The above standard came into effect on the 31 August 2019. This is a new standard which gives recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of interface arrangements between fire detection and fire alarm systems conforming to BS 5839‑1:2017 with various ancillary systems and equipment (ASE) where this interface is required by the fire strategy for a building, excluding the interface with those systems covered in other parts of the BS 7273 series. Arrangements covered by BS 7273 – 6 include the interface between fire detection and fire alarm systems and: smoke control systems; lifts and other lifting appliances; gas valves; fire-resisting shutters and active fire curtain barrier assemblies; electricity supplies; ventilation systems; lighting, intelligent signage and wayfinding; and paging systems. BS 5839 – 1:2017, Clause 9.2 states: “9.2 Recommendations The following recommendations are applicable in the case of systems intended to actuate other fire protection systems or safety facilities (e.g. by triggering an automatic fire extinguishing system, closing fire-resisting doors, shutting down an air handling system or grounding lifts). a) The system should conform to the recommendations of any applicable part of BS 7273.” Therefore, where an NSI approved or applicant company proposes an interface to any of the systems and/or equipment covered by the scope of BS 7273 – 6, all applicable recommendations of BS 7273 – 6 should be met. Although issued as a code of practice by the British Standards Institution, it is important to note that compliance with the recommendations given in BS 7273 – 6:2019 is regarded as mandatory for all companies wishing to maintain NSI approval. The recommendations given in BS 7273 – 6:2019 must therefore be regarded as requirements in relation to NSI approval for the Fire Gold and Fire Silver schemes unless there is documentary evidence to demonstrate the client has accepted and agreed any variations against the recommendations of BS 7273 – 6:2019. Hard copies of the new BS may be purchased from NSI or BSI. The cost from NSI is £ 180.25 per copy (plus £4.95 + VAT carriage). You can gain access to the new BS via the online Standards on Subscription service, which is renewable annually, on the NSI website. Whilst the online subscription does provide a low cost access to standards, there are restrictions including one that prohibits printing. For further information on obtaining standards, please visit our website or telephone NSI’s Maidenhead office on 01628 637512.