Standards Development

Scope

This European standard specifies oxygen reduction systems that are used as fire prevention systems by creating an atmosphere in an area which is having a lower permanent oxygen concentration as in ambient conditions. The level of oxygen reduction is defined by the individual risks of these areas (see Annex A). Oxygen reduction is achieved by technical systems which are providing a flux of air containing a reduced concentration of oxygen.

This European standard specifies minimum requirements and defines the specifications governing the design, installation and maintenance of fixed oxygen reduction systems with oxygen reduced air in buildings and industrial production plants. The standard also applies to the extension and modification of existing systems.

This European standard applies to oxygen reduction systems using nitrogen which are designed for continual oxygen reduction in enclosed spaces.

NOTE Nitrogen is today the most suitable gas to be used for oxygen reduction. For other gases this European standard can be used as basis.

This European standard does not apply to oxygen reduction systems that use water mist or combustion gases.

The European standard does not apply to:

- explosion suppression systems;

- explosion prevention systems;

- fire extinguishing systems using gaseous extinguishing agents;

- inertization of portable containers;

- systems in which oxygen levels are reduced for reasons other than fire prevention (e.g. steel processing in the presence of inert gas to avoid the formation of oxide film);

- inerting required during repair work on systems or equipment (e.g. welding) in order to eliminate the risk of fire or explosion. In addition to the conditions for the actual oxygen reduction system and its individual components this European standard also covers certain structural specifications for the protected area.

The space protected by an oxygen reduction system is a controlled and continuously monitored indoor climate for extended occupation. This standard does not cover unventilated confined spaces that may contain hazardous gases.

Purpose

Proposal for the Harmonization and Revision of Fire Testing Standards.

In light of the evolving requirements for fire safety and the need for harmonized international standards, it is proposed that the fire testing procedures and the establishment of material ignition thresholds be comprehensively reviewed.

 This review should be conducted within the framework of the ongoing collaboration between CEN/TC 191/WG 6 and ISO/TC 21/SC 8, with particular attention to the overlapping scope and technical content of EN 16750 and ISO 20338.

Recognizing the benefits of a unified approach, both committees agree to initiate a joint revision of EN 16750 and ISO 20338, under the Vienna Agreement, with the objective of developing a single, consolidated standard.

This revised standard shall be developed as an ISO standard, with parallel ISO and CEN voting procedures to ensure broad international consensus and adoption.

It is intended that CEN/TC 191 will take the lead role in the development of this standard, with ISO/TC 21 participating actively in accordance with the Vienna Agreement procedures.

The revised standard will incorporate updated methodologies for fire testing, including:

Enhanced procedures for material ignition threshold determination.

Alignment of test conditions and performance criteria across both standards.

Integration of new scientific and technical knowledge relevant to fire behaviour and safety.

The CEN and ISO Secretariats are requested to coordinate the project registration, establish timelines, and manage the necessary procedural steps to support this joint development effort.

This coordination will ensure that the revised standard meets the needs of stakeholders across both European and international markets.