A briefing on the BSS move to recommend smoke alarms in boats

Summary:  

The BSS has now moved to make its strongest recommendation that every boat with overnight accommodation is fitted with at least one suitable and effective smoke alarm. Some larger craft are recommended to fit more.

The recommendation is drawn from advice in a report produced by the UK’s leading fire protection authority, the Fire Protection Association (FPA), which is confident that alarms on boats will be effective in reducing the risk of harm to boaters and reducing the risk of fire spreading causing harm to other people and to property. The FPA report sets out what alarm choices should be made, where to install them and what routines in testing and checking are necessary to provide continued assurance of protection.

Background:

For reasons linked to the lack of assurance that an alarm can withstand the demanding environment on a boat and to the lack of instructions specific to boat installation, the BSS previously did no more than ask boaters to consider fitting an alarm.

Smoke alarm technology has advanced significantly over the past few years with more features being available in alarms, such as optical sensors, extremely long life lithium batteries and the facility to ‘hush’ the alarm when, for example, cooking food.

Actions of BSS Office:

The BSS Office is issuing a statement to the media concurrently with this communication about the change and a briefing setting out the recommendations. This is supported by briefings for examiners, boaters, trade and examiner/surveyor organisations on the BSS support committees, media articles, a handout on choosing and keeping safe with smoke alarms, articles on the BSS website and a full leaflet later in the year.

Navigation authority perspective:  

Looking after the safety of their visitors and reducing any risk of fire spreading beyond the boat where it started, are important aims for the Navigation Authorities. So far, in 2007, there have been around 30 fires on inland waterway boats, two of which resulted in the death of and 22 year-old woman and a 66 year-old man.

If anyone can see a role in their team for distributing the new ‘Guidelines’ handout now and the full leaflet later this financial year, please contact the BSS Office.  Meanwhile refer boaters who are interested in this topic to www.boatsafetyscheme.com/fire

Further points to note:

The Scheme is not introducing advice checks or requirements to install alarms. It is hoping the spread of information in which navigation authorities, boating organisations, examiners and the trade can all help with, will be enough to encourage owners to fit suitable alarms in suitable locations, to test them and check them.

Examiners carrying out examinations will not be looking for, or at, alarms specifically. However, if an alarm is encountered with obvious visual signs that it may not be working, such as a smashed housing, hanging wires, or the cover missing with no battery connected, then BSS Examiners are advised to include this observation in their formal report to their customers.

Further media queries:

The BSS has a media statement and boater’s guidance prepared so please pass all queries from any journalist to Robert McLean or Graham Watts (see below)

Your actions:

If you have any questions about this contact either your line manager or BSS Communications Manager, Robert McLean 01923 201353 (ext 1353 for BW) or BSS Manager, Graham Watts 01923 201390 (ext 1390 for BW) from the BSS office.

If an owner contacts you only needing technical advice about the Schemes requirements, then transfer them to the BSS main number on 01923 201278 (ext 1278 for BW people).

Attached

Media statement – A statement recommending smoke alarms in boats

Guidelines – Guidelines Supporting The BSS Recommendation On Smoke Alarms In Boats

FAQs  - FAQs about the BSS recommendations on smoke alarms in boats

Additional note for interest: The Scheme encourages owners to check that their own craft comply with licensing/registration conditions including the BSS requirements. These are on the BSS website free of charge on http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/site/GettheGuide_7.asp or available as a printed copy at £8.99 including P&P

22 August 2007