BRE FIRE CONFERENCE 2015

11th June 2015

Part of the BRE Trust

Development of a standard for Personal Fire
Protection Systems (PPS) for life safety

BRE Fire Conference 2015

11th June 2015

Nigel Firkins
Fire Suppression Team, BRE Global

Part of the BRE Trust

Background to Personal Protection Systems
Most fire deaths and injuries occur in peoples
homes.
Vulnerable people most at risk
Older people
People living alone
Mental and/or physical health issues
Smokers
USA fatal fire data
nearly 50% of older people are close to fire when
clothing/bedding is ignited
LFB fatal fire data
50% of older people were smokers with physical or
cognitive impairment. 1/3 in receipt of care package
Fire Hazard Analysis
Fire Hazard Growth/HRR Shielded? Smoke Carbon Monoxide Heat Comment

1) BED: Nightwear BD2546 T3 HRR = No BD2546 T5 = 33secs BD2546 T1,T3,T6 BD2546 Similar to BD2546
ignited by 75kW ( sprinkler ) (ionisation?) T6= 25secs =0.20-0.40 % T1 = 88C@177secs T1,3, 5 &6
match/cigarette T6 HRR = 754kW (no (ionisation?) T3 = 74C@928secs
sprinkler ) Range T2 T6 = 12- T6 = 50C@214secs
33secs (all @ sprinkler op.) BS 6807 fig 4

1) BED: Bedding BD2546 T2,T4 HRR No BD2546 T2,T4 =0.02 BD2546 DB2546 T2,& 4
(duvet) ignited by 9-50kW 0.06. Lower detection T2 = 96C@114secs
match/cigarette limit? T4 = 75C@153secs

1) BED: Fire starts Relatively fast Yes MOJ MOJ test (2456 P8)
under bed, T4 115C@240secs
mattress alight T2 & T3
135/145C@300secs

1) CHAIR: Chair Yes BS 14604 TF3 Glowing BS EN 54-7 and BS

fabric ignited in smouldering cotton. 14604 have same fire
corner by cigarette TF2 Smouldering tests
pyrolysis wood?
1) CHAIR: Clothing Partial? BS 14604 TF3 Glowing
(daywear?) ignited smouldering cotton.
by matches TF2 Smouldering
pyrolysis wood?

1) CHAIR: Clothing No BS 14604 TF3 Glowing

ignited by radiant smouldering cotton.
heat from fire. TF2 Smouldering
pyrolysis wood?
TF4 Flaming
polyeurethane.
Stakeholder engagement

Representatives from
BAFSA,
National Fire Sprinkler Network (NFSN)
Manufacturers
Fire and Rescue Services
Housing Associations

Series of meetings during 2014

Questionnaire circulated and responses
analysed
Information from stakeholders

Over 300 units deployed

A number of successful actuations
Smoking risks
Bin fires
Cooking risks
A small number of unsuccessful actuations and
one unwanted actuation
Importance of deploying PPS units against the
appropriate risk profiles
Typical PPS
Installation time: About an hour

Resilient power supply: Capable of

operating independent of mains
power for at least 3 days

Detection: Actuate at early stage of

fire development

Tank: 110 litres of water

Active for minimum of 10 Minutes
Flow rate approx. 10 litres/min
Protected area: 16m

Application rate < 1 litre/m2/min

PPS indicative time/temperature graph
LPS 1655 for PPS
LPS help ensure that products meet the needs of users
by measuring against specific performance
requirements.

Hazard located in discharge area

System functionality

Fire test protocols

Installation and maintenance requirements

System and component reliability

Marking, labelling, on-going quality management

Discharge area
Dimension X

Principle fire risk is within

area

Defined in installation manual Discharge area.

Shape and

Dimension Y
dimensions at
manufacturers
discretion.
Confirmed by fire
test

Verified by testing using

collection array to define
discharge density and pattern
PPS unit
(indicative
position)

Also verified during fire tests

System Functionality
Detection and actuation arrangements

Remote alarm transmission facility

Minimum 10 minute duration of application, flow rate.

Power supply and resilience, battery endurance

Control and indicating equipment, manual shutdown

Physical stability
Fire test protocols

Development of fuel and ignition package

Fire test A: Fire in bedding on top of bed or chair

Fire test B: Fire beneath bed or chair partially shielded

Fuel package
Shelf

Simulate bed or chair

Marine plywood
Thermocouples backboard.

Pillow
Timber slats and headboard Polyether
foam and
Duvet

polyester/
cotton
cover

Standard ET18 polyether

foam Metal
12
frame

Polyester duvet & pillow

1000

All dimensions in mm.

Polyester/cotton bedding
PPS Fuel Package
PPS Fuel Package
PPS Fuel Package
Fire test A

Fire on top of the bed

Fuel package at limit of

discharge area

Dedicated fire detection

Thermocouples in bedhead

Full discharge of PPS

10 - 15 minute duration
Discharge area
Dimension X

Principle fire risk is within

area

Defined in installation manual Discharge area.

Shape and

Dimension Y
dimensions at
manufacturers
discretion.
Confirmed by fire
test

Verified by testing using

collection array

PPS unit
Verified by fire tests (indicative
position)
Fire test B 4.1 metres

Shielded fire beneath bed

Heptane & wood crib ignition

Challenge upper limit of PPS

Fuel package AFD
position B

Area of highest density

TC Ignition tray
PPS unit
(indicative
position)

Backboard
Un-suppressed HRR Burn 1
Component testing

Primarily tested as a complete system, including detection,

actuation and control and indicating arrangements

Examination of components

Function and operation tests

Accelerated ageing using damp/ heat cyclic tests

Cyclic testing of AFD, control board and pump

Look forward

Guidance about correct deployment, installation and

maintenance.

New manufacturers entering the market with innovative

products.

Improving detection to reduce possibility of unwanted actuation

whilst ensuring early detection.

More widespread use of PPS as confidence in products grows.

Personal Protection Systems (PPS)
Nigel Firkins
BRE Fire Suppression Team/Garston
Fire Research Conference 11th June 2015

Thank You --- Any Questions?

Part of the BRE Trust