PAS 9970: Supporting Fire Safety in Construction

Given the dynamic nature of a construction project, related standards for buildings are generally not suitable. Guidance regarding the systematic risk management processes and principles through which fire safety should be managed on a construction site is not currently available. This makes designing, specifying, installing, maintaining and monitoring temporary fire detection and alarm systems for effective fire safety management challenging. 

This is where PAS 9970: Fire Safety in Construction comes in. 

What is a PAS? 

PAS stands for Publicly Available Specification. A PAS is a sponsored, fast-track standard that is developed through a consensus-building process facilitated by BSI Standards Limited. A PAS is developed to meet an urgent or emerging market need and resembles a formal British Standard in structure but is produced more quickly, to provide a rapid route to establishing industry best practice.

Why was PAS 9970 initiated? 

Biosite recognised a gap in the industry: there was no consistent guidance specifically for temporary fire alarm systems on construction sites. As a result, there was often confusion and inconsistency when specifying an appropriate system for a project.

To address this, we approached the British Standards Institute (BSI) and partnered with HS2 to develop a PAS that would offer clear, practical guidance on managing site fire risk and deploying suitable temporary fire alarm systems – guidance that reflects the complex, constantly changing conditions found on construction sites.

PAS 9970 was created to fill this gap by providing:

• A specification for temporary fire detection and alarm systems, and

• Guidance on assessing fire safety requirements and identifying the right site equipment.

The goal is simple: raise standards and bring greater consistency to how fire safety is managed across the construction industry.

What is PAS 9970 about? 

PAS 9970: Fire Safety in Construction is divided into two parts, with Part 1 focusing on organisation and site fire safety, and Part 2 focusing on temporary fire alarm systems on a construction site. Both aim to provide clear, practical guidance for construction site fire safety. 

PAS 9970-1: Fire Safety in Construction – Organisation and Site Fire Safety – Code of Practice (sponsored by HS2)

Part 1 of PAS 9970 applies to construction projects covered by the Fire Safety Order and the Construction Design and Management Regulations where a fire risk assessment is required. It provides recommendations and guidance on how contractors should manage organisational and site fire safety risks. This includes ensuring proportionate risk management systems are in place, and assessing site needs around the installation, maintenance and monitoring of fire safety equipment. 

PAS 9970‑2: Fire Safety in Construction – Temporary Fire Alarm Systems – Specification (sponsored by Biosite) 

Part 2 sets out the minimum technical requirements for temporary fire detection and alarm systems used on construction sites where a fire risk assessment recommends or requires them. It covers areas such as: 

• Required and optional system components 

• Requirements for system verification, testing and reporting 

• Minimum standards for alarm reporting times, zones, and suitability for large construction sites.

• Specifications for battery life, power safety, ingress protection, resets, and remote monitoring capabilities.

Part 2 applies only to temporary fire alarm/detection systems on active construction sites. It does not apply to permanent systems, completed buildings, or sites where a fire risk assessment is not legally required. 

Are there different types of PAS?

BSI develops PAS documents in different formats depending on what the industry needs. A Code of Practice (Part 1) sets out recommended good practice for a process, activity, or organisational approach. It provides guidance, not strict requirements. A Specification (Part 2) sets out clear, measurable, and verifiable requirements that must be met. 

Who is involved in PAS 9970? 

PAS 9970 was initiated by Biosite in partnership with HS2 (High Speed 2) Ltd. Biosite is the sponsor of PAS 9970-2: Fire Safety in Construction – Temporary Fire Alarm Systems – Specification, while HS2 sponsors PAS 9970-1: Fire Safety in Construction – Organisation and Site Fire Safety – Code of Practice.

BSI, the UK’s national standards body, acts as the independent and impartial lead for the entire PAS development process. Their role is to manage the project, apply standards writing rules and ensure the document reflects consensus across industry stakeholders.

PAS 9970 has been developed through a structured, consensus-based process led by BSI. A dedicated Steering Group of experts was brought together to guide the development and review technical input. Representatives include: 

Bellway, Biosite, BSI Assurance, Bull Products (Cygnus), Fire Industry Association, Fire Safe Global Ltd, First Mark Consultancy Fire, Health & Safety Executive, Howler UK, HS2, Institute of Fire Engineers, Kier Group, Mace Group, Morgan Sindall Construction, Multiplex Construction, National Fire Chiefs Council, Rail Industry Fire Association, Ramtech, Safeground Associates Ltd, Wates Construction and Winvic Construction Ltd.

Why Biosite? 

At Biosite, we believe that only a best practice approach to fire risk management is acceptable – which is why we developed our own fully BS EN 54-certified wireless fire alarm system, specifically for the demands of construction sites.

Instigating PAS 9970 was a natural extension of this commitment. By helping shape clearer, more consistent guidance for managing fire risk and temporary fire alarm systems across the construction industry, we’re contributing to the same goal that drives our technology: raising standards and making construction sites safer.

Where can I find out more about PAS 9970?

PAS 9970: Fire Safety in Construction is currently at public review stage. You can review the drafts until 18th March 2026. To download the documents and submit your comments, visit:

PAS 9970-1 - https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2023-02419

PAS 9970-2 - https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2023-02420

To submit a comment, you will need to register online for free (new users) or log in to a BSI account. Only comments submitted electronically through the online portal by the deadline can be accepted.

What will happen next with PAS 9970? 

Following public review, the PAS 9970 Steering Group will reconvene to review the comments submitted and create a final document by consensus for publication. 

Stay tuned for further updates!