DD 8458-1:2010

This Draft for Development gives recommendations for the design, installation, water supplies, commissioning, maintenance and testing of watermist systems with automatic nozzles installed in residential occupancies not exceeding 20 m in height and domestic occupancies. It primarily covers watermist systems used for life safety, but might also provide property protection.

NOTE 1 Residential occupancies for multiple occupation include apartments, residential homes, houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs), blocks of flats, boarding houses, homes for the elderly, nursing homes, residential rehabilitation accommodation and dormitories. Domestic occupancies include individual dwelling houses, individual flats, maisonettes and transportable homes. Secure accommodation, asylum centres and large, open, communal dormitories or equivalent hazards are not covered.

The Draft for Development does not cover watermist systems in industrial and commercial buildings. Recommendations for these systems are given in DD 8489 ²⁾.

NOTE 2 If the fire/fuel loading in any given occupancy exceeds that which would normally be found in a residential or domestic living room, kitchen or bedroom, or if the fire hazard is greater than that of a conventional residential or domestic occupancy, then this Draft for Development will not be suitable for use. Key indicators of adverse fire hazard include significant volumes of video tapes, books, paper and institutional catering facilities, and the configuration of the building (e.g. high ceilings, large volumes), ventilation and its contents.