We would like to draw your attention to the publication of BS 5306-8:2023 which came into effect on 30th November 2023 and supersedes BS 5306-8:2012 which is now withdrawn. This is a full revision of the standard and includes: • recognition of current legislation; • removal of the subclause on training, noting that this is not part of the selection and installation process and that it is covered by legal obligations, i.e. FSO 2005; • removal of the subclause on commissioning and maintenance, noting that it is covered by the new post installation arrangements subclause of this standard in section 4.2 second paragraph; • inclusion of new recommendations on environmental impact; • revision of information on the use of powder; • clarification on the recommendations for class A hazards; • changes in the recommendations for class C hazards; • revision of travel distances; • revision of calculation examples; and • inclusion of information on batteries. Technical Bulletin 0065 outlines the changes within BS 5306-8:2023. Implementation timescale for approved and applicant companies Existing NSI approved companies with Fire Gold or Fire Silver approval to the BAFE SP101 scheme will have until 30th June 2024 to transition to BS 5306-8:2024. During the transition period, any non-conformances found against the revised standard will be raised as an “Auditor Note”. Any non-conformances found after the transition period will be raised as a formal non-conformance report(s) (Major or Minor non-conformance reports). For applications received prior to 1st February 2024, applicant companies applying for NSI Fire Gold or Fire Silver approval to the BAFE SP101 scheme will be subject to the transition arrangements, as detailed above, for existing companies. For new applicants and existing approved companies seeking an extension to their existing scope, applications received from 1st February 2024 for approval to the BAFE SP101 scheme will be audited against the revised standard and any non-conformances found will be raised as a formal non-conformance report(s) (Major or Minor non-conformance reports). How do I obtain a copy of BS 5306-8:2023? A copy of BS 5306-8:2023 can be purchased directly from BSI or from NSI for a discounted rate. Alternatively, it can be downloaded from NSI approved companies Standards of subscription service. Questions or queries? If you have any questions or queries regarding the new standard, please do not hesitate to contact me.