BSI opens public consultation on BS 9990 non-automatic firefighting systems in buildings

Non-automatic firefighting systems draft open for comment

A draft update to BS 9990 covering non-automatic firefighting systems in buildings is open for public comment until 5 April 2026.

The British Standards Institution (BSI) is progressing the draft through its FSH/18 Fixed firefighting systems committee.

The draft supersedes BS 9990:2015.

It gives recommendations for non-automatic firefighting systems such as wet and dry fire mains.

It covers good practice affecting their design, installation, testing and maintenance.

It treats the provision of fire mains as an essential element of fire protection in large and complex buildings.

It states that these systems should be maintained so they are ready for use when required.

Non-automatic firefighting systems in this standard are fixed systems that require manual use by firefighters rather than automatic activation.

In practice, the draft centres on wet and dry fire mains installed within buildings.

These are permanent pipe systems intended to provide water at upper levels where it may be difficult to supply from outside.

The draft does not include hose reels, foam inlets, automatic foam systems or portable firefighting equipment.

Those areas are covered separately in other British and European standards listed in the scope note.

The Draft for Public Comment will close on 5 April 2026.

Comment resolution is expected to begin in September 2026.

Publication of the final BS 9990 standard is anticipated on 28 October 2026.

The schedule provides a defined consultation period before the standard is finalised for use.