VATIS UPDATE Article

Surefire, the United States, has launched the first portable watermist system to achieve third-party certification to LPS 1655, BRE Global’s dedicated fire performance standard for personal protection systems (PPS). Called UltraGuard the unit is a domestic fire suppression system to protect vulnerable people (elderly or disabled) from domestic fires. LPS 1655, which fills a gap in fire standards given the absence of a dedicated BS or EN standard, sets a minimum, credible performance level for PPS to instill confidence in specifiers and users.

The LPS 1655 standard incorporates system design requirements, including minimum levels of performance and functionality, system manual and installer requirements, fire test protocols and maintenance arrangements. It also covers the examination and testing of components. BRE inspectors conduct ongoing audits of manufacturer’s quality management systems and production to assure units on the market conform to the design blueprint.

Products are subjected to two fire test scenarios. The first is representative of fires that start in bedding or clothing where a person may be in close proximity. The second replicates ‘shielded fire development’, and considers the potential for control of the fire and the prevention of fire spread beyond the items first ignited. A PPS needs to detect and suppress a fire at a very early stage before significant heat and smoke has developed to cause serious injury.

Notably, LPS 1655 requires system actuation by a fire detectors, as more traditional, thermally activated devices may be too slow, especially for smouldering fires in clothing or bedding.