BS 7974:2001

Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design of buildings - Code of practice.

This British Standard provides a framework for an engineering approach to the achievement of fire safety in buildings by giving recommendations and guidance on the application of scientific and engineering principles to the protection of people, property and the environment from fire. It also provides a framework for developing a rational methodology for the design of buildings.

This standard applies to the design of new buildings and the appraisal of existing buildings. The use of this standard will facilitate the practice of fire safety engineering and in particular it will:

  1. provide the designer with a disciplined approach to fire safety signs;
  2. allow the safety levels for alternative designs to be compared;
  3. provide a basis for selection of appropriate fire protection systems;
  4. provide opportunities for innovative design;
  5. provide information on the management of fire safety for a building.

This standard does not provide specific guidance on buildings used for the bulk storage or processing of flammable liquids or exposives. The intrinsic risks associated with such buildings will often necessitate special considertation, which is beyond the scope of this document.