a fire test apparatus.
FDIS 1 3943

or more lines ofhose to the suction inlet ofa

Exothermic reaction of a sub-
pump .
com bu sti on

stance with an oxidizer.

ISO 8421 -8
Note Combustion generally emits efflu-
col l ector p oi n tUnmanned remote centre ent accompanied by flames and/or visible
in which the signals from a number of fire light.
detection and/or extinguishing systems are
collected for onward transmission to another
BS EN ISO 1 3943
remote centre.
BS 4422 co m b u s t i o n
e ffi ci e n cy Ratio of the heat
released in a combustion reaction to the
col l ector pu m pi n g Method of increasing theoretical heat of complete combustion .
water supplies by stationing pumps at a num- Note 1 Combustion efficiency can be cal-
ber of sources and delivering water to the culated only for cases where complete com-
collecting head ofa single pump from which
bustion can be defined.
it is pumped onto the fire .
BS 4422 Note 2 Combustion efficiency is usually
expressed as a percentage.
Fire detector com-
com bi n a ti on d e tector
Note 3 It is dimensionless.
bining two or more detecting principles in a
single housing. FDIS 1 3943
ISO 7240-1
com bu sti on prod u ct See product of com-
com bi n ed em erg en cy l u m in aire See emer- bustion .
gency luminaire <combined> . BS 4422
BS 4422
com bu sti on t o xi c i t y Capacity of a sub-
com bi n ed m ed i u m exti n g u i sh i n g system
stance within a fire effluent to cause injury
System in which more than one extinguish-
ing medium is used to extinguish a fire
to a living organism.
(e.g. foam and dry powder). BS 7899-1
*BS 4422-4
com e-a -l on g See winch <hand operated>.
com bu sti bl e ( adjective ) Capable of being ISO 8421 -8
ignited .
BS EN ISO 1 3943 com m a n d post See control point.
com bu sti bl e ( noun ) Item capable of com-
ISO 8421 -8
bustion .
BS EN ISO 1 3943 com m erci a l bu ta n e Hydrocarbon mixture
consisting predominantly of butane, buty-
com bu sti bl e d u st Dust that is combustible lene or any mixture thereof.
or ignitable . Fire Certificates (Special Premises) Regu-
BS 7535 lations 1 976 Schedule 1 Part III
21 commercial propane

commercial propane Hydrocarbon mixture competent person Person with the neces-
consisting predominantly of propane, pro- sary training and experience, and with access
pylene or any mixture thereof. to the requisite tools, equipment and infor-
Fire Certificates (Special Premises) Regu- mation, accepted by the relevant authorities
lations 1 976 Schedule 1 Part III as capable of carrying out a defined task.
BS 5306-2
common amenity areas Areas such as kitch-
ens, laundries, drying areas and occupiers’ complete combustion Combustion in which
stores that are remote from individual dwell- all the combustion products are fully oxi-
ings. dized.
BS 5588-1 Note 1 This means that, when the oxidiz-
ing agent is oxygen, all carbon is converted
common balcony escape See escape <com-
mon balcony> .
to carbon dioxide and all hydrogen is con-
BS 4422 verted to water.
Note 2 If elements other than carbon, hy-
com m on escape stair See escap e stair drogen and oxygen are present in the com-
<common> . bustible material, those elements are con-
BS 4422 verted to the most stable products in their
standard states at 298 K.
common mode failure Failure involving a
single source that affects more than one FDIS 1 3943
type of safety system simultaneously.
complete discharge See extinguisher <com-
FDIS 1 3943 plete discharge>.
compartment See fire compartment. BS 4422
BS 4422 component Product manufactured as a dis-
compartment fire See fire compartment. tinct unit to serve a specific function in a
BS 4422 building or structure about which informa-
tion is required.
compartment floor Floor used to separate BS 476-1 0
one fire compartment from another.
BS 4422 composite material Structured combination
oftwo or more discrete materials.
compartment wall Wall used to separate BS EN ISO 1 3943
one fire compartment from another.
BS 4422 compound self-contained emergency lu-
minaire See emergency luminaire <com-
compartmentation Sub-division of a build- pound self-contained> .
ing by fire resisting walls and/or floors for BS 4422
the purpose of limiting fire spread within
the building. computational fluid dynamics model
PAS 79 CFD model
field model Computer simulation model where
compatibility See foam compatibility. the fundamental equations of heat and mass
ISO 8421 -4 transfer are solved using numerical methods.
compensator Device that is used to prevent Note In contrast to zone models, comput-
damage from the forces generated by expan- ers provide the enabling technology for these
sion. models.
BS EN 1 366-1 PD 7974-2
con cea l ed spa ce or ca vi ty
con cea l ed sp a ce or ca vi ty Space enclosed
by elements of a building (including the
suspended ceiling ) or contained within an
element, but not a room, cupboard, circula-
tion space , protected shaft or space within
a flue, chute, duct, pipe or conduit.
DD 9999
con cen tra ti on < toxi col og y> Mass per unit
volume.
Note 1 For a fire effluent the typical units
are g m–3 .
Note 2 For a toxic gas, concentration is
usually expressed as a volume fraction at
T = 298 K and P = 1 atm, with typical units
of mL L–1 (= cm3 m–3 = 1 0 –6).
Note 3 The concentration of a gas at a
temperature, T, and a pressure, P, can be cal-
culated from its volume fraction (assuming
ideal gas behaviour) by multiplying the vol-
ume fraction by the density ofthe gas at that
temperature and pressure.
FDIS 1 3943
con cen tra ti on ra ti o of a fo a m
See foam concentrate ratio
BS 4422
con cen tra ti on ti m e c u r ve < t o xi c o l o g y>
Plot of the concentration of a toxic gas or
fire effluent as a function of time.
Note 1 For fire effluent, concentration is
usually measured in units of g m–3 .
Note 2 For a toxic gas, concentration is
usually expressed as a volume fraction at
T = 298 K and P = 1 atm, with typical units
of mL L–1 (= cm3 m–3 = 1 0 –6).
FDIS 1 3943
con d i ti on of con trol eq u i pm en t
of control equipment.
Note For example, the control equipment
may be in the normal condition , the fault
condition, the alarm condition , etc.
BS 5839-1
22
condition probability Probability of an event
given the occurrence of a preceding event.
PD 7974-7
con d i ti on wa rn i n g The status of an auto-
matic detection system reflecting a change
of signal at the control equipment which is
greater than the ambient non-fire state and
not exceeding the normal fire state.
Code of Practice for Design, Installation,
Commissioning & Maintenance ofAspirating
Smoke Detector (ASD) Systems. 2005
c o n fi g u r a t i o n d a ta Data, other than the
operating system that controls the configu-
ration ofa particular installation.
*BS 5839-4
con fi n ed exp l osi on Explosion of a fuel-
oxidant mixture inside a closed system (e.g.
vessel or building).
Institution of Chemical Engineers
Fire of large extent with a
con fl a g ra ti on
moving front involving a number of build-
ings, or a large area.
BS 4422
sol u ti on
connecting duct Duct between a fire damper
or supporting construction and a measur-
ing station .
BS EN 1 366-2
con n ecti n g el em en ts Elements which form
the links between the different components
of a fire detection and fire alarm system .
BS EN 54-1
con seq u en ces Severity of the outcome of
an event.
PD 7974-7
Condition
con stan t m ass State ofa test specimen when
two successive weighing operations, car-
ried out at an interval of 24 h, do not differ
by more than 0.1 % of the mass of the speci-
men or 0.1 g, whichever is the greater.
BS 476-1 2
 23 con stru cti on works

con stru cti on works B uilding and civil en- control point Specially marked position estab-

gineering works. lished for tactical command at the scene of a

The Construction Products Directive maj or incident.

(Council Directive 89/1 06/EEC) ISO 8421 -8

con ti n u ou s d i l u ti on Technique of prevent- con trol room See fire brigade control room.
ing the formation of an explosive gas/air BS 4422
mixture by the supply of a protective gas at

such a rate that the concentration of the con trol sta ti on < m a ri n e> S pace in which

gas/air mixture is always kept below the the radio, main navigating equipment, the

lower explosive limit. emergency source of power, the central fire

BS 4422 recording equipment, fire control equipment,

or fire extinguishing installations are located;

con ti n u ou s g ra d e of rel ea se S ee grades or a control room located outside a propul-

of release . sion machinery space.

BS 4422 *BS 4422-9

con tri bu ti on to fi re Energy released by a con trol u n i t S ee fire brigade control unit.
product influencing the fire growth in pre - ISO 8421 -8
and post- flash-over situations.

BS EN 1 3501 -1 con trol va l ve S ee sprinkler control valve .

BS 5306-0
S ee fire
con trol a n d i n d i ca ti n g eq u i pm en t

alarm control and indicating equipment. con trol l ed fi re l oa d Fire load that is lim-

BS 4422 ited by means of management controls on

the quantities of combustible material.

control centre Permanently staffed room with- *BS 5588-4
in or near the premises at risk for the receipt
of emergency calls equipped with means for con vecti on Transfer of heat by movement

indicating the situation in each of the pro- of a fluid.

tected premises , and the communications FDIS 1 3943

needed for transmission of calls for assis-

tance to emergency services. con vecti ve h ea t fl u x Heat flux caused by

BS 4422 convection .
FDIS 1 3943
con trol eq u i pm en t < fi re a l a rm system s>

S eefire alarm control and indicating con veyor system Arrangement used to trans-

equipment. portmaterials through an opening in a fire

BS 4422 separating element.
Note This can be conveyor tracks remote
con trol eq u i p m en t < l i fts, fi rem en ’s l i fts>
controlled or automatic equipment.
lift control equipment.
BS EN 1 366-7
S ee

BS 4422
conveyor track Arrangement that guides items
con trol for a u tom a ti c fi re protecti on sys-
to be transported on a conveyor system .
tem Automatic device us ed to ac tuate
automatic fire protection system afte r Note This can be belts, slides, rails, screws,

receiving a signal from the fire alarm con-

chains, ducts or pipes in which airborne

trol and indicating equipment. particles are moved.

BS 4422 BS EN 1 366-7
corridor access 24

corridor access Design in which each dwell- – (in any other case) at least 25% ofits plan
ing is approached via a common horizontal area is obscured by a roof or by floors ,
internal access or circulation space which bridges, galleries or canopies.
may include a common entrance hall. BS 5588-1 0
BS 5588-1
covering Product intended to protect under-
corrosion damage Physical and/or chemi- lying elements against ignition , charring
cal damage or impaired function caused by or other damage.
chemical action. BS EN 1 3501 -2
BS EN ISO 1 3943
critical exposure Minimum irradiance at
corrosion target Sensor used to determine which ignition (pilot or spontaneous as speci-
the degree of corrosion damage, under spec- fied) can be effected regardless of duration.
ified conditions. BS 476-32
Note This sensor may be a product, a
component, or a reference material used to critical fire load Minimum effective fire load
simulate them. required in a fire compartment to produce
FDIS 1 3943 a fire of sufficient severity to cause failure
of fire resistant barriers or structural ele-
counter fire Practice ofstarting a controlled ments.
fire to create a fire break in the path of an BS 4422
advancing conflagration , usually in forest
firefighting. critical flux (CF) Radiant flux at which a
ISO 8421 -8 flame extinguishes (CHF) or the radiant flux
after a test period of30 min (HF-30), which-
coupling Device for connecting together hoses, ever is the lower (i.e. the flux corresponding
valves, nozzles, etc., so as to secure conti- with the furthest extent of spread of flame ).
nuity from the source of water supply to the BS EN 1 3501 -1
delivery point.
BS EN 671 -2 critical heat flux at extinguishment Inci-
dent heat flux, under specified conditions,
coupling <gated wye> See breeching <con- at the point on the surface of an item where
trolled>.
the flame ceases to advance and might sub-
ISO 8421 -8 sequently go out.
BS ISO 5658-2
coupling <siamese> See breeching <col-
lecting> .
critical irradiance Minimum irradiance at
ISO 8421 -8
which ignition (pilot or spontaneous as speci-
fied) can be effected, regardless of dura-
covered shopping complex Shopping com-
tion .
plex that includes a covered mall, i.e. any
mall section in which:
BS 4422
– more than 1 5 m of the length of the mall
is covered by a bridge or roof; or critical rate of application of a foam solu-
– (where the mall has an open slot above it, tion Minimum theoretical rate of appli-
formed for example by projecting contin- cation of foam solution to a fire which will
uous canopies) more than 50% ofits plan extinguish it.
area is obscured; or ISO 8421 -4
25 cri ti ca l sh ea r stress of a foa m

cri ti ca l sh ea r stress of a foa m Minimum – of the floor and upper surface of any

shear stress between individual bubbles in a combustible roof.

mass of foam which bears a relationship Post-War Building Studies No. 20: Fire Grad-
to foam viscosity, stability and spreading ing of Buildings: Part I. General Principles
characteristics. and Structural Precautions . 1 946.
ISO 8421 -4
cubi cle capacity < of a d ivi sion > Space con-

critical signal path All components and inter- tained by the inner structural surfaces of

connections between every fire alarm broad- its enclosing walls, the upper surface of

cast initiation point and the input terminals the floor of its lowest storey, and either by

on, or within, each loudspeaker enclosure . the lower surface of any incombustible roof

BS 5839-8 over the division or by the upper surface of

any combustible roof over the division.

cri ti ca l tem pera tu re Temperature at which
Post-War Building Studies No. 20: Fire Grad-
a structural element is assumed to be unable
ing of Buildings: Part I. General Principles
to support the applied load.
and Structural Precautions . 1 946.
BS 4422
cu rta i n wa l l External non-loadbearing wall
cubicle capacity <of a compartment> Space
which is independent of the structural frame
contained by the inner structural surfaces
and supported in place in front of loadbearing
of the fire resisting walls enclosing a fire
structures.
compartment and either by:
– the inner structural surfaces of the floor Note A curtain wall typically includes

panels, glazing, seals, fixings, transoms and

enclosing the compartment; or
mullions.
– of the floor and the lower surface of any

non- combustible roof; or BS EN 1 364-3

D

d a m a g e con trol u n i t d a m pi n g d own Wetting operations required

sa l va g e ten d er Fire appliance which car- after a fire is believed to have been extin-

ries a wide range of equipment designed to guished, to deal with possible hidden smoul-
minimize or to prevent water and other dam- dering, hot debris, etc.

age occasioned during fire brigade opera- I S O 8 42 1 - 8

tions.
d a n g ero u s con cen tra ti on of va p o u rs
I S O 8 42 1 - 8
Concentration greater than the lower flam-
mable limit of the vapours.
d a m a g ed a rea Total of those surface areas
Highly Fl am m abl e Li q u i d s and Li q u e-
which have been affected permanently by
fi e d P e tro l e u m G a s e s Re g u l a ti o n s 1 9 7 2
fire under specified conditions.
(S I 1 9 7 2 /9 1 7 ) .

Note 1 S ee also burned area .

Note 2 Users of this term should specify d a ta ca b i n e t C ab inet des igned to p ro te c t

the types of damage to be considered. This media and valuables against the effects of

could include, for example, loss of mate- fire .

rial, deformation, softening, melting, char- Note A data cabinet can have doors, draw-

ring , combustion , pyrolysis or chemical ers, lids, connections and fittings.

attack.
B S E N 1 0 47 - 1

Note 3
2
It is expressed in m .

d ea d en d Area from which escape is possi-

B S E N I S O 1 3 9 43
ble in one direction only.

BS 5 5 88-1
d am ag ed l en g th Maximum extent in a speci-

fied direction of the damaged area .

d eci si on el em en t Element that differenti-
B S E N I S O 1 3 9 43
ates between a fire and non- fire states.

d am per Movable closure within a duct which

Note The decision element may be in the

detector or the control equipment.

can interrupt the passage of the fluid (liquid

*BS 5 83 9-4
or gas) within a duct.

I S O 8 42 1 - 2
d eck a ccess/d eck a pproa ch < of a n a pa rt-

m en t bu i l d i n g > Wide approach balcony

d a m per < fi re> Movable closure, within a
but not enclosed.
duct, which is operated automatically or
BS 5 5 88-1
manually and is designed to prevent the pas-

sage of fire . d econ ta m i n a ti on Removal or reduction to

I S O 8 42 1 - 2
a safe level of chemical or other contamina-

tion, to which a firefighter has been exposed.

d a m per < sm oke> Movable closure within
I S O 8 42 1 - 8

a duct, which is operated automatically or

manually and is designed to prevent the pas- d ee p-sea te d fi re Fire involving solids sub-

sage of smoke . j ect to smouldering.

B S 442 2 B S 5 3 0 6- 4
27 d efen d i n pl a ce

d efen d in pl ace Life safety strategy in which storey of a building, to the ground level
occupants are encouraged to remain in their measured at the centre of that face of the
current location rather than to attempt escape building where the distance is greatest.
during a fire. BS 5588-1 1
FDIS 1 3943
design concentration Concentration of gas-
d efl a g ra ti on Combustion wave propagat- eous extinguishing medium necessary to
ing at subsonic velocity. extinguish a particular fuel, with a speci-
fied safety factor.
Note If, within a gaseous medium, defla-
gration is the same as a flame .
BS 4422
BS EN ISO 1 3943 d esi g n d en si ty See sprinkler design den-
sity.
Flame arrester
d efl ag ration fl am e arrester
BS 4422
designed to prevent a deflagration from
being transmitted. d esi g n esca pe ti m e Calculated time from
BS 7244 ignition until the time at which all the occu-
pants ofa specified part ofa building should
d efl ecti on Movement associated with struc- have been able to enter a place of safety.
tural and/or thermal actions. BS 4422
BS EN 1 363-1
d esi g nfi re Quantitative description of as-
d el i very h ose See hose <delivery>. sumed fire characteristics within the design
ISO 8421 -8 fire scenario .

deluge system See sprinkler <deluge instal- Note It is, typically, an idealized descrip-
lation>. tion of the variation with time of important
fire variables such as heat release rate ,
BS 5306-0
flame spread rate, smoke production rate,
d el u g e va l ve See sprinkler deluge valve. toxic gas yields, and temperature.
*BS 4422-4 FDIS 1 3943
d epen d en t fi re zon e Fire compartment(s) Specific fire scenario
d esi g n fi re sce n a ri o

of commercial enterprise areas coming under
the control of the nominated wardens.
Firecode: Fire Practice Note 5. Commercial
Enterprises on Hospital Premises. 1 992
d epressu rizati on Smoke control using pres-
sure differentials where the air pressure in
adjacent spaces is reduced to below that in
the protected space .
BS EN 1 21 01 -6
d epressu rized space Fire compartment from
which air and smoke are exhausted for the
purposes of depressurization.
BS EN 1 21 01 -6
Distance between
d e pth < of a bu i l d i n g ) >
the lowest point of the floor of the lowest
on which a deterministic fire safety engi-
neering analysis will be conducted.
FDIS 1 3943
d esi g n p oi n t See sprinkler design point.
BS 5306-2
d esi g n tem pera tu re Temperature that the
critical element will reach at the end of the
specified period of fire resistance in a fire
test.
BS 5950-8
detach abl e d etector Fire detector designed
to be easily removed from its normal oper-
ating position for maintenance and servic-
ing purposes.
BS EN 54-1
d etecti on ci rcu i t 28

d etecti on ci rcu i t Transmission path which d eton a ti on fl a m e a rrester Flame arrester

connects points to the control and indicat- used to prevent the transmission of a deto-
ing equipment. nation .
BS EN 54-2 BS 7244
d e te ct i o n p re s s u re P re s s ure thres ho ld at
d i fferen ti a l d etector Detector which initi-
which a signal is given denoting the occur-
ates an alarm when the difference (nor-
rence of an explosion . mally small) in the magnitudes of the mea-
BS 4422 sured phenomenon at two or more places

exceeds a certain value for a specified time.

d etecti on si g n a l

device to show that a

S i gnal fro m a de te c ti o n

fire or explosion has

ISO 7240-1
been detected.
Branch
ISO 7240-1
d i ffu ser bra n ch which can give a

spray or a j et of variable size and which can

be shut off at will.
d etection ti m e Interval between ignition and
the detection of combustion by an auto-
Fire Service Training Manual

matic or manual system .

BS 4422 d i ffu si on fl a m e Flame in which combus-

tion occurs in a zone where the fuel and the
d etecti on zon e Geographical sub-division oxidizing agent mix, having been initially

of the protected premises in which the detec- separate.

of a fire can be indicated separately

tion
Note S ee also pre-mixed flame .
from any other sub- division.
FDIS 1 3943
BS 4422
d ig ital com m u n icator Signalling equipment
d etector S ee fire detector ; explosion detec-
that automatically communicates using a
tor; and flammable gas detector.
BS 4422 switched telephone network and exchanges

digital information on the state of the alarm

d ete ctor spri n kl er S ee sprinkler <detec- system.

tor> . BS 4422
BS 5306-2
d i l u ti on Continuous supply of a protective

d eterm i n i sti c m od el S pecific fire scenario gas, after purging, at such a rate that the

on which a deterministic fire safety engi- concentration of a flammable mixture inside

neering analysis will be conducted. a pressurized enclosure is maintained at a

FDIS 1 3943 value outside the explosive limits in a dilu-

tion area .
d eterm i n i sti c stu d y Methodology, based on
Note Dilution of oxygen by inert gas may
physical relationships derived from scien-
result in a concentration of flammable gas
tific theories and empirical results, that for a
above the upper explosive limit (UEL) .
given set of initial conditions will always

produce the same outcome.

BS EN 5001 6
BS 7974
d i l u ti on a rea Area in the vicinity of a source
d eton ation Combustion wave, accompanied of release where the concentration of flam-
by an explosion , propagating at supersonic mable gas or vapour is not diluted to a safe

velocity and characterized by a shock wave. concentration .

BS EN ISO 1 3943 BS EN 5001 6
 29 d i rect d i sta n ce

direct distance See escape <direct distance>. recharging and should be discarded after
BS 4422 use.
*BS 5306-3
d i rect fi el d Outcome of a
of a pp l i ca ti on

process whereby a test result is deemed d i sta n ce of tra ve l See escape <travel dis-
to be equally valid for variations in one tance>.
or more of the product properties and/or BS 4422
intended end use applications.
BS EN 1 3501 -3 Priority call over the public tele-
d i stress ca l l

phone system for sending urgent operational

Signalling
d irect l i n e si g n al l in g eq ui pm en t
equipment that is used to transfer informa-
tion concerned with the state of an alarm
system via a dedicated communication
channel.
BS 4422
fire messages. (Used only to obtain rapid
connection in cases involving the safety of
life or property; the caller’s request to the
Post Office operator being prefixed by the
phrase: distress call).
Fire Service Training Manual

Device carried
Ratio of actual flow
d i stre ss si g n a l u n i t ( DS U )
d i sch a rg e coeffi ci en t
by breathing apparatus wearers which will
rate , measured under specified conditions,
sound a distress signal when either manu-
to the theoretical flow rate through an open-
ally or automatically actuated.
ing.
BS 4422
Note For example, a vent.
PD 7974-2 d i stri bu ti on pi pe See sprinkler distribu-
tion pipe .
d isch arg e rate See escape <discharge rate>. BS 4422
BS 4422
d i versi tySame performance of a function
d i s c h a r g e va l u e See escape <discharge by two or more independent and dissimilar
value>. means.
BS 4422 PD 7974-7

d i screte a rea ( s) Portion(s) of the total sur- d i vi d i n g breech i n g See breeching <divid-
face of construction, excluding framing/ ing>.
joints, etc., which can be expected to have a Fire Service Training Manual
different fire insulating performance.
BS EN 1 363-1 Part of a building sep-
d i vi si on < bu i l d i n g >

arated from the remainder ofthe building by

d i screti ze Process ofreplacing a continuous a division wall.
mathematical function by its numerical Fire Prevention Guide 2: Fire Precautions
counter part where is has a value at only dis- in New Single-storey Spirit Storages and
crete intervals. Associated Buildings . 1 973.
Note For example, grid points in a nu- d i vi si on < m a ri n e> See marine <division>.
merical mesh. BS 4422
PD 7974-2
Fire-resisting wall carried ver-
d i vi si on wa l l

d i sposa bl e bod y Body of a gas cartridge tically throughout a building from the low-
or of an extinguisher (usually the stored est level of any basement or sub-basement
pressure type) that is not designed for bounded by the wall, and continued sufficiently
d oor a n d sh u tter a ssem bl y 30

far above the roof to prevent fire spread drainage time <of foam> See foam drainage
between the two sides of the wall. time .
BS 4422 BS 4422

d oor a n d sh u tter a ssem b l y See doorset. d ra u g h t Current of air accelerating towards

BS 4422 a fire, supplying air for combustion .
BS 4422
d oor a ssem b l y See doorset.
BS 4422
d ra u g h t free en vi ron m en t Environment
d oor cl oser Mechanism attached to a door in which the results of experiments are not
that will close the door provided that the significantly affected by the local air speed.
closing force is not overcome by an auto- Note A qualitative example is an environ-
matic door release mechanism or obsta- ment in which a wax candle flame remains
cle. essentially undisturbed. Quantitative exam-
BS 5839-3 ples are small-scale fire tests in which a
maximum air speed of0.1 m s –1 or 0.2 m s –1 is
d oor fra m e Fixed surround into which can sometimes specified.
be fitted one or more door leaves.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
BS 821 4

d oor ki t Set of fully machined and fitted d ren ch er h ea d Open sprinkler fitted to a
frame components together with a door leaf pipe or drencher system and designed to
or leaves fully prepared for site assembly discharge water on to a surface to be pro-
and fixing. Door kits may or may not include tected against fire exposure .
all the items of ironmongery required for BS 4422
the finished door assembly.
BS 821 4 d ren ch er system Automatic system ofwater
pipes fitted with drencher heads at suitable
d oorset Assembly consisting of a fixed part intervals and heights, and designed to dis-
and one or more moveable parts, intended to charge water on to surfaces to be protected
allow or prevent access through permanent against fire exposure .
openings in separating elements.
ISO 8421 -4
Note The term doorset also covers shutter
assemblies. d ri ft sm oke Smoke which is no longer in a
BS 4422 stratified condition.
BS 4422
d osi m eter Personal instrument for measur-
ing the amount (dose) of ionizing radiation d ril l tower Tower-like building primarily used
absorbed by a person over a period of time.
for practising fire brigade operations and
ISO 8421 -8
for drying hose.
d ra i n a g e ti m e < 2 5 %> See foam drainage ISO 8421 -8
time .
BS 4422 d rop See sprinkler <drop>.
BS 4422
d ra i n a g e ti m e < 5 0%> See foam drainage
time . d ry fi re m a i n See dry riser.
BS 4422 BS 4422
 31
d ry powd er
powder suppressant Extinguishing medium
composed of finely divided solid chemical
products .
BS 4422
Vehicle wholly or
d ry p owd e r a ppl i a n ce
mainly used to carry and apply dry powder
to a fire .
ISO 8421 -8
d ry ri s er
d ry ri s i n g m a i n
d ry fi re m a i n Vertical pipe installed in a
building for firefighting purposes, fitted with
inlet connections at fire and rescue service
access levels and outlet connections at speci-
fied points, which is normally dry but capa-
ble ofbeing charged with water by pumping
from fire and rescue service appliances.
BS 4422
d u a l p u rp o s e p o w e re d s m o ke a n d h e a t
Powered smoke and
e xh a u st ven ti l a tor
heat exhaust ventilator which has provision
to allow its use for comfort ventilation.
*BS 7346-2
Smoke and heat
d u a l pu rp ose ven ti l a tor
exhaust ventilator which has provision to
allow its use for comfort (e.g. day to day)
ventilation.
BS EN 1 21 01 -2
d u a l -en try fi refi g h ti n g l i ft Firefighting lift
provided with two sets of doors, one used
for normal operations and the other in the
firefighting mode.
BS 5588-5
dual-purpose area Any area which may serve
at least two different purposes, one ofwhich
is that of an escape route. Dual-purpose
areas frequently feature in buildings with
large interconnected areas.
Fire and the Design ofEducational Buildings.
Building Bulletin 7. Sixth Edition
d ry powd er
d u ct Passage through which services such
as water pipes, electrical cables or air duct-
work can be led through a building.
BS 5588-9
du ctwork System of enclosures of any cross-
sectional shape for the distribution or extrac-
tion of air.
DD 9999
Index letter, R, S, T, U, W,
d u ra bi l i ty i n d ex
and X, indicating the specific washing or
cleansing procedure to which a test speci-
men was subjected prior to flammability
testing.
BS 5722
d u ra b l y fl a m e r e t a rd e d fa b r i c /s c e n e ry
Fabric/scenery that has been chemically
treated to render it flame retardant so that
when subjected to the appropriate wetting
or cleansing procedure it retains its flame-
retardant performance.
Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing Places
of Entertainment and Like Premises . 1 998
d u ra ti on Period of time that a luminaire can
continuously provide the minimum illumin-
ance required in the emergency condition.
The time is specified in hours.
*BS 5266-1
d u ra ti on of em erg en cy l i g h ti n g See emer-
gency lighting duration .
BS 4422
d u ra ti on of fl a m e a ppl i ca ti on Period of
time during which a pilot flame is applied to
a test piece.
FDIS 1 3943
duration of flaming Length of time for which
flaming combustion persists under speci-
fied conditions, including flaming combus-
tion due to the presence ofan ignition source.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
d u ra t i o n o f o p e ra t i o n See extinguisher
<duration of operation> .
. 1 997 BS EN 3-7
d u ra ti on of stea d y bu rn i n g 32

duration of steady burning Interval between d wel l in g Single-family house, self-contained

flash- over and commencement of decay. flat or maisonette .

PD 7974-3 BS 5588-1
d u st expl osion Explosion which results from d wel l i n g of ori g i n Dwelling in which the

theignition of a mixture ofcombustible initial ignition of a fire has occurred.

dust and air. BS 5588-1
BS 4422
E
‘E’ criterion See integrity criterion ‘ E’ . effective discharge time See extinguisher
BS 4422 <effective discharge time>.
BS 4422
early suppression See sprinkler <early sup-
pression, fast response> .
effective exposure dose 50 (ECt50) Product
BS 4422 ofEC 50 and the exposure time over which it
early suppression fast response automatic was determined.
sprinkler (ESFR) See sprinkler <early Note 1 For fire effluent, typical units are
suppression, fast response>. g min m–3 .
BS 4422 Note 2 For a toxic gas, typical units are
ease of ignition Deprecated term. See ignita- mL min L–1 (T = 298 K and P = 1 atm) – see
bility and minimum ignition time . volume fraction .
BS EN ISO 1 3943 Note 3 Ect50 is a measure of toxic potency.
Note 4 See also exposure dose .
EC 50 See effective concentration 50 (EC 50 ) .
FDIS 1 3943 FDIS 1 3943
ECt50 See effective exposure dose 50 (ECt50). effective fire load See fire load <effective>.
FDIS 1 3943 BS 4422
effective calorific value Moisture corrected
effective fire load density See fire load
value obtained by calculation
density <effective> .
PD 7974-1 BS 4422
effective concentration 50 (EC50) Concen-
tration ofa toxic gas or fire effluent, statis- effective heat of combustion See heat of
tically calculated from concentration-response combustion <effective> .
data, that causes a specified effect in 50% of BS EN ISO 1 3943
a population of a given species within a
specified exposure time and post-exposure ejector pump Portable j et pump designed
time. for removing water from depths beyond the
Note 1 For fire effluent, typical units are maximum practical lift of pumps and/or in
g m–3 . confined spaces.
Note 2 For a toxic gas, typical units are Note An ej ector pump can be used in
mL L–1 (T = 298 K and P = 1 atm). See vol- basements, ships’ holds, etc. It is operated
ume fraction . by water delivered from a pump through
Note 3 The observed effect is usually a be- standard delivery hose .
havioural response, incapacitation, or death. Fire Service Training Manual
The EC 50 for incapacitation is termed the
I C 50 . The EC 50 for lethality is termed the electric hammer Heavy duty electrically oper-
LC 50 . ated tool similar in use to a pneumatic drill.
FDIS 1 3943 ISO 8421 -8
el ectri ca l tra cki n g resi sta n ce 34

el ectri ca l tra cki n g resi sta n ce S ee track- em erg en cy l ig h tin g d urati on Period of time

ing resistance <electrotechnical> . for which a luminaire can continuously pro-

BS EN ISO 1 3943 vide the minimum illuminance required in

the emergency condition.

e l ectro-m a g n eti c a u tom a ti c rel ea se m ech -
BS 4422
a n i sm D evi c e that c o nve rts e le c tri c al

energy into a magnetic force that acts directly em erg en cy l i g h ti n g system Complete but

as the holding force, so that cessation of the discrete emergency lighting installation, from
electrical supply gives an automatic release. the standby power source to the emergency

BS 4422 lighting lamp(s) , separate from the normal

lighting system and able to provide emer-
electro-mechanical automatic release mech-
gency lighting.
anism Mechanical holding device that is
BS 4422
operated by electrical energy, so that cessa-

tion of the electrical supply gives an auto- em erg en cy l u m in a i re < cen tra l l y su ppl i ed >

matic release. Luminaire for maintained or non-maintained

BS 4422 operation which is energized from an emer-

gency power system remote from the lumin-

e l em en t of stru ctu re Member forming part
aire.
structural frame of a building or any
of the
BS 4422
other beam or column.

DD 9999 em erg en cy l u m i n a i re < com bi n ed > Emer-

gency lighting luminaire containing two or
em erg en cy ca l lAlarm of fire or other emer-
more lamps, at least one of which is ener-
gency received by the fire brigade .

ISO 8421 -8
gized from the emergency lighting supply

and the others from the normal lighting

supply.
em erg en cy esca pe l i g h ti n g S ee escape
lighting. BS 4422
BS 4422
e m e rg e n c y l u m i n a i re < com pou n d s e l f-

e m erg e n cy e xi t S ee exit <emergency> . con tain ed > Self-contained luminaire pro-

BS 4422 viding emergency lighting and an emer-

gency supply for operating a satellite lumin-
Lighting for use when
e m erg e n cy l i g h ti n g aire .
the supply to the normal lighting fails; it BS 4422
includes escape lighting and standby light-
ing. emergency luminaire <maintained> Lumin-

BS 4422 aire in which the emergency lighting lamps

are energized at all times when the normal

Light-
em erg en cy l ig h tin g <m ai n tain ed > or emergency lighting is required.

ing system in which all emergency lighting BS 4422

lamps are in operation at all times when nor-

mal or emergency lighting is required. em erg en cy l u m i n a i re < n on -m a i n ta i n ed >

BS 4422 Luminaire in which the emergency light-

ing lamps are only energized when the sup-
em erg en cy l i g h tin g < n on -m a i n ta i n ed > ply to the normal lighting fails.

Lighting system in which all emergency BS 4422

lighting lamps are in operation only when
the supply to the normal lighting fails. em erg en cy l u m i n a i re < sa tel l i te> Lumin-
BS 4422 aire which derives its emergency operation
 35 em erg en cy l u m i n a i re < sel f-con ta i n ed >

supply from an associated compound self- or O) , e. g. a particular sample might be rep-

contained emergency luminaire . resented as C 6 H 8 . 9 O 4. 1 N 0 . 3 Cl 0. 01 .

BS 4422 FDIS 1 3943

e m e r g e n c y l u m i n a i r e < s e l f- c o n t a i n e d > en ca p su l a ti on S ee type of protection .
Luminaire providing maintained or non- BS 4422
maintained emergency lighting in which
all the elements, such as the battery, the enclosed stairway See stairway <enclosed>.
lamp, the control unit and the test and moni- BS 4422
toring facilities, where provided, are con-

tained within the luminaire or adj acent to it en cl osu re S pace defined by boundary ele-

(that is, within one metre) . ments (on all sides) around the point of ori-

BS 4422 gin of the fire .

PD 7974-3
em erg en cy l u m i n a i re < sl a ve> Luminaire
supplied from a central emergency power en cl osu re < bu i l t en vi ron m en t> Volume in

source and not having its own internal sec- the built environment defined by bound-

ondary supply. ing surfaces, which may have one or more

BS 4422 openings .
FDIS 1 3943
em erg en cy m od e State of a self-contained
External casing pro-
emergency luminaire which provides light- en cl osu re < el ectri ca l >

tecting the electrical and mechanical parts

ing when energized by its internal power
of apparatus.
source, the normal supply having failed.

BS 4533-1 02.22 (EN 60598-2-22) Note The term excludes cables.

BS 4422
emerg en cy n um ber Special telephone num-

ber used to make contact with an emergency en d -cen tre array See sprinkler <end-centre
service. array> .
BS 4422 BS 4422
e m erg en cy ten d er e n d - s i d e a r ra y S ee sprinkler <end-side
rescu e ten d er Fire appliance which car- array> .
ries a wide range of special equipment for BS 4422
use at fires or other emergencies.
BS 4422 en d u ran ce bu rn in g con d ition Steady burn-

ing of a stabilizedflame at or close to a

em i ss i vi ty Ratio of the radiation emitted by flame arrester element.

a radiant source to the radiation that would BS 4422
be emitted by a black body radiant source
at the same temperature. en d u ra n ce b u rn i n g resi sta n ce Ability of

a flame arrester to withstand the endur-

Note It is dimensionless.
ance burning condition without flame trans-
FDIS 1 3943 mission under specified test conditions.

em pi ri ca l form u l a Chemical formula of a

BS 4422
substance in which the relative numbers of
en d -u se a ppl i ca ti on Real application of a
atoms of each type are given.
product, in relation to all aspects that influ-

Note Typically, the number for one type ence the behaviour of that product under

of atom is chosen to be an integer (usually C different fire situations .

en d -u se con d i ti on s 36

Note It covers aspects such as its quantity, Note 3 See also fuel-lean combustion; fuel-
orientation, position in relation to other ad- rich combustion ; stoichiometric combus-
jacent products, and its method of fixing. tion ; and stoichiometric mixture .
BS EN 1 3501 -1 FDIS 1 3943
Intended conditions to
en d -u se con d i ti on s eq u i va l en t fi re l oa d d en si ty See fire load
which an item will be subjected during its density <wood equivalent> .
normal working life, when used in accor- BS 4422
dance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
BS EN ISO 1 3943 Any material which
eq u i va l en t m a teri a l

is designed as non-combustible when tested

en erg i zed con d i ti on State in which a detec- to specified conditions and which, by itself
tor is supplied with power. or due to insulation provided, has structural
BS 5446-1 properties and fire integrity equivalent to
that of steel.
en g i n eere d syste m See extinguishing sys- BS 4422
tem <engineered> .
BS 4422 esca p e Effective action taken to reach a safe
refuge or place of safety.
Firefighting operations,
en try fi re fi g h ti n g FDIS 1 3943
which involve voluntary direct entry into
flames . escape < com m on bal con y> Walkway, open
BS 4422 to the air on one or more sides, forming part
of a designated escape route from more
en vi ron m en t Conditions and surroundings than one occupancy.
that may influence the behaviour of an item BS 4422
or persons when exposed to fire .
BS EN ISO 1 3943 esca pe < d i rect d i sta n ce>Shortest distance
from any point within the floor area, mea-
Pressure developed
e q u i l i b ri u m p re s s u re
sured within the external enclosures of the
within a container when filled with a quan- building, to the nearest storey exit ignoring
tity of solid, liquid and gaseous contents walls, partitions and fittings, other than
under specified conditions. the enclosing walls/partitions to protected
BS 4422 stairways .
BS 4422
eq u i p m en t protecti on Provision of a fire
detection and/or suppression system to an Number of per-
esca p e < d i sch a rg e ra te>

individual item of electronic equipment. sons which can pass through one unit ofexit
BS 6266 width in a given time.
BS 4422
Fuel/air ratio divided by
eq u i va l en ce ra ti o

the fuel/air ratio required for a stoichio- Maximum num-

esca pe < d i sch a rg e va l u e>

metric mixture . ber of persons that can pass through a given

number of units of exit width in a given
Note 1 Standard, dry air contains 20.95% period of time, having regard in a multi-
oxygen by volume. In practice, the oxygen storey building to the capacity of the stairs.
concentration in entrained air may vary
BS 4422
and calculation of the equivalence ratio to
a standard, dry air basis will be required. Actual distance
e sca p e < tra vel d i sta n ce>

Note 2 It is dimensionless. to be travelled by a person from any point

37 escape bed lift

within the floor area to the nearest storey escape route <pressurized > Route which
exit, having regard to the layout of the walls, permanently or in case of fire is over-
partitions and fittings. pressured compared to the adjacent parts
BS 4422 of the building in order to inhibit the spread
offire (smoke, gas or flames) into the escape
escape bed lift Escape lift able to carry route .
persons in bed, together with any necessary BS 4422
attendants.
BS 4422 escape route <protected> Route which is
adequately enclosed and is separated by fire-
escape chute Open, slide-like escape used resistant construction from a fire in adjoin-
for emergency evacuation. ing accommodation.
BS 4422 BS 4422
escape hatch Means of providing escape escape route marker Marker forming part
from a room or part ofa building in the form ofa way guidance system, provided to clearly
of a moveable or breakable panel. delineate a designated escape route.
BS 4422 BS 4422
escape ladder Fixed ladder, leaning ladder escape stair <common> Protected escape
or hanging ladder for escape use. stair serving more than one occupancy.
BS 4422 BS 4422
escape lift Lift that may be used for the escape stairway Stairway designed as a means
evacuation of disabled people in a fire . of escape in case of fire.
Approved Document B (Fire safety) – BS 4422
Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2000 Edition)
escape stairway <external> Stairway in the
escape lighting That part of emergency light- open air, separated from possible fire in the
ing which is provided to ensure that the building by fire-resistant structure.
means of escape can be effectively identi- BS 4422
fied and be sufficiently illuminated to be
escape time See available safe escape time
usable at all times.
(ASET) .
BS 4422
FDIS 1 3943
escape rope Rope forming part of an escape
ESFR See sprinkler <early suppression, fast
route .
response> .
BS 4422 BS 4422
escape route Path taken by any person dur- essential ironmongery See ironmongery
ing an escape . <essential>.
BS 4422 BS 821 4
escape route <external> Route, external estimated maximum loss (EML) Cautious
to a building, e.g. by way of a roof, stair, assessment ofthe maximum loss possible in
balcony, bridge, terrace, alley-way, walk- reasonably adverse conditions.
way or external courtyard which terminates
at a final exit or discharges into another European Technical Approval (ETA) Favour-
escape route . able technical assessment of the fitness
BS 4422 for use of a construction product for an
E u ropea n Tech n i ca l Approva l s i ssu i n g bod y 38

intended use, issued for the purposes of the eva cu a ti on si g n a l Audible and/or visible

Construction Products Directive by a body signal to indicate to occupants that they

authorized by a member state to issue Euro- have to escape .

pean Technical Approvals for those pur-
BS 4422
poses and notified by that member state to

the European Commission.

eva cu a ti on ti m e Interval between the time
Approved Document B (Fire safety) – of a warning of fire being transmitted to
Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition) the occupants and the time at which all of

the occupants are able to reach a place of

Eu ropean Tech n i cal Approval s issui n g bod y
safety.
B ody notified under article 1 0 of the Con-

struction Products Directive. Note S ee also available safe escape time

Approved Document B (Fire safety) – (ASET) .
Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition) BS 4422
e va c u a t i o n b e h a vi o u r B e havi o ur whi c h even t S omething happening or that has hap-

enables occupants of a building to reach a pened that can be made up of several but

place of safety. mutually exclusive occurrences.

Note movement behaviour

S ee also and PD 7974-7
pre-movement behaviour.
FDIS 1 3943 e ve n t t re e D ep ic tio n o f temp o ral, c aus al

sequences of events, built around a single

eva cu a ti on d ri l l Rehearsal of the evacua- initiating condition.

tion procedure involving participation of the FDIS 1 3943

occupants of the premises.

BS 4422 ex com pon en t Part of electrical apparatus

for potentially explosive atmospheres which

eva cu a ti on l evel S torey(s) at which final is not to be used alone in such atmospheres

exits suitable for the evacuation of persons

and which requires additional certification
are available.
of any electrical apparatus with which it is
*BS 5588-5 used.

*BS 5501 -1 (EN 5001 4)

e va cu a ti on l i ft S ee escape lift.
Approved Document B (Fire safety) – exh a u ster S ee sprinkler exhauster.
Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition)
BS 4422
e va cu a ti on p l a n Procedure for ensuring the
exit Doorway or other suitable opening allow-
safety of occupants and for limiting loss
ing egress from an occupied space.
and damage to building structure, contents,

the environment and business interruption. BS 4422

BS 4422
exi t < e m erg en cy>

eva cu a ti on servi ce Operation of a selected

exit <fire> Exit on a designated escape route.
escape bed lift under an agreed system of BS 4422
management and control for the evacua-
tion of dependent patients in the case of e xi t < fi n a l > Terminatio n o f a de s ignated

fire . escape route , from which there is direct

Firecode: Fire Practice Note 3: Escape Bed access to a place of ultimate safety.
Lifts. 1 987 BS 4422
39 exi t < n orm a l >

exi t < n orm a l > Exit intended to be usable at expl osi m eter S ee flammable gas detector.
any time while the premises are occupied. I S O 8 42 1 - 8

B S 442 2

expl osi on Abrupt expansion of gas which

exi t < storey> Doorway giving direct access
can result from a rapid oxidation or decom-
to aprotected stairway, firefighting lobby, position reaction, with or without an increase
external escape route or place of ultimate
in temperature.
safety.
B S 442 2

B S 442 2

expl osi on d ecou p l i n g Technique for pre-

exit <u n it of wid th > Minimum width requir-

ed for a single file of persons to walk through

venting the propagation of flames and explo-
an exit. sions from one apparatus to other parts of an
installation by the use of special devices,
B S 442 2

e. g. mechanical high-speed shut-offs, rotary

exi t d i recti on i n d i ca tor Part way

of the valves, or flame arresters .
guidance system provided to identify escape B S 442 2

routes and to c le arly i ndi c ate di re c ti o n

towards an emergency exit . expl osi on d etector Device or arrangement

B S 442 2 of apparatus, containing one or more explo-

sion sensors , that responds to a developing
S ign indicating the direc-
exi t d i recti on si g n
explosion .
tion to an emergency exit.
B S 442 2

B S 442 2

expl osi on effi ci en cy Ratio of the energy in

exi t i n d i ca tor Illuminated indicator form-
a blast wave to the energy theoretically
ing part of the way guidance system and
available from the heat of combustion .
provided to clearly identify an exit .
I n s ti tu ti on o f Ch e m i ca l E n g i n e e rs
B S 442 2

exi t m a rki n g Part of the way guidance sys- expl osi on i n d ex S ee explosion indices .
tem provided to clearly identify an exit by B S 442 2

using luminous marking to outline part or

all of the exit surround. expl osi on i n d ex K Constant defining, under

B S 5 2 66 - 2 specified conditions, the maximum rate of

pressure rise with time (d /d ) p t max

of an explo-
exi t si g n S ign that indicates an escape route sion in a volume, V, according to the equa-
or a final exit. tion K = (dp /dt) V
1 /3
.
max

B S 442 2
B S 442 2

expl osi bi l i ty Ability of a dust to take part in

a cloud explosion when dispersed in air at a

expl osi on i n d ex K max
Maximum value of

the explosion index K determined by tests

suitable concentration and in the presence
over a wide range of reactant concentra-
of an effective ignition source .
tions.
B S 442 2

B S 442 2

expl osi bl e d u st Dust which, when present

as a mixture with air, might explode on con- expl osion in d ex p m

Maximum overpressure
tact with an ignition source . attained during an explosion relative to the

Occupational Storage Hazards – Preven- pressure in the vessel at the time of ignition .
tion and Control ofDust Explosions B S 442 2
expl osi on i n d ex p max
40

expl osi on i n d ex p max

Maximum value of not cause an explosion of the surrounding

the explosion index p m

determined by tests atmosphere.

over a wide range of reactant concentrations. BS 4422

BS 4422
e xp l o s i o n p ro t e ct i o n s ys t e m C o mp o s ite

expl osi on i n d i ces Numerical terms, deter- arrangement of devices to detect automati-

mi ne d i n ac c o rdanc e wi th s tandard te s t cally the onset of an explosion and initiate

methods, which characterize the contained the actuation of a suppression system or
explosion of a specified concentration of other devices to limit destructive effects of

re ac tants i n a ve s s e l havi ng a s p e c i fi e d the explosion.

volume. BS 4422
BS 4422
exp l osi on ra n g e S ee explosive range .
expl osi on l i m i ts S ee explosive limits . BS 4422
BS 4422
exp l osi on rel i ef Part of the panel- work of

expl osi on poi n t < l ower> Temperature of a an enclosure designed and constructed to

combustible liquid at which the concentra- release the excess pressure in the event of an

tion of the saturated vapour in air is equal to explosion , in order to prevent inj ury to per-

the lower explosive limit. sons and further damage to equipment.

BS 4422 BS 4422

expl osi on poi n t < u pp er> Temperature of exp l osi on resi sta n t Property of vessels and

a combustible liquid at which the concen- equipment designed to be either explosion-

tration of the saturated vapour in air is equal pressure resistant or explosion-pressure shock-

to the upper explosive limit. resistant.

BS 4422 BS 4422

expl osi on poi n ts Temperatures of combus- exp l osi on sen sor Device which is respon-

tible liquid at which the concentration of sive to the changes caused by a developing

the saturated vapour is equal to the upper explosion in one or more of the environ-

and lower explosive limits . mental parameters such as pressure, tem-

BS 4422 perature and/or radiation.

BS 4422
expl osi on -p ressu re- resi sta n t Property of

vessels and equipment designed to with- exp l osi on su ppressa n t S ubstance which,

stand the expected explosion pressure with- when dispersed into a container, can arrest a

out becoming permanently deformed. developing explosion in that container.

BS EN 1 1 27-1 BS 4422

explosion-pressure-shock-resistant Property exp l osi on su ppressi on Abrupt halting of

of vessels and equipment designed to with- an incipient or developing explosion within

s tand the exp e c te d explosion p re s s ure an enclosure .
without rupturing, but allowing permanent BS 4422
deformation.

BS 4422 expl osi on su ppressi on system Composite

arrangement of devices to detect automati-

e xp l o s i o n - p ro t e c t e d a p p a ra t u s E le c tri- cally the onset of an explosion and to initi-

c al equipment having a recognized type of ate the actuation of suppression.

protection designed to ensure that it will BS 4422

 41 expl osi on su ppressor

expl osi on su pp ressor Appliance contain- apparatus for potentially explosive atmo-
ing an explosion suppressant which can be spheres .
expelled by the action of internal pressure. *BS EN 5001 4
BS 4422
exposed bu i l d i n gBuilding which might be
e xp l o s i ve a tm osph ere Mixture with an in danger of taking fire by reason of fire in
oxidizing agent, (usually air), of flamma- another building or other source external to
ble substances in the form of gas, vapour, the building.
mist, powder or flock, in such proportions Post-War Building Studies No. 20: Fire Grad-
that it can be ignited. ing of Buildings: Part I. General Principles
BS 4422 and Structural Precautions . 1 946.

Side of a test construction that

Area
exposed fa ce
expl os i ve a tm osph ere < poten ti a l >
is exposed to the heating conditions ofa fire
where there is a possibility that an explosive
test.
atmosphere could be generated by releases
of flammable gases or vapours. BS EN 1 363-1
BS 4422 exposed l i n i n g Face of the wall exposed to
fire in a fire test.
expl osi ve l i m i ts
BS 5268-4.2
e xp l o s i o n l i m i ts Limits of the explosive
range . exposed su rfa ce Surface of a test speci-
BS 4422 men subjected to the heating conditions ofa
fire test.
e xp l o s i ve l im its
< l o we r ( L E L ) > Lowest
Note For floor- covering systems, the ex-
concentration of a flammable substance
posed surface is generally the use surface.
in air within which an explosion can occur.
BS 4422 FDIS 1 3943
exposi n g bu il d i n g Building which, being
e xp l o s i ve l i m i t s < u p p e r ( U E L) > Highest
on fire, might endanger any other building.
concentration of a flammable substance
in air within which an explosion can occur. Post-War Building Studies No. 20: Fire Grad-
ing of Buildings: Part I. General Principles
BS 4422
and Structural Precautions . 1 946.
explosive power Amount of explosion energy exposu re d ose Measure of the maximum
released relative to the explosion energy amount of a toxic gas or fire effluent which
released by the same mass of TNT, expressed is available for inhalation, calculated by inte-
as a percentage. gration of the area under a concentration-
Explosive yield = explosive power × weight/ time curve.
1 00.
Institution of Chemical Engineers Note 1 For fire effluent, typical units are
g min m–3 .
expl osi ve ra n g e Note 2 For a toxic gas, typical units are
expl osi on Range of the concentra-
ra n g e mL min L–1 (T = 298 K and P = 1 atm). See
tion ofa flammable substance in air within volume fraction <gas in a mixture> .
which an explosion can occur. FDIS 1 3943
BS 4422
exposu re h a za rd Danger directly resulting
Specified explosive
expl osi ve test m i xtu re from nearby fire .
mixture used for the testing of electrical BS 4422
exposu re ti m e 42

Note
–1

exposu re ti m e Length of time for which Typical units are m .

people, animals or test specimens are exposed FDIS 1 3943

under specified conditions.

BS EN ISO 1 3943 exti n g u i sh Terminate combustion .

BS 4422
exten d ed fi el d of a ppl i ca ti on O utcome of

a process that predicts, for a variation of a exti n g u i sh a n t S ee extinguishing medium .

product property and/or its intended end BS 4422
use application(s), a test result on the basis

of one or more test results to the same test e xt i n g u i s h a n t <gas con ta i n er s ys t e m >

standard. S ystem in which the propellant gas is sepa-

BS EN 1 3501 -3 rately contained in a gas container, not in

the powder container.

exten t of com b u sti on Maximum length of
BS 5306-7
amaterial that has been destroyed by com-
bustion or pyrolysis , under specified test Appliance containing an extin-
exti n g u i sh er

conditions, excluding any region damaged guishing medium which can be discharged
only by deformation. on to a fire by the action of internal pres-

BS EN 60695-4 sure.

Note Extinguishers may be sub-classified

exten t of su rfa ce i g n i ti on Maximum dis-
by the method of discharge (stored pres-
tance of lateral flame spread on the upper
sure, gas cartridge , etc. ) or by the extin-
surface.
foam , dry
*BS 476-3 guishing medium used (water,

powder, etc. ) .

extern a l esca pe sta i rwa y S ee escape stair- BS 4422

way <external> .
BS 4422 e xt i n g u i s h e r < a e ro s o l t yp e> S mall dis-

posable container, incorporating a valve and

external non-substantial component Non- containing an extinguishing medium kept

substantial component that is not covered under greater than atmospheric pressure by

on one side by a substantial component . means of a propellant, from which the con-

BS EN 1 3501 -1 tents are discharged when the valve is oper-

ated.
extern al wal l Wall forming the external enve-
Note Dry powder extinguishers of the
lope of a building which may be exposed
aerosol type are designed to be discarded
separately to an internal or external fire .
Extinguishers
BS EN 1 365-1
after use and not to be refilled.

containing halon are intended to be returned

to the manufacturer for recovery of any re-

exti n cti on a rea < of sm oke> Product of
sidual halon.
the volume occupied by smoke and the extinc-
tion coefficient of the smoke. BS 4422
Note It is a measure of the amount of smoke,
2 exti n g u i sh er < ch a rg e> Mass or volume of
and the typical units are m .
the extinguishing medium contained in the
FDIS 1 3943 extinguisher.

exti n cti on coeffi ci en t < of sm oke> Natu-

Note The charge of appliances based on

water is expressed in volume and that of

ral logarithm of the ratio of incident light
other appliances in mass.
intensity to transmitted light intensity, per

unit light path length. BS 4422

 43 exti n g u i sh er < com pl ete d i sch a rg e>

exti n g u i sh er < com pl ete d i s ch a rg e> Dis- exti n g u i sh er bod y < d i sp osa b l e> Body of
charge of an extinguisher to the point where a gas cartridge or of an extinguisher (usu-
the internal and external pressures are equal, ally of the stored pressure type) that is not

the valve control being kept fully open. designed for recharging and should be dis-

BS 4422 carded after use.

BS 4422
extinguisher <duration of operation> Time

during which the extinguishing medium exti n g u i sh er bod y < rech a rg ea bl e, fa ctory

can continue to discharge, without any inter- sea l ed > Body of a gas cartridge or of an
ruption in the discharge and with valve fully extinguisher (usually the stored pressure
opened not including the residual propellant type) that is intended to be recharged after

use but only by the manufacturer or his

gas.

BS 4422 approved agent.

BS 4422
e xt i n g u i s h e r < e ffe c ti ve d i s ch a rg e t i m e >

Time from the commencement of discharge

extinguisher body fittings Parts of the extin-
of the extinguishing medium at the nozzle guisher that, under normal working condi-

to the moment at which discharge of the

tions, are permanently attached to the extin-
guisher body shell and are subj ect to the
medium (but not necessarily the propellant
working pressure.
gas) ceases.

BS 4422 BS 4422

e xti n g u i sh er bod y sh el l Unfinished outer

exti n g u i sh er < fi el d rech a rg ea bl e> Extin-
case of the extinguisher usually compris-
guisher that can be recharged in the field
ing a cylindrical part with dished ends, and
without return to the manufacturer or its
containing an aperture or apertures for charg-
approved agent.
ing the extinguisher or for subsequent fitting
BS 4422
of components such as nozzles , pressure

gauges and closures.

Extinguisher which
BS 4422
extinguisher <portable>

is designed to be carried and operated by

hand.
extinguishing concentration Minimum con-
BS 4422 c e ntrati o n ( as a p e rc e ntage by vo l ume )

of extinguishant necessary to extinguish a

exti n g u i sh er < servi ce pressu re> Equilib- flame of a particular fuel under defined
rium pressure developed within the extin- experimental conditions.
guisher body when it is filled to the maxi-
BS 5306-5.1
mum recommended charge and at its maxi-

mum allowable temperature.

exti n g u i sh i n g con cen tra ti on < m i n i m u m >

BS 4422 Minimum concentration (as a percentage by

volume) of a specified gaseous extinguish-

extinguisher <transportable> Extinguisher ing medium necessary to extinguish a flame
mounted on wheels or skids. of a particular fuel under defined experi-

BS 4422 mental conditions.

BS 4422
exti n g u i sh er bod y S hell of an extinguisher,
not fitted with its accessories but fitted with e xt i n g u i s h i n g con cen tra ti on < recom -

all its welded parts. m en d ed > C o nc e ntrati o n o f a gas e o us

BS 4422 extinguishing medium necessary to ensure

exti n g u i sh i n g foa m 44

extinction of flaming combustion of a par- extinguishing system <dry powder> Extin-

ticular material. guishing system containing dry powder as
BS 4422 the extinguishing medium .
BS 4422
e xti n g u i sh i n g foa m

fi n ish ed foa m Extinguishing medium con- extin g u ish in g system < en g in eered > Piped
sisting ofa mass ofbubbles mechanically or extinguishing system in which the discharge
chemically formed by a liquid. of extinguishing medium is defined accord-
BS 4422 ing to the nature and location of the com-
bustibles , and in which the piping and cen-
Substance which,
tral storage of extinguishing medium are
exti n g u i sh i n g
m ed i u m

when discharged on to a fire, is intended to

calculated in order to give the required rates
terminate combustion .
and durations.
BS 4422 BS 4422
exti n g u i sh i n g m ed i u m < resi d u a l con ten t>

Quantity of extinguishing medium remain- e xt i n g u i s h i n g s ys t e m < tota l fl o o d i n g >

ing within the extinguisher after the maxi- Firefighting system arranged to discharge
mum possible discharge. extinguishing medium into an enclosed vol-

BS 4422 ume so as to achieve the appropriate design

concentration throughout the volume.
Extinguishing med-
extin g u ish i n g powd er BS 4422
ium composed offinely divided solid chemi-
cal products . extinguishing system <unbalanced> Extin-
guishing system , with more than one dis-
Note The capital letters (A, B, C or D)
usually added before the term extinguish- charge nozzle, in which the flow of extin-
guishing medium divides unequally at one
ing powder correspond to the standard classes
of fires. or more junctions in the pipework.
BS 4422
ISO 8421 -4
Extinguish-
exti n g u i sh i n g
system Fixed system con- extinguishing system <water>

ing system utilizing water as the extinguish-

sisting ofa calculated supply of extinguish-
ing medium .
ing medium connected to fixed nozzle (s)
through which, after manual or automatic BS 4422
initiation, the medium is discharged to extin-
guish a fire . Voltage that does
extra l ow vol ta g e ( el v)

BS 4422 not exceed 50 V between conductors, or

between any conductor and earth.
Extin-
exti n g u i sh i n g system < ba l a n ced > *BS 5839-4
guishing system , with more than one dis-
charge nozzle, in which the flow of extin- extrem e va l u e Statistical methodology deal-
guishing medium is intended to divide equally ing with the probability distributions of
at each junction in the pipework. large and small values.
BS 4422 PD 7974-7
F
F factor Minimum concentration of a toxic multi- level basements fo r the s up p ly o f

gas irritant that is expected to seriously water for firefighting.

compromise the ability to escape from a ISO 8421 -8
fire .
Note 1 The concentration is usually ex-
false alarm <malicious> Alarm originated
pressed as a volume fraction at T= 29 8 K
by a person knowing that there is or was no

and P = 1 atm, in which case the typical

emergency.

units are mL L –1 3
(= cm m
–3
= 10
–6
).
ISO 8421 -8
Note 2 S ee also fractional effective con-
false alarm <system failure> Alarm origi-
centration .
nated by defective equipment.

FDIS 1 3943 ISO 8421 -8

fabric smoke curtains Non- fire- supporting
false alarm of fire Fire signal resulting from
material used for the containment of cool
a cause(s) other then fire .
smoke and gases (up to 600° C) .
PAS 79
LPS 1 1 82-2.1 , Requirements and tests
for LPCB approval of fixed fabric smoke false alarm with good intent Alarm origi-
curtains, fixed metal smoke curtains and nated by a person, with good intent, in the
powered smoke curtains. 2005 mistaken belief that there is or was a fire or

other emergency.
factory sealed rechargeable body S ee
ISO 8421 -8
extinguisher body <disposable>.
*BS 5306-3 fault tree Depiction of the logical depend-

encies of events on one another, built around

fail safe Locking an output device with the
a critical resulting event, which usually has
application of power and having the device
an unacceptable level of consequence and
unlock when the power is removed.
may be described as a failure.
Fire Safety – Risk Assessment FDIS 1 3943
failure cause Circumstances during design,
fault warning Automatic indication giving
manufacture or use which have led to fail- audible and visible warning that a fault exists

ure. in a system.

PD 7974-7 BS 4422
failure mode Predicted or observed results fault warning receiving station Centre from

of a failure cause on a stated item in rela- which the necessary corrective measures can

tion to the operating conditions at the time be initiated on receipt of a fault signal.

of the failure. BS 4422

PD 7974-7
fault warning routing equipment Inter-

falling main Vertical pipe, similar to a ris- mediate equipment which routes a fault warn-
ing main but installed in buildings with ing signal from the fire alarm control and
FEC 46

indicating equipment to a fault warning be discharged. The final voltage is specified

receiving centre. by the battery manufacturer.

BS 4422 BS EN 54-4
FEC S ee fractional effective concentration fire Process of combustion characterized by
(FEC) . the emission of heat and effluent and usu-

FDIS 1 3943 ally accompanied by smoke , and/or flame ,

and/or glowing.
FED S ee fractional effective dose (FED) . FDIS 1 3943
BS 4422
fire <class A> Fire involving solid materi-
FFFP foam concentrate <film-forming
S ee als , usually of an organic nature, in which
fluoroprotein ( FFFP)> . combustion normally takes place with the
BS 4422 formation of glowing embers.

BS EN 2
FIC S ee fractional irritant concentration
(FIC) . fire <class B> Fire involving liquid or lique-
BS 4422 fiable solids.

BS EN 2
field rechargeable extinguisher See extin-
guisher <field rechargeable>. fire <class C> Fire involving gases.
BS 4422 BS EN 2
filling density Mass ratio of the charge to fire <class D> Fire involving metals.
the internal volume that it occupies of an BS EN 2
extinguisher or gas cartridge filled with

CO
2
or other liquefiable gas. fire <class F> Fire involving cooking fats

ISO 8421 -4 and oils.

BS EN 2
filling ratio Ratio of the mass of gas intro-

duced into a container to the mass of water fire <controlled> S elf- supporting combus-
at 1 5 ° C that fills the container fitted as for tion which has been deliberately arranged

use, i. e. complete with valve, siphon tube, to provide useful affects and which is con-

float, etc. , as necessary. trolled in its extent in time and space.

*BS 5396 BS EN ISO 1 3943

film forming S ee foam concentrate <aque- fire <uncontrolled> S elf-supporting com-
ous film forming (AFFF)> . bustion which spreads uncontrolled in time

BS 5306-6.1 and space.

FDIS 1 3943
film-forming fluoroprotein foam concen-
trate S ee foam concentrate <aqueous fire alarm S ee alarm of fire .
film forming (AFFF)> . BS 4422
BS 4422
fire alarm <self contained> Fire detection
final exit S ee exit <final> . device containing, in one housing, all the

BS 4422 components (with the possible exception

of the energy source) necessary to detect a

final voltage of a battery Lowest recom- fire and sound an audible alarm.
mended voltage to which a battery should BS 4422
 47 fi re a l a rm ca l l poi n t < m a n u a l >

fi re a l a rm ca l l poi n t < m a n u a l > Activating to other people or organizations from whom

auto-
device for the manual operation of an assistance might be required.

matic fire detection and alarm system . BS 4422

*BS 4422-3 (ISO 8421 -3)
fi re a l a rm si g n a l l i n g d evi ce Equipment not
fi re al arm con trol an d in di catin g eq ui pm en t
incorporated in the control and indicating
Equipment through which fire detectors can
equipment which is used to give a warning
be supplied with power and which
of fire , e. g. audible sounder or optical sig-
– is used to accept a detection signal and nalling device.
actuate a fire alarm signal ;
*BS 4422-3 (ISO 8421 -3)
– is able to pass on the fire detection sig-

nal ; and
fi re a l a rm sou n d er Component of a fire
– is used to monitor automatically the cor-
alarm system to give an audible alarm of
rect functioning of the system.
fire .
BS 4422 *BS 4422-3 (ISO 8421 -3)
fire alarm device Component of a fire alarm
fi re a l a rm system Combination of compo-
system , not incorporated in the fire alarm
nents for giving an audible and/or other
control and indicating equipment, which
perceptible alarm of fire .
is used to give a perceptible warning of fire ,

e. g. sounder or visual indicator. Note The system can also initiate other

BS EN 54-1 ancillary action.

BS 4422
fi re a l a rm d evi ce <manual> Fire alarm
device , manually operated, which gives an
Fire alarm
fi re a l a rm system < a u tom a ti c>
audible and/or visible alarm of fire . system components for auto-
containing
BS 4422 matically detecting a fire .

BS 4422
fi re a l a rm m a n u a l ca l l poi n t Device for the

manual initiation of an alarm of fire .

Fire alarm
fi re a l a rm system < m a n u a l >
BS 4422
system in which the alarm is initiated man-
ually.
fi re a l a rm recei vi n g sta ti on Alarm receiv-
ing centre from which the necessary fire
Fire Service Training Manual
protection or firefighting measures can be

initiated at any time.

fi re a l a rm system < type > Category of fire
BS EN 54-1 alarm system describing the systems func-

tion and/or extent of coverage.

fi re a l a rm rou ti n g eq u i pm en t Intermedi- HTM 82: Alarm and detection systems (Fire-

ate equipment which routes (transmits) an code) . 1 992
alarm signal from the fire alarm to a fire

alarm receiving station. fi re a l a rm zon e

ISO 7240-1 fi re d e tecti on zon e S ee alarm zone and

fire detection zone .

fi re a l a rm si g n a l S ignal, which can be elec-
BS 5588-1 1
trical, mechanical, audible, visual, etc. , to

show that a hazard from fire exists in an

fi re a n d sm oke con trol d oor Doorset meet-
area.
ing the criteria appropriate for fire control
Note The signal can be local, addressed to and smoke control door assemblies.
occupants of the area, or remote, addressed BS ISO TR 5925-2
fi re a n d sm oke d a m per 48

fire an d sm oke d am per Fire damper which fi re boa t River- or sea-going vessel whose
when tested to specified conditions achieves primary purpose is firefighting.
the same standard of fire resistance in rela- BS 4422
tion to integrity criterion, as the element of
building construction through which the fi re b rea k

duct passes. fi re stop Barrier in the path of an advancing

Approved Document B (Fire safety) –
Volume 2: Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition)
Vehicle used or equipped for
fi re a pp l i a n ce
fire ,created by counter firing, removal of
fuel or wetting down of potential fuel.
BS 4422

firefighting and/or rescue . fi re b rea k d oor

BS EN 1 846-1 fi re b rea k sh u tte r Door or shutter having a

specified fire resistance, used to cover open-
ings in compartment walls or compart-
fi re a rea Geographic area covered by a fire
ment floors and capable of closing automat-
brigade or fire station and for which they
ically in the event of fire.
are responsible.
ISO 8421 -8 BS 4422
fi re brea k fl oor( s) See compartment floor.
Systematic and, whenever possi-
BS 4422
fi re a u d i t

ble, independent examination to determine

whether standards of fire safety conform to fi re brea k wa l l ( s) See compartment wall.
those required in order to achieve the orga- BS 4422
nization’s fire safety policy and objectives.
PAS 79 fi re bri g a d e Organization with trained per-
sonnel, appliances and equipment for deal-
fire barrier Separating element which resists ing with fires and other emergencies.
the passage of flame and/or heat and/or ISO 8421 -8
effluents for a period of time under speci-
fied conditions. Fire brigade estab-
fi re bri g a d e < pri va te>

BS EN ISO 1 3943 lished and financed within an organization

to provide fire protection to its own assets
fire beater Implement used for manually beat- and personnel.
ing out fires, chiefly in bush land or crops. BS 4422
ISO 8421 -8
fi re bri g a d e < pu b l i c> Fire brigade con-
fi re beh a vi ou r Change in, or maintenance trolled by statute, which provides fire-
of, the physical and/or chemical properties fighting , rescue , other emergency services
of an item and/or structure exposed to fire . and, in some circumstances , fire preven-
tion services to a community.
Note This concept covers both reaction
to fire and fire resistance .
BS 4422
BS EN ISO 1 3943 fi r e b ri g a d e < wo r ks > See fire brigade
<private> .
fi re b l a n ketFlexible sheet of material in- ISO 8421 -8
tended to be used to extinguish small fires
by smothering, or as a protection against Level of a build-
fi re b ri g a d e a ccess l evel

radiant heat or small hot objects. ing to which the fire brigade has access for
BS 4422 firefighting vehicles, and from which there
 49 fi re bri g a d e a ccess wi n d ow

is entry to the building suitable for fire- Note S ee also fire <class A> ; fire <class

fighting operations. B> ; fire <class C> ; fire <class D> and fire
BS 4422 <class F>.
BS 4422
fi re bri g a d e a ccess wi n d ow Window spe-

cially designed to allow the access of the fi re com m u n i ca ti on s/a l a rm a n d d ete cti on

fire brigade . Precautions which inform the occupants and

*BS 4422-6 (ISO 8421 -6) fire brigade when a fire starts.
HTM 82: Alarm and detection systems
fi re bri g a d e a tten d a n ce ti m e Lapsed time
(Firecode) . 1 992.
fire or other
between receipt of a report of a
HTM 85: Fire precautions in existing hospi-
fire appli-
emergency and the arrival of
tals (Firecode) . 1 994.
ances at the scene.
HTM 86: Fire risk assessment in hospitals
BS 4422 (Firecode) . 1 994.
fi re bri g ad e con trol room Permanently staf-
Firecode: Fire Practice Note 7: Fire precau-
fed and fully equipped room in fire brigade
tions in patient hotels. 1 995.
p re mi s e s i n whi c h emergency calls are
fi re com pa rtm en t Enclosed space, which
received and subsequent action is taken to
may be sub- divided, separated from adj oin-
mobilize firefighters , appliances and equip-
ing spaces by fire barriers .
ment.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
BS 4422
fi re con ta i n m en t Precautions which con-
fi re bri g a d e con trol Fire appliance
unit
tain the fire to the smallest possible area,
equipped as a mobile control room for use
and control the threat to life safety and the
by the officer in charge at maj or incidents.
extent of property damage.
Usually equipped with radio and other tele-
BS 4422
communications equipment.

BS 4422 fi re con trol pl a n S ee marine <fire control

plan> .
fi re bri g a d e respon se ti m e Lapsed time
BS 4422
between receipt of a report of fire or other
emergency and the fire appliances leaving fire dam p Flammable gas , consisting mainly

the fire station . of methane, found naturally in mines.

BS 4422 BS 4422
fi re bri g a d e res pon si b i l i ti es Activities of fi re d a m p er Mobile closure or intumescent
a fire brigade rescue
which may embrace device within a duct, which is operated auto-
(which may include paramedics), firefighting, matically and is designed to prevent the pas-

salvage and fire prevention . sage of fire and which, together with its

ISO 8421 -8 frame is capable of satisfying for a stated

period of time the same fire resistance cri-

fi re ca l l Alarm of fire transmitted verbally terion for integrity as the element of the

or by telephone by a person to a fire service building construction through which the duct
control room. passes.

BS 4422 PAS 79
fi re cl a ssi fi ca ti on S tandardized system of fi re d a m per a ctu a ti n g m e ch a n i s m Mech-

classifying fires in terms of the nature of the anism integral or directly associated with a

fuel. fire damper which, when initiated by a fire

fi re d a n g er 50

damper release device, causes the movable fire detector <combustion gas> Fire detec-
component of a damper to change from tor sensitive to the gaseous products of
the ‘ open’ to the ‘ closed’ position. combustion and/or thermal decomposition.
BS EN 1 366-2 BS 4422
fi re d etector < fixed sen sitivity> Fire detec-
fi re d a n g er Concept including both fire haz-
tor in which, after the completion of the
ard and fire risk.
response thresh-
BS 4422 manufacturing process, the

old cannot be varied manually without giv-

ing a permanent indication of adj ustment

fi re d eca y S tage of fire development after a
which will be clearly visible during servic-
fire has reached its maximum intensity and
ing.
heat release rate
during which the and the
BS 4422
temperature of the fire are decreasing.

FDIS 1 3943 fi re d etector < fl a m e> Fire detector which

responds to the radiation emitted by flames .
fi re d epa rtm en t S ee fire brigade . BS 4422
ISO 8421 -8
fi re d etector < h ea t> Fire detector, which

responds to an increase in temperature.

Detection of a
BS 4422
fi re d etecti on and a l a rm

fire by occupants and/or mechanical device

and visual, audible or some other method of

fi re d etector < l i n e> Fire detector that
alerting the occupants.
responds to the phenomenon monitored in

PD 7974-2 the vicinity of a continuous line .

BS 4422
fi re d etecti on a n d a l a rm system , a u tom a ti c

S ee automatic fire detection and alarm fi re d e t e c t o r < l o c a l l y r e s e t t a b l e > Fire

system . detector which can be reset by a manual

*BS 5839-6 operation carried out at the fire detector.

BS 4422
fi re d etecti on system S ystem by which an
fi re d etector < poi n t> Fire detector which
alarm of fire initiated by a fire detector is
responds to the phenomenon sensed in the
given automatically at a central control panel.
vicinity of a fixed point.
BS 4422 BS 4422
fi r e d etecti on zon e Ge o grap hi c al s ub - fi re d etector < ra te of ri se> Fire detector
division of the building such that detection which initiates an alarm when the rate of

of a fire within it will be indicated by the change of the measured phenomenon with

fire detection system separately from an time exceeds a certain value, for a sufficient

time.
indication of fire in any other sub-division.

BS 4422 BS 4422
fi re d etector < s m oke> Fire detector sen-
fi re d etector Part of a fire detection system
sitive to aerosol products of combustion
containing at least one sensor which moni-
and/or pyrolysis .
tors a suitable physical and/or chemical phe-
BS 4422
nomenon, in order to signal to the fire alarm
control and indicating equipment. fi re d i vi si on wa l l Wall dividing two parts of

BS 4422 a building vertically one from the other, and

 51 fi re d oor

having fire resistance sufficient to with- fi re e xposu re Extent to which persons, ani-

stand the effects of a fire under specified mals or items are subj ected to the condi-

conditions. tions created by fire .

Fire Prevention Guide 2: Fire Precautions BS EN ISO 1 3943
in New Single-storey Spirit Storages and
Associated Buildings . 1 973. fi re exti n g u i sh er S ee extinguisher.
BS 4422
fi re d oor

fi re d oor a ssem bl y
fi re e xti n g u i sh er < a erosol > S mall dispos-
fi re sh u tter Doorset or shutter which, as
able container incorporating a valve and con-
installed in a building, is intended when
taining a fire extinguishing medium kept
closed to resist the passage of fire and/or
under greater than atmospheric pressure by
gaseous products of combustion and is capa-
means of a propellant. The contents are dis-
ble of meeting specified performance criteria.
charged when the valve is operated.
BS 4422 BS 61 65
fi re d oor < sel f-cl osi n g > Fire door fitted
fi re exti n g u i s h er < foa m , ch em i ca l > S ee
with a device which fully closes the door,
foam fire extinguisher <chemical>.
overriding the resistance of any latch.

BS 4422 BS 5306-3

fi re d ri l l fi re e xt i n g u i s h e r < fo a m , gas ca rt ri d g e >

eva cu a ti on d ri l l Rehearsal of the evacua- S eefoam fire extinguisher <mechanical,

tion procedure involving participation of the gas cartridge> .
occupants of the building. BS 5306-3
PAS 79
fi re exti n g u i sh er < foa m , stored p ressu re>

fi re e ffl u en t Totality of gases, and/or aero- S eefoam fire extinguisher <mechanical,

sols (including suspended particles) created
by combustion or pyrolysis .
BS EN ISO 1 3943
fi re effl u en t d eca y ch a ra cteri sti cs
cal and/or chemical changes in
due to time and transport.
BS 4422
stored pressure> .
BS 5306-3
fire exti n g ui sh er < g as cartri dg e, operated >
Physi-
Extinguisher in which the pressure for expul-
fire effluent sion of the medium from the body of the
extinguisher is produced by the opening at
the time of use, of a compressed or liquefied

gas cartridge.
Movement of fire
ISO 8421 -4
fi re effl u en t tra n sport

effluent from the location of a fire .

FDIS 1 3943 fi re exti n g u i s h er < powd er, g a s ca rtri d g e>

fire engineered approach Method of obtain-

Extinguisher c o ntai ni ng p owde r that i s

ing an effective solution by use of fire safety expelled by pressure released from a gas
engineering principles. cartridge .
Approved Document B (Fire safety) – *BS 4422-4
Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2000 Edition)
fire extinguisher <powder, stored pressure>

fi re eq u i pm en t si g n Safety sign that indi- Extinguisher containing powder that is ex-

cates the location or identification of fire p e lled b y the releas e o f p re s s ure s to red

equipment or how it should be used. within the body.

PAS 79 *BS 4422-4
fi re exti n g u i sh er < stored pressu re, opera ted > 52

fi re exti n g u i sh er < stored pre ssu re, oper- fi re g rou n d Area within which fire brigade
a ted > Extinguisher in which the extin- operations are in progress.
guishing medium is permanently stored with BS 4422
the propellant gas and thus constantly sub-
ject to its pressure. fi re g rowth Stage of fire development dur-
*BS 4422-4 ing which the heat release rate and the
temperature of the fire are increasing.
Fire ex-
fi re extin g u ish er < tran sportabl e> FDIS 1 3943
tinguisher mounted on wheels or skids.
ISO 8421 -4 fi re g rowth ra te Characteristic rate at which
a fire is assumed to grow.
fi re exti n g u i sh e r < wa te r, gas ca rtri d g e> DD 9999
Extinguisher from which the water is ex-
pelled by pressure released from a gas car- fi re h a za rd Potential for injury and/or dam-
tridge . age from fire.
BS 5306-3 BS 4422
fi r e e xt i n g u i s h e r < wa te r, sod a a ci d > Process of rec-
fi re h a za rd i d en ti fi ca ti on

E xtinguisher from which the water is ex- ognizing that a fire hazard exists.
pelled by pressure resulting from an acid PAS 79
and/or alkali reaction in the contents of the
extinguisher. fire hazard room Rooms or other areas which,
BS 5306-3 because of their function and/or contents,
present a greater hazard of fire occurring
fi re exti n g u i sh e r < wa ter, stored pressu re> and developing than elsewhere.
Extinguisher from which the water is ex- HTM 82: Alarm and detection systems (Fire-
pelled by the release ofpressure stored within code) . 1 992.
the body.
BS 5306-3 fi re h ose re el See hose reel.
BS 4422
See ex-
fi re exti n g u i sh i n g con cen tra ti on

tinguishing concentration <minimum> . fi re h ose sta ti on Equipment which com-

BS 4422 prises a hose fitted with a nozzle and a stop
valve for water supply and including a suit-
fi re exti n g u i sh i n g s ystem See extinguish- able form of support.
ing system . ISO 8421 -4
BS 4422
fi re h ou se Fire station which is normally
Process by which all
fi re e xti n g u i sh m e n t unstaffed.
combustion is eliminated. BS 4422
FDIS 1 3943
fi re h yd ra n tAssembly contained in a pit or
Gaseous part of the products of
fi re g a ses box below ground level and comprising a
combustion . valve and outlet connection from a water
supply main.
Note 1 See also fire effluent.
BS 4422
Note 2 In French the term ‘ gaz de com-
bustion’ also applies to engine exhaust gas fi re h yd ra n t cover key Tool used to lift the
and may then include particles. cover ofcertain types of hydrant.
BS EN ISO 1 3943 Fire Service Training Manual
 53 fi re h yd ra n t key a n d ba r

fi re h yd ra n t key a n d ba r Tool used to open factors which take account of the incom-
up a hydrant and to turn on the valve. plete combustion of protected fire loads
Fire Service Training Manual and/or a reduction in the net quantity of

heat released resulting from the presence

fi re h yd ra n t p i t Recess below the road or of wet materials .

pavement level in which a hydrant is located. BS 4422

BS 4422
fi re l oa d < wood eq u i va l en t> Fire load ex-
fi re i n teg ri ty separating ele-
Ability of a pressed as an equivalent mass of wood rather

ment when exposed to fire on one side, to than in terms of its calorific value .
prevent the passage of flames and hot gases BS 4422
or the occurrence of flames on the unex-

posed side , for a stated period of time in a fi re l oa d d en si ty Fire load per unit floor
standard fire resistance test. area .
*BS 4422-1 (ISO 8421 -1 ) Note It is expressed in J m
–2
.

fi re in vesti g ation un it Fire appliance which

BS EN ISO 1 3943
carries a wide range of equipment for the
fi re l o a d d e n s i t y < e ffe c t i ve > Fire load
purpose of determining the cause of a fire . density within an enclosure or compart-
BS 4422 ment modified by factors that take account
of the incomplete combustion of protected
fi re l i ft Lift or elevator, either within a build-
fire loads and/or a reduction in the net quantity
ing with especially protected structural enclo-
of heat released resulting from the pres-
sure, or on the façade of a building and
ence of wet materials .
with machinery, power supplies and con-
PD 7974-1
trols which can be switched for exclusive

use by the fire brigade during an emer-

fi r e l oad d en si ty < wo o d e q u i va l e n t >
gency.
Fire load density expressed as an equiva-
ISO 8421 -2 lent mass of wood per unit floor area rather
than in terms of its heat of combustion .
fi re l i ft swi tch S witch under protective secu-
BS 4422
rity and at the fire service access level to

bring a lift under the immediate control of

fi re m a i n S ystem of pipes and valves pro-
the fire service. vided to carry water for firefighting pur-
ISO 8421 -2 poses.

BS 4422
fi re l oa d Quantity of heat which could be

released by the complete combustion of fi re m i crop h on e Microphone for use by the

all the combustible materials in a volume, fire service or other responsible persons as
including the facings of all bounding sur-
part of a voice alarm system .
faces.
BS 4422
Note 1 It is expressed in J.

fi re m od el Calculation method that describes

Note 2 Fire load may be based on effec-
a system or process related to fire develop-
tive, gross or net heat of combustion as re-
ment, including fire dynamics and the effects
quired by the specifier.
of fire.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
Note S ee also physical fire model and

fi re l oa d < effecti ve> Fire load within an

numerical fire model.
enclosure or compartment, modified by FDIS 1 3943
fi re m od el l i n g
Simulation of some aspects
fi re m od el l i n g
of fire by mathematical or physical means.
BS 4422
fi re perform a n ce Response of an item when
exposed to a specific fire .
Note See also fire behaviour.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
fire pl u m e Buoyant gas stream and any mate-
rials transported within it, above a fire .
Note See also buoyant plume .
FDIS 1 3943
fi re p oi n tMinimum temperature at which a
material ignites and continues to burn for
a specified time after a standardized small
flame has been applied to its surface under
specified conditions.
Note 1 See also flash point.
Note 2 In some countries, the term fire
point has an additional meaning: a location
where firefighting equipment is sited which
may also comprise a fire alarm call point
and fire instruction notices.
Note 3 It is measured in °C.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
fi re p reca u ti on s Physical, procedural and
managerial measures taken to reduce the
probability that a fire may occur, and to mit-
igate the effects of any fire that does occur.
PAS 79
fi re p reven ti on Measures taken to restrict
the risk ofan outbreak of fire and/or to limit
its effect.
ISO 8421 -1
fire procedure Pre -planned actions to be taken
in the event of fire .
PAS 79
fire procedure plan Routine that details infor-
mation and instructions for all persons pres-
ent in a building so that they respond appro-
priately in the event of a fire.
BS 4422
54
fi re propa g a ti on See flame spread.
FDIS 1 3943
fi re propa g a ti on i n d exComparative mea-
sure of the contribution to the growth of fire
ofa combustible material.
PD 651 2-3
Ceiling
fi re protecti n g su spen d ed cei l i n g
assembly capable ofcontributing for a stated
period of time to the overall fire resistance
of the floor or structure above and/or its
supporting members.
*BS 4422-2
fi re protecti on Measures taken in the design
or equipment of buildings or other struc-
tures to reduce the danger from fire .
BS 4422
fi re protecti on < stru ctu ra l >Features in a
building’s layout and/or construction which
are intended to reduce the effects of a fire.
BS 4422
Material that has
fi re p rotecti on m a teri a l
been shown by fire resistance tests to be
capable of remaining in position and pro-
viding adequate thermal insulation for the
fire resistance period under consideration.
BS 5950-8
fi re p rotecti on m ea su res Design features,
systems, equipment or structural measures
to reduce danger to people and property by
detecting, extinguishing or containing fires .
PAS 79
fi re protecti on system Assembly of fire
control or firefighting equipment (such as
extinguishing installations, smoke control
doors , dampers or fans) intended to reduce
fire risk to people, property or the environ-
ment.
BS 4422
fi re protecti on system < a cti ve > Fire pro-
tection system which in the event of fire
can function only after its operation has
 55 fi re protecti on system < a u tom a ti c>

been either manually or automatically initi- Glazing system con-

fi re re si sta n t g l a zi n g

ated. sisting of one or more transparent or trans-

BS 4422 lucent panes with a suitable method of
mounting, e.g. frames, seals, fixing materi-
Fire
als , etc., capable of satisfying the appropri-
fi re protecti on system < a u tom a ti c>

protection system able to function when its

ate fire resistance criteria.
operation has been automatically initiated
BS EN 1 365-2
in response to the sensing of heat, flame or
products of combustion . fire resi stin g Deprecated term. See fire resis-
BS 4422 tant.
BS 4422
fi re protecti on system < m an ual > Fire pro-
tection system that functions only when its fi re re si sti n g con stru cti on See fire resis-
operation has been initiated manually. tance .
BS 4422 BS 4422
fi re protecti on system < passive> Fire pro- fi re reta rd a n ce Deprecated term.
tection system that carries out its function BS EN ISO 1 3943
without requiring any manual or automatic
initiation of its operation in the event of a adjective) Possessing the abil-
fire retard an t (

fire . ity to suppress, reduce or delay the combus-

BS 4422 tion ofcertain materials .
BS 4422
fi re resi sta n ce Ability ofa test specimen to
fulfil, for a stated period oftime, the required noun ) Substance added, or a
fi re reta rd a n t (

criterion or criteria specified in a standard treatment applied, to a material in order to

fire resistance test. delay ignition or to reduce the rate of com-
Note 1 Typical criteria are: fire integrity, bustion .
fire stability, and thermal insulation . Note The use of fire retardants does not
Note 2 Fire resistant ( adjective) refers only necessarily suppress fire.
to this ability. BS 4422
PAS 79
fi re ri sk Combination of
fi re re s i s t a n c e of a s e p a ra t i n g el em en t – the probability of a fire ; and
Ability of an element to meet specified cri- – a quantified measure of its consequence.
teria of integrity, loadbearing capacity and Note It is often calculated as the product
thermal insulation in a standard fire resis-
of probability and consequence.
tance test.
BS 4422 FDIS 1 3943

fi re resi sta n ce p erform a n ce Combination fi re ri sk a sses sm en tProcess of identifica-

of appropriate stability, integrity and insu- tion and evaluation of fire risk to people,
lation values respectively.
property or the environment.
BS 4422
Note It is expressed in min.
BS 5268-4.2 fi re ri sk a ssessor Person who carries out,
and documents, a fire risk assessment.
fi re re si sta n tPossessing the ability to resist PAS 79
fire for a stated period of time under speci-
fied conditions. fi re ri sk cu rve Graphical representation of
BS 4422 fire risk.
fi re sa fety en g i n eer
Note It is normally a log/log plot ofcumu-
lative probability versus cumulative conse-
quence.
FDIS 1 3943
fi re sa fety en g i n eerPerson meeting speci-
fied standards of qualification and experi-
ence in fire safety engineering.
BS 4422
Application of sci-
fi re sa fety e n g i n eeri n g
entific and engineering principles to the pro-
tection ofpeople, property and the environ-
ment from fire .
BS 4422
Formal train-
fi re sa fety i n d u cti on tra i n i n g
ing, normally given to new employees, as
soon as practicable after their employment,
with the objective of imparting sufficient
information on the relevant fire risks , fire
prevention measures, fire protection mea-
sures and fire procedures in the building to
ensure the safety ofthe employee from fire .
PAS 79
Maintenance and
fi re sa fety m a n a g em en t
application of procedures to achieve fire
safety obj ectives .
Note Procedures include fire protection
measures , evacuation plans and the train-
ing of occupants to use such measures and
plans.
BS 4422
fi re sa fety m a n a g er Person nominated to
monitor and control management of fire
safety.
PAS 79
fi re sa fe ty manual Record of all design,
procedural, management issues and events
that relate to the fire safety of a building.
PAS 79
fi re sa fety obj ecti veDesired outcome with
respect to an unwanted fire , related to life
safety, conservation of property, continuity
56
of business operations, protection of the
environment and preservation of heritage.
FDIS 1 3943
Documented strategy that
fi re sa fety p ol i cy
sets the standard of fire safety an organiza-
tion is committed to maintaining.
PAS 79
Training given
fi re safety refresh er train i n g
to employees periodically to ensure that they
remain adequately aware of the fire risks ,
fire prevention measures, fire protection
measures and fire procedures in the build-
ing.
PAS 79
fire safety sig n Sign giving information about
fire precautions , diagrammatically and/or
by text.
BS 4422
fire safety sign <self-contained> Fire safety
sign in which all the elements such as the
battery, the lamp, the control unit and the
test and monitoring facilities, where pro-
vided, are concealed within the housing or
adjacent to it.
BS 4422
fire safety sig n <sel f-l u m in ou s> Fire safety
sign in which the text and/or graphics are
illuminated without the use of a dedicated
power supply.
BS 4422
fire safety strategy Combination of fire safety
measures that has been shown by reference
to prescriptive codes or a fire engineering
study to be capable of satisfying the speci-
fied fire safety obj ectives .
PD 7974-0
fi re scen a ri o Qualitative description of the
course of a fire with time, identifying key
events that characterize the fire and differ-
entiate it from other possible fires.
Note It typically defines the ignition and
fire growth processes, the fully developed
fire stage, the fire decay stage, and the
 57 fi re secu ri ty rou ti n e i n specti on

environment and systems that will impact Note The building element may or may

on the course of the fire. not be loadbearing.

FDIS 1 3943 FDIS 1 3943

fi re secu ri ty rou ti n e i n specti on S ee rou- fi re sta ti on B uilding housing fire brigade
tine inspection . appliances, equipment and personnel.

BS 4422
fire-separating element Compartment wall,
compartment floor, cavity barrier and con-
struction enclosing a protected escape route
and/or a place of special fire hazard .
Approved Document B (Fire safety) –
Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition)
fire separation Separation or
ation within a building or area, by construc-
tion, to restrict the spread of fire .
BS 4422
BS 4422
fi re stop S eal provided to close an imperfec-
tion of fit or design tolerance between ele-
ments or components , to restrict the passage
of fire and smoke .
BS 4422
fi re stoppi n g Seal provided to close an imper-
compartment-
fection of fit or design tolerance between
elements or components to restrict the pas-
sage of fire or heat with the obj ect of main-
taining the fire resistance of the elements.

fi re servi ce a ccess l evel A level at which

BS 4422
there is suitable entry to the building and to
fi re storm Air stream of enormous power
a firefighting shaft from an area to which
and velocity with flying brands created by a
fire service appliances have access.
conflagration .
BS 5588-5
ISO 8421 -8
fi r e s e ve r i t y C ap ac i ty o f a fire to c aus e

damage.
fi re strea m S ee j et.

Note Methods of quantifying fire sever-

ISO 8421 -8
ity are usually based on the temperature of
fi re strea m < sol i d > S ee j et <solid> .
the fire as a function of time.
ISO 8421 -8
FDIS 1 3943
fi re su p pressi on system S ystem designed
fi re sh u tter S ee fire door. to control, suppress or extinguish a fire , via
BS 4422 the use of water, chemical or inert gas, or

other means.
fire model.
PD 7974-4
fi re si m u l a ti on S ee

BS EN ISO 1 3943
fi re tel ep h on e Telephone provided exclu-
fi re si tu a ti on S tage in the development of a
sively for fire purposes.
fire , characterized by the nature, severity

and size of the thermal attack on the prod- BS 4422

ucts involved.
BS EN 1 3501 -1 fi re te l e p h o n e l i n e Telep ho ne c irc uit re-

served only for fire alarm transmission.

fi re si ze Heat release rate of the fire . BS 4422
PD 7974-1
fire test Procedure designed to measure either

fi re sta b i l i ty < b u i l d i n g el em en t> Ability fire behaviour or the response of a test

to resist collapse for a stated period of time specimen to one or more aspects of fire .
in a standard fire resistance test. FDIS 1 3943
fi re tra p 58

fi re tra p S ee dead end . fi re fi g h t e r < p a rt ti m e> S ee firefighter

ISO 8421 - 6 <retained> .
ISO 8421 -8
fi re tu g S tandard tug boat which is addition-

ally provided with firefighting equipment. fi refi g h ter < reta i n ed > Person whose main

BS 4422 occupation is other than that of a firefighter

but who is employed as a firefighter on a

fi re u n d er con trol S ee stop message . part- time basis.

ISO 8421 -8 ISO 8421 -8

fi re va l ve Automatically operated fast-acting fi re fi g h t e r < vo l u n t e e r> S ee firefighter
valve to shut off the supply of gas or oil to a <retained>.
heater in the event of fire . ISO 8421 -8
Equipment/Space Heating: Hazard Classi-
fication fi refi g h ter’s a xe S mall axe carried by fire-
fighters on their belt.
fi re wa l l S ee thermal radiation screen . ISO 8421 -8
BS 4422
fi refi g h ter’s boots Waterproof safety boots

fi re wa rd en Individual charged with specific which will not produce sparks .

responsibilities in the event of a fire , nor- ISO 8421 -8
mally involving a check to ensure that a -

p artic ular are a o f the building has b een fi refi g h ter’s g l oves S afety gloves designed

evacuated. to counter one or more hazards , e. g. electri-

PAS 79 cal, chemical, heat, etc.

ISO 8421 -8
fi re wa rn i n g sys tem Means of alerting peo-

ple to the existence of a fire . fi refi g h ter’s h el m e t Headgear intended to

Fire Safety – Risk Assessment ensure protection of the wearer’s head against

hazards which might occur during opera-

fi re zon e Room or compartment in which tions carried out by firefighters .

the fire is assumed to occur for the purposes BS 4422
of design of pressure differential systems .

*BS 5588-4 fi refi g h ter’s protecti ve cl oth i n g S pecific

garments providing protection for the fire-

fi re/sm oke stoppi n g S eal provided to close fighter.
an imperfection of fit or design tolerance BS 4422
between elements or components to restrict
the passage of fire , heat and smoke . fi refi g h ters’ e l eva tor S ee fire lift.
Fire Precautions Act 1971: Guide to Fire ISO 8421 -8
Precautions in Existing Places ofWork That
Require a Fire Certificate. 1 993. fi refi g h ti n g Taking suitable action to extin-
guish a fire .
fi refi g h ter Active participating member of ISO 8421 -8
a fire brigade .
ISO 8421 -8 fi refi g h ti n g a cces s Approach facilities pro-

vided to enable the fire brigade personnel

fi refi g h ter < fu l l ti m e> Person whose main and equipment to gain access to, or within,

occupation is that of firefighter. the premises.

ISO 8421 -8 BS 4422

 59 fi refi g h ti n g a ccess l obby

Ventilated lobby
fi refi g h ti n g a ccess l ob by Fixed sys-
fi xed fi re exti n g u i sh i n g system

having an adequate degree of fire protec- tem consisting of a calculated supply of

tion into which a firefighters’ lift and dry/ extinguishing medium connected to fixed
wet rising mains discharge. nozzle (s) through which the medium is dis-
ISO 8421 -8 charged to extinguish a fire , manually or
automatically.
fi re fi g h t i n g Lift with fire protection
l i ft
ISO 8421 -4
measures , including controls that enable it
to be used under the direct control ofthe fire fi xed h ose reel See hose reel <fixed>.
and rescue service in fighting a fire.
BS 4422
PAS 79
Switch provided to
fi refi g h ti n g l i ft swi tch
fi xed sen si ti vi ty d etector See fire detec-
bring a firefighting lift under the immedi- tor <fixed sensitivity> .
ate control of the fire brigade . BS 4422
BS 4422
fixed suction installation See suction instal-
fi refi g h ti n g l obby Protected lobby provid- lation <fixed> .
ing access from a firefighting stairway to BS 4422
the accommodation area and to any associ-
ated firefighting lift. fi xi ty Conditions at the edges, ends or sup-
BS 4422 ports of a test specimen through which the
applied test load is either being applied
Protected enclosure con-
fi refi g h ti n g sh a ft
or reacted either directly or by induced
taining a firefighting stairway, firefighting moments.
lobbies, dry/wet rising water main and, if
BS 476-20
provided, a firefighting lift together with
its machine room.
Hose folded backwards and for-
PD 7974-5
fl a ked h ose

wards on itself in a series of folds of equal

fi refi g h ti n g sta i rwa y Protected stairway length.
communicating with the accommodation area BS 6391
only through a firefighting lobby.
BS 4422 noun ) Rapid, self-sustaining, sub-sonic
fl am e (

propagation of combustion in a gaseous

fi rem a n ’s swi tch Switch fitted externally to medium, usually with emission of light.
a building to enable firefighters to isolate FDIS 1 3943
electrical apparatus.
BS 4422 verb ) Undergo combustion in the gas-
fl a m e (

eous phase with emission of light.

See fire resistant.
fi reproof
BS EN ISO 1 3943
BS 4422
fireworks Devices or preparations of an explo- Period of time for
fl a m e a ppl i ca ti on ti m e

sive or flammable nature used for spectacu- which the ignition flame is applied to the
lar effects or display purposes. test specimen under specified conditions.

Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing Places

BS EN ISO 1 5025
of Entertainment and Like Premises 1 998.
fl a m e a rrester

fi rst a l a rm See pre-determined attendance. fl a m e tra p Device consisting of an arrester

ISO 8421 -8 element, an arrester housing and associ-
fl a m e a rrester el em en t 60

ated fittings, used to prevent the passage of
flame into a hazardous atmosphere.
BS 4422
fl a m e a rreste r el em en t Permeable matrix
with any associated immediate mounting
which under specified conditions will pre-
vent the transmission of flame .
BS 4422
Frame retaining the
fl a m e a rrester h ou si n g
fl a m e reta rd a n t ( noun ) Substance added,
or treatment applied, to a material in order
to suppress or delay the appearance of a
flame and/or reduce its propagation (spread)
rate.
Note 1 See also fire retardant.
Note 2 The use of flame retardants does
not necessarily suppress fire .
BS EN ISO 1 3943

arrester element as a unit for mounting on fl a m e reta rd ed Treated with a flame retar-
the appropriate plant or apparatus assem- dant.
bly. BS EN ISO 1 3943
BS 7244
fl am e spread <l ateral > Lateral flame spread
fl a m e d etector See fire detector <flame>. is the furthest extent oftravel ofa sustained
BS 4422 flame under specified conditions.
BS EN 1 3501 -1
fl a m e fron t Boundary of flaming combus-
tion at the surface of a material or propa- fl a m e s prea d < ve rt i c a l > Vertical flame
gating through a gaseous mixture. spread ( F ) is the highest point reached by
s

BS EN ISO 1 3943 the flame tip under specified conditions.

BS EN 1 3501 -1
fl a m e h ei g h tThe distance from the upper
edge of the burner or burning material to F Propagation of a fire front.
fl a m e sprea d
s

the yellow tip of the flame . BS EN ISO 1 3943

BS ISO 1 1 925-2
fl a m e sp rea d ra te Distance travelled by a
fl a m e m ea n Largest average
persi sten ce flame front during its propagation, divided
flame persistence time, in seconds, of five by the time of travel, under specified condi-
flame exposures carried out under specified tions.
conditions, each flame exposure being the Note It is expressed in m s –1
average of six determinations.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
BS EN ISO 1 4935
fl a m e sprea d ti m e Time taken by a flame
fl a m e resi sta n ce Deprecated term. front on a burning material to travel a
BS EN ISO 1 3943 specified distance on the surface, or to cover
a specified surface area under specified con-
fl a m ereta rd a n ce Property of a material
ditions.
whereby flaming combustion is slowed,
terminated or prevented . Note It is expressed in s.
Note 1 Flame retardance can be an in- BS EN ISO 1 3943
herent property of the basic material or it
See flame arrester.
may be imparted by specific treatment.
fl a m e tra p

BS 4422
Note 2 The degree of flame retardance ex-
hibited by a material during testing may fl a m e l e s s com bu sti on Combustion of a
vary with test conditions. material without flame .
BS EN ISO 1 3943 BS 4422
 61
fl a m eove r Flash-over dominated by an in-
crease in the production of flammable gases
from surfaces exposed to fire radiation.
BS 4422
fl a m eproof Deprecated term, except in the
context ofthe classification ofmethods used
to prevent ignition of explosive atmospheres
by electrical equipment. See flameproof
enclosure <electrotechnical> .
FDIS 1 3943
fl a m eproof e n cl osu re < el ectrotech n i ca l >
Apparatus in which parts that can ignite
an explosive atmosphere are placed in an
enclosure which can withstand the pressure
developed during an explosion of the atmo-
sphere within the enclosure and which can
prevent the transmission of the explosion to
the atmosphere surrounding the enclosure.
FDIS 1 3943
fl a m eproof j oi n tPlace where correspond-
ing surfaces of two parts of an enclosure
come together and prevent the transmission
of an internal explosion to the explosive
atmosphere surrounding the enclosure.
BS 4422
fl a m eproof j oi n t < wi d th of>Shortest path
through a flameproof j oint from the inside
to the outside of the enclosure .
BS 4422
flame-retardant treatment Process whereby
improved flame retardance is imparted to
a material or product.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
Fabric which meets
fl a m e-reta rd e d fa bri c
specified fire performance requirements and
retains this performance after being sub-
jected to appropriate wetting or cleansing
procedures.
Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing Places
ofEntertainment and Like Premises
fl a m i n gUndergoing combustion in the gas-
eous phase with the emission oflight and heat.
BS 4422
fl a m eover
noun ) Continuation of the presence
fl a m i n g (
of a flame after its first appearance.
FDIS 1 3943
fl a m i n g com bu sti onCombustion in gas-
eous phase, usually with emission of light.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
fl a m i n g d ebri s
Material separating from
fl a m i n g d ropl ets
a burning item during the fire test proce-
dure and continuing to flame .
BS EN ISO 1 3943
flaming ignition Initiation of sustained flam-
ing.
BS 4422
Time between the first appear-
fl a m i n g ti m e
ance of a visible flame and its final extinc-
tion.
BS 4422
Time
fl a m i n g ti m e of d ropl ets < a vera g e>
during which droplets, released by a test
piece, continue to burn after falling.
BS 4422
Ability ofa material or prod-
fl a m m a bi l i ty
uct to burn with a flame under specified
conditions.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
fl a m m a b i l i t y c l a s s i fi c a t i o n of m a teri a l s
Recognition ofthe ignition and burning resis-
tance characteristics of materials other than
metal or ceramics.
*BS EN 60950 (BS 7002)
Code describing the de-
fl a m m a bi l i ty i n d ex
gree of flammability.
BS 4422
See flammable limit
fl a m m a b i l i t y l i m i t
<upper> and flammable limit <lower> .
FDIS 1 3943
. 1 998.
Temperature of
fl a m m a bi l i ty tem pera tu re
a material at which combustion is just sup-
ported under specified conditions.
BS 4422
flammable 62

flammable Capable of flaming combustion burn after removal of the source of ignition
under specified conditions. or may react in the form of an explosion .
BS EN ISO 1 3943 BS EN 501 76

flammable atmosphere See explosive atmo- flammable material Material which is flam-
sphere. mable of itself, or is capable of producing a
BS 4422 flammable gas , vapour or mist.
BS 4422
flammable coating powder Powder which
may be ignited by an effective source of flammable mist Free suspension in air of
ignition and which continues to burn after droplets of a liquid whose vapour is flam-
removal of the source of ignition or may mable .
react in the form of an explosion . BS 4422
BS EN 501 77
flammable mixture
flammable gas explosive mixture Mixture with air of a
flammable vapour Gas or vapour which, flammable material, in the form of a gas,
when mixed with air, can form an explosive droplets or dust, which is within the flam-
atmosphere . mable range and therefore capable ofbeing
BS 4422 ignited .
BS 5958-1
flammable gas detector Device to detect
the presence of a flammable gas and air flammable powder or flock Powder or flock
mixture concentration within a volume, in in a form which may readily catch fire after
order to determine explosion potential. brief contact with a source of ignition and
BS 4422 which continues to burn after removal of
the source of ignition.
flammable limit <lower (LFL)> Lowest con- *BS 6742-1 (EN 50050)
centration ofa flammable substance in air
within which a self-propagating flame can flammable range See explosive range .
occur. BS 4422
BS 4422
flammable substance Substance in the form
flammable limit <upper (UFL)> Highest of gas, vapour, liquid, solid, or mixtures of
conentration of a flammable substance in these, able to undergo an exothermic reac-
air within which a self-propagating flame tion with air when ignited.
can occur. BS EN 1 1 27-1
BS 4422
flammable vapour See flammable gas .
flammable limits Minimum and maximum BS 4422
concentrations ofgas or vapour in air which
can sustain a self-propagating flame . flare stackDuct and burner system used to
BS 4422 burn unwanted flammable gas in a safe
manner and discharge it into the environ-
flammable liquid Liquid capable of pro- ment.
ducing a flammable vapour. BS 4422
BS 4422
flash-back Flash-over triggered by some
flammable liquid spraying material Mate- change in circumstances which makes new
rial which may be ignited by an effective supplies of oxygen available.
source of ignition and which continues to BS 4422
63 flash fire

flash fire B urning of a flammable vapour floating barrage Equipment used to hold

cloud at a speed such that there is no signifi- back or confine the spread of a pollutant on

cant over pressure ahead or behind the flame the surface of water.

front. ISO 8421 -8

BS 4422
flooding quantity Mass or volume of ex-

flash point Minimum temperature to which tinguishing medium required to achieve

a material product must be heated for
or a the design concentration within the pro-

the vapours emitted to ignite momentarily tected volume.

in the presence of flame under specified BS 4422
conditions.
floor Horizontal separating element of build-
Note It is expressed in ° C.
ing construction which is loadbearing.
BS EN ISO 1 3943 BS EN 1 634-1
flash-ignition temperature (FIT) Minimum floor area Area enclosed by the inner sur-

temperature at which, under specified test faces of a wall, including internal walls .
conditions, sufficient flammable gases are
PD 7974-5
emitted to ignite momentarily on applica-

tion of a pilot flame . floor space factor Estimated floor area per
ISO 871 occupant in a specified type of occupancy.

Note The total floor area divided by the

flashing Existence of flame repeated for very
floor space factor gives the number of per-
short periods of time on or over the surface
sons who might need to use escape routes .
of the specimen .
BS EN ISO 1 3943 BS 4422
floor void Cavity between a structural floor
flash-over state of total sur-
Transition to a
and a platform above, through which build-
face involvement in a fire of combustible
ing services can pass.
materials within an enclosure .
DD 9999
BS EN ISO 1 3943
flooring Upper layer(s) of a floor, compris-
flash-over <electrotechnical> Electrical dis-
ing any surface finish with or without an
charge which occurs over the surface of
attached backing and with any accompany-
a s o lid dielec tric in a gas eo us o r liquid
ing underlay, interlayer and adhesives.
medium.
BS EN 1 3501 -1
FDIS 1 3943
flow rate Number of persons passing a point
flashpoint (closed cup) Minimum temper-
in a unit of time of specified path width.
ature to which a product, confined in a
DD 9999
closed cup, must be heated for the vapours

emitted to ignite momentarily in the pres- flow velocity Rate of water flow through a

ence of a flame , when operating under stan- check valve expressed as the equivalent water
dardized conditions. velocity through a pipe of the same nominal

BS 3900-A9 (BS 6664-2 ISO 1 523) size as the check valve.

ISO 61 82-6
flat Dwelling , forming part of a larger build-

ing, that has all its rooms on one level or not flue gases Gaseous products of combus-

more than half a storey height apart. tion together with excess air.
BS 5839-6 BS 1 846-1
fl u i d i c pressu re con trol l ed a u tom a ti c rel ea se m ech a n i sm 64

fluidic pressure controlled automatic release mechanically or chemically formed by a

m ech a n i sm Mechanism that holds and liquid.

releases because of pressure or a change in ISO 8421 - 4

pressure in a fluid.
foam <extinguishing>.
BS 5839-3 foam <finished> See

BS 4422
fl u oroprotei n foa m con cen tra te S ee foam
foam <firefighting> See extinguishing foam.
concentrate <fluoroprotein> .
BS 4422
BS 4422
foa m < g en tl e a p pl i ca ti on > Application of
fl u x profi l e Curve relating total heat flux
foam indirectly to the surface of a liquid
on the specimen plane to a distance from
fuel via a backboard, tank wall or other sur-
the zero point.
face.

Note The zero point of the radiant flux *BS ISO 7203-1
profile is specified as the inner edge of the

hottest side of the specimen holder. foam <mechanical> generator Device intro-

line of hose for creating mechan-

BS EN ISO 9239-1 duced into a

icalfoam , which is discharged through a

fl y g a l l ery Narrow balcony or gantry, usu-

branch .
ally running from front to back of the stage Fire Service Training Manual
on one or both sides and occasionally con-
foa m < m u l ti pl e j et i n d u ctor> Device posi-
tinuing across the back wall, used for secur-
tioned at the pump , capable of inducing suf-
ing suspension lines, loading counterweights
ficient concentrate into the pump to supply
and operating suspension lines, and occa-
one or more foam branch pipes.
sionally for rigging lighting equipment.
ISO 8421 -8
BS 5588-6
foam < n on -aspirated > Foam produced out-
foa m S ee extinguishing foam .
side the equipment by the mixing of air and
BS 4422 a spray of foam solution .

foa m < a spi ra ted > Foam produced by the

BS 4422
intimate mixing of air and foam solution foa m < ph ysi ca l > S ee foam mechanical.
within the equipment.
BS 4422
BS 4422
foa m < ra te of a pp l i ca ti on > Rate of appli-
foam < ch aracteristic val u e> Value declared
cation of the foam solution per unit area of
by the foam concentrate supplier for the fire .
chemical and physical properties and the
BS 4422
performances of the foam and foam solu-
tion . foa m < su b-su rfa ce a ppl i ca ti on > Introduc-

BS ISO 7203-1 tion offoam below the surface of a flamma-

ble liquid so that it will rise to the surface
foam <chemical> Extinguishing foam form- and spread to provide an extinguishing foam

ed by the reaction of an alkaline salt solu- layer.

tion with an acid solution in the presence of BS 4422

a foam stabilizing agent.
BS 4422
foa m < exti n g u i sh i n g >
dium c o ns i s ti ng
foa m bra n ch Branch fitted to the end of a
delivery hose capable of aerating a foam
Extinguishing me- solution within the equipment.
of a mas s o f bub b le s BS 4422
65 foam burnback time

foam burnback time Time taken for the foam concentrate <protein> Foam con-
complete or partial burn back of a fire cov- centrate derived from hydrolized protein
ered by foam . materials .
BS 4422 BS 4422

foam compatibility Capability of foam to foam concentrate <synthetic> Foam con-

remain effective when applied simultaneously centrate based on a mixture ofhydrocarbon
with other fire extinguishing media (such surface active agents and which may contain
as extinguishing powder) on a fire. fluorocarbons with additional stabilizers.
ISO 8421 -4 BS 4422

foam concentrate ratio Ratio of the foam

foam concentrate Substance which, when
concentrate volume to the solution volume.
mixed with water in the appropriate con-
BS 4422
centration , gives a foam solution .
BS 4422 foam container Container to carry foam con-
centrate .
foam concentrate <alcohol resistant> Foam
Fire Service Training Manual
concentrate suitable for the extinction of
fires involving water miscible fuel (polar foam dam Portable reservoir to provide a
liquids) and other fires of fuels destructive continuous supply of foam concentrate for
to regular foams . pick-up tubes.
BS 4422 Fire Service Training Manual

foam concentrate <aqueous film forming foam drainage time Time taken for a speci-
(AFFF)> Foam concentrate forming an fied percentage of the liquid content of a
aqueous film that floats on the surface of foam to drain out.
hydrocarbon liquids under specified condi- Note Foams are commonly specified by
tions. 25% or 50% drainage times .
BS 4422 BS 4422

foam concentrate <film-forming fluoro- foam expansion ratio Ratio of the volume
protein (FFFP)> Fluoroprotein foam of foam to the volume of foam solution
concentrate which has the ability to form from which it is made.
an aqueous film on the surface of some Note Foams are usually graded as low ex-
hydrocarbons. pansion (expansion ratio less than 20:1 ),
BS 4422 medium expansion (expansion ratio between
20:1 and 200:1 ) and high expansion (expan-
foam concentrate <fluoroprotein> Pro- sion ratio greater than 200:1 ).
tein foam concentrate with added fluori- BS 4422
nated surface active agents.
BS 4422 foam extinguishing system Extinguishing
system containing foam as extinguishing
foam concentrate <multipurpose> Foam medium .
concentrate suitable for the extinguishments BS 4422
of fires involving water miscible fuels (polar
liquids) and hydrocarbons. foam fire extinguisher See extinguisher.
BS 4422 BS 4422
foa m fi re exti n g u i sh er < ch em i ca l >
foa m fi re exti n g u i sh er < ch em i ca l >
extinguisher from which chemical foam is
expelled when the chemical solutions, stored
separately within the body of the extin-
guisher, are allowed to mix and react.
ISO 8421 -4
foa m fi re exti n g u i s h er < m ech a n i ca l ,
ca rtri d g e> Fire extinguisher from which
mechanical foam is expelled by pressure
from a cartridge ofcompressed gas attached
to or fitted into the extinguisher.
Fire Service Training Manual
foa m fi re exti n g u i sh er < m ech a n i ca l , stored
Fire extinguisher from which
pressu re>
mechanical foam is expelled by pressure
stored within the body of the extinguisher
as a whole.
Fire Service Training Manual
foa m g en e ra torDevice positioned in a line
ofhose to produce a foam solution which is
then aerated.
BS 4422
foa m g e n era tor < h i g h expa n si on >
making component in which air is forced
through a gauze screen that is sprayed with
foam solution to make the foam.
BS 4422
Piece ofequipment whereby
foa m i n d u ctor
foam concentrate is induced into the water
stream.
BS 4422
Device posi-
foa m i n d u ctor < m u l ti pl e j et>
tioned at the pump and capable of inducing
sufficient foam concentrate into the water
stream to supply one or more foam branches.
BS 4422
foa m i n l et Fixed equipment consisting of
an inlet connection, fixed piping and a
discharge assembly, enabling foam to be
introduced into an enclosed compartment.
BS 4422
66
Fire foa m i n l et a d a ptorAdaptor fitted on fixed
foam inlets to enable foam branches to
feed into a fixed installation.
Fire Service Training Manual
foam making branch-pipe See foam branch.
BS 4422
gas
foa m m a ki n g eq u i pm en t < sel f a spi ra ti n g >
Foam making equipment in which air is
induced by the discharge of foam solution
from a nozzle or nozzles into the equipment
(the induced air is mixed intimately with the
foam solution within the equipment to pro-
duce the foam).
BS 4422
foa m m ech a n i ca l
foa m ph ysi ca l Foam formed by introduc-
tion of air or inert gas within a foam solu-
tion .
BS 4422
foa m m on i tor Fixed branchpipe mounted
on a swivelling base, so that its greater out-
put can be discharged without reaction on
Foam
the operator. The base unit may be fixed at
one place, or may be trolley-mounted or
vehicle-mounted.
BS 5306-0
foa m sol u ti on Mixture of foam concentrate
and water.
BS 4422
Time taken for
foa m sol u ti on tra n si t ti m e
the foam solution to flow through the pipe-
work, from the point at which the foam
concentrate is injected into the water stream
to the point at which the air is injected into
the foam solution to make the foam .
BS 4422
foam tender Fire appliance wholly or mainly
used for carrying foam concentrate and/or
equipment.
BS 4422
67 forceful application

forceful application Application of foam
to fall directly onto the surface of a liquid
fuel.
*BS ISO 7203-1
Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy
(FTIR) Analytical chemical technique in
which a gaseous sample is subjected to exci-
tation of molecular bonds by pulsed, broad-
band infra-red radiation, and the Fourier
transform mathematical method is used to
obtain an absorption spectrum.
Note FTIR can be used for the simulta-
neous measurement of the concentrations
of component gases in a gas mixture and is
thus a useful method for the analysis of gas-
eous fire effluent.
Note See also spectroscopy.
FDIS 1 3943
fractional effective concentration (FEC)
Ratio of the concentration of an irritant to
that concentration expected to produce a
specified effect on an exposed subject of
average susceptibility.
Note 1 As a concept, FEC may refer to any
effect, including incapacitation , lethality or
other endpoints.
Note 2 When not used with reference to a
specific irritant, the term FEC represents
the summation of FEC values for all irri-
tants in a fire-generated atmosphere.
Note 3 It is dimensionless.
Note 4 See also F factor.
FDIS 1 3943
fractional effective dose (FED) Ratio of
the exposure dose for an asphyxiant toxi-
cant to that exposure dose ofthe asphyxiant
expected to produce a specified effect on an
exposed subject of average susceptibility.
Note 1 As a concept, FED may refer to
any effect, including incapacitation, lethality
or other endpoints.
Note 2 When not used with reference to a
specific asphyxiant, the term FED represents
the summation of FED values for all as-
phyxiants in a combustion atmosphere.
Note 3 It is dimensionless.
FDIS 1 3943
fractional irritant concentration (FIC) Con-
centration ofone or more irritant effluents
present in a fire at any time divided by the
exposure concentration required to obtain a
defined toxic endpoint (escape impairment,
incapacitation or death).
BS 4422
frangible element Single or laminated mate-
rial,part or all of which will irreversibly
fracture under pressure or impact.
BS 4422
free LNG fire Fire where LNG is in free
combustion , not covered by any foam .
BS EN 1 2065
free-hanging smoke curtain Smoke cur-
tain fixed only along its top edge.
PD 7974-2
frequency Probability that an event will hap-
pen over a period oftime.
PD 7974-7
friction loss Pressure loss in a hose line due
to friction between the flowing liquid and
the internal walls of the hose.
BS 4422
FTIR See Fourier transform infra-red spec-
troscopy.
FDIS 1 3943
fuel Substance which can react exothermi-
cally with an oxidizing agent.
FDIS 1 3943
fuel lean combustion Combustion in which
the equivalence ratio is less than unity.
Note In well-ventilated fires , the fuel/air
mixture is fuel lean; and complete combus-
tion will tend to occur.
FDIS 1 3943
fu el l oa d 68

fu el l oad Total amount of combustible mate- S ee sprin-

fu l l y h yd ra u l i ca l l y ca l cu l a ted

rial. kler <fully hydraulically calculated>.

Note It is expressed in MJ
BS 5306-2
DD 9999 fu rn a ce cl osu re S uitable form of construc-

ti o n de s i gne d to fi ll the s p ac e b e twe e n

fu el l oa d d en si ty Fuel load per unit area.
the permanent opening of the furnace and
Note
–2
It is expressed in MJ m the test construction so that the specified

DD 9999 furnace conditions are maintained for the

duration of the test without interconnec-

fu el ri ch com bu sti on Combustion in which tion between the test construction and the

the equivalence ratio is greater than unity. furnace closure and which has no signifi-

Note In ventilation-controlled fires, the fuel/ cant effect on the behaviour of the test spec-
air mixture is fuel rich, and relatively high
imen .
concentrations of pyrolysis products and BS 476-20
incomplete combustion gases will result.
sprinkler
FDIS 1 3943
fu s i b l e e l e m e n t s p ri n kl e r S ee

<fusible link> .

Evolution of a fire to
fu l l fi re d evel opm e n t
BS 4422
a state of full flaming of combustible mate-
fu si bl e l i n k Device that releases a compo-
rials .
nent fire damper fire shutter
BS EN ISO 1 3943
such as a or

at a set temperature.

State of total involve-

fu l l y d evel oped fi re
Note This incorporates either a solder link

ment of combustible materials in a fire . or a frangible glass bulb.

BS EN ISO 1 3943 DD 9999

G

Floor which is less than one-half of

g a l l e ry g l a ss bu l b sp ri n kl er See sprinkler <glass
the area of the space into which it projects. bulb> .
Approved Document B (Fire safety) – BS 4422
Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition)
g l a zed el em en t Building element with one
Max-
or more (light transmissive) panes , that are
g a p < m a xi m u m experi m en ta l sa fe>

imum gap which has been found to prevent

built in a frame with fixings and seals.
ignition of the most easily ignited external
mixture when the most incendive mixture
BS EN 1 3501 -2
ofthe same flammable material is exploded
inside a test vessel. g l oba l d i sch a rg e va l u e See total discharge
value .
*BS 5345-3
ISO 8421 - 6
g a s ca rtri d g e < pressu re con ta i n er> Pres-
sure vessel that fits into, or is attached to, an g l ob a l eq u i va l e n ce ra ti o < be n ch -sca l e fi re

extinguisher and that contains either com- tests> Mass lost from the test specimen
pressed or liquefied gas that, on operation, divided by the mass of air in the system
is used to expel the extinguishing medium . (closed systems) or introduced into the sys-
BS 5306-3 tem (open systems) and divided by the stoi-
chiometric fuel/air mass ratio.
gas con ta i n er system See extinguishant
<gas container system> . Note 1 It can be determined continuously
BS 5306-7 or as a test average, depending on the instru-
mentation in place.
g a s protecti on su i tOne piece gas-type suit, Note 2 For gaseous fuels, an alternative
used in conjunction with or incorporating expression of the global equivalence ratio
breathing apparatus , designed to be worn
can be based on the fuel/air volume ratio.
in a hostile atmosphere.
ISO 8421 -8 Note 3 It is dimensionless.
Note 4 See also equivalence ratio .
See fire detec-
g a s-sen s i n g fi re d etector
FDIS 1 3943
tor <combustion gas> .
BS 4422 g l obal eq ui val en ce ratio < fire com partm en t

Transformation ofa solid and/or

g a si fi ca ti on
tests> Mass lost from the combustible(s)
liquid material to a gaseous state. divided by the mass of air introduced into
BS EN ISO 1 3943 the fire compartment and divided by the
stoichiometric fuel/air mass ratio.
Transform a solid and/or liquid mate-
It can be determined continuously
g a si fy
Note 1
rial into a gaseous state .
or as a test average, depending on the instru-
BS EN ISO 1 3943 mentation in place.
g en tl e a ppl i ca ti on See foam <gentle appli- Note 2 For gaseous fuels, an alternative
cation>. expression of the global equivalence ratio
*BS ISO 7203-1 can be based on the fuel/air volume ratio.
glow ( noun ) 70

Note 3 It is dimensionless. does occur, is likely to do so only infre-

Note 4 S ee also equivalence ratio . quently and for short periods.

FDIS 1 3943 BS 4422

glow ( noun ) Visible light, other than from

grid Open framework of beams over a stage

which is used (primarily) for the suspension

flaming , emitted by solid undergoing com-
of scenery and lighting equipment or to pro-
bustion .
ISO/DIS 9772 vide a platform for access to the pulleys for

such suspension systems.

glowing Made luminous by heat.

DD 9999
Note S ee also incandescence . grid system S ee sprinkler system <grid> .
BS EN ISO 1 3943 BS 4422
glowing combustion Combustion of a mate- grille S ecurity or protective mesh positioned

rial in the solid phase without flame but over an opening to a duct or in a door to

with emission of light from the combustion allow air input or extraction within a room

zone. or space.

Note S ee also incandescence . DD 9999

BS EN ISO 1 3943 gross calorific potential Calorific value of
a material when the combustion is com-
glow-wire flammability index (GWFI) High-
plete and any produced water is entirely
est test temperature at which, during three
condensed.
subsequent tests, flames or glowing of the
specimen extinguish within 3 0 s after removal
*BS EN 1 3501 -1
of the glow - wire without ignition of the
gross heat of combustion S ee heat of com-
specified layer by burning drops or parti-
bustion <gross>.
cles.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
BS EN 60695-2-1 /2 (IEC 60695-2-1 /2)
gross volume of a protected enclosure
glow-wire ignition temperature (GWIT)
gross volume Volume enclosed by the build-
Temperature which is 2 5 K higher than the
ing elements around the protected enclo-
maximum temperature of the tip of the glow-
sure , le s s the vo lume o f any p e rmanent
wire which does not cause ignition during
impermeable building elements within the
three subsequent tests.
enclosure .
BS EN 60695-2-1 /3 (IEC 60695-2-1 /3) BS 4422
grades of release Classification of the release
ground storey Floor which is situated at
of flammable gas or vapour into a hazard-
such a level or levels that any given point on
ous area in terms of the probability of release.
its perimeter is at, or about, or not more than

Note Release may be graded as: 1 . 2 m below, the level of the finished surface

– continuous: release which is either con- of the ground adj oining the building in the

tinuous or is expected to occur for long vicinity of that point.

periods during normal operation; BS 5588-1

– primary: release which can be expected

to occur periodically or occasionally dur- group <of an electrical apparatus for ex-
ing normal operation; or plosive atmospheres> Classification of
– secondary: release which is not expected electrical apparatus related to the explosive

to occur in normal operation and, if it atmosphere for which it is to be used.

71 group I apparatus

Note Electrical apparatus for use in explo- group I apparatus Electrical apparatus for

sive gas atmospheres is divided into two mines susceptible to firedamp.

groups: BS EN 60079-1 4
– group I: electrical apparatus for mines

susceptible to firedamp; group I I apparatus Apparatus for use in

– group II: (which can be divided into sub- potentially explosive atmospheres , other

groups) : electrical apparatus for places than mines susceptible to firedamp.

with an explosive gas atmosphere, other BS EN 50073

than mines susceptible to firedamp.

BS EN 60079-1 4
H

h a bi ta bl e room Room used, or intended to h a za rd zon e Classification within a haz-

be used, for dwelling purposes. ard area, representing the probability of a

Approved Document B (Fire safety) – flammable gas or vapour and air mixture

Volume 1: Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition) being present.

Note Hazard zones may be classified as:

h a l on Halogenated hydrocarbon extinguish-
– zone 0 : area in which an explosive gas/
ing medium .
air mixture is continuously present, or
BS 4422
present for long periods;

h a l on expl osi on su ppressa n t Halogenated

– zone 1 : area in which an explosive gas/

hydrocarbon with recognized flame - extin- air mixture is likely to occur in normal

operation;
guishing properties.

*BS 4422-7 (ISO 8421 -7) – zone 2 : area in which an explosive gas/

air mixture is not likely to occur in nor-

Extinguisher con-
h a l on fi re exti n g u i sh er mal operation, and if it does occur will

taining a halon as extinguishing medium . only exist for a short time.

ISO 8421 -4 BS 4422

h a l ya rd S ee line .
h a za rd ou s a rea Area in which explosive
ISO 8421 -8 atmospheres are, or might be expected to

be, present in quantities such as to require

h a n d -con trol l ed bra n ch Branch with the
s p ec ial p rec autio ns fo r the c o ns truc tio n,
capability to stop or reduce the flow of water,
installation and use of electrical apparatus.
which can be capable of delivering a j et or

spray or both simultaneously.

BS 4422
BS 4422
h azardou s area <d u st> Area in which com-
h a za rd S ee fire hazard . bustible mixtures of dust, in cloud or layer

BS EN ISO 1 3943 form, and air are, or may be expected to be,

present in quantities such as to require spe-

h a za rd < d u st> Presence, or risk of the pres- cial precautions for the construction and use
ence, of a combustible mixture of dust and
of electrical apparatus.
air.
BS 7535
BS 7535
h a za rd ou s expl osi ve a tm osph ere Explo-
h a za rd com p on en t Characteristic type of
sive atmosphere which, if it ignites will
behaviour which is capable of contributing
causes damage.
to a fire hazard .
BS 6336 BS EN 1 1 27-1

h a za rd d ep a rtm en ts Units which contain h e a t a cti va ted sea l i n g system Material,

high fire loads and/or significant ignition or combination of materials, normally intu-
sources . mescent in nature, whic h, when heated,

HTM 82: Alarm and detection systems (Fire- forms a seal which is able to restrict the

code). 1 992. egress of hot gases between two adj acent

73 heat capacity

surfaces, thus contributing to the integrity heat of combustion <effective> Heat re-
of an assembly. leased from a burning test specimen in a

BS 821 4 given time interval divided by the mass lost

from the test specimen in the same time

heat capacity Amount of thermal energy
period.
required to raise the temperature of an obj ect

by one degree Kelvin. Note 1 It is the same as the net heat of

combustion if all the test specimen is con-
Note 1
–1
The typical units are J K .
ve rte d to vo l ati l e combustion products
Note 2 S ee also specific heat capacity. and if all the combustion products are fully

FDIS 1 3943 oxidized.

Note 2
–1
The typical units are kJ g .
heat detector S ee fire detector <heat> .
BS 4422 FDIS 1 3943
heat flow rate Amount of thermal energy heat of combustion <gross> Heat of com-
transferred per unit time. bustion of a substance when the combus-
Note The typical units are W. tion is complete and any produced water is

FDIS 1 3943 entirely condensed under specified condi-

tions.

heat flux Amount of thermal energy emit- BS EN ISO 1 3943

ted, transmitted or received per unit area

and unit time. heat of combustion <net> Heat of com-

Note It is expressed in W m
–2
. bustion of a substance when the combus-
BS EN ISO 1 3943 tion is complete and produced water is in

the vapour state under specified conditions.

heat flux at X minutes (HF-X) Total heat Note The net heat may be calculated from
flux received by a specimen at the most dis- the gross heat of combustion .
tant spread of flame position observed dur-

ing the first X minutes of a test. BS EN ISO 1 3943

Note
–2
It is measured in kW m .
heat of gasification Thermal energy required
*BS EN 1 3501 -1 to change a unit mass of material from the

condensed phase to the vapour phase at a

heat for sustained burning Product of the
given temperature.
time from the start of exposure of a speci-
Note
–1

men to the arrival of the flame front at a The typical units are kJ g .

specified position and the incident radiant

FDIS 1 3943
heat flux c o rre s p o ndi ng to that p o s i ti o n

measured on a non-combustible calibra-

heat release Thermal energy produced by
tion board.
combustion .
Note
–2
It is expressed in MJ m .
Note The typical units are J.
BS ISO 5658-2
FDIS 1 3943
heat of combustion Thermal energy pro-

duced by combustion of unit mass of a heat release rate Rate of thermal energy

given substance. production generated by combustion .

Note It is expressed in J kg
–1
. Note The typical units are W.

BS EN ISO 1 3943 FDIS 1 3943

h ea t stress 74

h ea t stress Conditions caused by exposure h i g h fi re ri sk a rea S ee area of higher fire

to e l evate d/re duc e d te mp e rature , radiant risk.
heat flux, or combination of these factors. BS 4422
Note These conditions can apply to peo-
Area in which persons
ple or occur in the product itself in its nor-
h i g h l i fe ri sk a rea

may reside and are not all able to move

mal use or by external influence, (and can

be adverse or not) .
unaided away from a fire , or undivided area

in which more than 5 0 people normally con-

BS EN ISO 1 3943 gregate.

Firecode: Fire Practice Note 4. Hospital Main

Kitchens . 1 994
h ea t tra n sfer i n d ex < fl a m e> Whole num-

ber calculated from the mean time in sec-

Firecode: Fire Practice Note 5: Commercial
onds to achieve a temperature rise under
Enterprises on Hospital Premises . 1 992.
specified conditions.

BS EN 367 h i g h pressu re s tora g e S torage of gas ex-

tiguishant at ambient temperature.

h ei g h t < of a b u i l d i n g > Distance of the sur-
BS 5306-4
face of the highest point of the floor of the

highest storey (excluding any such storey

high rise <building> Building of height great-
consisting exclusively of plant rooms) mea-
er than that which is subj ect to floor by floor
sured at the centre of that face of the build-
compartmentation .
ing where the measurement is greatest from
London District Surveyors Association
the level of the footway or paving in front of

that face, or, if there is no such footway or

h i g h ri se sp ri n kl er system S ee sprinkler
paving, from the level of the ground.
system <high rise> .
BS 5588-7 BS 4422
h ei g h t < of a n a tri u m > Level of the surface
h i g h tem pera tu re Temperature representa-
of the highest point of the floor of the high-
tive of a standardized fully developed fire
est storey adj acent to the atrium measured
under specified conditions.
from the level of the atrium base .
BS ISO TR 5925-2
BS 5588-7
h i g h l y fl a m m a bl e l i q u i d Liquid having a
h i g h expa n si on foa m S ee foam expansion flash point of less than 3 2 ° C (as measured
ratio . by the Abel closed cup method) .
BS 4422 Fire Certificates (Special Premises) Regu-
lations 1 976 (SI 1 976/2003).
h i g h expa n si on foa m g en era tor See foam
generator <high expansion> . high-stacked storage Storage in which goods

BS 4422 are held in high-piled free- standing blocks,

or in b lo c ks o f s tac kab l e fre e - s tandi ng

high fi re l oa d a rea Room or area which pallets.

contains large amounts of combustible mate- BS 4422

rials and thereby constitutes a fire load in
excess of that normally found. h ol d ti m e Period of time during which a

Firecode: Fire Practice Note 4. Hospital Main concentration extinguishing medium

of

Kitchens . 1 994 greater than the fire extinguishing concen-

Firecode: Fire Practice Note 5: Commercial tration surrounds the hazard .

Enterprises on Hospital Premises . 1 992. BS 4422
 75 h ol d i n g ca pa ci ty

Ability of a stair to hold a

h ol d i n g ca p a ci ty Clamp-like piece
h ose b a n d a g e < m eta l >

specified number ofpeople during an escape. of equipment used to temporarily stem a

DD 9999 minor leak in a length of pressurized hose.
ISO 8421 - 8
h ol d i n g force < of a d oor> Force required
to release a door when the automatic release h ose becket See hose sling.
mechanism is energized. BS 4422
BS 5839-3
h ose bra n ch h ol d er Metal spike with a fit-
h ol e Break in a test specimen at least 5 mm ting and with leather strap at the top used
by 5 mm in size caused by melting, glowing to permit charged hose and branch to be
or flaming. If the hole is crossed by any secured in position and left unattended.
material it is described as discontinuous. ISO 8421 -8
BS 71 75
h ose bri d g e See hose ramp .
h om og en eou s prod u ct Product consisting
BS 4422
of a single material, having uniform den-
sity and composition throughout. hose coupling Means used to join two lengths
of hose together or to connect other equip-
*BS EN 1 3501 -1
ment to a hose.
h ori zon ta l rea chHorizontal projection of
BS 4422
an igniting flame with a burner in a horizontal
Tool for tightening
h ose cou pl i n g s pa n n er
position, measured as the distance between
or loosening hose couplings .
the tip of the burner and the extreme end of
the yellow part of the flame when viewed in
ISO 8421 -8
a dim light.
See hose coupling
BS EN 532
h ose cou pl i n g wren ch

spanner.
ISO 8421 -8
h ose < d el i very> Hose used to pass water
under pressure, usually on the delivery side h ose l a yi n g l orry See hose tender.
of a pump . BS 4422
BS 4422
h ose ra m p

h ose < su cti on > Hose design to resist exter-
nal pressure and used exclusively between
the water supply and a pump .
BS 4422
h ose a d a ptor Fitting used for connecting
lengths of hose which have dissimilar cou-
plings .
BS 4422
h ose ba n d a g e Length ofcanvas, shaped like
a bandage, used to temporarily stem a minor
leak in a length of pressurized hose.
ISO 8421 - 8
h ose bri d g e Device to enable vehicles to
pass over delivery hose without damage to
the hose.
BS 4422
h ose reel Firefighting appliance consisting
essentially of a reel with water supplied
through the centre, semi-rigid hose, shut-off
nozzle and, where required, a hose guide.
BS 4422
h ose reel <au tom atic> Hose reel fitted with
an automatic inlet stop valve .
BS 4422
h ose reel < eq u i pm en t> 76

h ose reel < eq u i pm en t> Hose reel mounted h ose sl i n g

on a fire appliance . h ose be cket Rope or webbing sling used for

BS 4422 securing hose on a ladder.

BS 4422
h ose reel < fi re bri g a d e> S pool of small
h ose ten d er
diameter non- mounted on a fire appliance
h ose l a yi n g l orry Fire appliance used to
and fitted with a branch /nozzle at the deliv-
carry and to lay out hoses.
ery end.
BS 4422
ISO 8421 - 8
h ose wa g on S ee hose tender.
h ose reel < fi xed > Hose reel capable only
ISO 8421 -8
of rotating in one plane with a hose guide

adj acent to the reel. h ospi ta l street Main route of ingress and

BS 4422 egress for staff, patients, visitors, supplies

andservices and constructed as a compart-

h ose reel < m a n u a l > Hose reel fitted with a ment.
manual inlet stop valve . HTM 82: Alarm and detection systems (Fire-
BS 4422 code). 1 992.

house in multiple occupation (H MO) House

h ose reel < porta bl e> S mall spool of con-
that is occupied by persons who do not form
nected lengths of small diameter delivery
a single household .
hose capable of being rapidly laid out man-
BS 4422
ually.

ISO 8421 -8 h ybri d m i xtu reMixture with air of flam-

mable substances in different physical states.

h ose re el < swi n g i n g > Hose reel capable of Note Examples for hybrid mixtures are

rotating in more than one plane and mounted mixtures of methane, coal dust and air or

on one of the following: mixtures of gasoline vapour and gasoline

– a swinging arm; droplets with air.

– swinging pipe; or
BS 4422
– swinging door.

BS 4422 h yd ra n t S ee fire hydrant.

BS 4422
h ose reel < wh e el ed > Large spool of con-

nected lengths of ordinary delivery hose h yd ra n t < g rou n d > Hydrant fitted with its

operating means beneath a cover or plate at

mounted on wheels and which can be detach-
ground level, and permanently connected to
ed from the fire appliance .
ISO 8421 -8 a pressurized distribution main for use in

firefighting.
ISO 8421 - 8
h ose re el bra n ch S ee hose reel nozzle .
BS 4422 h yd ra n t < pi l l a r> S ee pillar hydrant.
ISO 8421 -8
h ose reel n ozzl e

h ose reel bra n ch Nozzle or branch fitted to h yd ra n t ou tl e t Component of fire hydrant

the delivery end of a hose reel. to which the standpipe is connected.

BS 4422 *BS 5306-1
 77 h yd ra n t sta n d pi pe

h ydran t stan d pipe Piece of equipment used h yd ra u l i c ra m Hydraulically operated tool,

to extend the outlet of a fire hydrant to or combination of tools, using the ram prin-

above the ground. ciple and capable pf spreading obj ects apart

BS 4422 or lifting.

ISO 8421 - 8
h yd ra u l i c a l a rm < i n term i tten t> S ounding

of an hydraulic water motor alarm going for h yd ra u l i c sp rea d er Hydraulically operated

intervals totalling less than the alarm period. tool capable of spreading, lifting and pulling

BS 5306-2 metal and masonry to facilitate the release

of trapped victims.

hydraulic cutters Hydraulically operated tool, ISO 8421 - 8

using the scissor principle, and capable of
S ee sprinkler in-
h yd ra u l i ca l l y ca l cu l a ted
cutting metal, plastics, etc.

ISO 8421 - 8 stallation <hydraulically calculated> .

BS 4422
h ydrau l i c pl atform Fire appliance equipped
hyperventilation Rate and/or depth of breath-
with a hydraulically operated articulating
ing which is greater than normal.
boom with a cage or platform at the upper

level and capable of rotating through 3 6 0° .

FDIS 1 3943
BS 4422
I

‘I ’ cri teri on See thermal insulation crite- Ignition by a separate pilot

i g n i ti on < pi l ot>

rion ‘ I’ . ignition source, of flammable vapours emit-

BS 4422 ted from the pyrolysis ofa heated material.
BS 4422
Coloured flashing light
i d en ti fi ca ti on l a m p

carried on top ofa fire appliance to indicate i g n i ti on < sel f> Spontaneous ignition due
that it is an emergency vehicle. to self-heating.
ISO 8421 -8 BS 4422
Signal received at the
i d en ti fi ca ti on si g n a l Ignition ofa heat-
i g n i ti on < spon ta n eou s>

call-out point of a remote control system
indicating that connection has been made
with remote equipment. It does not indicate
that the remote equipment is operating.
Fire Service Training Manual
Measure of the ease with which
i g n i ta b i l i ty
an item can be ignited, under specified con-
ditions.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
ed material without any separate pilot igni-
tion source.
BS 4422
i g n ition ca pa bl e a p p a ra t u s Apparatus
which, in normal operation, constitutes a
source of ignition for a specified explosive
atmosphere . This includes electrical appa-
ratus not protected .
BS EN 5001 6

i g n i ta b l e Capable of being ignited. i g n i ti on p oi n t See minimum ignition tem-

perature .
BS EN ISO 1 3943
FDIS 1 3943
intransitive verb ) Catch fire with or
i g n i te (
Probability that ignition will
without the application of an external heat
i g n i ti on ri sk

result if a source of heat is allowed into

source.
close proximity or contact with a combusti-
BS EN ISO 1 3943 ble material.

i g n i te ( transitive verb ) Initiate combustion .

BS 71 77
Note See also light. Source of energy that initi-
i g n i ti on sou rce

BS EN ISO 1 3943 ates combustion .

BS EN ISO 1 3943
i g n i ted ( adjective) State of an item under-
going combustion . Mini-
i g n i ti on tem p era tu re < m i n i m u m >

BS EN ISO 1 3943 mum temperature at which combustion can

be initiated under specified test conditions.
i g n i ti on Initiation of combustion . Note 1 It is expressed in °C.
Note The term ignition in French has a Note 2 The minimum ignition tempera-
very different meaning ( state of body com- ture implies thermal stressing to infinite
bustion ). time.
BS EN ISO 1 3943 BS EN ISO 1 3943
 79 i g n i ti on tem pera tu re < of a com bu sti bl e g a s or of a com bu sti bl e l i q u i d >
i g n i ti on t e m p e ra t u re < o f a co m b u s ti b l e
Lowest
g a s or of a com bu sti bl e l i q u i d >
temperature of a heated wall, as determined
under specified test conditions, at which the
ignition of a combustible substance in the
form ofa gas or vapour mixture with air will
occur.
BS EN 1 1 27-1
i g n i ti on tem pera tu re of a d u st l a yer/cl ou d
Lowest temperature at which ignition occurs
under defined test conditions of a combus-
tible dust layer/cloud.
BS 7535
i g n i ti on tem pe ra tu re of a n exp l osi ve g a s
a tm osph ere Lowest temperature of a
heated surface at which, under specified
conditions, the ignition ofa flammable gas
or vapour in contact with the surface will
occur.
BS 4422
i g n i ti on t e m p e ra t u r e of an
m i xtu re Temperature at which a mixture
ignites under specified conditions.
*BS 5501 -1 (EN 5001 4)
i g n i ti on ti m e of exposure of a
Duration
test specimen to a defined ignition source
required for the initiation of sustained com-
bustion under specified conditions.
FDIS 1 3943
Effects on will-
i m pa i red esca pe ca pa bi l i ty
ingness and efficiency of escape actions,
which may delay, slow or prevent evacua-
tion.
FDIS 1 3943
i m posed l oa d Force applied to an item other
than that associated with its own mass.
Note See also loadbearing criterion ‘R’ .
BS 4422
Radiation incident on a
i m p ose d ra d i a ti on
surface from a source other than that due to
local burning; in particular that provided in
a test to simulate nearby sources of heat.
BS 4422
Equip-
i n l i n e foa m con cen tra te i n d u cer
ment designed to induce foam concentrate
into a water stream, usually positioned be-
tween the pump and the branch pipe.
ISO 8421 -4
i n l i n e foa m m a ker < m e ch a n i ca l foa m g en -
era tor> Apparatus which induces foam
concentrate into a water stream to make
foam solution , and then induces air under
pressure to make foam .
ISO 8421 -4
i n -ca bi n et fi r e protecti on s ys t e m Fire
protection method specifically designed to
detect, control or suppress potential or real
fires in cabinets.
Code of Practice for Design, Installation,
Commissioning & Maintenance of Aspi-
rating Smoke Detector (ASD) Systems. 2005.
RC3e – Part 5 – Electronic Data Processing
e xp l o s i ve
Equipment; in cabinet protection
Emission of light produced
i n ca n d es cen ce
by a material when intensely heated.
Note 1 See also glowing.
Note 2 It can be produced by materials in
liquid or solid states , with or without com-
bustion .
BS EN ISO 1 3943
State of physical inability to
i n ca p a ci ta ti on
accomplish a specific task.
BS 4422
Having sufficient energy to ignite
i n cen d i ve
a flammable mixture .
Safe Design and Use ofVent Collection Sys-
tems for Potentially Flammable Mixtures .
1 994
incident heat flux density Amount of energy
incident per unit time on the exposed face
of a specimen .
Note It is expressed in kW m–2 .
BS EN 367
i n ci d en t l i g h ti n g 80

Flood lighting, either por-

i n ci d en t l i g h ti n g Suppression or neutral-
i n ert < re n d eri n g >

table or fixed to a fire appliance , used to ization of the ability of an atmosphere to

illuminate fire brigade operations. support combustion .
ISO 8421 -8 ISO 8421 -1

i n crea sed sa fety ‘e’ Type of protection in i n erti n g Addition of inert substances to pre-
which additional measures are applied so as vent explosive atmosphere s.
to give increased security against the possi- BS EN 1 1 27-1
bility of excessive temperatures and of the
i n erti n g con cen tra ti onConcentration of
occurrence ofarcs and sparks inside and on
an extinguishing medium (usually gaseous)
external parts of electrical apparatus which
necessary to prevent ignition of a particular
does not produce arcs or sparks in normal
material.
service.
BS 4422
Note Apparatus producing arcs or sparks
in normal service is excluded by this definition. i n erti n g system System designed to intro-
BS EN 60079-7 duce an adequate concentration of inert
gas to prevent the ignition of an otherwise
i n d epen den t al tern ative escape rou teOne explosive atmosphere .
of two or more escape routes , each with its BS 4422
own exit and each of which is separate from
i n fl a m m a bi l i ty Deprecated term. See flam-
the others.
mability.
BS 5588-1
BS EN ISO 1 3943
Equipment that pro-
i n d i ca ti n g eq u i pm en t
i n fl a m m a b l e Deprecated term. See flam-
vides visual indication of any alarm of fire mable .
or fault warning signal received from con- FDIS 1 3943
trol equipment.
BS 4422 Situation report to
i n fo rm a t i ve m e s s a g e

fire control giving details of an occurrence

i n d i vi d u a l
a ccep ted ri sk Measure of fire and/or the progress of operation.
risk limited to consequences experienced BS 4422
by an individual and based on the individ-
ual’s pattern of life. inherently flame-retarded Possessing through-
FDIS 1 3943 out its mass the property of flame retard-
ance without special treatment with flame
retardant.
Frequency at which an indi-
i n d i vi d u a l ri sk

vidual can be expected to sustain a given BS 4422

level of harm from the realization of speci- i n h eren tl y n on -fl am m abl e m aterial Mate-
fied hazards . rial which, although not non-combustible
PD 7974-7 and not submitted to a flameproofing pro-
cess nor provided with a flame resistant fin-
I n ert ( adjective) Incapable of supporting com- ish, is in fact non-flammable throughout its
bustion . thickness.
BS 4422 London District Surveyors Association
verb ) Suppress or neutralize the ability
i n ert ( i n i ti a ti n g
even t Event that leads to other
of an atmosphere to support combustion . events and one or more outcomes .
BS 4422 PD 7974-7
 81 i n l et box

i n l et box S ee box <inlet> . rise of the unexposed face to below speci-

BS 4422 fied levels.

BS 476-20
i n n er room Room from which escape is pos-
sible only by passing through another room. i n su l a ti on cri teri on Criterion by which the

BS 4422 ability of a separating element to limit the

temperature rise on the surface away from a

i n sta l l a ti on < a l tern a te> S ee sprinkler in- fire is assessed.
stallation <alternate> . FDIS 1 3943
BS 4422
i n teg ra ted system S ystem comprising any
i n sta l l a ti on < d ry, pi pe> S ee sprinkler in-
combination of the following, which may
stallation <dry pipe> .
share common facilities (such as hardware,
BS 4422 software or transmission medium), but with

at least one security system included:

i n stal l ation < pre-acti on > See sprinkler in-
– fire detection and alarm ;
stallation <pre-action> .
alarm ;
BS 4422 – personal attack

– intruder alarm;

– hazard warning;
i n sta l l a ti on < recycl i n g > S ee sprinkler in-
– fixed fire extinguishing;
stallation <recycling> .
BS 4422 – public address;

– access control;

– closed circuit television;

i n sta l l a ti on < spri n kl er> S ee sprinkler in-
– building and management system (B MS );
stallation .
BS 4422 – heating and ventilation;

– energy management.

i n sta l l a ti on < wet, pi pe> S ee sprinkler in- Note This list of terms may not be com-

stallation <wet pipe> . prehensive.

BS 4422 BS 7807
i n su l a ted fi re d a m p er Fire damper which
i n teg ri ty < of a sepa ra ti n g e l em en t> S ee
satisfies both the integrity and insulation
fire integrity.
criteria for the specified fire resistance period.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
BS EN 1 366-2
i n teg ri ty cri teri on ‘E ’ Criterion by which
Fire resisting gl azi ng
i n su l a ted g l a zi n g
the ability of a separating element to pre-
which satisfies both the integrity and insu-
vent passage of flames and hot gases is
lation criteria for the anticipated fire resis-
assessed.
tance period.
BS EN 1 364-3 Note S ee also fire resistance .
BS 4422
i n su l a ted wa l l Wall, with or without glaz-

ing, which satisfies both integrity and insu- i n tel l i g i b i l i ty Measure of the proportion of
lation criteria for the anticipated fire resis-
the content of a speech message that can be
tance period.
correctly understood.
BS EN 1 364-1
Note S atisfactory intelligibility requires
i n su l a ti on Ability of a specimen of a sepa- adequate audibility and adequate clarity.
rating element to restrict the temperature BS 5839-8
i n term ed i a te i n form a ti on a n d exi t d i recti on i n d i ca tors 82

i n term ed i a te i n form a ti on a n d exi t d i rec- of causing ignition of a given material or

ti on i n d i ca tors S ee exit direction indi- atmosphere.

cator. BS 4422
BS 4422
in trin sical l y safe el ectrical apparatus Elec-

i n term ed i a te-sca l e fi re test Test perform- trical apparatus in which all the circuits are

ed on an item of medium dimensions. intrinsically safe circuits .

Note A test performed on an item of which BS 4422
the maximum dimension is between 1 m and

3 m is usually called ‘ an intermediate scale i n tri n si ca l l y sa fe el ectri ca l system < el ectro-

test’ . tech n i ca l > Assembly in which all elec-

BS EN ISO 1 3943 trical circuits that might be used in hazard-

ous (classified) locations are intrinsically

i n tern a l en cl osed sta i rwa y S tairway in a
safe circuits .
building, physically separated from the accom-
*BS 5501 -9 (EN 50039)
modation by construction elements (e. g. by

walls, partitions, screens, etc. ) which pre- i n tu m escen ce Ability of a material to swell

vent smoke and/or hot gases from passing. as a reaction to fire .

BS 4422
intumescent Possessing the property of swell-

in tern al n on -substan tial com pon en t Non- ing under the influence of heat to form a

substantial component that is covered on protective, usually carbonaceous mass with

both sides by at least one substantial com- insulating and/or sealing properties.

ponent. BS 4422
BS EN 1 3501 -1
i n tu m es cen t coa ti n g system S ystem com-

i n tern a l wa l l Wall which provides fire sep- prising a primer, an intumescent coating, a

aration . It may be exposed separately to a top sealer coat and/or a decorative coat.
fire from either side. BS 8202-2
BS EN 1 364-1
i n tu m es cen t sea l Material with the prop-

i n tri n si c sa fety Protection technique based erty of swelling or foaming when exposed

upon the restriction of electrical energy with- to heat which is designed to maintain the

in apparatus and of interconnecting wiring, integrity of a fire separating element at

exposed to a potentially explosive atmo- the position where services pass through.
sphere , to a level below that which can
Note S ee also penetration seal.
causeignition by either sparking or heating
effects. B ecause of the method by which
BS 4422
intrinsic safety is achieved it is necessary

to ensure that not only the electrical appara-

i on i za ti on sm oke d etector Detector sen-
tus exp o s e d to the p o te nti al ly exp lo s ive
sitive to products of combustion capable of
affecting ionizing currents within the fire
atmosphere but also other electrical appara-

tus with which it is interconnected is suit-

detector.
ably constructed. BS 4422
*BS 5345-4
i ron m on g ery < essen ti a l > Items specified

i n tri n si ca l l y sa fe ci rcu i t Circuit in which as essential to achieve fire resistance per-

the electrical energy is so restricted that no formance of a fire door.
spark or thermal effect produced is capable BS 4422
83 i ron m on g ery < n on -essen ti a l >

i ron m on g ery < n on -essen tial > Items which i rritan t < sen sory/u pper respiratory> ( noun )
are not required to achieve the fire resis- Gas or aerosol that stimulates nerve recep-

tance performance of a fire door but which tors in the eyes, nose, mouth, throat and

if fitted might affect the performance. respiratory tract, causing varying degrees of

BS 4422 discomfort and pain with the initiation of

numerous physiological defence responses.

i rra d i a n ce < a t a poi n t on a su rfa ce> Radi-
Note Physiological defence responses in-
ant flux incident on an infinitesimal element
clude reflex eye closure, tear production,
of the surface containing the point divided
coughing, and bronchoconstriction.
by the area of that element.

BS EN ISO 1 0093 BS EN ISO 1 3943

i rri ta n t < pu l m on a ry> ( noun ) Gas or aero-
i tera ti on Repeated calculation performed on

discretized equations.
sol that stimulates nerve receptors in the

lower respiratory tract which may result in Note These are normally performed by tak-

breathing discomfort. ing the solution from one calculation, the

Note Examples of breathing discomfort are

previous iteration, as an input to the next it-

eration. This process is repeated many times

dyspnoea and an increase in respiratory rate.
over until the differences between succes-
In severe cases, pneumonitis or pulmonary
sive iterations are acceptably small.
oedema (which may be fatal) may occur

some hours after exposure. PD 7974-2

FDIS 1 3943
 J

j a ck h a m m er S ee pneumatic drill. j oi n t place where corresponding surfaces of

ISO 8421 -8 the different parts of an enclosure come

together and where flame paths from in-

jet Extinguishing medium , usually water, side to the outside of the enclosure may
leaving anozzle as a continuous stream,
occur.
water spray, or water fog (mist) .
*BS 5345-3
BS 4422
j u m pi n g cu sh i on Inflatable mattress used
j et < sol i d > Jet with almost parallel sides to
to break the fall of a person j umping from a
obtain the largest range or force possible.

BS 4422 height.

ISO 8421 -8
j e t rea cti on

n ozzl e reacti on The force acting in the oppo- j u m pi n g sh eet S heet held by firefighters to

site direction to the water stream leaving the catch or break the fall of a person j umping

nozzle . from a height.

BS 4422 ISO 8421 -8

L

l a d d er < exten si on > Multi-section ladder, l a n d i n g va l ve Assembly comprising a valve

usually extended by means of a line. and outlet connection from a rising main .
ISO 8421 -8 BS 4422
l a d d er < fol d i n g > S ee ladder <pole> . l a n tern - l i g h t Construction standing above

ISO 8421 -8 the surface of a roof and intended to admit

light to the space below.

l add er < h ook> Short ladder, fitted at its head

BS 5839-1
with an arrangement to hook it over a win-

dow sill, parapet or other ledge, for the pur-

l a rg e-sca l e fi re test Test, which cannot be
pose of scaling a building.
carried out in a typical laboratory chamber,

ISO 8421 -8 performed on an item of large dimensions.

Note A test performed on an item which

l a d d er < pol e> Ladder with rounds hinged
the maximum dimension is greater than 3 m
to the strings in such a way that the two
is usually called ‘ a large- scale test’ .
strings can be folded together.

ISO 8421 -8 BS EN ISO 1 3943

l a te n t h ea t of va p ori za ti on of wa ter Heat
l a d d er < roof> Ladder, similar in design to a
which is required to change water from a
hook ladder, used for scaling roofs .
ISO 8421 -8 liquid to a gas.

Note
–1
It is measured in MJ kg .

l add er < rope> Hanging ladder with two rope BS EN ISO 1 71 6

strings and rounds of wood or light metal.
ISO 8421 -8 l a tera l sp rea d of fl a m e S ideways progres-

sion of the flame front.

l a d d er < rou n d > Horizontal components of FDIS 1 3943
a ladder, commonly known as rungs.

ISO 8421 -8 LC
50
S ee lethal concentration 50 (LC 50 ) .
BS EN ISO 1 3943
l a d d er < sca l i n g > Tapering sectional ladder,

fitted with metal brackets on the strings, LCt

50
S ee lethal exposure dose 50 (LCt50 ) .
such that when several are j oined together BS EN ISO 1 3943
and roped they can be raised or lowered in

restricted circumstances. l e a k sea l i n g ki t Plugs, or bags, which may

ISO 8421 -8 be inflatable, used to stop a leak.

ISO 8421 -8
l ad der < sh ort> Two-section ladder extended.

ISO 8421 -8 l en g th of fl a m e pa th < wi d t h of joi n t>

S hortest distance, measured along the flame

l a d d er < stri n g > Vertical components of a path, from the inside to the outside of a

ladder which support the rounds. flameproof enclosure .

ISO 8421 -8 *BS 5345-3
lethal concentration 50 (LC 50)
lethal concentration 50 (LC50) Concentra-
tion oftoxic gas or fire effluent statistically
calculated from concentration-response data
to produce lethality in 50% of test animals
ofgiven species under specified conditions.
Note It is expressed in g m–3 .
BS EN ISO 1 3943
lethal exposure dose (LCt 50) Result of the
multiplication ofthe concentration oftoxic
gas or fire effluent with the exposure time
(concentration × time, Ct), causing lethality
of 50% of test animals of given species
under specified conditions.
Note It is expressed in g min m–3 .
BS EN ISO 1 3943
lethal exposure time tL50 Duration of expo-
sure to a fixed concentration oftoxic gas or
fire effluent, that causes death to 50% of a
population of a given species.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
level of exposure Intensity, duration and
extent of the thermal attack on a product.
BS EN 1 3501 -1
LFL See flammable limit <lower (LFL)>.
BS 4422
life and health hazard Potential injury or
loss oflife to be expected from the effects of
exposure to toxic effluent and heat in a fire.
BS 4422
life and health risk Expected extent of injury
or loss oflife from a fire, expressed in terms
of probability as the product of:
– frequency of occurrence of an undesired
event to be expected in a given technical
operation or state; and
– life and health hazard .
BS 4422
life gun See line <rocket>.
ISO 8421 -8
life net See j umping sheet.
ISO 8421 -8
86
life risk <from fire> Probability that, if a
fire occurs,an individual or individuals will
suffer death or serious injury.
BS 6336
life safety sprinkler system See sprinkler
<life safety> .
DD 9999
lift control equipment Electrical switches,
door interlocks and apparatus associated with
the operation and programming of the lift
service.
BS 4422
lift landing Floor space from which the lift
car is normally entered at each level.
BS 5588-5
lift landing door Hinged or sliding portion
of a lift well enclosure at each landing that
gives access to a lift car when open.
Note This is separate from the lift car door.
*BS 5588-5
lift machine Unit, including the motor, that
drives and stops the lift.
BS 5588-5
lift warden Person nominated to undertake
duties in relation to the evacuation ofdepend-
ent patients in case of fire by means of an
escape bed lift installation. There are three
types of lift warden each having separate
duties, namely lift wardens ( floor), lift war-
dens (control), and lift wardens (car).
Firecode: Fire Practice Note 3: Escape Bed
Lifts . 1 987.
lift well Space in which the lift and the coun-
terweight (if any) move.
BS 5588-5
lifting jack Tool, operating on either the pis-
ton or scissors principle, primarily used for
raising heavy objects in a vertical direction
ISO 8421 -8
 87 light ( transitive verb )

light ( transitive verb ) Initiate combustion . Maximum permissi-

l i m i ti n g tem pera tu re

Note See ignite . ble temperature of apparatus or parts of appa-

ratus equal to the lower of the two tempera-
BS EN ISO 1 3943 tures determined by:
– the danger of ignition of the explosive
Extinguishing medium
l i g h t wa ter foa m
gas atmosphere;
having the ability to assist water to float on – the thermal stability of the materials
the surface of flammable liquids and pro- used.
vide a seal to prevent re-ignition. *BS EN 5001 9
Fire Service Training Manual
line Any length of rope used by a firefighter.
l i g h ted ISO 8421 -8
lit

adjective) State ofan item after appear-

al i g h t ( l i n e < rescu e>Special line incorporating fea-
ance and during persistence of flame . tures designed to assist rescue with an aerial
BS EN ISO 1 3943 appliance .
ISO 8421 -8
noun ) (1 ) First appearance of flame.
l ig h tin g (
l i n e <rocket> Light line attached to a rocket,
(2) Act of initiating combustion .
designed to project the line across a chasm
BS EN ISO 1 3943
or river, etc.
ISO 8421 -8
lighting <emergency> See emergency light-
ing. l i n e d etector See fire detector <line>.
BS 4422 BS 4422

l i m i ted fl a m e sprea d i n d ex Number indi- Length of material burn-

l i n ear bu rn in g rate

cating that a material or material assem- ed per unit time under specified conditions.
bly achieved a specified level. Note It is expressed in m s –1 .
BS EN 533
BS EN ISO 1 3943
l i m i ted rel e a seRelease of flammable gas Linear void having a length to
l i n ea r j oi n t

or vapour, the maximum flow rate of which width ratio ofat least 1 0:1 between or within
can be predicted. two juxtaposed elements.
BS EN 5001 6 Note Typical locations of linear j oints in-
clude floors , the perimeter of floors, walls,
l im itin g oxyg en con cen tration (LOC) Max- ceilings and roofs .
imum oxygen concentration in a mixture
of a flammable substance and air and an
BS EN 1 366-4
inert gas, in which an explosion will not System designed to main-
l i n ea r j oi n t sea l
occur, determined under specified test con- tain the fire separating function, and if rele-
ditions. vant, to accommodate a specified degree of
BS EN 1 1 27-1 movement.
BS EN 1 366-4
Minimum con-
l i m i ti n g oxyg en i n d ex (LOI )

centration of oxygen in a mixture of oxy- Material incorporated in a

l i n i n g m a teri a l

gen and nitrogen that will just support com- building structure to form the exposed sur-
bustion of a material under specified test face of a wall and ceiling.
conditions. Fire and the Design ofEducationa Buildings.
BS ISO 4880 Building Bulletin 7. Sixth Edition . 1 997
l i q u efi ed fl a m m a bl e g a s 88

l i q u efi ed fl a m m a bl e g a s S ubstance which LOAEL See lowest observable adverse effect

at a normal temperature and pressure would level (LOAEL) .

be a flammable gas , but which is in liquid BS 4422
form as a result of the application of pres-

sure or refrigeration or both.

l obby < ven ti l a ted > Protected lobby pro-

BS 4422 vided with means of ventilation connected

to the open air.

Commercial bu-
l i q u efi ed p etrol eu m g a s
*BS 4422-5 (ISO 8421 -5)
tane , commercial propane or any mixture
l ob by a p proa ch s t a i r wa y S ee stairway
thereof.
<lobby approach> .
Fire Certificates (Special Premises) Regu- BS 4422
lations 1 976 (SI 1 976/2003).
LO C S ee limiting oxygen concentration
l oa d l evel Magnitude of a test load (mechan- (LOC) .
ical actions) in relation to the loadbearing
BS 4422
capacity of a member at normal tempera-

ture. l oca l a ppl i ca ti on e xt i n g u i s h i n g s ys t e m

Note The loadbearing capacity of a mem-

Extinguishing system consisting of a cal-

culated supply of extinguishing media arrang-

ber at normal temperature is determined by
ed to discharge directly on to an identified
testing or calculation, taking into account

the actual mechanical properties of the load- hazard .

bearing element tested. BS 4422
BS EN 1 363-1 Nozzle which is
l oca l a pp l i ca ti on n ozzl e

designed to discharge aj et of extinguish-

l oa d bea ri n g ca pa ci ty S ee loadbearing cri- ing medium onto a protected risk.
terion ‘ R’ . BS 4422
FDIS 1 3943
l oca l l y resetta bl e d etector S ee fire detec-
l oa d bea ri n g cri teri on ‘R’ Ability of a build- tor <locally resettable> .
ing element or structure to sustain an applied BS 4422
load when exposed to fire .
LOI S ee limiting oxygen index (LOI) .
Note
BS 4422
This term is preferred to loadbearing

capacity within the European Community.

It is used by the European fire testing and

l oss preven ti on Approach to safety distin-
fire construction industry and by those who
guished by emphasis upon incorporating safe-
use European standards both inside and out-
ty into the initial design.
side the EC.
BS 4422
FDIS 1 3943
l ou d spea ker zon e Part of the area of cov-

l oa d bea ri n g el em en t Element that is in-

erage of a voice alarm system to which
information can be given separately from
tended for use in supporting a load in a
any other part.
building and maintaining that support in the

event of a fire . BS 4422

BS EN 1 363-1 l ow expa n si on foa m Foam having an ex-

pansion ratio of up to 20.

l oa d bea ri n g wa l l Wall designed to support

an applied load. Note S ee also foam expansion ratio .

BS EN 1 365-1 ISO 8421 -4
89 l ow m ou n ted wa y g u i d a n ce system

l ow m ou n te d wa y g u i d a n ce system S ee l ower fl am m abl e l i m it See flammable limit

way guidance system <low mounted> . <lower (LFL)> .
BS 4422 BS 4422
l ow pressu re stora g e S torage of gas ex- l o we s t o b s e rva b l e a d ve r s e e ffe c t l e ve l

tinguishant in pressure containers at a con- (LOAEL) Lowest exposure dose of a chem

trolled low temperature of –1 8 ° C. ical at which there are statistically or bio-

BS 5306-4 logically significant increases in frequency

or severity of adverse effects seen between

l ower expl osi on poi n t S ee explosion point the exposed population and its appropriate

<lower> . control.

BS 4422 FDIS 1 3943

l ower e xpl osi ve l i m i t S ee explosive limits l ow-ri se system S ee sprinkler system <low
<lower (LEL)> . rise>.
BS 4422 BS 4422
M

m ain tain ed em erg en cy l ig h tin g See emer- in their own right, e. g. as the owner, or by

gency lighting <maintained> . delegation (of statutory duty) .

BS 4422 PD 7974-6
maintained emergency luminaire See emer- m a n a g em e n t l i g h ti n g Part of the general

gency luminaire <maintained>. lighting which in the absence of adequate

BS 4422 daylight is intended for use during the whole

time the public are on the premises.

m a i n ten a n ce Combination of all technical BS 4422

and administrative actions including super-

vision actions intended to retain a product m a n a g em e n t of fi re sa fety Tasks carried

in, or restore it to, a state in which it can per- out by a defined person or persons with

form a required function. appropriate powers and resources to ensure

PD 7974-7 that the fire safety systems, passive, active

and procedural, within the building are work-

maisonette Dwelling, forming part of a larger ing properly at all times.

building, which includes rooms on two or DD 9999

more levels that are more than half a storey
m a n a g i n g fi re sa fety Whole process from
apart.

BS 5839-6 the design throughout the life of a building

that relates to those activities designed to

m a l i ci ou s i g n i ti on Act of wilfully and mali- ensure that the incidence of fire is mini-

ciously setting fire to another person’s prop- mized but that, when a fire occurs, appropri-

erty, or to one’s own with the intention to ate safety systems, passive, active and proce-
defraud. dural, are in place.

BS 4422 m a n d a tory si g n S afety sign that indicates

that a specific course of action is to be taken.

Access route for pedestrians in a shop-
BS 5499-5
mall

ping complex.
BS 4422 m a n u a l ca l l poi n t S ee fire alarm manual
call point.
Final exit from a mall, or a storey
m a l l exi t

exit, or an exit from a mall which leads

BS 4422
directly to a storey exit or final exit by way
m a n u a l fi re a l a rm system S ystem (not con-
of a protected corridor/passageway. taining fire detectors ) in which an alarm of
BS 4422 fire may only be initiated manually.
ISO 7240-1
mall secti on Length of mall between two

mall exits. m a n u a l h ose reel S ee hose reel <manual>.

BS 5588-1 0 BS 4422
m a n a g em en t Person or persons in overall m a n u a l h ose reel system Manual fire ex-
control of the premises whilst people are tinguishing system consisting of a hose,

present, exercising this responsibility either stowed on a reel or rack, with a manually
91 manual hose reel system <gaseous>

operated discharge nozzle assembly, all con- marine <‘F’ class division> (Applies to fish-

nected by a fixed pipe to a supply of carbon ing vessels only. ) B ulkhead, deck, ceiling or
dioxide . lining possessing 3 0 minutes resistance to

BS 5306-4 the passage of flame only, including speci-

fied qualities of insulation .

manual hose reel system <gaseous> Fire *BS 4422-9
extinguishing system consisting of a hose,

stowed on a reel or rack, with a manually marine <division> B ulkhead, deck, ceiling
operated discharge assembly, all connect- or lining having a specified fire perfor-
ed by a fixed pipe to a supply of gaseous mance when tested in accordance with a

extinguishant. specified standard.

BS 5306-0 Note Divisions can be classified accord-

ing to their performance.

manual only changeover device S ee auto-
matic/manual changeover device . BS 4422
BS 4422
marine <fire control plan> Permanently ex-

manual system S ee fire protection system hibited plan displaying the fire protection
facilities on board ship
<manual>.
BS 4422 BS 4422

manufacturer’s data Data supplied by the

marine <main horizontal zone> Part of a

ro- ro passenger ship incorporating special

manufacturer or supplier.

*BS 5839-4 category spaces and/or ro- ro cargo spaces

on one or more decks, the bulkheads and

marine <‘A’ class division> B ulkhead or

decks forming its boundaries being ‘A’ class
deck constructed of steel or other equiva- divisions .
lent material suitably stiffened and pos-
BS 4422
sessing 60 minutes resistance to the passage

of flame and smoke including, where nec- marine <main vertical zone> One of the

essary, specified qualities of insulation . sections of a ship in which the hull, super-

*BS 4422-9 structure and deckhouses are divided by ‘A’

class divisions .
marine <‘B’ class division> Bulkhead, deck, BS 4422
ceiling or lining constructed of materials

which are designated as non-combustible marine <main vertical zone bulkhead>

or, in certain circumstances, of combustible ‘A’class division forming an end of a main
materials, it possesses 30 minutes resis- vertical zone in a ship.
tance to the passage of flame only, and BS 4422
includes, where necessary, specified quali-

ties of insulation . marine <method IC> S ystem of protection

*BS 4422-9 in the accommodation and service spaces of

cargo ships in which the bulkheads, ceilings

marine <‘C’ class division> B ulkhead, ceil- and linings, other than those which are requir-

ing or lining constructed of materials which ed to be ‘A’ class divisions or ‘ B’ class divi-
are designated as non-combustible and not sions , are ‘ C’ class divisions with smoke
required to possess any resistance to the detectors and manually operated call points
passage of either flame or smoke . fitted in corridors and stairways.

*BS 4422-9 *BS 4422-9

m a ri n e < m eth od I I C> 92

Note
–1

m a ri n e < m eth od I I C> S ystem of fire pro- It is expressed in kg s .

tection in the accommodation and service BS EN ISO 1 3943

spaces of cargo ships in which the bulk-

heads, ceilings and linings, other than those

mass charge concentration <closed system>

which are required to be ‘A’ class divisions Mass of the test specimen placed in a com-
or ‘ B’ class divisions are permitted to be
bustion chamber divided by the chamber
combustible provided that an automatic sprin- volume.
kler, fire detection and fire alarm system is
Note
–3
The typical units are g m .
fitted in such spaces, the corridors and stair-

ways being additionally fitted with smoke FDIS 1 3943

detectors and manually operated call points.
*BS 4422-9 m a ss ch a rg e con cen tra ti on < open system >

Mass of the test specimen divided by the

m a ri n e < m eth od I I I C> S ystem of fire pro- total volume of air passed through the test

tection in accommodation and service spaces apparatus.

of cargo ships in which the bulkheads, ceil- Note 1 The definition assumes that the

ings and linings within limited areas bounded mass is dispersed in the air flow uniformly

by ‘A’ class divisions and/or ‘ B’ class divi- over time.

sions are permitted to be combustible pro-

Note 2
–3
The typical units are g m .
vided that a fixed fire detection and fire
alarm system is fitted in such spaces, the
FDIS 1 3943
corridors and stairways being additionally

fitted with smoke detectors and manually

m a ss l oss Mass of material consumed or

otherwise removed during burning.

operated call points.

*BS 4422-9 BS 4422

m a ss l oss con cen tra ti on < cl osed system >
m a ri n e < prote cti on m eth od > S ystem of

fire protection in the accommodation and

Mass of the test specimen consumed dur-

service spaces of cargo ships in which the

ing combustion divided by the test chamber
volume.
requirements for fire resistance of bulk-

Note
–3
heads, ceilings and linings are reduced pro- The typical units are g m .

vided that specified active fire protection FDIS 1 3943

measures are taken.
Note Protection methods can be classified. m a ss l oss con cen tra ti on < open system >

BS 4422 Mass of the test specimen consumed dur-

ing combustion divided by the total volume

of air passed through the test apparatus.
m a ri n e < sm oke d etecti on ca bi n et> Cabi-

net, within which samples of air drawn from Note 1 The definition assumes that the

holds are continuously monitored. mass is dispersed in the air flow uniformly

BS 4422 over time.

Note 2
–3
The typical units are g m .
m a ri n e < sta i rwa y en cl osu re>

ship, having a boundary

S pace in a

of specified fire
FDIS 1 3943
resistance , protecting an escape stairway.
material
BS 4422 m a ss l oss ra te Mass of

unit time under specified conditions.

lost per

Note
–1

m a ss b u rn i n g ra te Mass of material burn-

It is expressed in kg s .

ed per unit time under specified conditions. BS EN ISO 1 3943

93 mass optical density (MOD)

mass optical density (MOD) Measure of ing the explosion of an explosive atmosphere
the degree of opacity of smoke in terms of determined under specified conditions.

weight loss of the material under the condi- BS 4422

tions of the test.

BS 4422 maximum foreseeable loss (MFL) Estimate

of the largest loss on a site (excluding a cat-

master stream device S ee monitor. astrophic loss ) to be expected, presuming

ISO 8421 -8 impairment and/or delay in the activation of

the primary protection systems.

material S ingle basic substance or uniformly

maximum rate of explosion pressure rise
dispersed mixture of substances, e. g. metal,
Maximum rate of increase of pressure occur-
stone, timber, concrete, mineral wool with
ring in a closed vessel during the explosion
uniformly dispersed binder or polymers.
of an explosive atmosphere under speci-
BS EN 1 3501 -1 fied conditions.

BS 4422
material alteration Alteration that changes

(usually lowering) the standard of fire pro- maximum transport time Maximum time

tection originally provided. taken for aerosols to transfer from the fur-

PAS 79 thest sampling point to the detector in an

aspirating detection system .

material conversion factor (MCF) Numer- BS 4422
ical factor that should be used when the

minimum design concentration of carbon MCF See material conversion factor (MCF) .
dioxide for the material at risk exceeds BS 4422
3 4%, to increase the basic quantity of car-
bon dioxide (as obtained by application of MDL S ee minimum detection limit (MDL) .
the volume factor ) required for protection FDIS 1 3943
against surface fires .
BS 4422 mean maximum smoke density Dmm Arith-

metic mean of all five values of maximum

optical density <of smoke> measured at

material of limited combustibility Mate-
one irradiance.
rial meeting specified criteria of combusti-

bility.
ISO/TR 5924
BS 4422 mean time between failures (MTBF) Total

cumulative functioning time of a population

maximum alarm load Maximum electrical
divided by the number of failures.
fire
load imposed on the power supply to the
PD 7974-7
detection and alarm system by the simul-

taneous operation of all alarm devices, any

means of escape S tructural means whereby
visible and audible indications at any con- (in the event of fire ) a safe route or routes is
trol and indicating equipment, etc. , when or are provided for persons to travel from

fire signals are generated by the maximum any point in a building to a place of safety.
number of detectors that can simultaneously BS 4422
give them.

*BS 5839-6 measured free area Area of natural heat

and smoke exhaust ventilator, measured at

maximum explosion pressure p max Maxi- its throat.

mum pressure occurring in a closed vessel dur- BS 4422

m ea su ri n g sta ti on 94

m ea su ri n g sta ti on Equipment consisting of M eth od I C S ee marine <method IC>.

pipe system with an orifice plate or venturi *BS 4422-9
and an air flow straightener (if any), installed

between the connecting duct and the exhaust M eth od I I C S ee marine <method IIC>.
equipment to determine the volume flow *BS 4422-9
rate of gases passing through a damper

under test.
M eth od I I I C S ee marine <method IIIC> .
BS ISO 1 0294-1 *BS 4422-9
m ech a n i ca l foa m < ph ysi ca l > Foam form-
mezzanine Partial storey within another storey.

ed by introduction of air or inert gas within Note In S cotland this is known as gallery.
foam solution .
a
BS 5588-1 1
ISO 8421 -4
mimic d i a g ra m Diagrammatic representa-
m ech a n i ca l resp on se < bu i l d i n g e l em en t>
tion of the building, carrying active indica-
Measure of fire induced changes to the deflec- tions which are directly related to the build-
tion, stiffness and loadbearing capacity of
auto-
ing layout and the indications of the
building elements and the development of
matic fire detection and alarm system .
openings (cracks) in building elements dur-
BS 4422
ing fire exposure as a result of the shrink-

age or expansion of materials , spalling, or

minimum critical relative humidity <electro-

delamination.
tech n i ca l > Relative humidity that causes

FDIS 1 3943 leakage current to exceed a defined level

under specified test conditions.

smoke con-
m ech a n i ca l sm oke con trol S ee
FDIS 1 3943
trol <mechanical> .
BS 4422 m i n i m u m d esi g n con cen tra ti on Minimum

extinguishing medium concentration given

m e d i u m expa n si on foa m Foam having an
in the design specification.
expansion ratio of between 2 0 and 2 00.
BS 4422
Note S ee also foam expansion ratio .
BS 4422 m i n i m u m d etecti on l i m i t ( M DL) Theoreti-

cal lowest measurable concentration .

m ed iu m e xp a n s i o n fo a m bra n ch pi pe FDIS 1 3943
See foam expansion ratio and foam branch.
BS 4422 m i n i m u m i g n i ti on en erg y S mallest quan-

tity of energy that is capable of igniting a

medium expansion foam monitor See foam specified mixture of a flammable material
expansion ratio . with oxidant.

BS 4422 BS 4422
m ed i u m tem p era tu re Average air temper- m i n i m u m i g n i ti on tem pera tu re Minimum

ature of 2 00 ± 2 0° C. temperature at which sustained combustion

BS ISO/TR 5925-2 can be initiated under specified test conditions.

Note 1 The minimum ignition tempera-

m el ti n g beh a vi ou r Phenomena accompa-
ture implies the application of a thermal
nying the softening of a material under the
stress for an infinite length of time.
influence of heat (including deforming and

dripping, but not flaming ). Note 2 The typical units are ° C.

BS EN ISO 1 3943 FDIS 1 3943

 95 m i n i m u m i g n i ti on tem pera tu re of a d u st cl ou d
m i n i m u m i g n i ti on tem pera tu re of a d u st
cl ou d Lowest temperature of a hot sur-
face on which the most ignitable mixture of
the dust with air is ignited.
BS EN 1 1 27-1
m i n i m u m i g n i ti on tem pera tu re of a d u st
l a yer Lowest temperature ofa hot surface
at which ignition occurs in a dust layer
under specified test conditions.
BS EN 1 1 27-1
m i n i m u m i g n i ti on tem pera tu re of a n ex-
pl osi ve a tm osp h ereIgnition tempera-
ture of an explosive gas atmosphere or the
minimum ignition temperature of a dust
cloud under specified test conditions.
BS 4422
Duration of expo-
m i n i m u m i g n i ti on ti m e
sure of a material to a defined ignition
source required for the initiation of com-
bustion under specified conditions.
Note 1 See also ease of ignition and ex-
posure time .
Note 2 It is expressed in s.
BS 4422
m i ti g a te d LN G fi re Fire where the com-
bustion of LNG is reduced by foam cover-
age.
BS EN 1 2065
m i xed u se bu i l d i n gBuilding where differ-
ent parts are used for different purposes.
PD 7974-1
m ob i l e h om e Transportable unit of living
accommodation that does not meet the require-
ments for construction and use of road vehi-
cles but that retains means for mobility.
BS 5839-6
MOD See mass optical density (MOD) .
BS 4422
m od u l a r system Firefighting system con-
sisting of distributed containers of extin-
guishing medium , in which each unit is
designed to protect a given volume and which
in total provides cover for the whole hazard .
BS 4422
m ol ten d ebri s Molten material separating
from the specimen during the test proce-
dure and falling from a burning item with-
out flaming.
BS 4422
molten drips (noun ) Falling droplets of mate-
rialwhich have been softened or liquefied
by heat.
Note The droplets can be flaming or not
flaming.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
m on i tor Branch mounted on a base so that
its output can be discharged without reac-
tion on the operator.
BS 4422
m on i tor < fi xed > Monitor which is perma-
nently secured to a fire appliance, fire boat,
fire tug , turntable ladder, hydraulic plat-
form or building.
BS 4422
m on i tor < porta bl e> Monitor designed to
stand on the ground or on a small trailer and
which can be positioned anywhere on the
fire ground .
BS 4422
m on i tor system System of fixed piping with
nozzles that can be manually directed and
operated, locally and/or remotely.
BS 4422
m on i tored wi ri n g Wiring in which speci-
fied types of failure will result in a fault
warning.
BS 4422
m ou n ti n g box Box not necessarily specifi-
cally designed for containing a manual fire
alarm call point but into which a manual fire
alarm call point can be fitted.
BS 4422
m ovem en t beh a vi ou r 96

m ovem en t beh a vi ou r B ehaviour which en- m u l ti pl e u se b u i l d i n g Part of a building, or

ables occupants of a built environment to a whole building, that is used for different

reach a place of safety or safe refuge once purposes at different times.

they have begun to evacuate. PD 7974-1

FDIS 1 3943
m u l ti poi n t d etector Detector that responds
m ovem en t ca pa bi l i ty Maximum amount of to the phenomenon monitored in the vicin-
movement a j oint seal is able to tolerate, ity of more than one compact sensor, such

expressed as a percentage of the nominal as thermocouples.

width. *BS 4422-3 (ISO 8421 -3)

Note The movement capability is usu-
m u l ti - p u rp o s e fo a m c o n ce n t ra t e Foam
ally the same over the entire range of the
concentrate s uitab le fo r the extinguis h-
nominal widths.
ment of fires involving water miscible fuels

BS EN 1 366-4 (polar liquids) and hydrocarbons.

ISO 8421 -4
m ovem en t ti m e Time needed for all of the

built envi-
occupants of a specified part of a m u l ti -sen sor d etector Fire detector which

ronment to move to an exit and pass through responds to more than one phenomenon of

it and into a place of safety. fire .

FDIS 1 3943 BS 4422
m u l l i on Vertical framing member separat- m u l ti -sen sor d etector

ing and supporting two adj acent panes of m u l ti -cri teri a d etector Detector which re-

glass or panels. sponds to more than one phenomenon of

BS EN 1 364-1 fire .
BS EN 54-1
m u l ti pl e storey bu i l d i n g B uilding compris-

ing two or more storeys (irrespective of over- m u l ti -sta te d etector Fire detector which

all height) , above or below ground with fire give s o ne of a l i mi te d numb e r ( gre ate r

separation between storeys equivalent to than two) of output states relating to ‘ nor-
fire break floors . mal’ or fire alarm and o the r ab no rmal
Technical Bulletin 29, Rules for Auto- conditions.

matic Sprinkler Systems BS 4422

N

n a rcosi s Depression of the central nervous increases in frequency or severity ofadverse

system causing reduced awareness and/or effects seen between the exposed popula-
impaired physical capability, for example tion and its appropriate control.
ability to escape . Note Effects may be produced at this ex-
Note In extreme cases, unconsciousness posure dose , but they are not considered to
and finally death may occur. be adverse.
BS EN ISO 1 3943 FDIS 1 3943
n a rcoti c Toxicant causing narcosis . n on - a spi ra ted foa m See foam <non-aspi-
BS EN ISO 1 3943 rated> .

n a tu ra l sm oke con trol See smoke control

BS 4422
<natural> .
Not capable of undergo-
BS 4422 n on -com b u sti b l e

ing combustion under specified conditions.

n atu ral ven til ation Ventilation that is caused BS 4422
by buoyancy forces due to difference in den-
sity of the air because of the effects of tem- n on -com b u sti b l e
m a teri a l Any material
perature differences. capable of satisfying the highest level of
BS 4422 reaction to fire performance
BS 5588-1
n et ca l ori fi c va l u e See heat of combus-
tion . n on -d ed i ca te d system Pressure differen-
BS 4422 tial system that shares components with
another system, such as an HVAC system.
n et h ea t of com bu sti on See heat of com- *BS 5588-4
bustion <net> .
BS EN ISO 1 3943 Detector not de-
n on -d eta ch a bl e d etector

signed to be easily removed from its normal

operating position for maintenance and ser-
n et vo l u m e of a p ro t e c t e d e n c l o s u re

Gross volume less the volume of any fit-

vicing purposes.
tings, fixtures, or furniture in the enclosure ,
including any enclosed volume in, for exam-
BS 4422
ple, closed cabinets or drawers.
Fab-
BS 4422
n on -d u ra bl y fl a m e-reta rd ed
fa bri c

ric that has been chemically treated to render

neutral pressure plane <in a building> Level it flame-retardant but whose fire retardance
in a building at which the inside pressure is might be adversely affected by wetting or
equal to the outside pressure. cleansing procedures.
BS 4422 BS 4422

n o observa bl e a d verse effect l evel (N OAEL) n on -essen ti a l i ron m on g ery See ironmon-
Exposure dose ofa chemical at which there gery <non-essential> .
are no statistically or biologically significant BS 4422
n on -fl a m e propa g a ti n g tru n ki n g 98

n on -fl am e propag ati n g trun kin g Trunking non-maintained emergency luminaire See

that is liable to ignite as a result of applied emergency luminaire <non-maintained> .

flame, but in which the flame does not prop- BS 4422
agate and is extinguished within a limited

time after the applied flame is removed. n o n - re s e t t a b l e ( n o n - re s t o ra b l e ) d e t e ct o r

BS 4678-4 wi th exch a n g e a bl e el e m en ts Detector

which, after response, requires the renewal

n on -fl a m m a bl e Not capable of burning with

of a component or components to restore it

a flame under specified conditions.

to its normalstate of readiness to detect.
BS EN ISO 1 3943 ISO 7240-1

n o n - re s e t t a b l e ( n o n - re s t o ra b l e ) d e t e ct o r
n on -h a za rd ou s a rea < d u st> Area in which
wi t h o u t e xc h a n g e a b l e e l e m e n t s De-
combustible dust-air mixtures are not expect-
tector whi c h, afte r re s p o ns e , c anno t b e
ed to be present in hazardous quantities and
restored from its alarm state to its normal
in which special precautions for the construc-
state of readiness to detect, and must be
tion and use of apparatus are not required.
replaced.
BS 4422
ISO 7240-1
n on -h a za rd ou s a rea < exp l osi on > Area in
n on -su bsta n ti a l com pon en t Material that
which explosive atmospheres are not expect- does not constitutes a significant part of
ed to be present in hazardous quantities and
a non-homogenous product. A layer with
in which special precautions for construc- –2
a mass/unit area < 1 . 0 kg m and a thick-
tion and use of apparatus are not required.
ness < 1 . 0 mm is considered to be a non-
BS 4422 substantial component.
Note Two or more non- substantial layers
non-homogenous product Product that does
that are adj acent to each other (i. e. with no
not satisfy the requirements of a homoge-
substantial component(s) in between the
neous product. It is a product composed of
layers) are regarded as one non-substantial
one or morecomponents , substantial and/
component when they collectively comply
or non- substantial.
with the requirements for a layer being a
BS EN ISO 1 71 6 non- substantial component.

n on -i n cen d i ve pa rt Part with contacts for

BS EN ISO 1 71 6
making and breaking a potentially incendive
n on -vol a ti l e m em ory Memory that does not
circuit where either the contacting mecha-
require the presence of any energy source
nism or the enclosure in which the contacts
for the retention of its contents.
are housed is so constructed that ignition of
BS EN 54-2
a prescribed flammable gas or vapour is pre-
vented under specified operating conditions.
n orm a l con d i ti on Condition of a compo-
BS 4422 nent of a fire alarm system in which it is
giving neither fault nor fire signals, but in
n on -l oa d b ea ri n g wa l l Wall designed not to
which it has the ability to give a fault or fire
be subj ected to any load other than its own
signal should such an event occur.
weight.
BS 4422
BS EN 1 364-1
n orm al el ectri cal su ppl y Supply from which

n on -m a i n ta i n ed em erg en cy l i g h ti n g S ee the electrical system is expected to obtain

emergency lighting <non-maintained> . its power.

BS 4422 BS 4422
 99 n orm a l l i g h ti n g

All permanently installed

n orm a l l i g h ti n g Boundary presumed to
n oti on a l bou n d a ry

electric lighting operating from the normal
supply, i.e. that source of electrical energy
used to provide normal lighting, which in
the absence ofadequate daylight is intended
for use during the whole time that the pre-
mises are occupied.
Note Also known as general lighting.
*BS 5266-1
exist between buildings on the same site.
Approved Document B (Fire safety) –
Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition)
n oti on a lfl oor l evel Assumed floor level
relative to the position of a building ele-
ment in service.
BS EN 1 363-1
Noise level which is
n oti on a l n oi se l evel

n orm a l l oss expecta n cy ( N LE ) Estimate of exceeded for 1 0% of the noisiest period.

the largest loss on a site (excluding a cata- HTM 82: Alarm and detection systems (Fire-
strophic loss ) to be expected, when all avail- code) . 1 992.
able means of protection function as expected.
n oti on a l yi el d See stoichiometric yield .
n o rm a l State of a self-contained
m od e
FDIS 1 3943
emergency luminaire which is ready to
operate while the normal supply is on and in n ozzl e Fitting at the delivery end of a hose
the case of a normal supply failure , the or pipe which changes the cross sectional
luminaire automatically changes over to the area and thereby changes the velocity of the
emergency mode . fire extinguishing medium .
BS 4422 BS 4422
Condition in which
n orm a l su ppl y fa i l u re n ozzl e m a n See branch man .
the normal lighting can no longer provide a ISO 8421 -8
minimum illuminance for emergency escape
purposes and when the emergency lighting n ozzl e rea cti on See j et reaction .
should become operative. ISO 8421 -8
BS 4533-1 02.22 (EN 60598-2-22) Mathematical repre-
n u m eri ca l fi re m od el

Area that is occu-

n orm a l l y occu pi ed a rea
sentation of one or more of different inter-
pied by people during working hours. connected phenomena governing the devel-
opment of a fire.
BS 5306-5.2
BS 4422
Area, not occu-
n orm a l l y u n occu pi ed a rea

pied by people during working hours, that

may be entered occasionally for briefperiods.
BS 5306-5.1
O

obscuration of smoke Reduction in the inten- oil immersion ‘o’ Type of protection in which
sity of light due to its passage through smoke. the electrical apparatus or parts of the elec-

Note 1 In practice, obscuration of smoke trical apparatus are immersed in oil in such

is usually measured as the transmittance which a way that an explosive atmosphere which

is normally expressed as a percentage. may be above the oil or outside the enclo-
sure cannot be ignited .
Note 2 Obscuration of smoke causes a re-

duction in visibility. BS EN 5001 5

Note 3 S e e als o extinction area <of
opa ci ty < sm oke> Common logarithm of the
smoke>, extinction coefficient <of smoke>,
opacity of smoke lg( I/T) .
opacity of smoke , optical density <of
smoke>, and specific optical density of
BS ISO 4880
smoke .
opa ci ty of sm oke Ratio of incident light
FDIS 1 3943 intensity to transmitted light intensity through

occu p a n t( s) a t speci a l ri sk B uilding occu- smoke , under specified conditions.

pant(s) who, as a result of their physical or Note 1 Opacity of smoke is the reciprocal
mental state, age or location in the building, of transmittance.

are at greater risk from fire than an able-

Note 2 It is dimensionless.
bodied, fully alert adult, are afforded ade-

quate means of escape and other fire pre- Note 3 S ee also obscuration of smoke .
cautions , whether on a short- term or long- BS EN ISO 1 3943
term basis.

PAS 79 open -en d ed pi pework Pipework between

a valve (including a relief valve) and open

o c cu p a n t ca p a ci t y Maximum numb er o f
nozzles which cannot be under a continuous
persons assumed to be present within an
pressure.
enclosure or compartment for the purposes
of design.
BS 5306-4
BS 4422
open -pl a n d wel l i n g Dwelling in which the
occu p a ti on d en si ty < th eoreti ca l > Num- internal living arrangements are almost entire-

ber of persons per area of the usable floor of ly undivided by partitions.

a defined space for a given activity. BS 5588-1

BS 4422
open -si d e d ca r pa rk Car park that is not a
offi cer i n ch a rg e Officer commanding a fire
basement storey; has natural ventilation
station , fire appliance , or operations
a at
not less than 5 % of the floor area at that
the scene of a fire or other emergency.

ISO 8421 -8 level of which at least half should be in two

opposing walls.

oi l a bsorben t bl a n ket Material that is oleo- DD 9999

philic and hydrophobic, used to absorb a

contaminant. open spa ti a l pl a n n i n g Internal arrangement

ISO 8421 -8 of a building in which more than one storey

1 01
or level is contained in one undivided
volume.
DD 9999
Plan-
open storey pl a n n i n g < h ori zon ta l >
ning where almost the whole floor area is
undivided by partitions .
BS 5588-1 1
open test a rra n g em en t Form of compart-
ment which enables unrestricted ventila-
tion to the fire throughout the duration of
the test.
BS 476-32
open wa ter See static water supply.
ISO 8421 -8
open i n g Window, door or other aperture in
an external wall or side of a building, and
any part of an external wall which has a fire
resistance less than that required by legisla-
tion.
Fire Prevention Guide 2: Fire Precautions
in New Single-storey Spirit Storages and
Associated Buildings . 1 973.
operating system Data that controls the oper-
ations carried out within a system, and which
is not dependent on the configuration ofany
particular installation.
*BS 5839-4
Appropriate application
opera ti on a l ta cti cs
of personnel, appliance and equipment on
the fire ground or at the scene of any other
emergency.
ISO 8421 -8
opp osed com pon en ts Those components
of a beam detector whose positions deter-
mine the optical path.
BS 5839-5
opti ca l d en si ty < of sm oke> Measure of
the attenuation ofa light beam passing through
smoke expressed as the common logarithm
(i.e. logarithm to the base 1 0) Ig(I/T) of the
opacity of smoke .
BS EN ISO 1 3943
open sto rey pl a n n i n g < h ori zon ta l >
Total distance travers-
opti ca l pa th l en g th
ed by the wavefront between the transmitter
and receiver.
BS 4422
opti ca l (p h otoel ectri c) s m o ke d etector
Detector sensitive to combustion prod-
ucts capable of affecting the absorption or
scattering of radiation in the infrared, visi-
ble and/or ultraviolet region of the electro-
magnetic spectrum.
BS 4422
ori en ta ti on Plane in which the exposed face
ofa specimen is located during testing, either
vertical or horizontally facing upwards.
BS 476-1 5 (ISO 5660-1 )
ori en ta ti on AHas air flow perpendicular to
both the waterway access and the plane of
the frame arms and with the heat response
element upstream of the frame arms.
ISO/DIS 61 82-7
Has air flow perpendicular to
ori en ta ti on B
both the waterway access and the plane of
the frame arms and with the heat response
element downstream of the frame arms.
ISO/DIS 61 82-7
Result of a chain of events.
ou tcom e
PD 7974-7
ou tl et box See box <outlet>.
BS 4422
ove rcl a d d i n gAddition of an external clad-
ding to an existing building, usually to improve
thermal protection or weather protection.
DD 9999
overcladding system Protection system fixed
to an external wall for weather protection.
BS EN 1 364-3
ove rpressu re rel i efProvision for releasing
excess pressurizing air from the pressur-
ized space .
*BS 5588-4
oxi d a ti on 1 02

oxi d a ti on Chemical reaction in which the oxyg en con su m ption prin cipl e Proportion-

proportion of oxygen or other electronegative al relationship between the mass of oxygen

element in a substance is increased. consumed during combustion and the heat

Note In chemistry, the term has the broader

released.

meaning of a process which involves the BS 4422

loss of an electron or electrons from an

atom, molecule or ion. oxyg en i n d ex (OI ) Minimum concentration

FDIS 1 3943 of oxygen in a mixture of oxygen and nitro-

gen that will j ust support flaming combus-

oxi d i zi n g a g en t S ubstance capable of caus- tion of a material under specified test condi-
ing oxidation . tions.

Note Combustion is an oxidation . Note It is expressed as a percentage.

FDIS 1 3943 BS 4422

P

pan e S ingle piece of glass. p en etra ti n g com pon en t < for a con veyor

BS EN 1 364-1 system > Elements such as cables, pneu-

matic and/or hydraulic pipes and a con-

p a n i c bol t Mechanism consisting of a mini-
veyor system which passes through a sepa-
mum of two sliding bolt heads that engage
rating element and which may influence
with keepers in the surrounding door frame
the performance of a closure for a con-
or floor for securing a door when closed;
veyor system in relation to its fire resis-
the mechanism can be released by hand or

body pressure on a bar positioned horizon-

tance .
tally across the inside face of the door.
BS EN 1 366-7
PAS 79
p en etra ti on Aperture through a fire sepa-
p a n i c l a tch Mechanism for securing a door rating element for the passage of a ser-

when closed; the latch bolt can be released vice(s) .

by hand or body pressure on a bar posi- Association for Specialist Fire Protection
tioned horizontally across the inside face of

the door. p en etra ti on sea l S ystem used to maintain

PAS 79 the fire resistance of a fire separating ele-

ment at a position where there is provision
Non-loadbearing element of a build-
partition
for services to pass through the element.
ing construction designed to provide verti-
BS 4422
cal fire separation when exposed to fire
from one side.
pen etration seal in g system Assembly con-

Note The partition may incorporate either

sisting of a penetrating service or services
glazing or doors.
and the penetration seal, materials or devices,
BS 476-22 together with any service supporting con-

struction, designed to maintain the integ-

p a rti ti on wa l l Wall which sub- divides a fire rity and insulation performance of a sepa-
compartment. rating element.
BS 4422 BS EN 1 366-3
passive fire protection system See fire pro-
pen e tra ti on ti m e Time at which glowing
tection system <passive>.
flaming unexposed side
BS 4422
or appears on the

of a specimen or the time at which the for-

mation of holes or fissures or collapse of

p a ti en t a ccess a rea s Those areas of a hos-

pital to which patients have reasonable access

specimen occurs, whichever is the earliest.

either with or without supervision.

BS 4422
HTM 85: Fire precautions in existing hospi-
tals (Firecode) . 1 994. perform a n ce ba sed d esi g n Design that is

engineered to achieve specified obj ectives

pendent sprinkler See sprinkler <pendent>. and acceptance criteria .

BS 4422 FDIS 1 3943
peri m eter < of bu i l d i n g > 1 04

p eri m eter < of b u i l d i n g > Maximum aggre- energy, as by, for example, a flame spark,
gate plan area found by vertical proj ection electrical arc or glowing wire.

onto a horizontal plane. BS EN ISO 1 3943

Approved Document B (Fire safety) –
Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2000 Edition) pi pe a rra y S ee sprinkler <pipe array>.
BS 4422
p erm i t to wo r k D o c ume nt i s s ue d b y an
pl a ce of rel a ti ve sa fety Place in which there
authorized person to permit work to be car-
is no immediate danger, but in which there
ried out safely in a defined area.

BS 4422 might be future danger from fire .

BS 4422
p erson a l d i stress si g n a l u n i t S ee distress
signal unit (DSU) . pl ace of safety Predetermined place in which

BS 4422 persons are in no immediate danger from

the effects of fire .

p erson a l protecti ve eq u i p m en t Material BS 4422
or device worn or used to protect a fire-

fighter from exposure or contact with any pl a ce of u l ti m a te sa fety Place in which

harmful material or hazard . there is no immediate or future danger from

ISO 8421 -8 fire .

BS 4422
p h a sed eva cu a ti on Process by which dif-

ferent parts of a built environment are evac- pl a ces of h i g h fi re h a za rd Rooms or areas

uated in a controlled sequence. in a building which due to their function

and/or content are more susceptible than

Note 1 Those parts expected to be at great-
usual to an outbreak of fire , or rapid spread
est risk are evacuated first.
of fire or smoke , in excess of that generally
Note 2 In a multi-storey building the ini-
found within such locations.
tially evacuated floors are usually the fire
Note S uch places would include oil- fuel
floor, the floor immediately above, the floor
transformer and switchgear rooms, boiler
immediately below, and all basement floors.
rooms, storage spaces for fuel or other highly
FDIS 1 3943 flammable substances, rooms that house a

fixed internal combustion engine or other

p h ysi ca l fi re m od el Laboratory process, in-
similar high fire hazard .
cluding the apparatus, the environment and
the test procedure intended to represent a
Design Principles ofFire Safety
certain phase of a fire .
BS EN ISO 1 3943 pl aces of special fi re h azard

former and switchgear rooms, boiler rooms,

Oil-filled trans-

pi ke pol e S ee ceiling hook. fuel or other highly flam-

storage space for

ISO 8421 -8 mable substances , and rooms housing a

fixed internal combustion engine.

pi l l a r h yd ra n t Hydrant comprising one or Approved Document B (Fire safety) –

more outlet connections proj ecting above Volume 1: Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition)
ground level and permanently connected to

a pressurized distribution main for use in

pl a tform fl oor Access or raised floor sup-

firefighting. ported by a structural floor, but with an

ISO 8421 -4 concealed space

i nte rve ni ng whi c h is

intended to house services .

pi l ot( ed ) i g n i ti on Ignition of combustible Approved Document B (Fire safety) –

gases or vapours by a secondary source of Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2000 Edition)
 1 05 pl i n th

plinth Form of standard supporting construc- poten ti a l l y e xp l o s i ve a tm os ph ere See

tion that reduces the height ofan opening by explosive atmosphere <potential> .
raising the support base to accommodate BS 4422
the test specimen .
BS EN 1 364-1 Powder
p o wd e r e xp l o s i o n s u p p re s s a n t

with recognized flame-extinguishing prop-

pl u m e See fire plume . erties.
FDIS 1 3943 *BS 4422-7 (ISO 8421 -7)
Inception of any flame in
pl u m e i g n i ti on
See extin-
the plume above a specimen , sustained or
powd er exti n g u i sh i n g sys tem

guishing system <dry powder> .

transitory.
BS 476-1 3 (ISO 5657) BS 4422

Heavy duty compressed air

p n eu m a ti c d ri l l p owd er fi l l i n g ‘q ’ See type of protection .
operated hammer action tool, with inter- BS EN 5001 7
changeable cutting attachments, used for
breaking concrete. powd er fire exti n g u ish er See extinguisher.
ISO 8421 -8 BS 4422
p oi n t Component connected to a detection p owd er su p pressa n t See dry powder.
circuit able to transmit, or receive informa- BS 4422
tion in relation to fire detection.
BS EN 54-2 p owered sm oke a n d h ea t exh a u st ve n ti l a -

Ventilation resulting from the appli-

that responds to
ti on
p oi n t d etector Detector
cation ofexternally powered ventilators (e.g.
the phenomenon monitored in the vicinity
fans) to exhaust smoky gases to be replaced
of a compact sensor.
at inlets by ambient air.
BS 4422
PD 7974-2
p ool fi re Pool of flammable liquid burning
with a diffusion flame . p owered sm oke cu rta i n See smoke cur-
BS 4422 tain <automatic> .
BS 4422
p o r t a b l e e xt i n g u i s h e r See extinguisher
<portable>. p pm Deprecated term. See volume fraction
BS 4422 <gas in a gas mixture> .
FDIS 1 3943
p orta bl e m a n h ol e Device used to
cover

stop a contaminant from entering the sewer

p pm by vol u m e Deprecated term. See vol-
system.
ume fraction <gas in a gas mixture> .
ISO 8421 -8 FDIS 1 3943
Self-contained pump and
p o rta b l e p u m p

power unit capable ofbeing manhandled. p ra cti ca l ra te of a p pl i ca ti on of a foa m so-

ISO 8421 -8 l u ti on Rate of application on unit areas

as recommended by safety codes or manu-
p o s t - e xp o s u re
ti m e Period of time after facturers. The practical application rate is
the exposure time during which the effects always higher than the critical application
of exposure are assessed. rate.
FDIS 1 3943 ISO 8421 -4
pre-a cti on spri n kl er i n sta l l a ti on 1 06

pre-action sprin kl er i n stal l ation See sprin- toxic potency data for the relevant constitu-
kler installation <pre-action> . ents.
BS 4422 FDIS 1 3943
p re-a l a rm wa rn i n g Warning that the condi- pred ictive test Test of a composite of a cover
tions sensed by a fire detector are approach- with a standardized filling of known behav-
ing, but have not yet reached, the level at iour, or a filling with a standardized cover of
which an alarm of fire would be given. known behaviour, such that the expected
BS 4422 behaviour of a composite of the same cover
with related fillings, or the same filling with
p rebu rn ti m e Period of time between igni- related covers, can be predicted.
tion of a fire and the commencement of BS 4422
extinguishant.
Off-the-shelf fire-
BS 5306-6.1 p re-en g i n eered system

fighting system design consisting of a sup-

p re-ca l cu l a ted spri n kl er i n sta l l a ti on See ply of extinguishing medium of specified
sprinkler installation <pre-calculated> . capacity coupled to pipework with a bal-
BS 4422 anced nozzle arrangement, capable of cov-
ering any space up to a specified maximum.
p re-d eterm i n ed a tten d a n ceNumber and BS 4422
type of appliances scheduled by the fire
Flame in which combus-
p re-m i xe d fl a m e
brigade to form the initial response to the
tion occurs in an intimate mixture of fuel
emergency.
and oxidizing agent.
BS 4422
Note See also diffusion flame .
Card de-
pre-d eterm i n ed a tten d a n ce ca rd FDIS 1 3943
tailing the pre-determined attendance .
ISO 8421 -8 pre-movement behaviour Behaviour occur-
ring during the pre-movement time.
p re-d eterm i n ed fi re pl a n Pre -determined Note See also recognition behaviour and
plan for firefighting and rescue operations response behaviour.
at specific properties or locations. FDIS 1 3943
ISO 8421 -8
p re-m ove m en t ti m e Time period after an
p red i cted LC LC 50 value for the fire efflu-
50 alarm or cue of fire is transmitted and before
ent from a burned test specimen , calculated occupants begin to evacuate.
from combustion atmosphere analytical FDIS 1 3943
chemical data of that fire effluent concen-
tration that would yield a FED value equal Interval between the time
presen ta ti on ti m e

to 1 within a specified exposure time and at which a warning of a fire is given and
post-exposure time. the time at which a person reaches a place
of safety assuming walking speed is unre-
Note The typical units are g m–3 .
stricted.
FDIS 1 3943 PD 7974-6
p red i cted toxi c poten cy Calculated value pressu re con ta i n m en t l obby Lobby pro-
of the toxic potency of fire effluent from a vided at fire brigade access level to reduce
burned test specimen . the loss of pressure from a stair due to a
Note The value is calculated from chemical final exit door being constantly open.
analysis of the fire effluent and existing BS 4422
1 07 pressu re d i fferen ti a l system

p ressu re d i fferen ti a l system Smoke con- extinguisher without releasing propellant or

trol system designed to minimize the spread medium, which are retained in the body by a
of smoke from one part of a building to closure that is ruptured on operation.
another by maintaining a pressure differen- BS 5306-3
tial relative to the space containing the fire.
BS 4422 primary standard Absolute standard to which
other related calibrated measuring instru-
p ressu re d i fferen ti a l system < d ed i ca ted > ments can be traced.
Pressure differential systemthat does not FDIS 1 3943
share components with any other system.
BS 4422 Facility for trans-
priority sig n al l in g facil ity

mitting an urgent calling signal to the dis-

pressu ri za ti on Method of protecting spaces tant end of a circuit.
against the ingress of smoke by maintaining Fire Service Training Manual
a positive air pressure difference between
the protected spaces and adjoining accom- Dedicated telephone cir-
pri va te wi re ci rcu i t
modation. cuit permanently connected between two or
BS 4422 more points for transmission and reception
of speech and/or data.
p ressu ri zed a p pa ra tu s ‘p ’ See grades of
Fire Service Training Manual
release .
BS 4422 Fire model that treats
p roba bi l i sti c m od el

p ressu ri ze d spa ce Space in which the air phenomena as a series of sequential events
pressure is maintained at a higher value than or states, with mathematical rules to govern
that of the space containing the fire . the transitions from one event to another
and with probabilities assigned to each trans-
BS 4422
fer point.
pre-wetti n g Application ofwater to fuel sur- Note An example of a transition is that of
faces that are in the path of an advancing ignition becoming sustained combustion .
flame front. FDIS 1 3943
FDIS 1 3943
Methodology to deter-
p roba bi l i sti c stu d y
See grades of
mine statistically the probability and out-
p ri m a ry g ra d e of rel e a se

release .
come of events .
BS 4422 PD 7974-2
p ri m a ry i g n i ti on sou rce
Mathematical func-
which im-
probabil ity di stribu tion
p ri m a ry sou rce Ignition source
tion expressing the probability attached to
pinges on the specimen .
any value of a random variable.
BS 4422
PD 7974-7
prim ary sam pl in g system See extinguisher.
BS 4422 process h a za rd Hazard in an industrial pro-
cess.
primary sealed stored pressure extinguisher BS 5306-0
Stored pressure extinguisher in which the
operating head and valves controlling the p ro d u ctMaterial, element or component
flow of extinguishing medium during dis- about which information is required.
charge can be detached from the body ofthe BS EN ISO 1 1 82
prod u ct of com bu sti on
p rod u ct of com b u sti onSolid, liquid and
gaseous material resulting from combus-
tion .
Note 1 The products ofcombustion may in-
clude fire effluent, ash , char, clinker and/
or soot.
Note 2 See also fire effluent.
BS 4422
Initial
p rog re ssi ve h ori zon ta l e va cu a ti on
evacuation away from a fire into a place of
relative safety on the same level.
BS 4422
Self-propagating
prog ressi ve sm ou l d eri n g
exothermic oxidation which is not accom-
panied by flaming combustion .
Note It may be accompanied by glowing.
FDIS 1 3943
Safety sign that indicates
p roh i bi ti on si g n
that specific behaviour is forbidden.
BS 5499-5
p roperty h a za rd Potential loss of or dam-
age to property to be expected from the
effects of fire.
BS 4422
p roperty ri sk Expected extent of loss of or
damage to property due to fire , which can
be expressed in terms of probability as the
product of the frequency of occurrence of
an undesired event to be expected in a given
technical operation or state and the property
hazard.
BS 4422
proprietary packin g bl ock assem bl ies Pro-
prietary assemblies consisting of a frame
and insert blocks, through which electrical
cables and conduits containing electrical con-
ductors pass, which have been tested to spec-
ified conditions for a period of two hours,
and have prevented any direct opening being
formed through which flames could pass.
Fire Protection Association
1 08
protected Enclosed (other than any part which
is an external wall of a building) with fire-
resisting construction.
*BS 5588-5
protected < from fi re> Provided with active
and/or passive means by which the risk to
life and/or property is reduced.
BS 4422
p ro t e c t e d
a rea Area giving an adequate
degree of fire-resisting enclosure from other
areas and from which there is alternative
means of escape .
*BS 4422-6 (ISO 8421 -6)
Building which is pro-
p rotected bu i l d i n g
vided with an automatic fire detection and/
or extinguishing system .
Fire Prevention Guide 2: Fire Precautions
in New Single-storey Spirit Storages and
Associated Buildings . 1 973.
p rotected ci rcu i t Electrical circuit protect-
ed against external fire .
BS 5588-1 0
p rotected corri d or See protected lobby/
corridor.
BS 4422
p rotected d oor Fire door giving access to:
– a protected zone , including a protected
lobby; or
– a firefighting shaft; or
– another compartment; or
– a place of safety; or
– an unenclosed external escape stair; or
– an open access balcony; or
– an escape route across a flat roof or ac-
cess den.
The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004
protected en cl os u re Any enclosure sepa-
rated from adjoining accommodation spaces
by fire-resistant construction, and having all
communicating openings closed by fire
doors, fire dampers or similar closures.
BS 4422
1 09 protected en tra n ce h a l l

p rotected en tra n ce h a l l protected rou te Route, designated for use

protected en tran ce l an d in g < in a d wel l in g > as an escape route , which is separated from

Circulation area consisting of a hall or space the remainder of the building by fire resis-
enclosed with fire resistant construction tant construction, kept clear of combusti-
(other than any part which is an external ble items or material, and which leads to a
wall of a building) . place of ultimate safety.
BS 4422 BS 4422
p rotected eq u i pm e n t S ee explosion-pro- protected sh a ft S haft which enables per-

tected apparatus . sons, air or obj ects to pass from one fire
BS 4422 compartment to another, and which is en-

closed with fire- resistant construction.

p rotected esca pe rou te S ee escape route BS 4422

<protected> .
BS 4422 protected spa ce S pace forming part of a

protected route .
p rotected fi re l oa d Quantity of combusti-
Note The space can be a corridor, lobby,
ble material that is unlikely to become fully
stair or other construction.
involved in a fire , owing to:

– the characteristics of the material ;

BS 4422
– the form in which the material is stored;
protected s t a i r wa y S ee stairway <pro-
– the characteristics of any containers in
tected> .
which the material is stored;

– the presence of one or more fire protec- BS 4422

tion systems.
BS 4422 protected zon e Area within a building that

isprotected from the effects of fire and

protected installation Enclosed volume, pro-

smoke .
tected by a fire detection and/or extinguish- DD 9999
ing system , in which equipment particularly
protecti on (1 ) Presence of one or more de-
sensitive to fire is installed.
tector(s) able to initiate actions needed for
BS 4422
the safety of life or property in the event of a

protected l obb y/corri d or Circulation area

fire .
consisting of a lobby or corridor enclosed (2) Provision of mechanical protection to

with fire- resistant construction (other than prevent damage to system components from
any part that is an external wall of a building). impact, abrasion, rodent attack, etc.

BS 4422 (3 ) Provision of fire resistance to prevent

damage to system components from fire in

protected open i n g Opening in an internal
their vicinity.
fire resistant wall or floor which may be
(4) Provision of electrical protection to pre-
closed by doors, shutters, or other protec-

tion of a specified grade of fire resistance . vent temporary or permanent disruption to

BS 4422 the system due to over voltage, excessive

current, high transient or radio- frequency

protected prem i se s Premises or part of a interference, etc.

premises provided with active and/or pas - *BS 5839-1

sive means by which the risk to life and/or

property is reduced. protecti ve system Design units which are in-

BS 4422 tended to halt incipient explosions immediately

protei n foa m con cen tra te 1 1 0

and/or to limit the effective range of explo- pu m p < appl ian ce> Self-propelled appliance

sion flames and explosion pressures. Pro- having a built- in pump with a minimum

tective systems may be integrated into equip- capacity of 22 7 0 L/min. Carries a 1 0. 5 m

ment or separately placed on the market for extension ladder and hose reel equipment

use as autonomous systems. with a minimum tank capacity of 3 6 4 litres

BS EN 1 1 27-1 of water.

Fire Service Training Manual

p rotei n foa m con cen tra te S ee foam con-
centrate <protein> . p u m p < s t i r ru p > P o rtab l e , hand o p e rate d,

BS 4422 double action pump with a short hose and

nozzle .
proxim ity firefig h ti n g Specialized firefight-
ISO 8421 -8
ing operations, which may include the activi-

ties of rescue and fire suppression at inci- pu m p < su bm ersi bl e> Electrically operated

dents involving very high levels of radiant, pump , designed to operate under water, pri-
convective and contact heat, such as aircraft marily used for pumping out basements ,

flammable gas and bulk flam-

fires, bulk ducts , sumps, etc.
mable liquid fires. These operations are ISO 8421 -8
conducted close to the fire but do not involve

fire entry. pu m p < tra i l er> S elf- contained pump and

BS EN 1 486 power unit mounted on a wheeled trailer.

ISO 8421 -8
P S TN sta n d by l i n e S e c o ndary me ans of

operating a call- out system by dialled- up p u m p ca p a ci ty Nominal output capacity of

public switched telephone

connection on a a pump , measured in litres per minute, at a

network (PSTN) . given pressure.

Fire Service Training Manual ISO 8421 -8

p u bl i c com m on a rea Common area which
pu m p esca pe Pump (appliance) with a hose

reel tank capacity of at least 45 5 litres and

is intended for public use.

BS 5588-1 0 carrying a wheeled escape .

Fire Service Training Manual
pu bl i c swi tch ed tel eph on e n etwork (PSTN )

Switching system which allows public access

p u m p l a d d er Pump (appliance) with a hose
reel tank capacity of 45 5 litres and carrying
to anyone connected to the national and
a 1 3 . 5 m ladder.
international telephone network.

Fire Service Training Manual Fire Service Training Manual

Mechanical device used to ini-

pu l m on a ry i rri ta n cy Action of toxicants on
pu m p pri m er

the lower respiratory tract which may result

tiate the induction of water into a pump by

the creation of a vacuum.

in breathing discomfort (e. g. dyspnoea, in-

crease in respiratory rate) .

ISO 8421 -8
Note In severe cases, pneumonitis or pul-
p u m per S ee pumping appliance .
monary oedema (which may be fatal) may
ISO 8421 -8
occur some hours after exposure.

BS EN ISO 1 3943 p u m pi n g a p pl i a n ce Fire appliance equip-

ped with a pump and usually a water tank,

p u l m on a ry i rri ta n t S ee irritant <pulmo- hose, branches and other ancillary equip-

nary> . ment required to extinguish fires.

FDIS 1 3943 ISO 8421 -8
1 1 1 pu n ki n g

pu n ki n g Propagation of a smouldering com- pyrom eter S ensing device used to measure

bustion front after removal of the ignition temperatures within a burning room or area.

source . ISO 8421 -8

BS EN ISO 1 0093
pyroph ori c m a teri a l Material capable of

pu rpose g rou p Classification of a building spontaneous ignition when brought into con-

according to the purpose to which it is in- tact with air.

tended to be put. BS EN ISO 1 3943

DD 9999
p yro t e ch n i cs Ap p rove d theatric al devic es

pyrol ysi s Chemical decomposition of a sub- which contain combustible substances and
stance by the action of heat. oxidants which when ignited react either
violently or slowly according to their mix-
Note 1 The term is often used to refer to a

stage of fire before flaming combustion ture; they include fireworks , maroons, flash

p owder, s mo ke p owder, p erc us s io n c ap s ,

has occurred.
safety cartridges, firearm blank cartridges,
Note 2 In fire science no assumption is
safety fuse and detonators.
made about the presence or absence of oxygen.
Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing Places
FDIS 1 3943 ofEntertainment and Like Premises . 1 998.
pyrol ysis fron t Boundary between the region

ofpyrolysis and the region of unaffected

material at the surface of the material.
FDIS 1 3943
Q

q u en ch i n g d iam eter Diameter of the largest

circular aperture which will prevent flash-

back of flame , in a pre- mixed and station-

ary gas mixture, at a given temperature and

pressure.

Note It is customary to give values for the

mixture having the minimum quenching

diameter.
BS 7244
R

‘R’ cri teri on See loadbearing criterion ‘R’ . Minimum the-

ra te of a p pl i ca ti on , cri ti ca l

BS EN ISO 1 3943 oretical rate of application of foam solu-

tion to a fire which will extinguish the fire .
Gangway at an angle to the
ra d i a l g a n g wa y *BS 4422-4
rows of seating or a stepped gangway in
tiered seating. ra te of bu rn i n g

BS 5588-6 bu rn i n gra te Deprecated terms. See area

burning rate , linear burning rate , mass
Quotient ofthe radiant flux
ra d i a n t exi ta n ce
burning rate , flame spread rate , heat
leaving an element ofthe surface divided by release rate as appropriate.
the area of that element. BS EN ISO 1 3943
BS 4422
ra te of com b u sti on Mass rate at which fuel
is combusted.
Power per unit area emit-
BS 4422
ra d i a n t h ea t fl u x

ted, transferred or received in the form of

heat radiation.
See heat release rate .
BS ISO 9239-1
ra te of h ea t re l ea se

BS EN ISO 1 3943
Portable device used to
ra d i a ti on d etector
ra te of ri se d etector See fire detector <rate
detect and measure the presence of alpha, of rise> .
gamma, beta and neutron ionizing radia- BS 4422
tion.
ISO 8421 -8 ra te of sp rea d of fl a m e For a gas: rate of
spread of the flame front in the gas.
rad iati ve h eat tran sferTransmission of heat For a solid: rate of spread of the flame on
by electromagnetic radiation. the surface of a solid.
FDIS 1 3943 *ISO 3261

Fire alarm system in

ra d i o-l i n ked s ystem
RDD See required delivered density (RDD) .
which some or all of the interconnections FDIS 1 3943
between components are made by radio
rea cti on to fi re Response of a material in
links.
contributing by its own decomposition to a
*BS 5839-1 fire to which it is exposed, under specified
conditions.
ra d i om eter Instrument that converts radi- BS 4422
ant heat flux into an electrical signal.
FDIS 1 3943 rea d -on l y m em ory Memory whose contents
can only be programmed during manufac-
ra te of a p pl i ca ti on See foam <rate of ap- ture or altered by a special external pro-
plication> . gramming device.
BS 4422 *BS 5839-4
rea l sca l e fi re test 1 1 4

rea l sca l e fi re test Fire test which simu- re feren ce sce n a ri o Hazard situation used

lates a given application, taking into account as a reference for a given test method or

the real scale, the real way of working or classification system.

installation and the environment. BS EN 1 3501 -1

Note S uch a test normally assumes that

the products will be used according to the re fl ecti ve protecti ve cl oth i n g for sp eci a l -

conditions laid down by the specifier and/or i zed fi refi g h ti n g Protective clothing de-

in accordance with the normal practice. signed to provide protection against high

BS EN ISO 1 3943 levels of radiant, convective, and contact

heat, relying on the ability of the outer mate-

rials to reflect intense radiant heat, and appro-
recog n ition beh avi ou r Behaviour occurring
priate for specialized firefighting operations.
during the time period after an alarm or cue
of fire is transmitted and before occupants
BS EN 1 486
begin to respond.
refu g e Area that is both separated from a
Note pre-movement behaviour
S ee also
fire by fire resistant construction and pro-
and response behaviour.
vided with a safe route to a place of ulti-
FDIS 1 3943 mate safety, thus constituting a temporarily
safe space for disabled persons to await assis-
red u ced expl osi on pressu re Pressure gen-
tance for their evacuation.
erated by an explosion in a vessel protected BS 4422
by either explosion relief or explosion sup-
pression . reg i stered ca l l Call made on a car control
BS 4422 station or from a landing call button that is

accepted by the control equipment.

red u ced ra d i a ti on Radiation of an LNG fire
*BS 5588-5
covered with a layer of foam .
Note The value of this radiation varies as re l ea se ra te Quantity of gas or vapour emit-

a function of the thickness of the foam. ted per unit time from the source of release .
BS EN 1 2065 BS EN 60079-1 0

red u n d a n cy P ro vi s i o n o f mo re than o ne rel evan t bou n d ary Boundary used to assess

means of achieving a function. the separation of buildings, which might be
PD 7974-7 an actual boundary or a notional boundary
satisfying specified criteria.

reel a n d va l ve su b-a ssem bl y That part of a BS 4422

fire hose reel assembly consisting of a reel,
automatic inlet stop valve (if fitted) and the rel i a bi l i ty Ability of an item to perform a

connection to the reel, but excluding semi- required function under stated conditions

rigid hose, shut-off nozzle and connectors for a stated period of time.

or couplings . PD 7974-7
BS EN 671 -1
rem ote cen tre Premises, remote from those

referen ce fi re sce n a ri oFire scenario used in which the alarm systems are fitted, where

as the basis of a fire test which is intended the information concerning the state of alarm

to reproduce specific aspects of a fire in the systems is collected for display or for on-

built environment. ward transmission.

FDIS 1 3943 BS 4422

1 1 5 rem otel y resetta bl e (restora bl e) d etector

rem otel y resetta b l e ( restora b l e) d etector an alternative to spliced legs on a lowering

Resettable detector that can be restored to line.
its normal state of readiness to detect by Fire Service Training Manual
an operation carried out remotely from the
detector. rescu e ten d er < tru ck> See emergency ten-
ISO 7240-1 der.
BS 4422
repl a cem en t Air entering a compart-
air
Detector
ment to replace exhausted hot smoke .
resetta bl e ( restora bl e ) d etector

which, after response and on cessation of

BS 4422
the conditions that caused the response, may
be restored from its alarm state to its normal
req u i red
d el i vered d en si ty ( RDD) Volu-
state of readiness to detect, without the re-
metric flow rate of water per unit area,
newal of any component.
applied uniformly to the top surface of a
ISO 7240-1
burning fuel array, sufficient to cause the
heat release rate of the fire to decay to a
resi d u a l con ten t of exti n g u i sh i n g m e d i u m
defined low level. See extinguishing medium <residual
–1
Note The typical units are mm min . content> .
FDIS 1 3943 BS 4422

Calcu-
req u i red sa fe esca pe ti m e ( RS E T)
resi d u a l
h ol d i n g force Force required to
lated time available between ignition of a release a door when the automatic release
mechanism is de-energized.
fire and the time at which occupants in a
specified space in a building are able to BS 4422
reach a place of safety.
resi d u a l
secti on Section of the uncharred
Note A temporary place of safety may be timber calculated to remain after a given
represented by a protected escape route or period of exposure to specified fire condi-
other form of protected compartment. An tions.
ultimate place of safety would be outside BS 4422
the building at a safe distance from it.
PD 7974-6 resi sta n t to i g n i ti on Does not undergo pro-
gressive smouldering , ignition or flaming
rescu e Taking appropriate measures for the ignition .
removal of persons from dangerous situa- BS 4422
tions during firefighting and other emer-
gency operations. respon se b eh a vi ou r Behaviour occurring
ISO 8421 -8 after occupants recognize alarm s or cues of
fire, and begin to respond to them, but before
rescu e a xe Specially designed multi-purpose they begin to evacuate.
tool used for piercing, cutting and prying Note See also pre-movement behaviour
metal or breaking and removing glass. and recognition behaviour.
ISO 8421 -8 FDIS 1 3943
rescu e sl i n gSpecial sling used for lowering respon se th resh ol d Smoke or gas concen-
persons. It has two loops connected to a tration at which a fire detector changes to
steel rim by which it is attached to a turnta- its alarm condition .
ble ladder rescue line. Sometimes used as BS 4422
respon se ti m e (N orth Am eri ca ) 1 1 6

respon se ti m e (N orth Am eri ca ) See fire re-u sa bl e fi re bl a n ket Fire blanket that is
brigade attendance time . suitable for re-use after cleaning or washing.
ISO 8421 -8 BS 4422
response time index (RTI) Measure of sprin- reveal ed faul t Fault, the occurrence of which
kler sensitivity expressed as RTI = tu 0.5 , is obvious by termination of the ability
where t is the time constant of the heat of the affected item to perform a required
responsive element and u is the gas velocity. function.
BS 4422 PD 7974-7

respon se ti m e, fi re b ri g a d e See fire bri- ri n g fi re m a i n system Water main which

gade response time . encircles a building or series of buildings or
BS 4422 other associated fire risks and which feeds
fire hydrants , rising mains , etc.
respon si bl e person (1 ) Person having con- BS 4422
trol of the premises, whether as occupier or
otherwise, or any person delegated by the Vertical pipe installed in high
ri si n g m a i n

person having control of the premises to be buildings for the supply of water for fire-
responsible for the fire alarm system and fighting.
the fire procedures . BS 4422
BS 4422 ri si n g m a i n < d ry>Fixed and rigid pipe in-
stalled permanently in a building and intended
respon si bl e person (2)Person on whom leg-
for connection of fire brigade hoses, in
islation imposes a requirement for the fire
order to be charged at the moment of use.
risk assessment.
PAS 79 ISO 8421 -4
ri si n gm a i n < wet> Fixed and rigid pipe,
rest m od e State of a self-contained emer-
installed permanently in a building and which
gency luminaire which is extinguished while
is connected to a water supply for the supply
the normal supply is off.
of water to the fire brigade nozzles.
BS 4533-1 02.22 (BS EN 60598-2-22) ISO 8421 -4
restra i n tConditions at the edges, ends or ri sk Probability of occurrence of a hazard
supports of a test specimen through which causing harm and the degree of the severity
the movement ofthe specimen is constrained. of the harm.
BS 4422 PD 7974-7
resu sci ta ti on Restoration ofrespiration and ri sk < soci eta l a ccepted > See societal ac-
heartbeat to a person. cepted risk.
ISO 8421 -8 FDIS 1 3943
resuscitation eq u ipm en t Apparatus for sup- ri sk a cce pta n ce Decision to accept an esti-
plying oxygen, for artificial respiration and mated level of fire risk, based on either
aspiration. compliance with acceptance criteria or an
ISO 8421 -8 explicit decision to modify those criteria.
FDIS 1 3943
retu rn air Grille connected to the
g ri l l e

ductwork system through which air is ri sk a s sessm en t Process of estimating the

extracted from a room or space. likelihood of occurrence of specific unde-
BS 5588-9 sirable events and the severity of the harm
1 1 7 ri sk i n d i vi d u a l a ccepted

or damage caused, together with a value external fire and flame spread over the
judgement concerning the significance of external surface.
the results. ISO 8421 -2
Good Practice and Pitfalls in Risk Assess-
ment room < a ccess> See access room .
ISO 8421 -6
ri sk i n d i vi d u a l a ccepted See individual ac-
cepted risk. room < i n n er> See inner room .
FDIS 1 3943 BS 4422
ri sk of fi re sprea d Probability of a fire, once room protecti on Provision of room fire de-
started, growing to a size and character that tection and/or a fire extinguishing system
could produce life risk or property risk or within a room, floor void or ceiling void.
both. BS 6266
BS 4422
rosette ( spri n kl er rosette) Plate covering
ri sk profi l e Means of categorizing the fire the gap between a suspended ceiling and
risks for a range of occupancies based on the shank or body of a sprinkler projecting
the occupancy profile and the fire growth through it.
rate . *BS 4422-4
DD 9999
rou ti n e fi re proced u resSteps to be taken
Expected extent of
ri sk to l i fe a n d h ea l th by people on the outbreak of a fire.
injury or loss of life from a fire , defined in *BS 4422-1 (ISO 8421 -1 )
terms of probability as the product of:
– frequency of occurrence of an undesir- rou ti n e i n specti on Check, at regular inter-
able event to be expected in a given tech- vals of the fire prevention and fire protec-
nical operation or state; and tion arrangements.
– hazard to life and health. BS 4422
PD 7974-7
RSET See required safe escape time (RSET).
roof Horizontal or sloped separating ele- PD 7974-6
ment ofbuilding construction which is load-
bearing. RTI See response time index (RTI) .
BS EN 1 365-2 BS 4422
roof con stru cti on wi th a g l a zed el em en t ru n n i n g
ca rd See pre-determined atten-
Roof construction with one opening in which dance card instruction.
a glazed element is fitted, with or without ISO 8421 -8
shared transoms or mullions .
BS EN 1 365-2 ru n n i n g d a ta Data that is either generated
internally by the system (such as the read-
roof screen See smoke baffle . ings of sensors) or is entered manually to
BS 4422 initiate test or disablement functions.
*BS 5839-4
roof ven t See smoke vent.
BS 4422 ru n n i n g -ca l l fa ci l i ty Facility at a fire sta-
tion which enables a running caller to give
roof, resistant to external fire spread Roof an alarm of fire .
and covering to resist both penetration by Fire Service Training Manual
S

sa fe con d i ti on
si g n Safety sign that pro- sa fety l i g h ti n g See standby lighting.
vides information about safe conditions. BS 4422
PAS 79
sa fety s h u t-off d evi ce Device for automat-
Temporary location which is free
sa fe refu g e ically shutting off fuel flow or other energy
from immediate danger from the effects of supply in order to avoid dangerous condi-
fire . tions.
Note It is, for example, a place where a BS 4422
wheelchair user can wait in relative safety
sa fety si g n Sign that gives a message about
for further assistance. It can also be a wait-
health or safety by a combination of geo-
ing area in high-rise buildings which gives
metric form, safety colour and symbol or
people a chance to rest before continuing
text (i.e. words, letters, numbers) or both.
their escape to a place of safety.
*BS 5378-1
FDIS 1 3943
sa l va g e Taking appropriate measures to miti-
sa fety Freedom from an unacceptable risk gate damage caused by the effects of fire or
of harm. firefighting.
PD 7974-7 BS 4422
sa fety b el t Special belt, with a snap hook, sa l va g e ten d er See damage control unit.
used by a firefighter as a safety measure to ISO 8421 -8
prevent falling.
ISO 8421 -8 sa tel l i te l u m i n a i re See emergency lumi-
naire <satellite> .
sa fety col ou r Colour to which a specific BS 4422
health or safety meaning or purpose is as-
signed. satel l ite station Remote centre having facil-
*BS 5378-1 ities for both transmission to an alarm re-
ceiving centre and on-demand display of
sa fety cu rta i nFire curtain used to separate information.
a stage from an auditorium. BS 4422
BS 4422
scenario Set of circumstances and/or an order
sa fety extra l ow vol ta g e (SELV) Extra low of events in a fire incident that are feasible
voltage in a circuit that is isolated from and reasonably foreseeable.
the supply mains by means such as a safe- PD 7974-7
ty transformer or converter with separate
windings. scorch ( verb ) Modify the surface of mate-
*BS 5839-4 rial by limited carbonization due to heat.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
sa fety h a rn ess Special harness with a snap
hook, used by a firefighter as a safety mea- scorch i n g< sm el l of> Smell of an object
sure to prevent falling. which has been scorched .
ISO 8421 -8 *ISO 3261
1 1 9 screen i n g test

screen i n g test Preliminary test used for ascer- sector Geographical sub-division of premises
taining whether an item is likely to exhibit protected by an alarm system.
(or not) certain characteristics according to a BS 4422
standardized test method.
BS EN ISO 1 3943 se ctor va l ve Valve used to direct a gaseous
extinguishing medium into a particular sec-
s ea rch d i sta n ceDistance which has to be tion of pipework.
travelled by a searcher within a zone in BS 4422
order to determine visually the position of a
fire . se cu ri ty system < i n teg ra ted > System in
BS 5839-1 which more than one security system share
common facilities (such as hardware, soft-
se a t of fi re Location of the maximum inten- ware or transmission medium), or in which
sity of a fire , usually as shown by the point one or more security systems share com-
of maximum damage. mon facilities with non-security systems.
BS 4422 BS 4422
s ea t of fl a m e Flame location at the leading se l f-a sp i ra ti n g foa m m a ki n g com pon en t

edge of the affected area. Foam-making component in which air is

BS 4422 induced by the discharge of foam solution
from a nozzle or nozzles within the equip-
seatway Minimum distance between the front ment. The induced air is mixed intimately
of one row of seats and the back of the row with the foam solution within the equip-
in front. ment to produce the foam .
BS 4422 BS 5306-6.2
secon d a l a rm et seq See assistance mes- s e l f- a s p i ra t i n g fo a m m a ki n g eq u i pm en t

sage . See foam making equipment <self aspirat-

ISO 8421 -8 ing> .
BS 4422
secon d a ry g ra d e of rel ea se See grades of
release . sel f- cl osi n g d evi ce Device that is capable
BS 4422 of closing a fire door from any angle and
against any latch fitted to the door.
Ignition source
Fire Safety – Risk Assessment
secon d a ry i g n i ti on sou rce

which does not impinge on the specimen ,

and where a secondary means is used to ini- sel f-cl osi n g fi re d oor See fire door <self-
tiate ignition . closing> .
BS 4422 BS 4422
secon d a ry sa m pl i n g system System where sel f-con ta i n ed em erg en cy l u m i n a i re See
the air sampling points are sited and spaced emergency luminaire <self-contained> .
as if they are point type smoke detectors. BS 4422
Code of Practice for Design, Installation,
Commissioning & Maintenance of Aspirat- sel f-con ta i n ed fi re a l a rm See fire alarm
ing Smoke Detector (ASD) Systems. 2005. <self contained> .
BS 4422
Standard instrument
s e co n d a ry s t a n d a rd

with a calibration traceable to a primary self-contained fire safety sign See fire safety
standard . sign <self-contained> .
FDIS 1 3943 BS 4422
sel f-con ta i n ed sm oke a l a rm 1 20

s e l f- co n t a i n e d s m o ke a l a rm See smoke s e l f- r e s e t t i n g ( s e l f- r e s t o ri n g ) d etector

alarm . Resettable detector that will automatically

BS 4422 restore itself to its normal state of readiness
to detect.
Cease combustion without
sel f-exti n g u i s h ISO 7240-1
being affected by any external agent.
FDIS 1 3943 Ceiling with a span
sel f-su pporti n g cei l i n g

from wall to wall, without any additional

sel f-exti n g u i sh i b i l i ty Deprecated term. suspension devices .
BS EN ISO 1 3943 BS EN 1 364-2
sel f-exti n g u i sh i n g Deprecated term. Calculation of changes
se n si ti vi ty a n a l ysi s

BS EN ISO 1 3943 in outputs for variations of an input parame-

ter of interest.
Rise in temperature in a mate-
sel f-h e a ti n g PD 7974-4
rialresulting from an exothermic reaction
within the material. se n sory i rri ta n cy Action of toxicants on
BS EN ISO 1 3943 the eyes and/or upper respiratory tract caus-
ing a painful sensation, either by a direct
Heat gen-
sel f-h ea ti n g < el ectrotech n i ca l >
stimulus of specialized receptors or as a
erated by a powered electrotechnical prod- result of tissue damage.
uct resulting in a rise in temperature in the BS EN ISO 1 3943
product.
BS EN ISO 1 3943 sen sory i rritan t See irritant <sensory/upper
respiratory> .
sel f-i g n i ti on Spontaneous ignition result- FDIS 1 3943
ing from self-heating.
BS EN ISO 1 3943 Form ofcom-
sepa ra ted p a rt of a bu i l d i n g

partmentation in which a part of a building

se l f-i g n i ti on
of d u st i n b u l k Ignition of
is separated from another part of the same
dusts caused by the rate of heat generation building by a compartment wall.
from oxidation and/or decomposition reac- Firecode: Fire Practice Note 4. Hospital Main
tions of the dust being greater than the rate Kitchens. 1 994
of heat loss to the surroundings.
Arrangement used to sepa-
BS EN 1 1 27-1 separati n g d evice

rate a continuous conveyor system pene-

trating an opening in a fire resisting sepa-
Deprecated term.
sel f-i g n ition tem peratu re
rating element to allow a closure to fully
See spontaneous ignition temperature
advance to its closed position.
(SIT) .
BS EN ISO 1 3943 BS EN 1 366-7
sepa ra ti n g el em en t Constructional element
self-luminous fire safety sign See fire safety
that is intended to prevent the spread of fire
sign <self-luminous> .
between two adjacent areas of a building.
BS 4422
Note A separating element will be requir-
Propagation of
s el f-p ropa g a ti on of fl a m e
ed to satisfy specified criteria of integrity,
a flame front after the removal ofany applied insulation and (where applicable) load-
energy source. bearing capacity.
BS EN ISO 1 3943 BS 4422
 1 21 sepa ra ti n g wa l l

Wall, with or without glaz-

sep a ra ti n g wa l l s h o ckwa ve Pressure pulse formed by an
ing, provided within a building or between explosion in which a sharp discontinuity
adjoining buildings to prevent the transfer in pressure is created as the wave travels
of fire from one side to the other. through a fluid medium at greater than sonic
BS EN 1 365-1 velocity.
BS 4422
Physical distance between the
s e p a ra t i o n

opposed components. sh op pi n g com pl ex Structural combination

BS 5839-5 of a number of commercial premises that
includes areas providing common access
servi ce d u ct Enclosure for the accommoda- for the public, principally for shopping pur-
tion of building services . poses.
Firecode: Fire Practice Note 4. Hospital Main BS 5588-1 0
Kitchens. 1 994
sh opp i n g com pl ex < covered > Shopping
s e rvi ce p re s s u re See sprinkler <service complex that includes a covered mall in
pressure>. which:
BS 4422 – more than 1 5 m of the length of the mall
is covered by a bridge or roof; or
s e rvi c e p re s s u r e < of an e xt i n g u i s h e r> – where the mall has an open slot above it,
Equilibrium pressure developed within the more than 50% of its plan area is ob-
body ofthe extinguisher when it is filled to scured; or
its maximum recommended charge and its – at least 25% of its plan area is obscured
maximum admissible temperature. by a roof, floor, bridge, gallery or can-
ISO 8421 -4 opy.
DD 9999
Vertical enclosure for the ac-
servi ce s h a ft

commodation of building services . shopping complex <uncovered> Shopping

complex that does not include a covered
servi ces Cables, conduits, pipes, chimneys, mall.
ducts, trunking, air ventilation systems, fire DD 9999
rated ventilation ducts or fire rated service
ducts and shafts. sh u n t system System in which branch duct-
Association for Specialist Fire Protection work, instead of making a direct connec-
tion to the main ductwork, turns through an
sh el tered Blocks of flats and/or
h ou si n g angle and runs parallel to the main duct-
maisonettes , with each dwelling incorpo- work for a specified distance before turning
rating its own cooking and sanitary facili- into and connecting with the main duct-
ties, designed specifically for persons who work.
might require assistance, e.g. elderly peo- BS 5588-9
ple, and where some form of assistance is
available at all times. sh u t-off n ozzl e Component, at the end of a

Note 1 This should not be taken as imply- hose, used to direct and control the dis-
ing that assistance need be provided on the charge of water.
premises. BS 4422
Note 2 Sheltered housing usually includes Feature ofthe premises,
si g n i fi ca n t fi n d i n g

amenities common to all occupiers such as from which the fire hazards and persons at
lounges, guest rooms, etc. risk are identified.
BS 5588-1 Guide to Fire Risk Assessment
si l en ci n g 1 22

Operation to switch off the audi-

si l en ci n g si te speci fi c d a ta Alterable data required
ble signal of a sounding device which is for the fire alarm control and indicating
capable of being automatically resounded. equipment to operate in a defined system
BS 4422 configuration.
BS EN 54-2
si m pl e l obby Lobby that does not give direct
access to lifts, shafts or ducts that could Luminaire supplied from a
sl a ve l u m i n a i re

constitute a significant leakage path for central emergency power source and not
smoke to spread to other storeys within a having its own internal secondary supply.
building. A simple lobby may either be BS 4422
unventilated or naturally ventilated.
sl i d i n g p ol eFixed pole used by firefighters
Note A lobby connected to a lift, well or
for rapid descent from the upper floors of a
other shaft is still a simple lobby if all such
fire station .
shafts are pressurized.
BS 4422
*BS 5588-4
sl op over Condition that occurs when a water
Evacuation pro-
si m u l ta n eou s eva cu a ti on
spray (or foam ) is applied to the surface of
cedure in which all parts of a building are a burning liquid that has developed a hot
evacuated following the giving of a com- zone beneath the surface at a temperature in
mon alarm of fire . excess of 1 00°C. On passing through this
BS 4422 zone , the water boils and expands suddenly,
causing some of the flammable liquid to
See sprinkler installa-
pour over the rim of the tank.
si n g l e l oop system

tion <single loop> .

BS 4422
BS 4422
sm a l l fi reFires in the following locations:
Pressure differ-
si n g l e - p re s s u re s ys t e m
– single derelict building;
ential system in which the air supply to
– single building under demolition;
a pressurized space or extraction from a
– single tree;
depressurized space is designed to operate
– outdoor fires confined to: grassland, heath-
only in an emergency. land, railway embankments, stubble, fences
*BS 5588-4 or hedges, hoardings, derelict cars, re-
fuse, refuse containers, lamp standards,
single stage evacuation Arrangement where-
telegraph poles, road furniture, road sur-
by the fire alarm system installed into a
faces and verges;
building is configured in order to facilitate
– chimneys.
the immediate evacuation of all its occu-
pants in the event of fire.
Home Office Report – Arson Working
Group
London District Surveyors Association
Thermal attack produced
sm a l l fi re a tta ck
si n g l e-sta g e pressu ri za ti on syste m Pres-
by a small flame like a match or lighter.
sure differential system designed to work
only in an emergency.
BS EN 1 3501 -1
BS 4422 sm a l l sca l e fi re test Fire test performed on
an item of small dimensions.
Land occupied by the
si te < of a bu i l d i n g >

building up to the boundaries with land in Note A test performed on a specimen of

other ownership. which the maximum dimension is less than
Approved Document B (Fire safety) – 1 m is usually called ‘ a small-scale test’.
Volume 1 : Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition) BS EN ISO 1 3943
1 23 sm oke

sm oke Visible part of fire effluent. sm oke con trol zon e Sub-division ofa build-
BS 4422 ing for smoke control purposes.
BS 4422
sm oke a l a rm Device containing within one
housing all the components , except possi- sm oke cu rta i n Curtain that is fixed into posi-
bly the energy source, necessary for detect- tion, or moves from a retracted position to
ing smoke and for giving an audible alarm . its operational position when activated by
*BS 5839-1 smoke detector or other means, in order to
restrict the movement of smoke in a fire.
sm oke ba ffl e BS 4422
cei l i n g screen

roof screen Vertical sub-division fitted inter- sm oke cu rta i n < a u tom a ti c> Curtain that
nally to the roof (or ceiling ) to create an moves from its retracted position to its oper-
obstacle to lateral flow of smoke and fire ational position when activated by a smoke
gases . detector or other means.
BS 4422 Note Drop curtains are mounted horizon-
tally and lower to the operational position,
Smoke control
sm oke cl ea ra n ce system
by power of gravity.
system designed to remove fire effluent
following a fire and used at the discretion of BS 4422
the fire service to assist firefighting opera-
tions. sm oke cu rta i n /screenThat part of a smoke
control system to create ceiling compart-
BS 4422
ments from which smoke and hot gases can

s m o ke Region of roof or
c o m p a rt m e n t
be extracted.
ceiling void isolated from other areas, by BS 4422
building structures and/or purpose-made
screens designed to prevent the flow of sm oke d a m per See damper <smoke>.
smoke from the compartment. *BS 4422-5 (ISO 8421 -5)
BS 4422
s m o ke d etecti on ca bi n et See marine
sm oke con trol Measures to control the spread <smoke detection cabinet> .
or movement of smoke and fire gases dur- BS 4422
ing a fire within a building.
BS 4422 sm oke d etector See fire detector <smoke>.
BS 4422
Smoke con-
sm oke con trol < m ech a n i ca l >

trol with the help ofmechanical means. s m o ke d i l u ti on Smoke control achieved

BS 4422 by mixing the smoky gases with enough
clean air to achieve less hazardous condi-
sm oke con trol < n a tu ra l > Smoke control tions.
mainly with the help of the buoyant force of BS 4422
hot fire gases .
BS 4422 sm oke ej ector See smoke extractor.
BS 4422
sm oke con trol d oor Doorset designed to
reduce the rate of spread or movement of s m o ke e xh a u s t fa n Fan used to remove
smoke during a fire . smoke and hot gases in the event of fire .
*BS 4422-5 (ISO 8421 -5) *BS 4422-5 (ISO 8421 -5)
sm oke exh a u st ven ti l a ti on system 1 24

sm oke exh au st ven til ation system Smoke sm oke l ea ka g e Ability of an element of con-

control system designed to remove a suffi- struction to reduce the passage of hot and/

cient volume of smoke to minimize the pos- or cold gases or smoke from one side of

sibility of inter- connected spaces becoming the element to the other to below specified

untenable as a result of the spread of smoke. levels.

BS 4422 BS EN 1 363-1
sm oke exp l osi on Explosion of a mixture sm oke obscu ra ti on Reduction in the inten-

offlammable fire gases (pyrolized fuel and sity of light due to its passage through smoke.
partial combustion products ) and air.
Note 1 In practice smoke obscuration is

Note A particular case of a backdraught. usually expressed as a percentage.

PD 7974-2 Note 2 This phenomenon induces a reduc-

tion in visibility.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
sm oke extraction Measures taken to remove

smoke and hot gases from a building.

*BS 4422-5 (ISO 8421 -5)
sm oke opa ci ty S ee opacity of smoke .

sm oke extra cti on d u ct Duct used for the

FDIS 1 3943
extraction of smoke in case of fire and design-
ed to provide a degree of fire resistance . sm oke ou tl ets Readily breakable panels in

BS EN 1 366-8 walls or floors which can be broken to release

smoke and fire gases from a building involv-
sm oke extra cti on system S ystem consist- ed in fire .
i ng of smoke o utle t, smoke extractor, BS 4422
switch, etc. permanently installed in a build-

ing for the purpose of clearance of smoke. sm oke prod u cti on Amount of smoke which
*BS 4422-5 (ISO 8421 -5) is produced in a fire or fire test.
Note 1
2
The typical units are m .
s m o ke e xt ra c t o r E qui p me nt p rovi di ng a
Note 2 See also extinction area <of smoke>.
mechanical means of removing smoke from
a building or other structure involved in FDIS 1 3943
fire .
BS 4422 sm oke p rod u cti on ra te Amount of smoke
produced per unit time in a fire or fire test.
sm oke h a za rd Potential for inj ury and/or
Note 1 product of
It is calculated as the
damage from smoke . the volumetric flow rate of smoke and the
BS EN 1 3501 -1 extinction coefficient of the smoke at the
point of measurement.
sm oke l a yer Vertical distance from the ‘ cen-
Note 2
2 –1
The typical units are m s .
troid’ of the extraction points (where the

horizontal or vertical plane) or the initial FDIS 1 3943

exhaust point for ducted systems to the bot-

tom of the smoke layer. sm oke reservoi r Volume provided for the

*BS 4422-5 collection of smoke resulting from a fire .

BS 4422
sm oke l ayerin g Stratification of smoke with-
in a room or space caused by thermal effects sm oke retardi n g con stru ction Construction

in the absence of turbulence. intended to retard the passage of smoke .

ISO 8421 -5 BS 5588-7
1 25 sm oke sh a ft

sm oke sh aft Shaft provided to remove smoke sm ou l d er To burn slowly without flame .
in the event of fire. Note 1 The difference between scorching
*BS 4422-2 and smouldering is quite distinct and whether
or not smouldering has commenced can be
sm oke stopp i n g Seal provided to close an ascertained by quickly withdrawing the
imperfection offit or design tolerance between material from the guard at the end of 1 0
elements or components to restrict the pas- seconds’ exposure. If smouldering has started
sage of smoke . it will be seen that a hole has formed in the
BS 4422 material and that the edge of the hole glows
red.
Channel/duct utilized
sm oke tra n sfer d u ct

to move smoke from a stagnant region with-
in the smoke layer to another part of that
layer.
BS 4422
sm oke ven t Opening in the enclosing walls
or roof of a building, intended to release
heat and smoke in the event of fire, auto-
matically or manually opened.
BS 4422
sm oke ven ti l a tor < a u tom a ti c> Ventilator
that is installed into a building and is design-
ed to open automatically after the outbreak
of fire to allow smoke and fire gases to
escape .
BS 4422
s m o ke ve n t i l a t o r < a u tom a ti c
Powered ventilator that is installed into a
building and is designed to open automati-
cally after the outbreak of fire, to allow
smoke and fire gases to be extracted.
BS 4422
s m o ke ve n t i l a t o r < m a n u a l > Fixed con-
trolled ventilator which can be operated to
release smoke and hot gases from a build-
ing involved in fire.
ISO 8421 -5
sm oke ven ti n g Practice of creating open-
ings in a building to facilitate the relief
of smoke and hot gases during firefighting
operations.
BS 4422
sm oke zon e See smoke control zone .
BS 4422
Note 2 See also smouldering.
BS 1 945
smouldering Combustion ofa material with-
out flame and without light being visible.
Note 1 Smouldering is generally evidenced
by an increase in temperature and/or by
effluent.
Note 2 See also glowing combustion .
BS 7974
s m o u l d e ri n g
fi re Slow, low-temperature,
flameless form of combustion sustained by
the heat evolved when oxygen directly attacks
the surface ofcondensed-phase fuel.
Note A smouldering fire is generally made
evident by an increase in temperature and/
p o we re d > or by smoke .
*DD 240-1
soa k ti m e Period after a fire alarm system
has been commissioned, but prior to hand-
over, during which the system’s performance
in relation to false alarms and faults is moni-
tored.
BS 5839-1
soci a l a l a rm system System that provides
facilities for alarm initiation, signal trans-
mission, alarm reception, reassurance and
assistance, for use by elderly and other per-
sons considered to be living at risk.
BS 5839-6
soci eta l a cce pted ri skMeasure of fire risk
combining consequences experienced by
every affected person and group.
FDIS 1 3943
soci eta l ri sk 1 26

soci etal risk Relationship between frequency the mass lost from the test specimen in the

of occurrence and the number of people in a same time period.

given population suffering from a specified

Note
2 –1
The typical units are m g .
level of harm from the realization of speci-

fied hazards .
FDIS 1 3943
PD 7974-7 speci fi c h ea t ca pa ci ty Heat capacity per

unit mass.
softwa re Data required for the operation of

Note
–1 –1
a program- controlled system. The typical units are J g K .

*BS 5839-4 FDIS 1 3943

soot Particulate matter produced and depos-
speci fi c opti ca l d en si ty of sm oke Optical
ited during or after combustion .
density of smoke multiplied by a geometric
Note Soot usually consists of finely di-
factor.
vided particles, mainly carbon, produced
Note 1 The geometric factor is V/AL, where
by the incomplete combustion of organic
V is the volume of the test chamber, A is
materials .
the area of the exposed surface of the test
BS EN ISO 1 3943 specimen , and L is the light path length.

sou n d d etector S ound sensitive device used

Note 2 The use of the term ‘ specific’ does

not denote ‘ per unit mass’ but rather denotes

to locate trapped casualties.

ISO 8421 -8 a quantity associated with a particular test

apparatus and exposed surface area of test

s ou rce of re l ea se Point or location from specimen.

which a flammable gas , vapour, or liquid

Note 3 It is dimensionless.
may be released into the atmosphere such
FDIS 1 3943
that an explosive gas atmosphere could be

formed.
prod-
BS EN 60079-1 0
speci m e n Representative piece of the

uct which is to be tested together with any

s pa rk ( noun ) Incandescent particle.

substrate or treatment. This may include an

FDIS 1 3943 air gap.

BS 476-1 3 (ISO 5657)

spa rk < el ectrotech n i ca l > ( noun ) Luminous

discharge resulting from the dielectric break- spectroscopy S tudy of spectra, especially

down of a gas between two electrodes. to determine the chemical composition of

FDIS 1 3943 substances and the physical properties of

atoms, molecules, and ions.

type of protec-
sp eci a l protecti on ‘s ’ S ee
FDIS 1 3943
tion .
BS 4422 spi l l fi re Fire resulting from the ignition of

an unconfined spillage of flammable liq-

speci a l i zed fi refi g h ti n g Firefighting oper-
uid onto a flat or nearly flat surface.
atio ns invo lving ap p ro ac h o r entry fire-

fighting. BS 4422
BS 4422
spi l l pl u m e Vertically rising plume result-

speci fi c exti n cti on a re a of sm oke Extinc- ing from an initially horizontally flowing

tion area o f smoke p ro duc e d b y a test smoke layer encountering a free edge.
specimen in a given time period divided by PD 7974-2
 1 27 spl i ce

s p l i ce C o nnec tio n o r j unc tio n b etwee n o r which, it is assumed for design purposes,

within the length of a linear j oint seal. sprinklers will operate in a fire .
BS EN 1 366-4 BS 4422
spon tan eous com bu stion Deprecated term.
spri n kl er < a ssu m e d m a xi m u m a re a of op-

S ee self-ignition . era ti on , h yd ra u l i ca l l y m ost fa vou ra bl e

BS EN ISO 1 3943 l oca ti on > Location in a sprinkler array

of an AMAO of specified shape at which

sp on ta n e ou s i g n i ti on S ee auto-ignition .
FDIS 1 3943 the water supply pressure required to give

the specified sprinkler design density is

the minimum.
spon ta n eou s i g n i ti on t e m p e ra t u re ( S I T)

S ee auto-ignition temperature . BS 4422

BS EN ISO 1 3943
spri n kl e r < a s su m ed m a xi m u m a rea of op-

sp ra yer S ee sprinkler <sprayer> . e ra t i o n , h yd ra u l i c a l l y m o s t u n fa vo u r-

BS 4422 a bl e l oca ti on > Location in a sprinkler

array of an AMAO of specified shape at
spra yer < h i g h -vel oci ty> Open nozzle used
which the water supply pressure required to
to extinguish fires of high flashpoint liq-
give the sprinkler design density is the
uids.

BS 5306-2
maximum.

BS 4422
s p ra ye r < m e d i u m - ve l o ci t y> Sprayer of

sealed or open type used to control fires of

spri n kl er < con cea l ed > Recessed sprinkler
lower flashpoint liquids and gases, or to having a cover plate that disengages when

cool surfaces. heat is applied.

BS 5306-2 BS 4422
s prea d o f fl a m e S ee surface spread of sp ri n kl er < con ven ti on a l > Sprinkler that

flame . gives a spherical pattern of discharge.

BS 4422 BS 4422
s pri n kl er Thermosensitive device designed
sp ri n kl er < cu t-off> Sprinkler protecting a
to react at a predetermined temperature by
door or window between two areas, only
automatically releasing a stream of water
one of which is protected by sprinklers.
and distributing it in a specified pattern and

quantity over a designated area.

BS 4422
BS 4422
sp ri n kl er < d el u g e i n s ta l l a ti on > Installa-

spri n kl er < a ctu a l d el i vered d en si ty (ADD) > tion or tail- end extension fitted with open

Measured volumetric flow rate of water per sprayers and a control arrangement so that

unit area from sprinklers that is delivered an entire area is sprayed with water on oper-

near the base of a fire plume for a specific ation of the installation.

fire heat release rate . BS 4422

Note
–1
It is measured in mm min .

FDIS 1 3943 sprinkler <detector> Sealed sprinkler mount-

ed on a pressurized pipeline used to control

sp ri n kl er < a s su m ed m a xi m u m a rea of op - a deluge valve .

era ti on ( AM AO) > Maximum area over *BS 4422-4
sprinkler <domestic> 1 28

sprinkler <domestic> Sprinkler that is de- sprinkler <end-centre array> Pipe array
signed for service in dwelling houses, flats with range pipes on both sides of a sprin-
and transportable homes. kler distribution pipe .
Te ch n i ca l B u l l e ti n 1 4 B S 442 2

sprinkler <drop> Vertical pipe feeding a sprinkler <end-side array> Pipe array with
sprinkler distribution pipe or range pipe. range pipes on one side only of a sprinkler
B S 442 2 distribution pipe .
B S 442 2

sprinkler <dry> Component consisting of

a sprinkler head and a drop pipe which sprinkler <flat spray> Sprinkler which has
contains pressurized air and incorporates a a paraboloid water distribution directed to-

closing device . wards the ground while some of the water

I S O 8 42 1 - 4 sprays the ceiling , and which directs from

6 0% to 8 0% of the total water flow initially

sprinkler <dry pendent pattern> Unit com- in a downward direction.

prising a sprinkler and dry drop pipe unit I S O 8 42 1 - 4

with a valve, at the head of the pipe, held

closed by a device maintained in position by sprinkler <flush pattern> Pendent sprin-

the sprinkler head valve. kler for fitting partly above, but with the

B S 442 2 thermosensitive element below, the lower

plane of the ceiling.

sprinkler <dry upright pattern> Unit com- B S 442 2

prising a sprinkler and dry rise pipe unit

with a valve, at the base of the pipe, held

sprinkler <fully hydraulically calculated>
closed by a device maintained in position by
Term applied to pipework or installation in
the sprinkler head valve.
which all the pipework downstream of the
B S 442 2
main installation control valve set is sized.
BS 5 3 06-2

sprinkler <early suppression> S ystem per-

formance whereby the first few sprinklers sprinkler <fusible link> Sprinkler which
to operate are able to provide sufficient water
opens when a component provided for the
to the fire early enough such that the fire is
purpose melts.
promptly reduced to an acceptable level, if
B S 442 2

not extinguished.

B S 442 2
sprinkler <glass bulb> Sprinkler whic h

opens under the influence of heat by the

sprinkler <early suppression, fast bursting of a liquid filled glass bulb.
response> B S 442 2

ESFR sprinkler Device designed to react to a

fire by automatically releasing a stream of
sprinkler <gridded configuration pipe
water and distributing it in a specified pat-
array> Pipe array in which water can
tern and density over a designated area so as
flow to each sprinkler by more than one
to promptly reduce the fire to an acceptable
route.
level.
B S 442 2

Note S ee also sprinkler <early suppres-

sion> . sprinkler <horizontal> Sprinkler arrang-

B S 442 2 ed in such a way that the water stream is

1 29 spri n kl er < i n term ed i a te>

directed horizontally against the distribu- sp ri n kl er < recessed > Sprinkler in which

tion plate. all or part of the heat sensing element is

BS 4422 above the plane of the ceiling.

BS 4422
spri n kl er < in term ed iate> Sprinkler install-
ed below, and additional to, the roof or ceil- sp ri n kl er < resi d en ti a l > Sprinkler giving

ing sprinklers . an outward and downward water discharge

BS 4422 and suitable for use in a domestic or resi-

dential occupancy.

spri n kl er <jockey pu m p> Small pump used

BS 4422
to replenish minor water loss, to avoid start-
sp ri n kl er < roof or cei l i n g > Sprinkler pro-
ing an automatic booster or suction pump
tecting the roof or ceiling.
BS 5306-2
unnecessarily.

BS 4422
sp ri n kl er < servi ce pressu re> S tatic water
sp ri n kl er < l i fe sa fety> Sprinkler systems
pressure at the inlet to a sprinkler check
forming an integral part of measures required
valve .
for the protection of life.
BS 4422
BS 5306-2
DD 9999 sprinkler <sidewall pattern> Sprinkler hav-
ing a deflector plate designed to discharge

sp ri n kl er < m u l ti p l e con trol > Valve, nor- most of the water away from the nearby wall

mally held closed by a temperature sensi- in a pattern resembling one quarter of a

tive element, suitable for use in a deluge sphere, with a small portion of the discharge

system or for the operation of a pressure directed at the wall behind the sprinkler.

switch. BS 4422
BS 4422
s p r i n kl e r < s p r a y> Sprinkler whi c h has

spri n kl er < n od e> Point in pipework at which a paraboloidal water distribution directed

towards the ground and which directs from

pressure(s) and flow(s) are calculated and
8 0% to 1 00% of the total water flow ini-
which is used as a datum point for the pur-
tially in a downward direction.
pose of hydraulic calculations.

BS 4422 BS 4422
sp ri n kl er < spra yer> Sprinkler that gives a
sp ri n kl er < open > Sprinkler not sealed by
downward conical- pattern discharge.

BS 4422
a temperature- sensitive element.

BS 4422
sprin kl er <su ction pu m p> Automatic pump
sp ri n kl er < p en d en t> Sprinkler designed
supplying water to a sprinkler system from
to be installed in such a way that the water
a suction tank, river, lake or canal.
stream is directed downwards against the
BS 4422
distribution plate.

BS 4422 spri n kl er < ta i l -en d exten si on > Extension

to a wet pipe sprinkler installation such

sp ri n kl er < pi pe a rra y> Pipework feeding a that the extension can be either dry pipe or

group of sprinklers . alternate.

BS 4422 BS 4422
spri n kl er < term i n a l m a i n con fi g u ra ti on > 1 30

sp ri n kl er < term i n a l main con fi g u ra ti on > sprinkler alarm valve <alternate> An alarm
Pipe array with only one water supply route valve suitable for a wet, dry or alternate

to each range pipe. installation.

BS 4422 *BS 4422-4

sp ri n kl er < term i n a l ra n g e con fi g u ra ti on > sprinkler alarm valve <composite> Assem-
Pipe array with only one water supply route bly of two alarm valves, suitable for wet,

from a sprinkler distribution pipe . dry or alternate installations.

BS 4422 *BS 4422-4

spri n kl er < tru n k m ai n > Pipe connecting two spri n kl e r a l a rm va l ve < d ry> Alarm valve
or more water supply pipes to the installa- suitable for a dry installation; and/or in asso-

tion main sprinkler control valve set(s) . ciation with a wet alarm valve, for an alter-

BS 4422 nate installation.

BS EN 1 2845
sp ri n kl er < u pri g h t> Sprinkler designed to
be installed in such a way that the water sprin kl er al arm val ve < pre-acti on > Alarm
stream is directed upwards against the dis- valve suitable for a pre- action installation.
tribution plate. BS EN 1 2845
BS 4422
Alarm
spri n kl e r a l a rm va l ve < recycl i n g >

sp ri n kl er a ccel e ra tor Device that reduces valve suitable for a recycling installation.
the delay in operation of a dry alarm valve , BS 5306-2
or composite alarm valve when in dry mode,

by early detection of the drop in air pressure

spri n kl e r a l a rm va l ve < wet> Alarm valve
suitable for a wet installation.
when a sprinkler operates.
BS 4422 BS EN 1 2845
spri n kl e r a l a rm va l ve com pen s a tor
spri n kl er acti vation area Total planned area
a u xi l i a ry ch eck va l ve External or internal
over which sprinklers are designed to operate.
device used to balance small increases of
Note
2
The typical units are m .
water pressure in order to minimize false

FDIS 1 3943 alarms.

ISO 8421 -4
sp ri n kl er a l a rm test va l ve Valve through

which water can be drawn to test the opera- sprin kl er al arm val ve retard ch am ber Vol-

tion of the sprinkler water motor alarm umetric device designed to minimize false

and/or of any associated electric fire alarm . alarms due to surges and fluctuations in

BS 4422 sprinkler system water supplies.

ISO 8421 -4
sp ri n kl er a l a rm va l ve Valve of the check

type designed to permit flow of water to a spri n kl e r a l a rm va l ve wa ter m otor a l a rm

sprinkler system and to provide an alarm Local hydraulically actuated device which

under flow conditions. provides a local audible alarm as a result of

BS 4422 flow through the sprinkler alarm valve .
ISO 8421 -4
sp ri n kl er a l a rm va l ve

cl a pper va l ve sp ri n kl er a l a rm va l ve wa ter m otor tra n s -

cl a pper a ssem b l y Parts of the valve which m i tter fl ow swi tch Local hydraulically

prevent water flowing in the reverse direction. actuated device which generates an electri-

ISO 8421 -4 cal contact signal for a remote alarm as a

1 31 spri n kl er a ppl i ca ti on ra te

sprinkler alarm Note

–1
result of flow through in a The typical units are mm min .

valve system. FDIS 1 3943

ISO 8421 -4
spri n kl er d esi g n poi n t Point on a sprin-
spri n kl er a ppl i ca ti on ra te Volumetric flow kler distribution pipe of a pre-calculated
rate of water, per unit area, from operating
sprinkler installation , downstream of which
sprinklers . pipework is sized from tables and upstream

Note 1 Also called sprinkler density or of which pipework is sized by hydraulic cal-

discharge density for horizontal surfaces or, culation.

more generally, surface density. BS 4422

Note 2
–1
The typical units are mm min .

FDIS 1 3943
spri n kl er d istribu tion pipe Pipe feeding one

or more range pipes.

sp ri n kl er a rm p i pe Pipe, other than the last

BS 4422
section of a range pipe, feeding a single
sp ri n kl er d ren ch er Device used to distrib-
sprinkler.
BS 4422
ute water over a surface to provide protec-

tion against fire exposure .

sp ri n kl er booster pu m p Automatic pump

BS 4422
supplying water to a sprinkler system from
sp ri n kl er e xh a u s ter Device to exhaust the
an elevated private reservoir or a town main.

BS 4422 air from a dry or alternate installation to

atmosphere on sprinkler operation to give

more rapid operation of the sprinkler alarm

spri n kl er bran ch system See sprinkler sys-
valve .
tem <branch>.
BS 4422 BS 4422
spri n kl er fl ow swi tch Device which gener-
sp ri n kl er ch eck va l ve Valve that permits

flow of water in one direction only.

ates an electrical signal for a remote alarm
sprinkler system .
BS 4422 as a result of a flow in a

BS 4422
sp ri n kl er con trol va l ve Valve which can be
Part of a sprinkler
spri n kl er i n sta l l a ti on
opened or closed to regulate the flow of

water to all or part of a sprinkler installa- system comprising a set of installation main
tion . control valves , the associated downstream
BS 4422 pipes, fittings and sprinklers .

BS 4422
sp ri n kl er d el u g e va l ve Valve suitable for

use in a deluge installation. sp ri n kl er i n sta l l a ti on < a l te rn a te> Sprin-

BS 5306-2 kler installation in whic h the p ip ewo rk

is selectively charged with either water or

sprinkler density Sprinkler application rate air according to the ambient temperature

on horizontal surfaces. expected.

FDIS 1 3943 BS 4422

sp ri n kl er d esi g n d en si ty Measured volu- sp ri n kl er i n sta l l a ti on < d ry pi pe> Sprin-
metric flow rate of water from sprinklers , kler installation in which the pipework is

per unit area, that is delivered in the absence charged with air under pressure.

of a fire . BS 4422
spri n kl er i n sta l l a ti on < h yd ra u l i ca l l y ca l cu l a ted > 1 32

sp ri n kl er i n sta l l a ti on < h yd ra u l i ca l l y ca l cu - spri n kl er i n s ta l l a ti on < wet pi pe> Sprin-

l a ted > Pipework which has been sized by kler installation in which the pipework is

calculation of the pressure drops resulting always charged with water.

from expected maximum flow rates . BS 4422

Note Installations in which all the pipe-
spri n kl er ra n g e pi pe Pipe feeding sprin-
work downsteam of the main sprinkler con-
klers either directly or through short arm
trol valves is so calculated may be referred
pipes .
to as being fully hydraulically calculated .
BS 4422
BS 4422
s p ri n kl e r stop va l ve Manually o p e rate d
spri n kl er in stal l ati on <pre-action > Dry (or
valve for controlling the flow of water into
alternate in dry mode) installation in which
installation pipework.

the sprinkler alarm valve can be opened

BS 4422
by an independent fire detection system in

the protected area. spri n kl er system Entire means of providing

BS 4422 sprinkler protection in premises, compris-

ing one or more sprinkler installations , the

sprinkler installation <pre-calculated> Pipe- pipework to the installations, and the water

work which has been sized by reference to s up p l y/s up p li e s , exc e p t town mai ns and

standard set of tables relating to hazard bodies of water such as lakes or canals.

classification . BS 4422
BS 4422
s p ri n kl e r s ys t e m < a l t e rn a t e > Sprinkler
s p r i n kl e r i n s t a l l a t i o n < re c yc l i n g > Pre- system in which the pipes are charged with

action sprinkler installation in which the wate r duri ng p e ri o ds whe re the re is no

sprinkler alarm valve can be opened and

risk of freezing and with air during periods

where there is risk of freezing.

closed by a heat detection system.

BS 4422 ISO 8421 -4

sprinkler system <branch> System in which

spri n kl er i n sta l l a ti on < si n g l e l oop> Pipe-
the range pipes are supplied from one end
work system for a sprinkler installation in
only and by a single secondary or principal
which the sprinkler distribution pipe forms
pipe.
a closed loop.
BS 4422
BS 4422
sprin kl er system < d ry pipe> Sprinkler sys-
spri n kl er i n sta l l a ti on < sta g g ered l a you t>
tem in which the pipes are normally charged
Sprinkler layout in which the sprinklers on
with air to avoid the risk of water freezing
each range pipe are displaced by one half
or evaporation in the pipes.
pitch relative to those on the next range
ISO 8421 -4
pipe(s) .

BS 4422 spri n kl er s ystem < g ri d > Pipework system

for a sprinkler installation in which the

s p ri n kl e r i n s t a l l a t i o n < s t a n d a rd l a yo u t > range pipes are supplied from both ends.

Rectilinear layout of sprinklers , with the BS 4422

sprinklers aligned perpendicularly to the run

of the range. sprinkler system <high rise> Sprinkler sys-

BS 4422 tem in which the highest sprinkler is more
 1 33 spri n kl er system < l i fe sa fety>

than 45 m above the lowest sprinkler or the sta ck pressu re

sprinkler pumps, whichever is the lower. sta ck effect Pressure difference caused by

BS 4422 the differences in density of two intercon-

nected columns of air at different tempera-

sp ri n kl er system < l i fe sa fety> Sprinkler tures.
system forming an integral part of measures BS 4422
required for the protection of life.

BS 4422 sta ff a l a rm Restricted alarm of fire given to

certain staff following the operation of an
spri n kl er system < l ow ri se> Sprinkler sys- automatic fire detector, to permit investiga-
tem in which the highest sprinkler is not tion prior to evacuation.
more than 45 m above the lowest sprinkler
BS 4422
or the sprinkler pumps, whichever is the

lower. staged alarm system Alarm system in which

BS 4422 two or more stages of alarm (such as ‘ alert’

and ‘ evacuate’ ) can be given within a given

spri n kl er system < pressu re> S tatic water area.
pressure at the outlet of a sprinkler check BS 4422
valve .
BS 4422 sta g g ere d spri n kl er l a you t S ee sprinkler
installation <staggered layout>.
sprinkler system <wet pipe> Sprinkler sys- BS 4422
tem in which the pipes are constantly charged
with water. sta i rwa y < en cl osed > S tairway physically

ISO 8421 -4 separated from the accommodation through

which it passes by walls, partitions , screens,

spri n kl er wa ter m otor a l a rm Hydraulically etc. so as to prevent the passage of smoke
actuated device which provides a local audi- and/or fire gases , but not necessarily a pro-

ble alarm as a result of flow through the tected stairway.

sprinkler alarm valve . BS 4422
BS 4422
sta i rwa y < extern a l > S tairway in the open

spri n kl er yoke ( a rm s) Part of a sprinkler air separated from the building by a fire -
that retains the heat-sensitive element in resistant structure.

loadbearing contact with the sprinkler head BS 4422

valve.

BS 5306-2 Protected stairway

stairway < firefi g h tin g >

fire brigade to obtain

designed for use by the

spri n kl er zon e S ub- division of an installa- access to a building for firefighting pur-

tion, fitted with a subsidiary stop valve or poses and which can be provided with fire-

multiple control. fighting access lobbies.

BS 4422 BS 4422
sta bi l i ty S ee fire stability <building ele- sta i rwa y < l obby a pproa ch > S tairway sep-

ment> . arated from the accommodation space in a

FDIS 1 3943 building by protected lobbies.

BS 4422
stabi l ized burn in g Steady burning of a flame
s tab ilize d at o r c lo s e to the flame arres t sta i rwa y < ope n > S tairway which is not en-

element. closed, within a building.

BS 4422 BS 4422
sta i rwa y < protected > 1 34

sta i rwa y < protected > Stairway which dis- sta te Outputs of a detector.
charges through a final exit to a place of *BS 5839-1
safety (including any exit passageway be-
tween the foot of the stair and the final exit) sta ti c d etector Fire detector which initi-
and which is adequately enclosed with fire ates an alarm when the magnitude of the
resistant construction. measured phenomenon exceeds a static or
BS 4422 fixed value, for a specified time.
BS 4422
Space in a ship having
sta i rwa y e n cl osu re

a boundary division of specified fire resis- Water source capable

sta ti c wa ter su pp l y

tance and protecting an escape stairway. ofproviding a large volume ofwater for fire
BS 4422 brigade purposes.
BS 4422
sta n d a rd fl a m e

Flame having spec-

stan d ard ized test fl am e
stea d y sta te d esi g nDesign solutions which
ified characteristics. are time invariant, i.e. hot gas layer depth
BS 4422 and temperature remain constant over time.
sta n d a rd spri n kl er l a you t See sprinkler Note These are usually based upon the de-
installation <standard layout> . sign fire burning steadily at its largest size.
BS 5306-2 PD 7974-2
Product which is rep-
s ta n d a rd su b stra te
sti rru p pu m p See pump <stirrup>.
resentative ofthe substrate used in end-use ISO 8421 -8
applications .
BS EN 1 3501 -1 stoch a sti c m od el Methodology for evaluat-
ing, in probabilistic terms, the outcome of
s ta n d a rdsu pporti n g con stru cti on Form events as a function of time.
of construction used to close off the furnace
PD 7974-7
and to support the loadbearing wall being
tested, and which has known resistance to
stoi ch iom etric com bu stion Combustion in
thermal distortion.
which the equivalence ratio is equal to unity.
BS EN 1 366-3 FDIS 1 3943
sta n d by l i g h ti n g

sa fety Part of a lighting system

l i g h ti n g
Mixture of chemi-
stoi ch i om etri c m i xtu re

which might be provided to enable normal cal reactants having proportions in accor-
activities to continue or to be safely termi- dance with the equation for a specified chemi-
nated after failure of the normal lighting. cal reaction.
BS 4422 FDIS 1 3943

standby supply Electricity supply, commonly stoi ch i om etri c yi el d Yield of a combus-

from a rechargeable battery, which is auto- tion product in stoichiometric combus-
matically connected when the normal sup- tion .
ply fails. FDIS 1 3943
BS 4422
stop m essa g e Report indicating that a fire
s ta n d p i pePipe used on a fire hydrant to is extinguished to the degree that further
bring the outlet above the ground level. spread is not expected.
BS 4422 BS 4422
1 35 stop va l ve

stop va l ve Manually operated valve for con- and which provides resistance to fire for a
trolling the flow of water in pipework. specified period oftime.
BS 4422 HTM 85: Fire precautions in existing hospi-
tals (Firecode) . 1 994.
General dangers of storage
stora g e h a za rd

of goods, having regard to their fire grad- su b- com p a rtm en t wa l lFire -resisting wall
ing, flammability, method ofpacking, stor- used to separate one sub-compartment from
age, etc. another and having a minimum period of
BS 4422 resistance.
HTM 85: Fire precautions in existing hospi-
See fire
stored pre ssu re fi re exti n g u i sh er tals (Firecode) . 1 994.
extinguisher <stored pressure, operated>.
ISO 8421 -4 su bsta n ti a l com pon en t Material that con-
stitutes a significant part of a non-homoge-
stored pressure system Extinguishing sys- nous product. A layer with a mass/unit area
tem in which the propellant gas is stored ≥ 1 .0 kg m–2 and a thickness ≥ 1 .0 mm is con-
within, and permanently pressurizes, the con- sidered to be a non-substantial component.
tainer(s) for the extinguishing medium . BS EN ISO 1 1 82
BS 4422
su bstra te Material which is used or is rep-
storey exi t See exit <storey>. resentative of that used immediately beneath
BS 4422 a surface in end-use.
Note Examples are plasterboard beneath a
stra i n er < su cti on Filter connected
h ose>
wall covering, and fibre cement board be-
to the end ofa suction hose to prevent debris,
neath a floor covering.
etc., entering the pump.
BS 4422 FDIS 1 3943

strea m form bra n ch Short branch with an su b-system That part of an integrated secu-
internal central tube and guide veins to reduce rity system which performs an individ-
turbulence in the water. ual function such as alarm of fire , intruder
Fire Service Training Manual alarm , building management.
BS 4422
Tempera-
stru ctu ra l cri ti ca l tem p era tu re

ture at which a structural element is assum- su cti on fi l ter See suction screen .
ed to be unable to support the applied load. ISO 8421 -8
BS 4422
Fixed pipe in-
su cti on i n sta l l a ti on < fi xed >

stru ctu ra l fi re p rotecti on See fire protec- corporating a suction strainer and fire bri-
tion <structural>. gade installation located at a static water
BS 4422 supply.
BS 4422
stru ctu ra l fra m e Arrangement of structural
materials and/or elements combined to form suction pump See sprinkler <suction pump>.
a building or a part thereof which has been BS 4422
designed to fulfil a loadbearing function.
PD 7974-3 su cti on scre en Filter fitted to the inlet of a
pump as an additional precaution against
su b-com partm en t Area into which the build- debris entering the pump.
ing can be divided to reduce travel distance ISO 8421 -8
su i ta bl e for spri n kl er u se 1 36

su i ta bl e for spri n kl er u se Term applied to su rfa ce fl a sh Movement of transient flame

equipment or components accepted by the over the surface of a material without igni-
authorities as suitable for a particular appli- tion of its basic structure.
cation in a sprinkler system , either by par-
Note 1 S ee also surface burn .
ticular test or by compliance with specified

general criteria. Note 2 If the surface burn occurs sim-

BS 5306-2 ultaneo us ly o r s eque ntially with surface

flash , it is not considered as a part of surface
su p er i rri ta n t Deprecated term. flash.

FDIS 1 3943 Note 3 This period of time is usually shorter

than 1 s.
su pe r toxi ca n t Deprecated term.

FDIS 1 3943 BS EN ISO 1 3943

su pe rpressu ri za ti on Addition of a gas to s u rfa c e s p re a d of fl a m e P ro p agatio n of

an extinguishant container, to achieve the flame away from the source of ignition
required pressure for proper system opera-
across the surface of a liquid or a solid.
tion.
BS 4422
*DD 233
su rfa cta n t S urface-active agent, i. e. a chemi-
su ppl em en ta ry si g n S ign with text only that
cal that reduces the surface tension of water.
may be used in conj unction with a safety
sign in order to provide additional information.
BS 5306-0
*BS 5378-1
surfactant fluorinated Particular type of sur-
su pp l y g ri l l e Grille or diffuser connected to factant that give s gre ate r re duc ti o n of

ductwork system and through which air is surface tension of water.

discharged into a room or space. BS 5306-0

BS 4422
su spen d ed ce i l i n g Ceiling which is sus-

su p pressi on system S ystem designed for

pended from a supporting construction.
the active stabilization, reduction or elimi-
BS EN 1 364-2
flame spread
nation of or heat release or

smoke production .
Sus-
FDIS 1 3943
su spen d ed cei l i n g < fi re protecti n g >

pended ceiling which contributes to the fire

resistance of the floor or roof above.
su rfa ce bu rn Combustion limited to the sur-
face of a material .
BS 4422
BS EN ISO 1 3943
su spen d ed open cel l ceil i n g Ceiling of reg-
s u rfa ce d en si ty < spri n kl ers> S ee sprin- ular open-cell construction through which

kler application rate . water from sprinklers can be discharged

FDIS 1 3943 freely.

BS 5306-2
su rfa ce fi re Fire involving flammable liq-
uids , gases or solids not subj ect to smoul-
suspension device <duct> Component used
dering.
for suspending and fixing a duct from a

Note S ee also surface flash . floor or supporting a duct from a wall.

BS 4422 BS EN 1 366-8
 1 37 su sta i n ed com bu sti on

su sta i n e d
com bu sti on Combustion of a swi n g i n g h ose reel S ee hose reel <swing-
test specimen which persists for longer than ing> .
a defined period of time. BS 4422
Note The defined period of time varies

across different standards, but it is usually sym bol Pictorial representation used on a

of the order of 1 0 s. safety sign .

FDIS 1 3943 *BS 5378-1

su sta i n ed fl a m e Flame , on or over the sur- syn th eti c foa m con cen tra te S ee foam con-
face of a test specimen , which persists for centrate <synthetic> .
longer than a defined period of time. BS 4422
FDIS 1 3943
system m on i tori n g Automatic checking of
s u sta i n ed fl a m i n g Continuous flaming for
a fire alarm system for integrity through-
a period of time greater than 1 0 s.
out its control- data paths.
BS EN 1 3501 -1 BS 5839-8
s u sta i n ed i g n i ti on Deprecated term.
sprinkler system pres-
FDIS 1 3943 system pressu re See

sure.
s u sta i n ed s u rfa ce i g n i ti on Inception of a BS 4422
flame on the surface of a specimen which is
still present at the next application of the system type S ee fire alarm system <type>.
pilot flame. HTM 82: Alarm and detection systems (Fire-
BS 476-1 3 (ISO 5657) code) . 1 992.
T
t ( l eth a l exposu re ti m e)
L5 0
Duration of ex-
posure, to a fixed concentration of toxic
gas or fire effluent that causes death to 50%
of a population of the given species.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
ta i l -en d a l te rn a te wet a n d d ry pi pe exten -
si on See sprinkler <tail-end extension>.
BS 4422
ta i l -en d d ry exten si on See sprinkler <tail-
end extension>.
BS 4422
ta n k ch a m b er Fire -resistant compartment
enclosing a tank or tanks.
BS 4422
tech n i ca l speci fi ca ti on Standard or a Euro-
pean Technical Approval Guide.
Note It is the document against which com-
pliance can be shown in the case of a stan-
dard and against which an assessment is
made to deliver the European technical
approval.
Approved Document B (Fire safety) –
Volume 1: Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition)
Equipment for
tem p era tu re cl a ssi fi ca ti on
use in potentially flammable atmospheres
that enables equipment to be selected so
that the maximum surface temperature of
the apparatus is below the ignition temper-
ature of the gas or vapour.
Highly Flammable Liquids and Lique-
fied Petroleum Gases Regulations 1 972
(SI 1 972/91 7)
tem p era tu re con trol system Heat control
system using the principles of smoke exhaust
ventilation, so as to reduce gas temperatures
in a smoke layer and to permit the use of
construction/glazing which, whilst capable
of preventing the passage of smoke, are not
fire -resistant.
BS 4422
tem p era tu re–ti m e cu rve < sta n d a rd i zed >
Time-related variation of temperature pre-
scribed in a specified way during a standard
fire resistance test.
BS 4422
Maximum exposure to
t e n a b i l i t y cri t e ri a
hazards from a fire that can be tolerated
without violating safety goals.
PD 7974-6
Maximum exposure to phys-
ten a bi l i ty l i m i t
ical fire parameters that a person can toler-
ate without incapacitation .
BS 4422
test fi re ra ti n g Designation of the largest
test fire that an extinguisher extinguishes
when tested in a specified manner.
BS 4422
test fra m e Frame containing a test construc-
tion for the purposes of mounting onto a
furnace.
BS EN 1 363-1
test l oa d Load applied to a test specimen .
BS EN 1 363-1
test speci m e n Item subjected to a proce-
dure of assessment or measurement.
Note In a fire test the item may be a mate-
rial, product, component, element of con-
struction, or any combination of these. It
may also be a sensor which is used to simu-
late the behaviour of a product.
FDIS 1 3943
 1 39 th erm a l con d u cti vi ty

t h e rm a l
c o n d u c t i vi t y Parameter related
to the rate at which heat flows through a
material.
Note 1 k = Qd/Atq, where k is the thermal
conductivity, Q is the amount of heat that
flows in time, t, through a material ofthick-
ness, d, and cross-sectional area, A , and which
has a temperature difference, q, across it,
and where no heat is exchanged with the
th erm a l i n i ti a ti on ti m e
temperature depends strongly on the value
of the thermal inertia of the material. The
surface temperature ofa material with a low
thermal inertia rises relatively quickly when
it is heated, and vice versa.
Note 2 The typical units are J2 s –1 m–4 K–2 .
FDIS 1 3943
Time during which

surroundings. energy deposited by the spark accumulates

Note 2 The typical units are W m–1 K–1 . in a small volume of gas around it without
significant thermal dissipation.
FDIS 1 3943
Note For times shorter than the thermal
th erm a l Process whereby
d ecom posi ti on initiation time the total energy deposited
the action of heat or elevated temperature by the spark will determine whether or not
on an item causes changes to the chemical ignition occurs. For increasingly longer times,
composition. the power or rate at which energy is deposited
Note This is different from thermal deg- becomes the determining factor for ignition.
radation . BS 6656
BS EN ISO 1 3943 th erm a li n su l a ti on Material used for the

th erm a l d eg ra d a ti onProcess whereby the confinement of heat to a particular location.

action of heat or elevated temperature on an
item causes a loss of one or more properties
e.g. physical, mechanical or electrical.
Note This is different from thermal de-
composition .
BS EN ISO 1 3943
th erm a l d i ffu si vi ty Thermal conductivity
divided by the product of density and spe-
cific heat capacity.
Note 1 It is a parameter used in the calcu-
lation of heat transfer through solids.
Note 2 The typical units are m2 s –1 .
FDIS 1 3943
th erm a l i m a g i n g ca m eraPortable device
which detects infra-red radiation and dis-
plays it as a thermal image.
BS 4422
th erm a l i n erti a Product of thermal con-
ductivity, density and specific heat capac-
ity.
Note 1 When a material is exposed to a
heat flux, the rate of increase of surface
FDIS 1 3943
Abil-
th erm a l i n su l a ti on < fi re resi sta n ce>
ity of a separating element, when exposed
to fire on one side, to resist the transmission
of heat.
Note See also fire resistance .
FDIS 1 3943
Criterion,
th erm a l i n su l a ti on cri teri on ‘I ’
determined from the results of a fire resis-
tance test, by which the ability of a sepa-
rating element to prevent the passage of
heat is assessed.
Note See also fire resistance .
BS 4422
th erm al rad iation Transfer ofthermal energy
by electromagnetic waves.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
th erm a l ra d i a ti on scre en Wall or screen
erected in the open air to avoid risk of radi-
ated heat from or to building, structure, plant
or piece of apparatus.
BS 4422
th erm a l rel ea se m ech a n i sm 1 40

t h e rm a l r e l e a s e m e c h a n i s m Thermally th i n fi l m Discrete surface layer or coating

actuated device designed to respond to a having a thickness less than or equal to

rise in temperature of the surrounding air, 50 mm.

and release a fire damper blade(s) at a BS 4422
predetermined temperature. It can interface

with mechanical, electrical, electronic, or t h i rd p a rt y fi re ri s k a ssessor Fire risk

pneumatically operated mechanisms which assessor who is not an employee of the

are positioned integrally or remotely from responsible person .

the device. PAS 79
BS EN 1 366-2
ti m e a va i l a bl e for e sca p e S ee available
Temperature profile with-
th erm a l respon se
safe escape time (ASET) .
heat
in an obj ect resulting from an applied
FDIS 1 3943
flux.
FDIS 1 3943 ti m e d epen d en t d esi g n Design solutions

based upon time-dependent input parameters.

th erm a l respon se fa ctor (H p /A) Measure

of heat sink by the ratio of section perimeter

Note Usually these are designed to main-

tain safe conditions for a specific time, e. g.

to cross- sectional area.

BS 8202-2 time required for people to reach a place of

safety.
th erm a l l y a ctu a ted d evi ce Device which PD 7974-2
performs a fire related action (such as a fire
damper closing mechanism) when the tem- ti m e eq u i va l en t Duration of exposure to
perature in the vicinity of the device rises to
specified fire test conditions.
a predetermined value.
PD 7974-3
BS 4422
ti m e of fl a m e a pp l i ca ti on S ee duration of
th erm a l l y th i ck sol i d beh a vi ou r Negligi-
flame application .
ble temperature rise on one face of a solid
BS 4422
while heat flux is applied to the opposite

face.
ti m e-rel a ted system S ystem in which the
Note This behaviour depends on the ex- response or sensitivity of detectors is changed
posure time , the level of heat flux, and ma- with the time of day.
terial properties of the solid. BS 5839-1
FDIS 1 3943
ti m e req u i red for esca pe S ee required safe
th erm a l l y th i n sol i d beh a vi ou r Negligible
escape time (RSET) .
temperature gradient within a solid while
FDIS 1 3943
heat flux is applied.
Note This behaviour depends on the ex- ti m e to a l a rm Calculated time between the

posure time , the level of heat flux, and ma- ignition of a fire and the time at which the

terial properties of the solid. alarm is given.

FDIS 1 3943 PD 7974-1

thermic lance Device using oxygen to achieve ti m e–tem p era tu re cu rve < sta n d a rd i zed >

high temperature for cutting metal or con- S eetemperature–time curve <standard-

crete. ized> .
BS 4422 BS 4422
 1 41 ti m e–tem pera tu re fu n cti on

time–temperature function See temperature– tota l fl ood i n g systemFirefighting system

time curve <standardized>. arranged to discharge extinguishant into an
*ISO 3261 enclosed space to achieve the appropriate
design concentration .
See also extinguishing system <total
TN T eq u i va l en t
Note
expl os i ve yi el d Amount of TNT (trinitro- flooding> .
toluene) which would produce the same dam-
age effects as those of the explosion under BS ISO 1 4520-1 .
consideration. For non-dense phase explo-
sions the equivalence has meaning only at a Sum of convective heat flux
tota l h ea t fl u x

considerable distance where the nature of and radiant heat flux.

the blast wave arising is comparable with FDIS 1 3943
that of TNT.
Institution of Chemical Engineers toxic hazard Potential for harm resulting from
exposure to toxic combustion products .
tol era b l e< fi re ri sk> Level acceptable to Note See also fire hazard, fire risk and
the organization, taking into account the toxic risk.
requirements of fire safety legislation, the BS EN ISO 1 3943
fire safety policy of the organization, nature
ofthe building, the fire hazards in the build- toxi c p oten cy Measure of the amount of
ing, the nature of the occupants, the cost of toxicant required to elicit a specific toxic
additional fire precautions and any other effect.
relevant factors.
Note The smaller the amount required, the
PAS 79
greater the toxic potency.
top se a l er coa t Material applied to the sur- BS EN ISO 1 3943
face of an intumescent coating as a protec-
tion against environmental degradation. toxi c poten cy fa ctor Number relating to the
BS 4422 toxicity ofa material to that ofwood, when
tested under identical test conditions which
Maximum number of
tota l d i sch a rg e va l u e are representative of the actual fire condi-
persons that can evacuate a building through tions.
all available exits within a given time. BS 4422
*BS 4422-6 (ISO 8421 -6)
toxi c poten ti a l d ose Toxic potential con-
Act of filling a volume with
tota l fl ood i n g
centration multiplied by the time over which
an extinguishing medium (such as gas or it is measured and summed throughout the
high expansion foam ) in order that fire can duration of the fire; and which provides an
be suppressed within that volume. estimate of the dose available to a potential
BS 4422 victim in the fire.
BS 4422
See
tota l fl ood i n g exti n g u i sh i n g system

extinguishing system <total flooding>.

Product of mass loss
toxi c poten ti a l m a ss
BS 4422 and toxic potency factor in a fire .
tota l fl ood i n g n ozzl eNozzle which is de- Note Toxic potential mass is an indica-
signed to produce homogeneous distribu- tion ofthe potential toxic effect ofa fire, ex-
tion of halon or carbon dioxide throughout pressed as the mass of material of normal
a protected enclosure . toxicity consumed in the fire.
BS 4422 DD 1 80
toxi c ri sk 1 42

toxi c ri sk Result of the multiplication of tra n si en t fl a m eFlame , on or over the sur-

– the probability of occurrence of a toxic face of a test specimen , which persists for a
hazardto be expected in a given techni- period of time of not more than 4 s.
cal operation or state ; and Note See also surface flash and sustained
– the consequence or extent of injury to be flame .
expected on the occurrence of a toxic FDIS 1 3943
hazard.
Note The toxic risk is a part of the fire tra n si en t i g n i ti on

risk. tra n si tory i g n i ti on Occurrence of transient

flame after the withdrawal of the ignition
BS EN ISO 1 3943
source .

toxi ca n t Substance which causes an adverse Note See also ignition and flashing.
effect upon a living organism. BS 4422
BS EN ISO 1 3943
Existence of flame on
tra n si tory fl a m i n g

toxi ci ty Ability of a substance to produce
adverse effects upon a living organism.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
or over the surface of the specimen for a
period of time longer than that of surface
flash but shorter than that of sustained
flaming.

t ra cki n g< e l e c t ro t e ch n i ca l > Progressive Note This period oftime is usually greater
formation of conducting paths, which are than 1 s and shorter than 1 0 s.
produced on the surface and/or within a BS EN ISO 1 3943
solid insulating material, due to the com-
bined effects of electric stress and electro- tra n s i t o ry
s u rfa ce i g n i t i o n Inception of
lytic contamination. any flame at the surface of the specimen
which is not sustained until the next appli-
Note 1 It is also known as arc tracking. cation of the pilot flame.
Note 2 See also tracking resistance <elec- BS 4422
trotechnical>.
FDIS 1 3943 t ra n s m i t t a n c e
t h ro u g h s m o ke Ratio of
transmitted light intensity through smoke
to incident light intensity, under specified
t ra c ki n g re s i s t a n c e < el ectrotech n i ca l >
conditions.
Ability of a material to withstand a test
voltage, under specified conditions, without Note 1 Transmittance through smoke is
tracking and without the occurrence of a
the reciprocal of opacity of smoke .
flame . Note 2 It is dimensionless and is usually
expressed as a percentage.
Note See also electrical tracking resistance.
BS EN ISO 1 3943 FDIS 1 3943
tra n som Horizontal framing member sepa-
tra i l er pu m p See pump <trailer>. rating and supporting two adjacent panes of
glass or panels.
Fixed grille not connected to
tra n sfe r g ri l l e
BS EN 1 365-2
the ductwork system providing for the free
transfer of air between adjacent rooms and/ tra n sport ti m e Time for aerosols to travel
or spaces. from a sampling point to a fire detector.
BS 5588-9 BS 4422
 1 43 tra n sporta bl e fi re exti n g u i sh er

tra n sporta bl e fi re exti n g u i sh er S ee extin- two-sta g e a l a rm system Fire alarm sys-

guisher <transportable> . tem in which initially the alarm is given

BS 4422 only in a restricted part of the premises, with

an alert signal being given in the remainder of

tra n s verse g a n g wa y Flat gangway paral- the premises.

lel to rows of seating.

BS 4422
BS 4422
two-state d etector Fire detector which gives
Dis-
tra vel d i sta n ce < e sca p e from fi re>
one of two output states relating to either
tance that needs to be travelled by a person
‘ normal’ or ‘ fire alarm ’ conditions.
point within a built environment
from any
BS 4422
to the nearest exit, having regard to the lay-
out of walls, partitions and fittings.
Classification of meth-
FDIS 1 3943
type of protecti on

ods used to prevent ignition of explosive

atmospheres by electrical equipment.
tra vel ti m e Time needed, once movement

towards an exit has begun, for all the occu- Note The classifications include:
pants of a specified part of a building to – Type ‘ d’ : flameproof enclosure . Appa-

reach a place of safety. ratus in which parts that can ignite an

BS 4422 explosive atmosphere are placed in an

enclosure which can withstand the pres-

tri a l d esi g n Group of fire safety measures sure developed during an explosion of

which, in the context of the building param- the atmosphere within the enclosure and

eters, might meet the specified fire safety which can prevent the transmission of the

obj ective s. explosion to the atmosphere surrounding

PD 7974-0 the enclosure.

– Type ‘ e’ : (applied only to apparatus which

tri g g er d evi ce Device capable of being oper- in normal service produces no arcs or

ated automatically or manually to initiate an sparks , and will have no parts exceeding

alarm , e. g. a detector, a fire alarm manual a specified limiting temperature ) . Ad-

call point or a pressure switch. ditional measures to give increased secu-

BS 4422 rity against the possibility of excessive

temperatures and of the occurrence of

tru n k m a i n S ee sprinkler <trunk main> . arcs and sparks during the service life of

BS 4422 the apparatus.

– Type ‘ I’ : intrinsic safety. Apparatus in

tu rn ta bl e l a d d er Fire appliance equipped which the contained energy is such that

with a mechanically operated sectional extend- no spark or thermal effect produced under
ing ladder, usually hydraulically operated, specified test conditions (which include

capable of rotating through 3 60° about a normal operation and specific fault con-

vertical axis. dition) is capable of causing ignition of a

BS 4422 given explosive atmosphere . This type
of protection will normally place conse-

two-pressu re system Pressure differential quent requirements on associated appa-

system in which a continuous low level of ratus and connecting cables.

operation is provided as part of the normal – Type ‘ m’ : encapsulation electrical appa-

ventilation system, with provision for increas- ratus in which any part which could ig-

ing the pressure differential in an emergency. nite an explosive atmosphere by either

*BS 5588-4 sparking or heating is enclosed in a com-

type of protecti on 1 44

pound in such a way that this explosive – Type ‘ q’ : powder filling electrical appa-

atmosphere cannot be ignited. ratus whose enclosure is filled with a

– Type ‘ n’ : electrical apparatus such that, material in a finely granulated state to

in normal operation, it is not capable of that, at the intended conditions of ser-

igniting a surrounding explosive atmo- vice, any arc, spark or high tempera-
sphere , and in which a fault capable of ture occurring within the enclosure will
causing ignition is not likely to occur. not ignite the surrounding atmosphere.

– Type ‘ o’ : oil immersion electrical appa- – Type ‘ s’ : special protection electrical ap-

ratus which, wholly or in part, is im- paratus that, by its nature, does not com-

mersed in a protective liquid in such a ply with the constructional or other re-

way that an explosive atmosphere which quirements specified for apparatus with

can be above the liquid or outside the en- established types of protection, but which,

closure cannot be ignited . nevertheless, can be shown, where nec-

– Type ‘ p’ : pressurization electrical appa- e s s ary b y te s t, to b e s ui tab le fo r us e

ratus whose enclosure is filled with a pro- inhazardous areas prescribed hazard
tective gas maintained at a higher pressure zones .
than that of the surrounding atmosphere.
BS 4422
U
UEL See explosive limits <upper (UEL)>. required, the radiation criteria for the antici-
BS 4422 pated fire resistance period but which is not
intended to provide insulation .
UFL See upper flammability limit (UFL) . BS EN 1 365-2
FDIS 1 3943
uninsulated wall Wall, with or without glaz-
ullage Vertical distance or free volume be- ing, which satisfies the integrity and, where
tween the liquid surface in an open vessel required, the radiation criteria for the antici-
and the rim of the vessel. pated fire resistance period, but which is
BS 4422 not intended to provide insulation .
ultimate stability failure Change in the test Note Such a wall may consist entirely of
specimen which is of sufficient magnitude uninsulated fire resistant panels.
to result in its rupture or collapse after a BS EN 1 364-1
very short period of time in a standard fire
resistance test. uninterruptible power supply (UPS) De-
BS EN ISO 1 3943 vice that provides emergency backup power,
by way of a charged battery or a generator.
unacceptable hazard Degree of hazard that Building Material and Operations RC3f
is regarded by society in general as too great Part 6: Protection against Electrical Dis-
be allowed to occur repeatedly. turbance
BS 4422
unit Premises in individual occupancy which
unbalanced system See extinguishing sys- forms part of a shopping complex.
tem <unbalanced> . Note This includes all shops and any other
BS 4422 business premises serviced by a mall or
walkway, but does not include places of as-
uncovered shopping complex Shopping
sembly, blocks of offices, hotels or dwell-
complex that does not include a covered
ings accessible from a shopping complex .
mall.
BS 5588-1 0 BS 5588-1 0

unexposed side Face of the element which unit exit Termination of an escape route
is remote from fire in a fire test of a sepa- from within a unit. This may be a point at
rating element. which persons enter a common area.
BS 4422 BS 5588-1 0
uninsulated fire damper Fire damper which unprotected area Part of a side or external
satisfies the integrity criteria for the antici- wall of a building having a lower fire resis-
pated fire resistance period, but which pro- tance than that required for elements of
vides not more than 5 min insulation . structure of the building, or clad with com-
BS EN 1 366-2 bustible material such that if ignited it
would produce significant thermal radia-
uninsulated glazing Fire resistant glaz- tion .
ing which satisfies the integrity and, where BS 4422
unprotected corridor 1 46

unprotected corridor Corridor which may upper explosion point S ee explosion point
form part of an escape route . <upper> .
Fire and the Design of Educational Build- BS 4422
ings. Building Bulletin 7. Sixth Edition . 1 997
upper flammability limit (UFL) Maximum

unprotected zone Part of an escape route , concentration of fuel vapour in air above

which is separated by walls, glazed screens which propagation of a flame will not occur
or any other permanent form of demarca- in the presence of an ignition source .
tion from any space intended for human
Note The concentration is usually expres-
occupation, including a protected zone .
volume fraction at a defined tem-
The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004
sed as a

perature and pressure, and expressed as a

unventilated floor and roof assembly As- percentage.

sembly in which the cavity between the floor FDIS 1 3943

or roof soffit and the suspended ceiling is en-

tirely surrounded by barriers which have the upright sprinkler See sprinkler <upright>.
effect of restricting the transfer of fire gases . BS 4422
BS 4422
user Person(s) responsible for or having effec-

upper explosion limit (UEL) tive control over fire safety provisions adopt-

upper explosive limit S ee explosive limit ed in or appropriate to the premises or the

<upper (UEL)> . building.

BS 4422 BS 4422
V

V-0 cl ass m aterial Material that, when tested single valve serves both to retain the propel-

in accordance with specified conditions, may lant and extinguishing medium before oper-
flame or glow but will extinguish in an ation of the extinguisher, and to control the
average period of time not exceeding 5 s; flow of medium during discharge.

glowing particles or flaming drops released BS 5306-3

do not ignite surgical cotton.

*BS EN 60950 va p o ri zi n g liquid fi re e xt i n g u i s h e r < g a s

ca rtri d g e> Fire extinguisher containing

V-1 cl ass m aterial Material that, when tested a vaporizing liquid which is expelled by

in accordance with specified conditions, may pressure from a cartridge of compressed gas

flame or glow but will extinguish within an attached to or fitted into the extinguisher.
average period of time not exceeding 2 5 s;
Fire Service Training Manual
glowing particles or flaming drops released

do not ignite surgical cotton. va pori zi n g l i q u i d fi re exti n g u i sh er < stored

*BS EN 60950 p re s s u r e > Fire extinguisher c o ntai n-

ing a vaporizing liquid which is expelled

V-2 cl ass m aterial Material that, when tested by pressure stored within the body of the
in accordance with specified conditions, may
extinguisher.
flame or glow but will extinguish within an Fire Service Training Manual
average period of time not exceeding 2 5 s;

glowing particles or flaming drops released va pou r cl ou d expl osi on ( VCE ) Explosion
may ignite surgical cotton. in the open air of a cloud made up of a mix-

*BS EN 60950 ture of a flammable gas or vapour with air.

BS 4422
5 V cl a ss m a teri a l Material that, when tested
in accordance with specified conditions, may
ven t A window, rooflight, door, louvre, grille
flame or glow extinguish within a
but will
or other device either open or capable of
prescribed period of time; glowing particles
being opened, to permit the passage of air
or flaming droplets do not ignite surgical
between a part of the building and the exter-
cotton.
nal air.

*BS EN 60950 DD 9999

va l ve < a l a rm test> S ee sprinkler alarm vi rt u a l
o ri g i n Point o r line fro m whi c h
test valve . plume appears to have emerged.
BS 4422 Note It can be above or below the real

fire source depending on its buoyancy and

va l ve < ch eck> S ee sprinkler check valve .
BS 4422 momentum.

PD 7974-2
va l ve < stop> S ee sprinkler stop valve .
BS 4422 vi s i b i l i t y Maximum dis tanc e at whic h an

obj ect of defined size, brightness and con-

valve operated stored pressure extinguisher trast can be seen and recognized.

S tored pressure extinguisher in which a FDIS 1 3943

vi si on pa n el 1 48

vi si on pa n el Transparent panel in a wall or vol u m e fra cti on <gas in a gas m i xtu re>

door of an inner room enabling the occu- Ratio of:

pant to become aware of a fire in the access – the volume that the gas alone would oc-

area during the early stages. cupy at a defined temperature and pres-

Fire Safety – Risk Assessment sure, to:

– the volume occupied by the gas mixture

vi ti a ted a i r Air in which the oxygen content at the same temperature and pressure.

has been reduced as a result of combustion .

Note 1 concentration
DD 9999
The of a gas at a

temperature, T, and a pressure, P, can be cal-

culated from its volume fraction (assuming
voice alarm system Sound distribution system
ideal gas behaviour) by multiplying the vol-
that provides means for automatically broad-
ume fraction by the density of the gas at that
casting speech messages and warning signals.

BS 4422 temperature and pressure.

Note 2 Unless stated otherwise, a temper-

vol a ti l e m em ory Memory that requires the ature of 29 8 K and a pressure of 1 atm are

presence of an energy source for the reten- assumed.

tion of its contents.

Note 3 It is dimensionless and is usually

Note S ome types of memory can retain expressed in terms of mL L –1

(= cm m
3 –3
= 10
–6
),

their contents for a limited period without or as a percentage.

power. Unless the period for which the con-

FDIS 1 3943
tents can be kept exceeds 6 months without

the use of power external to the memory, the vol u m e yi el d Volume, at 2 9 8 K and 1 atm,

memory is considred as volatile. of a component of fire effluent divided by

*BS 5839-4 the mass loss of the test specimen associ-
ated with the production of that volume.

vol u m e fa ctor Numerical factor that, when

Note
3 –1
The typical units are m g .
applied to the volume of an enclosure , indi-
cates the basic quantity of carbon dioxide
FDIS 1 3943
required for protection against surface fires .

BS 4422
 W

wa l ki n g speed Unrestricted speed of move- expelled by gas pressure from an acid/alkali

ment of a person. reaction in the contents of the extinguisher.

PD 7974-6 Fire Service Training Manual

wa l ki n g ti m e Time taken for person to walk wa ter fi re exti n g u i sh er < stored pressu re>

from their starting position to the nearest Fire extinguisher fro m whi c h wate r i s

exit, assuming walking speed is unrestricted. expelled by pressure stored within the body
PD 7974-6 of the extinguisher as a whole.
Fire Service Training Manual
ward en A person appointed to undertake pre-
wa ter fl ow i n d i ca tor Device, electrical or
scribed duties leading to the effective and
mechanical which indicates a water flow.
orderly evacuation of all or part of the pre-

mises in event of fire . BS 4422

BS 4422 wa ter fog Water discharged from a nozzle
in finely dispersed form (mist) at high pres-
wa rn i n g d evi ce Device that gives an indi-
sure, used to rapidly absorb heat, ej ect smoke
cation at the protected location that an
and minimize water damage.
alarm condition has occurred at the pro-
BS 4422
tected location.

*BS 4737-2 wa ter fog n ozzl e Hand- controlled nozzle

which produces water in finely dispersed

wa rn i n g si g n Safety sign that gives warn- (mist) form, generally at high pressure.

ing of a hazard . BS 4422

BS 4422
wa ter rel a y < pu m pi n g > Transfer of water

w a t e r e xt i n g u i s h i n g s ys t e m S ee extin- to the fire ground from a remote water sup-

guishing system <water> . ply by the interposing of intermediate pumps

BS 4422 in the hose line .

BS 4422
wa ter fi re exti n g u i sh er Fire extinguisher
wa ter rel a y < sh u ttl e > Transport of water
containing water with or without additives
to the fire ground from a remote water sup-
as extinguishing medium .
ISO 8421 -4
ply using water tankers.

BS 4422
wa t e r fi re e xt i n g u i s h e r <gas ca rt ri d g e >
wa ter spra y Water discharged from a nozzle
Fire extinguisher in which the water is
in dispersed form used to obtain maximum
expelled by pressure from a cartridge of
spread of the extinguishing medium .
compressed gas attached to or fitted into the
BS 4422
extinguisher.
Fire Service Training Manual wa ter spra y p roj ector Nozzle fitted to a

water pipe and designed to produce a high

wa ter fi re exti n g u i sh er < sod a a ci d > Fire pressure water spray.

extinguisher fro m whic h the medium is BS 4422
wa ter spra y proj ector system 1 50

wa ter spra y proj ector system S ystem of wet ri ser Vertical pipe installed in a building

water pipes fitted with water spray proj ec- for firefighting purposes fitted with landing
tors and the means of bringing them into valves at specified points and permanently

operation. charged with water from a pressurized sup-

BS 4422 ply.

BS 4422
wa ter spra y system S ystem, similar in prin-

ciple to a sprinkler system , that is designed wh eel ed esca pe Wheeled extending ladder,
to extinguish flammable liquid fires , or to usually mounted on a fire appliance from
provide cooling to an exposed area likely to
whic h it c an b e removed and mano euv-
be subj ected to intense heat radiation from a
red into position for rescue or fire - fighting
neighbouring fire.
purposes.
BS 4422 BS 4422
wa ter ten d er S elf- propelled appliance hav-
wi cki n g Transmission of a fluid through or
ing a built- in pump, water tank and exten-
over a particulate or fibrous material by
sion ladder, respectively of specified through-
capillary action.
put, capacity and length.
BS EN ISO 1 3943
BS 4422
wi d th < d oorwa y> Clear width of a door-
wa ter ten d er esca pe Water tender carry-
way when the door is open, but ignoring
ing a wheeled escape .
BS 4422 small obstructions such as door hardware

which do not intrude more than 1 00 mm into

wa ter ten d er l a d d er Water tender carry-

the doorway.

ing a 3 0. 5 m ladder. BS 4422

Fire Service Training Manual
wi d th < esca p e rou te> Clear width of a

way g u id an ce Low mounted luminous tracks corridor or other designated escape route ,
positioned on escape routes in combination measured at 1 5 00 mm above floor level,

with exit marking and intermediate direc- defined by walls or other fixed obstructions,

tion indicators along the route, provided for but ignoring small obstructions such as door

use when the supply to the normal lighting hardware which do not intrude more than

fails, which do not rely on an electrical sup- 1 00 mm.

ply for their luminous output. BS 4422

Fire Safety – Risk Assessment
wi d th < sta i rwa y> Clear width of a stair-

wa y g u i d a n ce syste m S ystem of markers way measured between the walls or balus-

or indicators provided to delineate the des-
trades, maintained clear for a vertical dis-
ignated escape routes . tance of two metres measured from the pitch

Note The guidance provided should be such line or landing floor level, but ignoring small
that persons are not left in doubt as to the obstructions such as door hardware, hand-

route to be followed. rails, etc. which do not intrude more than

BS 4422 1 00 mm.

BS 4422
wa y g u i d a n ce s ys t e m < l ow m ou n ted >

Way guidance system designed to be seen wi d th of fl a m eproof j oi n t S ee flameproof

below smoke level. j oint, width of.

BS 4422 BS 4422
1 51 wi n ch < h a n d opera ted >

wi n ch <hand op era ted > Manually oper- which is likely to be occupied, during per-

ated winch, capable of very fine adj ustment, formances, by staff operating suspension

used in rescue situations such as realign- lines.

ment of steering wheels, car seats or stabi- BS 5588-6

lizing a vehicle.

ISO 8421 -8 wors t ca se scen a ri o S et of credible condi-

tions that, when taking account of the build-

ing, its contents and occupants, gives rise to

win ch <m ech an ical > Power-operated winch

driven by the road engine or electrically.

the highest level of fire risk.
ISO 8421 -8 PD 7974-0

worki n g fl y g a l l ery Fly gallery, usually the

lowest if more than one gallery is provided,
Y

yi e l d < co m b u s t i o n p ro d u c t> Mas s o f a

combustion product generated during com-

bustion divided by the mass loss of the test
specimen .
Note It is dimensionless.

FDIS 1 3943
Z

zero poi n t of speci m en Point of initiation Note frequency and -

Indic atio ns o f the

of flaming combustion . o c c urre nc e and duration may b e take n

*BS ISO 9239-1 from codes relating to specific industries or

applications.
S ee alarm zone , detection zone , haz-
zon e
BS EN 60079-1 0
ard zone , smoke control zone , sprinkler
zone . zon e i n d i ca tor indicating equip-
Part of
BS 4422 ment which visually indicates thezone of
origin of an alarm of fire or fault warning.
zon e 0 Area in which an explosive gas atmo-
*BS 4422-3 (ISO 8421 -3)
sphere is present continuously or for long

periods. zon e m od el Theoretical simulation of the

BS EN 60079-1 0 whole system characterizing the enclosure

fire by a series of relatively few separable
zon e 1 Area in which an explosive gas atmo- component processes. Each component is
sphere is likely to occur in normal opera- represented by an equation or estimation

tion. formula.

BS EN 60079-1 0 PD 7974-2
zon e 2 Area in which an explosive gas atmo- zon ed sm oke con trol S ystem that combines

sphere is not likely to occur in normal oper- depressurization of the smoke control zone
ation and, if it does occur, is likely to do so containing the fire and pressurization for

only infrequently and will exist for a short all contiguous spaces requiring protection .

period only. BS 4422

Acronyms used in Fire Safety

Acronym Full Name

AB I Association of British Insurers

ABE Association of Building Engineers
ABFT Association of British Fire Trades
ABTT Association of British Theatre Technicians
AC Audit Commission
ACAS Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service
ACF Arson Control Forum
ACoP Approved Code of Practice
ADB Approved Document B
AENOR Asociación Española de Normalización (Spanish national standards
body)
AFA Automatic Fire Alarm
AFD Automatic Fire Detection
AFFF Aqueous Film Forming Foam
AFS Auxiliary Fire Service
ALG Association of London Government
AMAO Assumed Maximum Area of Operation
ANSI American National Standards Institute
APFO Association of Principal Fire Officers
APPFSG All Party Parliamentary Fire Safety Group
APPLG All Party Parliamentary Lighting Group
ASET Available Safe Escape Time
Acronyms used in Fire Safety 1 56

ASFP Association for Specialist Fire Protection

ASH Action on Smoking and Health
ASRO Romanian Standards Association (Romanian national standards
body)
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
BAFE British Approvals for Fire Equipment
BASA British Automatic Sprinkler Association
BASMP Institute for Standards, Metrology and Intellectual Property of
Bosnia (Bosnian CEN Partner Standardization Body)
BCGA British Compressed Gases Association
BCSF Business and Community Safety Forum
BD Buildings Division
BDAG Building Disaster Assessment Group
BFPSA British Fire Protection Systems Association Ltd
BFTA British Fire Trades Association
BHA British Hospitality Association
BHSEA Birmingham Health, Safety and Environment Association
BLEVE Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion
BNFL British Nuclear Fuels Ltd
BRAC Building Regulations Advisory Committee
BRANZ Building Research Association of New Zealand
BRE Building Research Establishment
BRTF Better Regulation Task Force
BS British Standard
BSAC Building Standards Advisory Committee (Scottish)
BSI British Standards Institution (UK national standards body)
BSIF British Safety Industry Federation
BVPI Best Value Performance Indicator
BWF British Woodworking Federation
1 57 Acronyms used in Fire Safety

CAB Citizens’ Advice Bureau(x)

CACFOA Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association
CBI Confederation of British Industry
CBRN Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear
CCAct 2004 Civil Contingency Act 2004
CEA Cinema Exhibitors Association
CEA Comite Europeen des Assurances
CEFIC European Chemical Industry Council
CEN European Committee for Standardization
CEN/MC European Committee for Standardization Management Centre
CFA Combined Fire Authority
CFBAC Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council
CFO Chief Fire Officer
CFS Community Fire Safety
CharM Loughborough University Centre for Hazard and Risk Management
CHCS Chemical Hazards Communications Society
CIA Chemical Industries Association
CIF Construction Industry Federation
CIMAH Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards (superseded by
COMAH)
CISRR Cranfield Institute for Safety, Risk and Reliability
CNI Czech Standards Institute (Czech Republic national standards body)
COBRA Cabinet Office Briefing Room A (Emergency Planning)
COMAH Control of Major Accident Hazards (supersedes CIMAH)
CORGI The Council for Registered Gas Installers
COSHH Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
COSlA Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
CPA Comprehensive Performance Assessment
CPD Construction Products Directive (89/1 06/EEC)
Acronyms used in Fire Safety 1 58

CPIG Crown Premises Inspection Group

CRD Civil Resilience Directorate
CSDF Cold Storage and Distribution Federation
CTIF International Technical Committee for the Prevention and
Extinction of Fire
CYS Cyprus Organization for Standardisation (Cypriot national
standards body)
DA Domestic Affairs Committee
DAV Date of Availability of a European standard
DCLG Department for Communities and Local Government
DCMS Department for Culture Media & Sport
DCOl Dear Chief Officer letter
DD Draft for Development
DfES Department for Education and Skills
DfT Department of Transport
DG ENTR European Commission Enterprise Directorate-General
DG SANCO European Commission Directorate-General Health and Consumer
Protection
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. (German national standards
body)
DoH Department of Health
DoW Date of withdrawal of conflicting national standards
DS Dansk Standard (Danish national standards body)
DSEAR Dangerous Substances and Explosives Atmospheres Regulations
DSSU State Committee of Ukraine on Technical Regulation and Consumer
Policy (Ukrainian CEN partner standardization body)
DTI Department for Trade and Industry
EA Environment Agency
EC European Commission
ECA Electrical Contractors Association
1 59 Acronyms used in Fire Safety

ECD Engineering Council Division

EFRA European Flame Retardant Association
ELOT Hellenic Organization for Standardization (Greek national
standards body)
EN European Norm
EN Eurocode Version of Eurocode approved by CEN as a European Standard
ENV European pre-standard
ENV Eurocode Version of Eurocode published by CEN as a pre-standard (ENV for
subsequent conversion into an EN)
EOS Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality (Egyptian
CEN partner standardization body)
EOTA European Organisation for Technical Approval (Article 9.2 of the
CPD)
EP European Parliament
ERA English Regional Assembly
ESCIFS European Sectorial Committee on Fire and Security
ESFR Early Suppression Fast Response
ESP Electronic Surge Protection
ETA European Technical Approval
ETAG European Technical Approval Guideline
EU European Union
EVS Estonian Centre for Standardisation (Estonian national standards
body)
FASET Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training
FBE Foundation for the Built Environment
FBU Fire Brigades Union
FDR1 Fire Damage Report 1
FDR2 Fire Damage Report 2
FDR3 Fire Damage Report 3
FEJ Fire Engineers Journal
Acronyms used in Fire Safety 1 60

FETA Fire Extinguishing Trades Association

FEU Fire Experimental Unit
FFFP Film-Forming Fluoroprotein
FFVMA Firefighting Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association
FHSD Fire Health and Safety Directorate
FHSDS Fire Health and Safety Directorate Secretariat
FIC Fire Industry Confederation
FIFireE Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers
FLSP Fire Legislation Safety and Pensions Division
FLSP Fire Legislation Safety and People Division
FM Factory Mutual
FOA Fire Officers Association
FP Fluoroprotein Foam
FPA Fire Protection Association
FPA 1 971 Fire Precautions Act 1 971
FPS Firefighters Pension Scheme
FPWR Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations
FRA Fire and Rescue Authority
FRD Fire Research Division
FRD Fire Resilience Directorate
FRGGSA Fire Resisting Glass and Glazed Systems Association
FRS Fire Research Station (now part of BRE)
FRSIT Fire and Rescue Service Improvement Team
FRSUG Fire and Rescue Statistics User Group
FSAB Fire Safety Advisory Board
FSB Federation of Small Businesses
FSC Fire Service College
FSDG Fire Safety Development Group
FSE Fire Safety Engineering
1 61 Acronyms used in Fire Safety

FSec Fire Service Emergency Cover

FSED Fire Service Effectiveness Division
FSEG Fire Safety Engineering Group
FSI Flame Spread Index
FSI Fire Service Inspectorate, properly Her Majesty’s Fire Service
Inspectorate
FSIG Fire Service Implementation Group
FSIT Fire Service Improvement Team
FSNBF Fire Services National Benevolent Fund
FSRD Fire Statistics and Research Division
FSSAA Fire Service Sports and Athletics Association
FSUG Fire Statistics User Group – see also FRSUG
FSYTA Fire Service Youth Training Association
GMHC Greater Manchester Hazards Centre Ltd
HASTAM Health and Safety Technology and Management Ltd
HASWA Health and Safety at Work Act
HBFSC Historic Buildings Fire Safety Committee
HEN Harmonised European standard for a construction product (to
enable CE marking)
HF The Hazards Forum
HMFSI Her Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate (see FSI)
HMO House in Multiple Occupation
HR Human Resources
HSC Health and Safety Commission
HSE Health and Safety Executive
HSENI Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland
HTM Health Technical Memorandum
IACSC International Association of Cold Storage Contractors
IBC International Building Code
Acronyms used in Fire Safety 1 62

IBN or Institut Belge de Normalisation

BIN Belgisch Instituut voor Bormalisatie (Belgian national standards
body)
ICA Industry Committee on Emergency Lighting
ICC International Code Council
ICE Institute of Civil Engineers
ICEL Industry Committee for Emergency Lighting
ICPT Innovative Construction Products and Techniques Group
ID Interpretative Documents (Article 1 1 of the CPD)
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IEE Institution of Electrical Engineers
IFC International Fire Code
IFE Institution of Fire Engineers
IFEDA Independent Fire Equipment Distributors Association
IGE Institution of Gas Engineers
IIRSM International Institute of Risk and Safety Management
INORPI National Institute for Standardization and Industrial Property
(Tunisian CEN partner standardization body)
IOSH Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
IPDS Integrated Personal Development System
IPMS Integrated Personnel Management System
IPQ Instituto Português da Qualidade (Portuguese national standards
body)
IRMP Integrated Risk Management Plans
ISC International Safety Council
ISO International Organization for Standardization
ISSM Institution for Standardization of Serbia and Montenegro (Serbian
and Montenegro CEN partner standardization body)
IST Icelandic Standards (Icelandic national standards body)
LAPS Local Authority Partnership Schemes
1 63 Acronyms used in Fire Safety

LB London Borough
LFEPA London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority
LGA Local Government Association
LGLF Local Government Licensing Forum
LP Legislative Programme
LPCB Loss Prevention Certification Board
LPS Loss Prevention Standard
LPS Lightning Protection System
LST Lithuanian Standards Board (Lithuanian national standards body)
LVS Latvian Standards (Latvian national standards body)
MCA Maritime and Coastguard Agency
MHSW Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations
MIFireE Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers
MSA Maritime Safety Agency
MSA Malta Standard Authority (Maltese national standards body)
MSZT Hungarian Standards Institute (Hungarian national standards body)
NACAB National Association of Citizens’ Advice Bureaux
NAD National Application Document for the use of ENV Eurocodes at
the national level
NAFO National Association of Fire Officers
NAO National Audit Office
NARC National Access and Rescue Centre
NAW National Assembly for Wales
NCEC National Chemical Emergency Centre
NCFSC National Community Fire Safety Centre
NCVO National Council of Voluntary Organisations
NDP Nationally Determined Parameter
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers’ Association
Acronyms used in Fire Safety 1 64

NEN Nederlands Normalisatie-instituut (Netherlands national standards

body)
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
NFSN National Fire Sprinkler Network
NH&SGC National Health and Safety Groups Council
NHS National Health Service
NICEIC National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors
NIl Nuclear Installations Inspectorate
NIST National Institute for Standards and Technology
NJC National Joint Council for Local Authorities’ Fire Brigades
NRCC National Research Council of Canada
NRPB National Radiological Protection Board
NSAI National Standards Authority of Ireland (Irish Republic national
standards body)
NSB National Standards Body (CEN member)
ON Österreichisches Normungsinstitut (Austrian national standards
body)
PASG Performance Assessment Steering Group
PCT Primary Care Trust
PD Published Document
PF Practitioners Forum
PFI Public Finance Initiative
PFPF Passive Fire Protection Federation
PKN Polish Committee for Standardization (Polish national standards
body)
PMDU Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit
PPD Public Procurement Directives
PPG 21 Planning Policy Guidance
PSA Public Service Agreement
PSA Photoluminescent Signs Association
1 65 Acronyms used in Fire Safety

REPPIR The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information)

Regulations
RFU Retained Fire-fighters Union
RIA Regulatory Impact Assessment
RIBA Royal Institute of British Architects
RICS Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
RICS BCF Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Building Control Forum
RIDDOR Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences
Regulations 1 995
RIFA Rail Industry Fire Association
RMB Regional Management Board
RMFA Remotely Monitored Fire Alarm System
RoSPA Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
RR(FS)O Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order
RRA Regulatory Reform Act
RSA Residential Sprinkler Association
RSET Required Safe Escape Time
RSL Registered Social Landlord
RTA Road Traffic Accident
RTI Response Time Index
Russia Federal Agency on Technical Regulating and Metrology (Russian
Federation CEN partner standardization body)
SBS Small Business Service
SCA Smoke Control Association
SCC Standing Committee on Construction (Articles 1 9 & 20 of the
CPD)
SCOFF Standing Committee on Flammability of Furniture
SCOFS Sectorial Committee on Fire Safety
SDA Service Delivery Agreement
SDAP Sustainable Development Action Plan
Acronyms used in Fire Safety 1 66

SEE Service de l’Energie de ’Etat Organisme Luxembourgeois de

Normalisation (Luxembourgeois national standards body)
SEJD Scottish Executive Justice Department
SEU Social Exclusion Unit
SFPE Society of Fire Protection Engineers
SFS Suomen Standardisooimisliitto r.y. (Finnish national standards
body)
SIS Swedish Standards Institute (Swedish national standards body)
SIST Slovenian Institute for Standardization (Slovenian national
standards body)
SN Standard Norge (Norwegian national standards body)
SNV Schweizerische Normen-Vereinigung (Swiss national standards
body)
SSA Standard Spending Assessment
SUTN Slovak Standards Institute (Slovakian national standards body)
TRADA Timber Research and Development Association
TUC Trades Union Congress
UBC Uniform Building Code
UKAS United Kingdom Accreditation Service
UL Underwriters Laboratories
UNI Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione (Italian national standards
body)
USAR Urban Search and Rescue
VCS Voluntary and Community Sector
VESDA Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus
WAG Welsh Assembly Government
Bi bl i og ra ph y

Sta n d a rd s

Fire tests on building materials and structures — Part 3: Classification

* B S 476- 3 : 1 975 ,

and method oftest for external fire exposure to roofs

Fire tests on building materials and structures — Part 10: guide to the
B S 47 6-1 0: 1 98 3 ,

principles and application offire testing

Fire tests on building materials and structures — Part 12: Method of
B S 47 6-1 2: 1 991 ,

test for ignitability ofproducts by direct flame impingement

Fire tests on building materials and structures —
B S 476-1 3 : 1 9 8 7 (IS O 5 65 7: 1 98 6),

Method ofmeasuring the ignitability ofproducts subjected to thermal irradiance

Fire tests on building materials and structures —
B S 47 6-1 5 : 1 993 (IS O 5 660-1 : 1 993 ),

Method for measuring the rate ofheat release ofproducts

B S 476- 20: 1 98 7,Fire tests on building materials and structures — Part 20: Method for
determination ofthe fire resistance ofelements ofconstruction (general principles)
Fire tests on building materials and structures — Part 22: Methods for
B S 47 6-2 2: 1 98 7 ,

determination ofthe fire resistance ofnon-loadbearing elements ofconstruction

Fire tests on building materials and structures — Part 32: Guide to full
B S 47 6-3 2: 1 98 9 ,

scale fire tests within buildings

Glossary ofterms relating to solid fuel burning equipment — Domestic
B S 1 8 46-1 : 1 994,

appliances
Specification for fireguards for heating appliances (gas, electric and oil-
B S 1 9 45 : 1 97 1 ,

burning)
Methods of test for paints —
B S 3 900-A9: 1 98 6 (B S 6664-2: 1 98 6 IS O 1 5 23 : 1 98 3 ),

Determination offlashpoint (closed cup equilibrium method — Flashpoint ofpetro-

leum and related products — Part 2: Method for determination offlashpoint (closed
cup equilibrium method)
B S 4422 : 2005 , Fire — Vocabulary
Glossary ofterms associated with fire — Part 1:
* B S 4422 -1 : 1 98 7 (IS O 8 42 1 -1 : 1 9 8 6) ,

General terms and phenomena offire

* B S 442 2-2 : 1 9 71

* This S tandard has now been withdrawn.

B i bl i og ra ph y 1 68

* B S 4422 -2: 1 99 0, Glossary of terms associated with fire — Part 2: Structural fire
protection
Glossary ofterms associated with fire — Part 3:
* B S 4422- 3 : 1 990 (IS O 8 421 - 3 : 1 98 9 ),

Fire detection and alarm

Glossary ofterms associated with fire — Part 4: Fire extinguishing
* B S 442 2-4: 1 9 94,

equipment
Glossary ofterms associated with fire — Part 5:
* B S 4422- 5 : 1 98 9 (IS O 8 421 - 5 : 1 98 8 ),

Smoke control
Glossary ofterms associated with fire — Evacua-
* BS 4422-6: 1 98 8 (IS O 8 421 -6: 1 98 7),

tion and means ofescape

Glossary ofterms associated with fire — Explo-
* B S 4422-7 : 1 9 8 8 (IS O 8 42 1 -7 : 1 9 8 7) ,

sion detection and suppression means

Glossary ofterms associated with fire — Part 9: Marine terms
* B S 4422 -9: 1 99 0,

BS 45 3 3 -1 02. 2 2: 1 990 (EN Luminaires — Part 102: Particular

605 98 - 2-22 : 1 9 90) ,

requirements — Section 102.22 Specification for luminaires for emergency lighting

Cable trunking Part 4: Specification for cable trunking made of
B S 4678 - 4: 1 98 2 , —

insulating material
Intruder alarm systems in buildings — Part 1: Specification for
* B S 473 7 -1 : 1 98 6,

installed systems with local audible and/or remote signalling

Intruder alarm systems — Specification for installed systems for
* B S 47 3 7-2 : 1 9 8 6,

deliberate operation
Fire hydrant systems equipment — Part 4: Specification for landing
B S 5 041 -4: 1 97 5 ,

valves for dry risers

Fire hydrant systems equipment — Part 5: Specification for boxes for
B S 5 041 -5 : 1 9 74,

foam inlets and dry riser inlets

Emergency lighting — Part 1: Code ofpractice for the emergency
* B S 5 2 66- 1 : 1 998 ,

lighting ofpremises
Emergency lighting — Part 2: Code of practice for electrical low
B S 5 266-2: 1 99 8 ,

mounted way guidance systems for emergency use

Structural use oftimber — Part 4: Fire resistance oftimber struc-
B S 5 268 -4. 2: 1 99 0,

tures — Section 4.2 Recommendations for calculating fire resistance oftimber stud
walls and joisted floor constructions
Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises — Guide
B S 5 3 06-0: 1 98 6,

for the selection ofinstalled systems and other fire equipment

Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises — Part 1:
* B S 5 3 06-1 : 1 97 6,

Hydrant systems, hose reels and foam inlets

Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises — Part 2:
B S 5 3 06-2: 1 9 90,

Specification for sprinkler systems

Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises — Part 3:
* B S 5 3 06-3 : 2000,

Maintenance ofportable fire extinguishers Code ofpractice—

* This S tandard has now been withdrawn.

1 69 B i bl i og ra ph y

Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises — Part 3:

B S 5 3 06-3 : 2003 ,

Code ofpractice for the inspection and maintenance ofportable fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises — Part 4:
B S 5 3 06-4: 2001 ,

Specification for carbon dioxide systems

Code ofpractice for fire extinguishing installations and equipment
B S 5 3 06-5 . 1 : 1 99 2,

on premises — Part 5: Halon systems — Section 5.1 Specification for halon 1301 total
flooding systems
Code ofpractice for fire extinguishing installations and equipment
B S 5 3 06-5 . 2: 1 98 4,

on premises — Part 5: Halon systems — Section 5.2: Halon 1211 Total flooding
systems
BS Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises —
5 3 06-6. 1 : 1 98 8 ,

Part 6: Foam systems — Section 6.1 Specification for low expansion foam systems
BS Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises —
5 3 06-6. 2: 1 98 9 ,

Part 6: Foam systems — Section 6.1 Specification for low expansion foam systems
Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises — Part 7:
B S 5 3 06-7: 1 9 8 8 ,

Specification for powder systems

Code ofpractice for selection, installation and maintenance ofelec-
* B S 5 3 45 -3 : 1 97 9,

trical apparatus for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (other than mining
applications or explosive processing and manufacture) — Part 3: Installation and
maintenance requirements for electrical apparatus with type ofprotection ‘d’. Flame-
proofenclosure
Code ofpractice for selection, installation and maintenance ofelec-
* B S 5 3 45 -4: 1 97 7,

trical apparatus for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (other than mining
applications or explosive processing and manufacture) — Part 4: Installation and
maintenance requirements for electrical apparatus with type ofprotection ‘i’. Intrin-
sically safe electrical apparatus and systems
Code ofpractice for selection, installation and maintenance ofelec-
* B S 5 3 45 -5 : 1 98 3 ,

trical apparatus for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (other than mining
applications or explosive processing and manufacture) — Part 5: Installation and
maintenance requirements for electrical apparatus protected by pressurization ‘p’
and by continuous dilution, and for pressurized rooms
Safety signs and colours Part 1: Specification for colour and
* B S 5 3 7 8 -1 : 1 9 8 0, —

design
Specification for seamless steel CO containers for fixed fire-fighting
* B S 5 3 96: 1 9 76,

installations on ships
B S 5 446-1 : 2000,Fire detection and fire alarm devices for dwellings — Part 1: Specifica-
tion for smoke alarms
B S 5 499 -5 : 2002, Graphical symbols and signs — Safety signs, including fire safety
signs — Part 5: Signs with specific safety meanings

* This S tandard has now been withdrawn.

B i bl i og ra ph y 1 70

* BS 5 5 01 -1 : 1 9 97 Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive

(EN 5 001 4: 1 9 77) ,

atmospheres —Part 1: General requirements

* BS 5 5 01 -9 : 1 9 8 2 Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive
(EN 5 003 9 : 1 9 8 0) ,

atmospheres — Part 9: Specification for intrinsically safe electrical systems ‘I’

B S 5 5 02- 23 : 2004,Buildings and structures for agriculture — Part 23: Fire precau-
tions — Code ofpractice
Fire precautions in the design, construction and use ofbuildings —
B S 5 5 8 8 -1 : 1 9 90,

Part 1: Code ofpractice for residential buildings

Fire precautions in the design, construction and use ofbuildings —
* B S 5 5 8 8 -4: 1 9 98 ,

Part 4: Code ofpractice for smoke control using pressure differentials

Fire precautions in the design, construction and use ofbuildings —
* B S 5 5 8 8 -5 : 1 9 91 ,

Part 5: Code ofpractice for firefighting stairs and lifts

Fire precautions in the design, construction and use ofbuildings —
B S 5 5 8 8 -5 : 2004,

Part 5: Access and facilities for fire-fighting

Fire precautions in the design, construction and use ofbuildings —
B S 5 5 8 8 - 6: 1 991 ,

Part 6: Code ofpractice for places ofassembly

Fire precautions in the design, construction and use ofbuildings —
B S 5 5 8 8 - 7: 1 997 ,

Part 7: Code ofpractice for the incorporation ofatria in buildings

Fire precautions in the design, construction and use ofbuildings —
B S 5 5 8 8 -8 : 1 99 9,

Part 8: Code ofpractice for means ofescape for disabled people

Fire precautions in the design, construction and use ofbuildings —
B S 5 5 8 8 -9: 1 99 9,

Part 9: Code ofpractice for ventilation and air conditioning ductwork

Fire precautions in the design, construction and use ofbuildings —
B S 5 5 8 8 - 1 0: 1 99 1 ,

Part 10: Code ofpractice for shopping complexes

Fire precautions in the design, construction and use ofbuildings —
B S 5 5 8 8 - 1 1 : 1 99 7,

Part 11: Code of practice for shops, offices, industrial, storage and other similar
buildings
Specification for flammability performance offabrics and fabric combi-
B S 5 7 22: 1 99 1 ,

nations used in nightwear garments

Code ofpractice for access for the disabled to buildings
* B S 5 8 1 0: 1 9 79,

Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings — Part 1: Code of

* B S 5 8 3 9 -1 : 1 98 8 ,

practice for system design, installation and servicing

Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings — Part 1: Code of
B S 5 8 3 9-1 : 2 002 ,

practice for system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance

Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings — Part 3: Specification
B S 5 8 3 9- 3 : 1 98 8 ,

for automatic release mechanisms for certain fire protection equipment

Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings — Part 4: Specifica-
* B S 5 8 3 9 -4: 1 98 8 ,

tion for control and indicating equipment

Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings — Part 5: Specification
B S 5 8 3 9- 5 : 1 98 8 ,

for optical beam smoke detectors

* This S tandard has now been withdrawn.

1 71 B i bl i og ra ph y

Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings — Part 6: Code of

* B S 5 8 3 9 -6: 1 99 5 ,

practice for the design and installation of fire detection and alarm systems in
dwellings
B S 5 8 3 9 -6: 2004,Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings — Code ofpractice
for the design, installation and maintenance offire detection and fire alarm systems in
dwellings
Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings — Part 8: Code of
B S 5 8 3 9- 8 : 1 998 ,

practice for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance ofvoice alarm
systems
B S 5 95 0-8 : 2 003 ,Structural use ofsteelwork in building — Code ofpractice for fire
resistant design
Code ofpractice for control ofundesirable static electricity — Part 1:
B S 5 95 8 -1 : 1 99 1 ,

General considerations
B S 61 65 : 2002, Specification for small disposable fire extinguishers ofthe aerosol type
B S 6266: 2 002 , Code ofpractice for fire protection for electronic equipment installations
Guide to the development offire tests, the presentation oftest data and
B S 63 3 6: 1 99 8 ,

the role oftests in hazard assessment

Specification for non-percolating layflat delivery hoses and hose assem-
B S 63 9 1 : 1 98 3 ,

blies for fire fighting purposes

B S 665 6: 2002, Assessment ofinadvertent ignition offlammable atmospheres by radio-
frequency radioation — Guide
* BS Electrostatic painting and finishing equipment
6742 -1 : 1 98 7 (EN 5 005 0: 1 9 8 6)

using flammable materials — Part 1: Specification for hand-held spray guns and
associated apparatus
B S 71 75 : 1 98 9,Methods oftest for the ignitability ofbedcovers and pillows by smoul-
dering and flaming ignition sources
B S 71 77: 1 996, Specification for resistance to ignition ofmattresses, divans and bed bases
B S 72 44: 1 99 0,Specification for flame arresters for general use
Components for smoke and heat control systems — Part 2: Specifica-
* B S 73 46-2 : 1 9 90,

tion for powered smoke and heat exhaust ventilators

B S 73 46- 3 : 1 990,Components for smoke and heat control systems — Part 3: Specifica-
tion for smoke curtains
Specification for flammability of air cleaner elements for internal
* B S 7 5 25 : 1 9 92,

combustion engine s

Guide to the use of electrical apparatus complying with BS 5501 or

B S 75 3 5 : 1 992 ,

BS 6941 in the presence ofcombustible dusts

Code of practice for design, installation and servicing of integrated
B S 7 8 07 : 1 9 95 ,

systems incorporating fire detection and alarm systems and/or other security systems
for buildings other than dwellings

* This S tandard has now been withdrawn.

B i bl i og ra ph y 1 72

Code ofpractice for assessment ofhazard to life and health from fire.
B S 78 9 9-1 : 1 9 97,

General guidance
B S 7974: 2001 , Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design of
buildings — Code ofpractice
Coatings for fire protection ofbuilding elements — Part 2: Code of
B S 8 2 02- 2: 1 992 ,

practice for the use ofintumescent coating systems to metallic substrates for providing
fire resistance
Code ofpractice for fire door assemblies with non-metallic leaves
B S 8 21 4: 1 9 90,

B S EN 2: 1 992 ,Classification offires

Portable fire extinguishers — Part 3: Construction, resistance to
* B S EN 3 - 3 : 1 996,

pressure, mechanical tests

B S EN 3 - 7: 2 004,Portable fire extinguishers — Part 7: Characteristics, performance
requirements and test methods
Fire detection and fire alarm systems — Part 1: Introduction
B S EN 5 4- 1 : 1 996,

B S EN 5 4-2: 1 9 98 ,Fire detection and fire alarm systems — Part 2: Control and indi-
cating equipment
B S EN 5 4-4: 1 99 8 , Fire detection and fire alarm systems — Part 4: Power supply
equipment
Protective clothing — Protection against heat and fire — Method for
B S EN 3 67 : 1 992 ,

determining heat transmission on exposure to flame

Protective clothing — Protection against heat and flame — Test
B S EN 5 3 2 : 1 9 95 ,

method for limited flame spread

Protective clothing — Protection against heat and flame — Limited
B S EN 5 3 3 : 1 9 97,

flame spread materials and material assemblies

B S EN 671 -1 : 2001 , Fixed fire fighting systems — Part 1: Hose systems — Hose reels
with semi-rigid hose
B S EN 67 1 -2: 2001 , Fixed fire fighting systems — Part 2: Hose systems — Hose systems
with lay-flat hose
Secure storage units — Part 1: Classification and methods oftest
B S EN 1 047- 1 : 2 005 ,

for resistance to fire — Data cabinets and diskette inserts

B S EN 1 1 02: 1 996, Textiles and textile products — Burning behaviour — Curtains and
drapes — Detailed procedure to determine the flame spread of vertically oriented
specimens
Explosive atmospheres — Part 1: Explosion prevention and pro-
B S EN 1 1 27 -1 : 1 99 8 ,

tection — Basic concepts and methodology

Fire resistance tests — Part 1: General requirements
B S EN 1 3 63 - 1 : 1 999 ,

Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements — Part 1: Walls

B S EN 1 3 64- 1 : 1 999 ,

B S EN 1 3 64- 2: 1 99 9, Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements — Part 2:

Ceilings

* This S tandard has now been withdrawn.

1 73 B i bl i og ra ph y

B S EN 1 3 64-3 : 2006, Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements — Part 3:

Curtain walling. Full configuration (complete assembly)
Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements — Part 1: Walls
B S EN 1 3 65 -1 : 1 9 99,

B S EN 1 3 65 - 2: 2 000,Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements — Part 2: Floors

and roofs
Fire resistance tests for service installations — Part 1: Fire resis-
B S EN 1 3 66-1 : 1 999 ,

tance tests for service installations — Ducts

BS EN 1 3 66- 2: 1 999 ,Fire resistance tests for service installations — Part 2: Fire
dampers
Fire resistance tests for service installations — Part 3: Penetration
B S EN 1 3 66- 3 : 2 004,

seals
B S EN 1 3 66-4: 2006, Fire resistance tests for service installations — Part 4: Linear joint
seals
B S EN 1 3 66-7 : 2004, Fire resistance tests for service installations — Part 7: Conveyor
systems and their closures
B S EN 1 3 66-8 : 2 004, Fire resistance tests for service installations — Part 8: Smoke
extraction ducts
Protective clothing for fire-fighters — Test methods and requirements
B S EN 1 48 6: 1 9 97,

for reflective clothing for specialized fire-fighting

Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies — Part 1: Fire
B S EN 1 63 4- 1 : 2 000,

doors and shutters

Firefighting and rescue service vehicles — Part 1: Nomenclature
B S EN 1 8 46-1 : 1 9 98 ,

and designation
Test methods for the flame resistance rating ofnon-metallic materials
B S EN 23 1 0: 1 991 ,

Installations and equipment for liquefied natural gas — Testing of

B S EN 1 2065 : 1 99 8 ,

foam concentrates designed for generation ofmedium and high expansion foam and
ofextinguishing powders used on liquefied natural gas fires
B S EN 1 21 01 -2 : 2003 , Smoke and heat control systems — Part 2: Specification for
natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators
Smoke and heat control systems — Part 6: Specification for pres-
B S EN 1 21 01 - 6: 2 005 ,

sure differential systems — Kits

BS EN Fixed firefighting systems — Automatic sprinkler systems —
1 28 45 : 2 004,

Design, installation and maintenance

Fire classification ofconstruction products andbuilding elements —
* BS EN 1 3 5 01 -1 : 2002,

Part 1: Classification using test data from reaction to fire tests

BS EN 1 3 501 -1 : 2007,Fire classification ofconstruction products and building elements —
Part 1: Classification using data from reaction to fire tests
Fire classification ofconstruction products and building elements.
B S EN 1 3 5 01 -2: 2003 ,

Classification using data from fire resistance tests, excluding ventilation services

* This S tandard has now been withdrawn.

B i bl i og ra ph y 1 74

Fire classification ofconstruction products and building elements —

BS EN 1 3 501 -3 : 2005 ,

Part 3: Classification using data from fire resistance tests on products and elements
used in building service installations: fire resisting ducts and fire dampers
Fire extinguishing media — Carbon dioxide
B S EN 25 9 23 : 1 99 4 (IS O 5 923 : 1 9 8 9) ,

* B S EN 5 001 4: 1 998 ,Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive atmospheres —

General requirements
Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive atmospheres — Oil
B S EN 5 001 5 : 1 9 98 ,

immersion ‘o’
B S EN 5 001 6: 2002, Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive atmospheres. Pres-
surized apparatus ‘p’
BS EN 5 001 7: 1 998 ,Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive atmospheres —
Powder filling ‘q’
* B S EN 5 001 9: 2 000, Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive atmospheres —
Increased safety ‘e’
Guide for selection, installation, use and maintenance ofapparatus
B S EN 5 007 3 : 1 999 ,

for the detection and measurement ofcombustible gases or oxygen

Automatic electrostatic spraying installations for flammable liquid
B S EN 5 01 76: 1 9 97,

spraying material
Automatic electrostatic spraying equipment for flammable coating
B S EN 5 01 7 7: 2 006,

powder
BS EN 6007 9-7: 2007, Explosive atmospheres — Part 7: Equipment protection by
increased safety ‘e’
B S EN 6007 9-1 0: 2 003 ,Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres — Part 10:
Classification ofhazardous areas
B S EN 6007 9-1 4: 2 003 ,Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres — Part 14:
Electrical installations in hazardous areas (other than mines)
Fire hazard testing — Part 2: Test
B S EN 60695 -2- 1 /2 : 1 9 96 (IEC 60695 -2-1 /2 : 1 9 94) ,

methods — Section 1/sheet 2: Glow-wire flammability test on materials

Fire hazard testing — Part 2: Test
B S EN 60695 -2- 1 /3 : 1 9 96 (IEC 60695 -2-1 /3 : 1 9 94) ,

methods — Section 1/sheet 3: Glow-wire ignitability test on materials

B S EN 60695 -4: 2 006, Fire hazard testing — Part 4: Terminology concerning fire tests
for electrotechnical products
* B S EN 6095 0: 1 992 (B S 7002: 1 992 ),Specification for safety ofinformation technology
equipment, including electrical business equipment
* B S EN 6095 0: 2002, Safety ofinformation technology equipment
Reaction to fire tests for building products — Non-combustibility
B S EN IS O 1 1 8 2: 2002,

test
Reaction to fire tests for building products — Determination of
B S EN IS O 1 71 6: 2 002 ,

the heat ofcombustion

* This S tandard has now been withdrawn.

1 75 B i bl i og ra ph y

B S EN IS O 9 23 9 -1 : 2002,Reaction to fire tests — Part 1: Horizontal surface spread of

flame on floor-covering systems — Determination ofthe burning behaviour using a
radiant heat source
Reaction to fire tests for building products — Determination of
B S EN IS O 1 009 3 : 1 999 ,

the heat ofcombustion

B S EN IS O 1 3 9 43 : 2000,Fire safety — Vocabulary
Petroleum and related products — Determination ofwick flame
B S EN IS O 1 493 5 : 1 9 99,

persistence offire-resistant fluids

B S EN IS O 1 5 025 : 2002, Protective clothing — Protection against heat and flame —
Method oftest for limited flame spread
Burning behaviour oftextiles and textile products — Vocabulary
B S IS O 48 8 0: 1 99 7,

Reaction to fire tests — Spread of flame — Lateral spread on

B S IS O 5 65 8 -2 : 1 9 96,

building products in vertical configuration

Fire extinguishing media — Part 1: Foam concentrates — Speci-
* B S IS O 72 03 -1 : 1 9 95 ,

fication for low expansion foam concentrates for top application to water-immiscible
liquids
Reaction to fire tests. Horizontal surface spread of flame on
* B S IS O 923 9-1 : 1 9 97,

floor-covering systems — Part 1: Flame spread using a radiant heat ignition source
B S IS O 92 3 9-1 : 2002,Reaction to fire tests — Part 1: Horizontal surface spread offlame
on floor-covering systems — Determination ofthe burning behaviour using a radiant
heat source
Fire-resistance tests — Part 1: Fire dampers for air distribution
B S IS O 1 0294-1 : 1 99 6,

systems — Test method

Reaction to fire tests — Ignitability of building products sub-
B S IS O 1 1 92 5 -2 : 1 9 97,

jected to direct impingement offlame — Part 2: Single flame source test

Gaseous fire-extinguishing system — Physical properties and
B S IS O 1 45 20- 1 : 2 006,

system design — Part 1: General requirements

Fire tests — Part 2: Smoke control door and shutter assem-
B S IS O TR 5 92 5 -2 : 1 9 97,

blies — Commentary on test method and test data application

B S IS O TR 91 2 2-2 : 1 9 90, Toxicity testing of fire effluents — Part 2: Guidelines for
biological assays to determine the acute inhalation toxicity of fire effluents (basic
principles, criteria and methodology)
DD Guide for the assessment of toxic hazards in fire in buildings and
1 8 0: 1 98 9,

transport
Code ofpractice for gaseous fire fighting systems
* DD 2 3 3 : 1 99 6,

* DD 240-1 : 1 9 97, Fire safety engineering in buildings — Part 1: Guide to the applica-
tion offire safety engineering principles
DD 999 9: 2 005 , Code ofpractice for fire safety in the design, construction and use of
buildings

* This S tandard has now been withdrawn.

B i bl i og ra ph y 1 76

FDIS 1 3943, Fire safety — Vocabulary

ISO/DIS 61 82-7
ISO/DIS 9772
ISO 704:2004, Terminology work — Principles and methods
ISO 871 :2006, Plastics — Determination ofignition temperature using a hot-air furnace
ISO 1 087-1 :2000, Terminology work — Vocabulary — Part 1 : Theory and application
*ISO 3261 :1 975, Fire tests — Vocabulary
ISO 61 82-6:2006, Fire protection — Automatic sprinkler systems — Part 6: Require-
ments and test methods for check valves
ISO 61 82-7:2004, Fire protection — Automatic sprinkler systems — Part 7: Require-
ments and test methods for early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers
ISO 7240-1 :2005, Fire detection and alarm systems — Part 1 : General and definitions
ISO 8421 -1 :1 987, Fire protection — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms and phenomena
offire
ISO 8421 -2:1 987, Fire protection — Vocabulary — Part 2: Structural fire protection
ISO 8421 -3:1 989, Fire protection — Vocabulary — Part 3: Fire detection and alarm
ISO 8421 -4:1 990, Fire protection — Vocabulary — Part 4: Fire extinction equipment
ISO 8421 -5:1 988, Fire protection — Vocabulary — Part 5: Smoke control
ISO 8421 -6:1 987, Fire protection — Vocabulary — Part 6: Evacuation and means ofescape
ISO 8421 -8:1 990, Fire protection — Vocabulary — Part 8: Terms specific to fire-
fighting, rescue services and handling hazardous materials
ISO 1 0241 :1 992, International terminology standards — Preparation and layout
ISO/TR 5924:1 989, Fire tests — Reaction to fire — Smoke generated by building prod-
ucts (dual-chamber test)
PAS 79:2005, Fire risk assessment — Guidance and a recommended methodology
PD 651 2-3, Use ofelements ofstructural fire protection with particular reference to the
recommendations given in BS 5588 “Fire precautions in the design and construction
ofbuildings” — Part 3: Guide to the fire performance ofglass
PD 7974-0:2002, Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design of
buildings — Part 0: Guide to design framework and fire safety engineering procedures
PD 7974-1 :2003, Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design of
buildings — Part 1: Initiation and development offire within the enclosure oforigin
(Sub-system 1)
PD 7974-2:2002, Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design of
buildings — Part 2: Spread ofsmoke and toxic gases within and beyond the enclosure
oforigin (Sub-system 2)
PD 7974-3:2003, Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design of
buildings — Part 3: Structural response and fire spread beyond the enclosure oforigin
(Sub-system 3)

* This Standard has now been withdrawn.

1 77 B i bl i og ra ph y

PD 7974-4:2003, Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design of

buildings — Part 4: Detection offire and activation offire protection systems (Sub-
system 4)
PD 7974-5:2002, Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design of
buildings — Part 5: Fire service intervention (Sub-system 5)
PD 7974-6:2004, The application of fire safety engineering principles to fire safety
design ofbuildings — Part 6: Human factors — Life safety strategies — Occupant
evacuation, behaviour and condition (Sub-system 6)
PD 7974-7:2003, Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design of
buildings — Part 7: Probabilistic risk assessment

Oth er pu bl i ca ti on s

Approved Document B (Fire safety) – Volumes 1 and 2 (2000 and 2006 Editions).
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1 1 1 531 4683674.html
Approved Document M– Access to and Use ofBuildings. 2006. ISBN 978 -1 8594621 1 9.
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/4000000000988.html
Building Materials and Operations RC3fPart 6: Protection against Electrical Distur-
bance. Fire Protection Association
Code ofPractice for Design, Installation, Commissioning & Maintenance ofAspirating
Smoke Detector (ASD) Systems. 2005. Fire Industry Association.
Common Position ofthe Construction Unit ofDG Enterprise. Commission DG Enterprise
Design Principles of Fire Safety. London. The Stationery Office Ltd. ISBN
978- 01 1 7530454
Equipment/Space Heating: Hazard Classification . Loss Prevention Certification Board
Fire and the Design ofEducational Buildings. Building Bulletin 7. Sixth Edition . 1 997.
The Stationery Office Ltd. ISBN 0 1 1 270585 5
Fire Certificates (Special Premises) Regulations. 1 976 (SI 1 976/2003). London: The
Stationery Office Ltd.
Fire Precautions Act 1971: Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing Places ofWork That
Require a Fire Certificate. 1 993. The Stationery Office Ltd. ISBN 978-01 1 341 0798
Fire Prevention Guide 2: Fire Precautions in New Single-storey Spirit Storages and
Associated Buildings. 1 973. Home Office/Scottish Office & Health Department.
ISBN 0 1 1 430433 6.
Fire Safety – Risk Assessment. London: The Stationery Office Ltd.
Fire Service Manual: Fire Service Technology, Equipment and Media – Fire Service
Equipment – Inspection and Testing of Equipment Vol 1. London: The Stationery
Office Ltd. ISBN 978-01 1 341 2747
Fire Service Training Manual. 1 994. London: The Stationery Office Ltd.
B i bl i og ra ph y 1 78

Firecode: Fire Practice Note 3: Escape Bed Lifts. 1 987. London: The Stationery Office
Ltd. ISBN 0 1 1 321 1 1 2 0.
Firecode: Fire Practice Note 4. Hospital Main Kitchens. 1 994. London. The Stationery
Office Ltd. ISBN 0 1 1 321 71 37
Firecode: Fire Practice Note 5: Commercial Enterprises on Hospital Premises. 1 992.
London: The Stationery Office Ltd. ISBN 0 1 1 321 493 6.
Firecode: Fire Practice Note 7: Fire precautions in patient hotels. 1 995. London: The
Stationery Office Ltd. ISBN 0 1 1 321 769 2.
Firecode: Fire Practice Note 8: Atria on Hospital Premises. 1 995. London: The Statio-
nery Office Ltd.
Good Practice and Pitfalls in Risk Assessment, Research Report 1 51 . 2003. Health &
Safety Executive. ISBN 0 71 76 2732 2
Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing Places ofEntertainment and Like Premises. 1 998.
Home Office/Scottish Office & Health Department. ISBN 0 1 1 340907 9.
Guide to Fire Risk Assessment. London: The Stationery Office Ltd.
Guide to Terminology. 2001 . Heidi Suonuuti. Tekniikan Sanastokeskus.
Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases Regulations 1972 (SI 1972/917).
London: The Stationery Office Ltd.
Home Office Report – Arson Working Group. London: The Stationery Office Ltd.
HTM 81: Fire precautions in new hospitals (Firecode) . 1 996. London: The Stationery
Office Ltd. ISBN 0 1 1 322249 1 .
HTM82: Alarm and detection systems (Firecode) . 1 992. London: The Stationery Office
Ltd. ISBN 0 1 1 322045 6.
HTM 85: Fire precautions in existing hospitals (Firecode) . 1 994. London: The Statio-
nery Office Ltd. ISBN 0 1 1 321 733 1 .
HTM 86: Fire risk assessment in hospitals (Firecode) . 1 994. London: The Stationery
Office Ltd. ISBN 0 1 1 321 73 4.
LPS 1 1 82-2.1 , Requirements and tests for LPCB approval offixed fabric smoke curtains,
fixed metal smoke curtains and powered smoke curtains. 2005. Loss Prevention
Certification Board.
http://www.redbooklive.com
Occupational Storage Hazards – Prevention and Control of Dust Explosions. Loss
Prevention Certification Board
Post-War Building Studies No. 20: Fire Grading ofBuildings: Part I. General Principles
and Structural Precautions. 1 946. HMSO.
http://www.mace.manchester.ac.uk/project/research/structures/strucfire/DataBase/
References/HMSO%2046_Fire%20grading%20of%20buildings%20Part%201 .pdf
RC3e – Part 5 – Electronic data processing equipment; In cabinet protection . Fire
Protection Association
Safe Design and Use ofVent Collection Systems for Potentially Flammable Mixtures.
1 994. Health and Safety Executive.
1 79 B i bl i og ra ph y

The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004.

http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/tech_handbooks/th_pdf_2007/Non-domestic_2007.pdf
Technical Bulletin 1 4. Fire Protection Association
Technical Bulletin 29, Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Systems. Fire Protection Association
The Construction Products Directive (Council Directive 89/1 06/EEC).
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/construction/internal/cpd/cpd.htm
Contains over 2,000 definitions of current fire
terminology.
This book brings together the key published definitions of fire and fire safety
terminology, creating a definitive catalogue of fire terms. British Standards and
associated documents carry their own terms and definitions but in some cases define
the same term with slight or substantial differences. This dictionary amalgamates these
varying definitions into single, composite definitions and supplements further terms -
widely used in the industry.
The terms explained cover the whole spectrum of fire safety in all its applications.
This includes testing for both fire resistance and reaction to fire; passive and active
fire protection systems and fire safety engineering principles to the design of
buildings. The book supports all British Standards and the many other Published
Documents which support the British Standards and European Standards codes of
practice and related documents.

About the authors

Peter Hodgson has worked in various fire and fire safety fields for 40 years. For the
past twenty years Peter has been involved in the development of fire and graphical
symbols standards and is currently Chairman of the BSI Committee responsible for
fire terminology. Peter is also a member of the International Standards Organization
Working Group dealing with fire terminology.

For nearly 30 years, Dr. S D Christian worked at the Home Office in the Fire and
Emergency Planning Directorate. During this time he assisted in the drafting of many
guidance documents in support of the fire safety legislation in the United Kingdom.
He has served as the Home Office representative on many BS Technical Committees
that were responsible for preparing national technical standards on fire safety. He
now retains a personal membership on these Technical Committees as a co-opted
expert. He regularly attends meetings of the European and International Standards
Committees either as an individual expert or part of the UK delegation and currently
chairs the European Technical Committee CEN TC/1 27 – Fire Safety in Buildings.

BSI order ref: BIP 21 25

I S BN 978-0-5 80-5 022 2 -4
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