BAA plc puts safety first

Citation

(2000), "BAA plc puts safety first", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 9 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.2000.07309bab.003

BAA plc puts safety first

A leading UK airport operator chooses high specification cable for new installations from Dätwyler (UK) Ltd to supply cable capable of withstanding fire conditions for three hours.

Harry McCall, BAA technical development manager, says BAA standards are more rigorous than European requirements, to ensure passenger safety

Cable systems manufacturer Dätwyler (UK) Ltd has won approval from BAA plc to supply fire-resistant cables for use in their airports at London Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Southampton.

The approval covers specialist cables, which will be used on fire alarm and detection circuits, as well as public address voice alarm systems.

Mr McCall, said: "Our standards at BAA have to be high because of the amount of people and equipment in our buildings. We carry out rigorous risk assessment using risk assessment techniques."

Mr McCall pointed out that specifications will differ, depending on how the cable is being used, but for fire alarm and public address the cables have to be able to work in the toughest of environments and pass a mechanical damage test to simulate crushing forces. Only those manufacturers whose cables can be proved to meet these standards can be approved.

He said: "Dätwyler is supplying screened pair cables to Terminal 3 for a replacement fire alarm and public address system, but the approval is valid for any project designed to meet BAA's fire alarm and public address standard. Dätwyler's system approach has added to our knowledge of standards for electrical systems designed to work in a fire."

Fire sales manager at Dätwyler, Graham Small, said: "We are delighted to be granted this approval, and will continue to develop more sophisticated cabling systems to improve upon current technology".

Dätwyler has received approval for a special screened fire resistant cable for use with public address and voice alarm circuits. The cable requires special screening to combat the effects of outside electromagnetic interference and to provide continued insulation integrity during fire conditions.

The approval includes "Lifeline" 300V/500V cable for use on fire alarm and detection circuits as well as emergency lighting and signage systems. Approval calls for the cable to meet B56387 Categories "CWZ" and requires insulation resistance during fire conditions for three hours under electrical load. The test regime includes provision for water spray and mechanical shock as well as the effects of compression for 24 hours on the electrical integrity of the cable.

Dätwyler is the UK's leading cable systems supplier for fire-related emergency services in buildings.