What is I.S. 3218?
The full name of this Irish Standard explains its precise purpose: I.S. 3218:2013 Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings – System Design, Installation, Servicing and Maintenance.
Fire Engineering Systems Association
Within the Irish fire industry it was long recognised that the Fire Alarms Systems business was fragmented and lacked a cohesive representative association. In addition the Fire systems houses in Ireland are the principal source for Gaseous and fixed Fire extinguishing systems (excluding Sprinkler installation) and this part of the industry also lacked representation.
Over years many informal attempts had been made to unify the industry and possible association with UK establishments was also investigated.
In 2002/3 a concerted effort was made and the British Fire Protection Systems Association (B.F.B.S.A.) the representative body of the British Fire Alarm suppliers and manufacturers made representation to the Irish fire Industry with a view to establishing an Irish branch office.
The proposal was considered at length however it was established that the Irish Fire industry required representation with an emphasis on the Irish Standards/ Codes of practice ,the Irish Market and the unique Irish ways of conducting business.
With this in mind, and making every effort to maintain the new found momentum, it was agreed that an independent Irish representative body would first be established and thereafter consideration would be given to establishing associate status with various international bodies including the B.F.P.S.A.
The Association is now actively working on behalf of the membership. It is recognised throughout the Industry,by government and regulatory bodies and has established itself as the voice of the Fire Detection, Alarm and Extinguishing business in Ireland.
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (FDAS) – What are the transition arrangements of the Irish Standards?
I.S. 3218:1989 was a Code of Practice issued in 1989 and superseded by issue of Standard I.S. 3218:2009 on the 8th of May 2009.
Because of the duration of building projects any Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (FDAS) designed in accordance with I.S. 3218:1989 or I.S. 3218:2009 for which a Fire Safety Certificate under the Building Control Regulations has been granted, may proceed to completion but all reasonably practicable steps should be taken to bring such systems into conformity with I.S. 3218:20013.
A note on all System Certification documents stating that the design and installation is in accordance with I.S. 3218: 1989 or I.S. 3218:2009 shall be included.
All variations from the standard for which a Fire Safety Certificate under the Building Control Regulations has been granted shall be recorded on the System Certifications documents.
Fire Detection and Alarms Systems (whether new installations, extension/alterations or modifications to existing installations) shall be commissioned to I.S. 3218:2013. In addition, the areas covered in any new installation or any system extension/alteration or modifications shall be designed and installed to I.S. 3218:2013.
User responsibilities for all Fire Detection and Alarm Systems shall be in accordance with I.S. 3218:20013.
Serving and maintenance for all FDAS shall be in accordance with I.S, 3218:2013.
There is no requirement for a Fire Detection and Alarm System designed, installed and commissioned to a previous version of I.S. 3218 to be upgraded in whole or in part to the latest version of the standard unless:
a) The owner agrees to a fully up-to-date installation, or
b) The existing installation cannot be incorporated in a new system and would detrimentally affect either its operation or the effective operation of the new upgrade, or
c) an upgrade is required by a Fire Safety Certificate under the Building Control Regulations for material alterations, extensions or change of use of the premises.
Cannon Fire Safety Group provides a full range of Fire Alarm Systems to meet your requirements including the deaf fire alarm interface that links with any existing fire alarm system, catering for the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing. Call us 01 295 7540 or email us info@cfsg.ie. It is important to note that paragraph 6.6.7.1 of the IS 3218:2013 standard makes specific reference to making the necessary inclusions in your Fire Alarm System to facilitate deaf and hard of hearing. It states that visual and/or tactile alarm devices “shall” be used. CFSG supply the Silent Alert Firesafe System which is fully compliant with all the relevant parts of IS3218. There are products which you may be offered to fulfill your requirement to the deaf and hard of hearing but while a lot of these may seem to meet your requirements, in many cases they do not comply with the IS3218:2013 standard and therefore cannot be classed as a component part of an IS3218 fire alarm system. This is very important to be aware of no matter which product you choose as there could be insurance and litigation issues in the event of an incident.
Member of FESA
Source: FESA; I.S. 3218:2013
