New British Standard

This is to advise of the publication of a new British Standard (BS) relating to Distress Signal Units (DSUs) for use by Fire and Rescue Services.

The previous specifications for DSUs and ADSUs were published as Joint Committee for Design and Development (JCDD) specifications (JCDD/19/1 and JCDD/38 revised) under the previous CFBAC arrangements.

As part of the ongoing programme to review central fire and rescue service guidance, it was recognised that these specifications should be refreshed and updated and that it was appropriate to replace them with a new British Standard.

As a result of the work of the relevant BSI committee, chaired by Brian Hansford of Firebuy and involving representation from the industry and from CFOA , "BS 10999-2010: Specification for Distress Signal Units for the Fire and Rescue Service", has now been published and is available from BSI.

The previous specification for Automatic Distress Signal Units (JCDD 38 revised) included a note in its introduction  advising that “the requirements of the specification are to be regarded as minima (or maxima as the case may be) and nothing therein is to be construed as preventing a purchaser from specifying stricter or additional requirements to meet special circumstances.”

Due to the drafting rules governing the preparation of British Standards, a note such as this cannot be included in a Standard. However the essence of this note, indicating as it does that essentially it is for a purchaser to identify their own particular requirements, may still be considered to be valid in the case of DSUs.

A purchaser’s specific requirements may inhibit a manufacturer from claiming total compliance with a standard, but that does not prevent its sale or use as long as the product meets any relevant legislative requirements. The user’s risk assessment may justify the use of equipment that has such a variation from the standard.

You are also advised that JCDD/19/1 and JCDD/38 revised have now been withdrawn from use by the Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser. A Fire and Rescue Service Circular will be shortly published by CLG advising this formally.

Any queries on this matter please contact either Brian Hansford (brian.hansford@firebuy.gov.uk) or Peter Silk (peter.silk@firebuy.gov.uk)