Untitled document
Chiltern International Fire (CIF) and sister company Chiltern Dynamics have carried out the first programme of testing for fire and smoke curtain systems manufacturers Coopers Fire, to meet requirements outlined in the new BSI standard PAS 121: 2007 Specification for active fire curtain barrier assemblies and active fire barrier assemblies with smoke rating.
According to CIF Head of Section: Fire Resistance Mark Cummings, the test programme carried out will allow the product’s performance to be adequately demonstrated to the satisfaction of the end user or specifier. ‘Retractable fire barrier curtains, more and more, are seen as an alternative to traditional glazed screens and partitions, but the product is still new and less experience exists among end users. As a result, they demand greater levels of demonstration that it will be fit for purpose. By meeting the PAS 121 requirements Coopers Fire can give that reassurance.’
Coopers Fire has worked with key stakeholders to develop PAS 121 to reflect today’s complex fire engineering requirements. Technical Director Ray Kerry said, ‘We recognise that in so many cases it is not a single incident which generates a serious fire but more often a combination of incidents and also, importantly, the use of an inappropriate product. PAS 121 will, we believe, help to create a better understanding of the function and role of the fire curtain and its performance among designers, specifiers, regulators and enforcers.’
Fire curtain barriers are designed to provide full fire separating elements when initiated by fire alarm systems, local detection or in the event of total power failure. The demands of PAS 121 are therefore complex and create ‘an interesting challenge for the test body’, said Mark Cummings. The standard calls up BS EN 1634 – 1: 2000 Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies. Fire doors and shutters for fire testing, but also encompasses cycling for durability and air/smoke leakage testing.
Click here for PDF.
rss feeds
