What is BS EN ISO 14520:2013?

Introduction

BS EN ISO 14520:2013 is a technical standard that specifies requirements and guidelines for the design, installation, maintenance, and testing of gaseous fire suppression systems. It covers both total flooding and local application systems using gaseous agents.

Scope and Application

The standard applies to all types of gaseous fire suppression systems, including those utilizing halocarbon, inert gas, and chemical agents. It sets out the minimum requirements for system design, installation, and acceptance testing, as well as providing guidance on ongoing inspection, testing, and maintenance.

The scope of BS EN ISO 14520:2013 covers the protection of enclosed spaces, such as server rooms, data centers, control rooms, archives, museums, and high-value assets. It is particularly relevant in environments where water-based fire extinguishing systems are not suitable due to the potential damage they can cause to sensitive equipment or valuable assets.

Key Requirements

One of the key requirements laid out in the standard is the need for a detailed risk assessment to determine the appropriate type and design of the gaseous fire suppression system. The risk assessment takes into account factors such as the size and layout of the protected space, the fire hazards present, and the sensitivity of equipment or contents to heat and smoke damage.

The standard also mandates that the design and installation of the system should be performed by qualified personnel with relevant experience and knowledge. It further specifies the necessary components and features of the system, including agent storage containers, piping, nozzles, alarms, controls, and monitoring devices.

Regular maintenance and testing are crucial to ensure the continued effectiveness of the gaseous fire suppression system. The standard provides guidelines on the frequency and methods of inspection, testing, and record-keeping. These measures are essential to identify and address any potential issues or failures, as well as to comply with local regulations and insurance requirements.

Conclusion

BS EN ISO 14520:2013 is an important technical standard that helps ensure the reliability and effectiveness of gaseous fire suppression systems in protecting enclosed spaces from fire-related damages. By defining minimum requirements and providing guidance on system design, installation, maintenance, and testing, it helps to safeguard valuable assets, sensitive equipment, and critical infrastructure.

For organizations and individuals involved in the design, installation, or operation of gaseous fire suppression systems, compliance with BS EN ISO 14520:2013 is crucial to ensure regulatory compliance and provide effective fire protection.