New rules, new challenges
The regulations in fire protection change again and again. We give you an overview of new specifications, standards and rules in fire protection for the second half of the year. This will enable you, as the person responsible for fire protection, to optimally prepare for them.
ASR A2.2 and ASR A2.3
In the area of operational fire protection, two essential requirements were revised or reworded. ASR A2.2 "Measures against fires" was revised at point 7.3 "Fire protection assistants". As a result, the instruction to be repeated is now recommended in a period of 2 to 5 years, previously it was 3 to 5 years. It has to be taken into account that the employer has to determine the interval for his company on the basis of a risk assessment.
Furthermore, the name of ASR A2.3 has changed to "Escape routes and emergency exits". In addition to the name change, the definitions of escape routes have also been revised. These are now referred to as main escape routes and secondary escape routes. The designation of first and second escape routes has been abolished. Furthermore, the minimum widths of main escape routes have been redefined. Furthermore, the new version of ASR A2.3 includes requirements for safety lighting and visual safety guidance systems that have been transferred from ASR A 3.4/7.
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Fluorine-free foam agents in extinguishing systems
The VdS has revised the guideline VdS 3124 (Recognition of foam agents). In conjunction with the new VdS 3896, it should lead to more transparency and comprehensibility in the testing and certification of foam agents for use in extinguishing systems. According to the VDS, the revision serves to be able to better evaluate fluorine-free foam agents in particular in the future.
At the same time, the VdS guidelines for the planning and installation of stationary water extinguishing systems (VdS CEA 4001, VdS 2108 and VdS 2109) were adapted in this context. They now require that "foam agents recognised for the area of application" be used. This wording replaces the previous requirement of "film-forming foam agents."
In addition, fire-physical performance requirements for foam agents for use in extinguishing systems in various applications such as plastic hazards or flammable liquids (polar/non-polar), have been spun off from VdS 3124 into the new guidelines VdS 3896 "Proof of effectiveness for foam agents".
EMC resilience in smoke detectors
From August 2022, the new standards EN 54-5: 2017 + A1:2018, "Heat detectors - Point detectors", and 54-7: 2018 "Smoke detectors - Point smoke detectors", will apply. The new standards are intended to improve the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC resilience) of smoke detectors installed in fire alarm systems. The amended projects must be observed in the planning, installation and maintenance of fire alarm systems.
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