What is BS EN 17446 about?
BS EN 17446 establishes the minimum requirements applicable to the design, installation, functioning, test, and maintenance of fixed automatic fire extinguishing systems for kitchen protection that covers the cooking appliances, the hood, the plenum, and the air extract ducts.
BS EN 17446 provides requirements for the construction and components performance as applicable to specific types, designs, sizes, and arrangements of pre-engineered kitchen fire-extinguishing systems and does not cover household kitchens or industrial food production equipment.
Closed plenum type ventilated ceilings designed similar to standard hoods are included in BS EN 17446. Open plenum type ventilated ceilings are excluded and require an engineered solution for the plenum protection. Protection for appliances below open or closed plenum ventilated ceilings are included.
NOTE: BS EN 17446 does not cover household kitchens or industrial food production equipment.
Who is BS EN 17446 for?
BS EN 17446 on fire extinguishing systems in commercial kitchens is beneficial to:
- Manufacturers of fire extinguishing systems and devices
- Organizations or individuals involved in repair and maintenance of fire extinguishing systems
- Interior designers and architects
- Installers
- Insurers
Why should you use BS EN 17446?
Fire safety protocols in commercial kitchens are extremely important to prevent hazardous accidents, especially as these spaces are operating with combustible materials, grease-laden vapour and large number of electrical appliances.
In this regard, BS EN 17446 has been developed with the purpose of establishing a common base for fire protection of commercial kitchens (for example, the ones used in restaurants, hotels and hospitals), attending to the appliances usually found in them and independently from the typology of the fire extinguishing system used. This approach focused in hazard protection rather than in the definition of the system, allows achieving a same fire hazard protection level independently from the type of system used.
Through BS EN 17446, you can establish a globally accepted fire protection system that not only minimize the risk of fire outbreak in commercial kitchens, but also takes into account measures that strengthen the detection and extinguishing systems. Ultimately, adherence to the guidelines will reduce damage to human life and property in the event of a fire.