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News
NEW APPROVAL SCHEME FOR EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS
A new BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) approval scheme for companies designing, installing commissioning and maintaining emergency lighting systems – to be known as SP203-4 – will be incorporated into the series of approvals which currently covers fire detection and alarm systems and fixed gaseous fire suppression systems. The emergency lighting scheme will also have a modular framework, enabling companies to select one or more of the modules, according to their expertise.
The scheme is currently out for public comment with a deadline of 30 September 2009 for comments to be submitted, and is expected to be launched before the end of 2009. “The SP203 series was reviewed last year, simplifying the scheme by separating out the different elements involved in a fire detection and suppression system into their own distinct modules,” said Tony Maskens, BAFE Technical Schemes Manager. “Emergency lighting has thus far not been covered but we recognised that it should be and have therefore been working to address this.
As with other products, systems and services involved in life safety, client companies, insurers and regulatory authorities are looking for ways in which companies can unequivocally demonstrate they are competent to carry out the work that they do. BAFE third party certification is the most robust way of achieving this and will now be available to companies involved in emergency lighting for industrial and commercial premises.” 
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