British Standards

Part 20: 1987 - Method for determination of the fire resistance of elements for construction (general purpose).
Part 22: 1987 - Methods for determination of the fire resistance of non-load bearing elements for construction.
Part 23: 1987 - Methods for determination of the contribution of components to the fire resistance of a structure.
Part 31: - Methods of measuring smoke penetration through door sets and shutter assemblies.
Part 31: Section 31.1: 1983 - Method of measurement under ambient temperature conditions.

The standard gives design requirements and methods of test. The lock performances apply to locks fitted to hinged and sliding doors. To comply with the standard, all locks must have a minimum of 1000 differs except for cylinder locks (see next paragraph). Key markings should be used once only and should not disclose the combination of the key. The lock case must be hardened, anti-drill.

The new 2004 edition is based upon the new European standard BS EN 12209: 2003, but with broadly similar requirements to the previous 1980 and 1998 editions. The cylinder type locks have tests on the cylinder that have to satisfy BS EN 1303: 2005 classification :1:6:-:0:1:5:1. They must have a minimum of 30,000 differs, be tested to 100,000 operations and resist a number of other security assessments.

In addition the following tests are applied:

1. Neutral salt spray test, to BS EN 1670: 1998 for 96 hours.
2. Operation of deadbolt mechanism: The lock is operated slowly by its key to throw and withdraw the deadbolt which must throw a minimum of 20 mm. In addition, operation is tested with a force of 15N applied to the end of the bolt to ensure that the bolt will not push back.
3. Operation of the latch mechanism: The mechanism is tested in a full door test rig for 20,000 cycles, with a side load on the latch bolt of 10N.
4. Bolt cutting test: The deadbolt is subjected to hand drilling for 5 minutes prior to the side load test (e).
5. Strength of lock case: A lateral force of 10,000N is applied to the case for one minute. A pull force of 6,000N is applied to the hook or claw bolts.
6. Strength of bolt retention: A force of 6,000N is applied to bolts, hooks or claws for one minute in the direction to which the bolt moves to unlock (2,000N if the locking plate has an enclosed locking box, but the locking plate must resist higher forces).
7. Locked handle/knobs (where applicable): Where lockable handles/knobs are used (e.g. rim night latches) the locked handle/knob must resist a forcing torque based on the radius of the handle/knob.
8. Staples and striking plates: Staples and striking plates are tested by applying a force of 10,000N. Similarly hook and claw bolt strikers are tested to a pulling force of 6,000N.

Part 1: 1980 (1995) - Specification for colour and design- superseded, withdrawn.
Part 2: 1980 (1995) - Specification for colorimetric and photometric properties of materials.
Part 3: 1982 (1995) - Specification for additional signs to those given in BS5378 Part 1.- superseded, withdrawn

BS 5499-1: 2002

Part 1: - Specification for geometric shapes, colours and layouts. The standard specifies a system of geometric shapes and safety colours for use with appropriate graphical symbols to produce safety signs.

Table 1 - Geometric shapes, safety colours and contrast colours for safety signs.*

Geometric shapes	Meaning	Safety colour	Contrast colour	Graphical symbol colour	Examples of use
A circle	Prohibition	Red	White	Black	No smoking No unauthorised entry Do not drink
A circle	Mandatory action	Blue	White	White	Wear safety helmet Keep clear
An equilateral triangle with radiused outer corners	Hazard	Yellow	Black	Black	Hot surface Acid High voltage
A rectangle (square or rectangle)	Safe condition Escape route Safety equipment	Green	White	White	First aid room Fire exit Evacuation assembly
A rectangle (square or rectangle)	Fire equipment	Red	White	White	Fire point Fire alarm Wet riser extinguisher

*For the colour and geometric shape of supplementary signs - see Clause 10

Size of signs (other than escape route signs)

There is an information annex which gives details of this data and which includes this table as a guide.

Maximum viewing distance*	Minimum sign height**	Recommended letter height *** in supplementary text sign
7m	60mm	5mm
9m	80mm	7mm
14m	120mm	10mm
21m	180mm	15mm
28m	240mm	20mm
* Calculated using equation A.1 with Z= 120 and rounded down to the nearest whole metre ** For the intermediate viewing distance the next largest available sign height should be used *** See 3.6

Table A.1 - Minimum sign heights recommended for the different maximum viewing distance

BS 5499-2: 1986 (1995) - Specification for self luminous fire safety signs - Proposed for withdrawal.

BS 5499-4: 2000 - Safety signs, including fire safety signs.

Part 4: - Code of practice for escape route signing.

Fire Exit Signs: Handed Right or Left. Depicting a person moving through a door opening. A green figure is preferred for face illuminated signs or non-illuminated signs. A white figure is preferred for self luminous and internally illuminated signs.

	Progress to right		Progress to left
	Progress up to the right or Progress forward and across to the right		Progress up to the left or Progress forward and across to the left
	Progress down to the right		Progress down to the left
	Progress forward from here Progress forward and through from here Progress forward and up from here		Progress down from here

Annex B (information) - Use of arrows to indicate direction of travel.

BS 5499-5: 2002 - Graphic symbols and signs - safety signs, including fire safety signs

Part 5: Signs with specific safety meanings.

Warning Signs:

Typical warning signs displayed in the standard are illustrated below. The background should be yellow with black triangle and text/symbol.

"Flammable" standard fire sign

"Danger Electricity" standard fire sign

Prohibition Signs:

Typical prohibition signs are as below. The background is white with red circular band, crossbar and text/symbol..

"No Smoking" standard fire sign

"No unauthorised persons allowed beyond this point" standard fire sign

Mandatory Signs:

Typical mandatory signs are as below. The shape, a circle, blue background (at least 50%) of the area. The symbol or text to be white.

	A.1.01 Letter height 5 mm Sign height 60 mm
	A.1.02 Letter height 5 mm Sign height 60 mm
	A.1.03 Letter height 5 mm Sign height 60 mm
	A.1.04 Letter height 5 mm Sign height 80 mm
	A.1.05vLetter height 5 mm Sign height 80 mm

Safe Condition Signs:

Typical safe condition signs are shown below. Shape should be square or rectangular. The background should be green covering at least 50% of the area. Symbol/text in white.

"Push bar to open" sign

"Assembly point" sign

Fire Equipment Signs:

Typical fire equipment signs are shown below. Shape should be square or rectangular. The background should be red covering at least 50% of the area. Symbol/text in white.

"Fire alarm" standard fire sign

"Fire Extinguisher" standard fire sign

BS 5588 - Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings.

BS 5588-0: 1996 - Guide to the fire safety code of practice for particular premises / applications.

BS 5588-1: 1990 - Code of practice for residential buildings.

This standard deals with fire development within a dwelling, house, flat or maisonette. It identifies the starting of a fire by an occupant within a room such as deep fat frying, smoking in bed, children playing with matches. It discusses the fire development, listing precautions and escape provisions. All inner rooms should have means of escape other than by the door and any room higher than 4.5 meters above ground level should have at least two escape routes. It also discusses fire development outside the dwelling and the necessary precautions.

BS 5588-4: 1998 - Smoke control in protected escape routes using pressurisation Specification for the compartmentalization and ducting to provide a positive air pressure in escape routes to contain smoke and toxic gasses within fire compartments. Replaced by BS EN 12101-6: 2008

BS 5588-5: 2004 - Code of practice for fire fighting stairways and lifts.

The standard covers the construction of stairs and lifts with additional protection for the use by the fire fighters. It does not cover means of escape for public.

BS 5588-6: 1991 - Code of practice for places of assembly.

Covers buildings for on door entertainment and assembly - excluding sports grounds.

BS 5588-7: 1997 - Code of practice for the inclusion of atria in buildings.

BS 5588-8: 1999 - Code of practice for the means of escape for disabled people.

This code of practice is a guide for building designers and constructors, when they are incorporating into new or existing buildings, measures to ensure the safe evacuation of disabled people from the buildings, except dwellings, in the event of fire. Recommendations are made for the planning and protection of escape routes in horizontal and downward (or upward) directions. The provision of refuge lobbies in protected stairwells is recommended. The correct parking of wheelchairs to allow a clear escape flow on the stairway is highlighted.

BS 5588-9: 1999 - Code of practice for ventilation and air conditioning ductwork.

BS 5588-10: 1991 - Code of practice for shopping complexes and shop units.

Deals with public and non-public areas of the complexes and shop units.

BS 5588-11: 1997 - Code of practice for shops, offices, industrial, storage and similar buildings.

This specification calls for the fire door signs on both sides of fire resisting doors and permits the general use of electro-magnetic release closers on fire resisting doors.

BS 5839-3: 1988 - Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings - specification for automatic release mechanisms for certain fire protection equipment.

This standard will be modified as it contains conflicts with BS EN 1155. requirements and test methods for automatic release mechanisms that hold open (or closed) fire doors, fire shutters and fire dampers against the force of the door closing (or opening) device. Release should occur when manually operated or on receipt of a signal from the fire detector system (including smoke) or a central point of a building or fire alarm. The performance requirements cover damp, insulation resistance, heat and cold resistance, a corrosion test and durability impact and vibration testing. The durability test requires the item to withstand repeated slamming, the test being 500 cycles. A further stipulation states that it should not be possible to remove the protective cover without the use of a tool.

BS 6180: 1999 - Code of practice for protective barriers in and about buildings.

BS 6462: 1985 (2007) - Specification for mechanical performance of peg type casement stays and face fixed wedge action fasteners.

The specification is limited to peg type stays and wedge action fasteners for use on top or side hung windows up to 1m sq in area. The standard is a pure performance standard and specifies loading which simulates pulling the window closed via a stay bar around the peg. It also has a pull test. When the staybar rests on the pegs, a force is applied to pull the joint away from the stay which simulates pressure differentials in buildings similar to those generated by storms. Loads are also specified to check resistance to vertical bending of the stay, e.g. over window ledge. Wedging forces are specified for the fastener as well as a strength test for the fastener handle. A wear test is also required of fasteners to test their durabilty in use. 20,000 cycles are specified.

BS 7036-1/5: 1996 - Code of practice for safety at power operated doors for pedestrian use.

This code of practice provides guidance on the provision and installation of safety devices for automatic power operated pedestrian door systems whether swing or sliding which do not exceed 2000 mm in width. Doors exceeding 2000 mm in width may require additional safety features. It is recommended that activators should operate on low voltage with a maximum of 50V AC or 24V DC. Safety measures covered are activator mats/safety detection mats, motion sensors (radar or infrared) / presence sensors, the positioning of manually activated switches and safety barriers. The use of signs is discussed including the mandatory 'keep clear' sign which has a blue background / white letters. In some instances an automatic sliding door may be required to have a beak-out emergency escape system. In this event a safe condition sign should be used 'In Emergency Push To Open' which should have green background with white letters.

BS 7386: 1997 (2007) - Specification for draught strips for the draught control of existing doors and windows in housing (including test methods).

BS 7950: 1997 - Specification for enhanced security performance of casement and tilt/turn windows in domestic applications.

BS 8213-1: 2004 - Windows, doors and roof lights.

This part of the standard code of practice for the safety in use and during cleaning of windows and doors (including guidance on cleaning materials and methods).

BS 8214: 1990 - Code of practice for fire door assemblies with non-metallic leaves.

The British Standard gives guidance for Fire Door design, construction and installation with non-metallic leaves. The recommendations given are restricted to doors designed to provide fire resistance ratings up to, and including, 2 hours. These ratings are in respect of tests conducted in accordance with the conditions specified in BS 476 : Part 8 and Part 22. The role and use of Fire Doors is explained, making reference to BS 5588 : Parts 1,2 and 3. Design and manufacturing qualities of Fire Doors are covered in detail. Intumescent seals and smoke seals are explained, along with the use of other intumescent materials which help in maintaining integrity. Pressure forming seals are discussed against the voluminously expanding types.

It is stressed that the types should not be mixed and care should also be taken with rebated meeting stiles which pressure forming seals can spring open.

Ironmongery and the fitting thereof, is discussed, categorising the essential and non-essential ironmongery items. The Standard recommends that rising butt hinges should not be fitted to Fire Doors.

Door closers should be fitted to all Fire Doors and be capable of closing the leaf, overcoming any latch or seals that are present.

BS 8220 - Guide for the security of buildings against crime.

Part 1: 2000 - Dwellings
Part 2: 1995 - Offices and shops
Part 3: 2004 - Warehouse and distribution units

BS 8300 : 2001 - Supplemented by and amending Part 4 DDA - design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people '- code of practice.

The DDT (Disability Discrimination Act) of 1995 has been introduced in a number of stages since Dec. 1996. Since Oct. 1999 it has required "service providers" to take reasonable steps to change practices, provide auxiliary aids and remove physical barriers to make the use of their facility more acceptable for disabled users. Since Oct. 2004 they have had to "make reasonable adjustments to the physical features of their premises, if it is impossible or difficult for disabled people to access their service" I.e. in theory at least, all buildings, new and existing, are having to be upgraded. What has been missing up to now, is some guidance as to "what is reasonable?". The BS 8300 Code of Practice gives clear guidance on layouts, sizes, fittings etc, for almost all types of buildings except those which are intended for use exclusively by disabled people. It does not make specific recommendations relating to the use of buildings by children.

Basically it gives guidance and provides a code of practice as to whet is"reasonable" - it provides some specific information and some general guidance. The Building Regulations are regularly updated and 2004 saw an update to the Approved Document to Part "M" of the Regulations covering England and Wales. This covers "Access to and use of buildings". The BS 8300 Amd1 and a “FAQ” sheet from the ODPM (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) in relation to Approved Document M now align both documents.

BS 8424: 2004 - Pull handles - requirements and test methods.

This standard specifies the performance requirements and testing methods for door mounted pull handles incorporating one fixing point or more. It incorporates the same classification system used in the European Standards for Building Hardware.

Digit 1 - Category of use

Grade 1: Light duty
Grade 2: Medium duty
Grade 3: Heavy duty
Grade 4: Severe duty

Digit 2 - Durability

Grade 2: 5000 test cycle

Digit 3 - Test door mass

There is now classification.

Digit 4 - Fire resistance

Two categories of fire resistance are identified:

Grade 0: Not approved for use on fire/smoke door assemblies
Grade 1: Suitable for use on fire/smoke door assemblies, subject to satisfactory assessment of the contribution of the emergency device to the fire resistance of specified fire/smoke door assemblies

Digit 5 - Safety

Grade 1: Safe

Digit 6 - Corrosion resistance

Classification to Clause 4 of BS EN 1670: 1998

Grade 0: No defined corrosion resistance
Grade 1: Low resistance
Grade 2: Moderate resistance
Grade 3: High resistance
Grade 4: Very high resistance

Example

The following classification denotes a pull handle, suitable for sever duty, non fire door use, with a high resistance to corrosion. :4:2:-:0:1:4

BS 8621: 2007 - Thief resistant lock assemblies - keyless egress.

Exactly the same as BS 3621 except that the locks are classified as providing keyless egress at all times and are therefore suitable for doors which have to be free from fastenings on the inside.