Report of the 18th Plenary Meeting

May 1999, Berlin, Germany

Location and programme

List of those present

1. Opening of the Meeting

On behalf of DIN, Dr Kiehl, welcomed delegates to Berlin for the 18^th meeting of TC 92, and wished members a successful meeting.

The chairman explained that the opening session was to cover presentations on activities, especially in the resolution 230 Task Group, since the last meeting of TC 92. The presentation would explain the proposals given in N 847 rev 1 and give an opportunity for clarification of specific proposals. This could then be considered in more detail through the week in sub-committees and in national delegations. A full detailed discussion would then take place in the Friday plenary session and decisions made.

2. TC 92 Work Programme and Structure

The chairman summarised discussions at the last plenary meeting leading to agreement of resolution

230 - work programme and structure

231 - co-ordination of fire safety in ISO/IEC

232 - long-term approach for fire safety standardisation

He referred briefly to discussions on resolutions 231 and 232, which would be covered more fully in the Friday plenary session. An informal, "brainstorming" session would be held in the evening of 17 May relating to resolution 232 activities. Any delegate would be able to attend.

Mr Hoover, the convenor of TG 230, then gave a detailed presentation on the proposals from his group in document N 847 rev 1. The first version of this document had been circulated to TC 92 for comment. The comments received, and the proposed response from TC 230 were given in N 853. Document N 847 rev 1 indicated the proposed changes as a result of discussion of the comments by the Task Group.

As Mr Hoover progressed through N 847 rev 1 discussions took place on clarification of some points. Some changes were proposed and these would be included in a further revision of the document, N 847 rev 2, for consideration in the Friday plenary session. Most of these changes related to more clearly describing the objectives of TC 92 and the scope of the SCs.

The role of the TPMG especially the precise details of handling new work items still required more precise definition. The one area of work where TG 230 had not been able to agree related to allocation of responsibility for effluent generation. Both SC 1 and SC 3 considered it their responsibilities. The chairmen of both committees would provide Prof Cox with a summary of their views and Prof Cox would then present a document, based on this information, for members to decide. In the absence of Dr Sundstrom (SC 1 chair) in this session, it was not considered appropriate to have formal presentations by both SCs. However, members were asked for their initial views. Members were reminded that, under the new proposed structure, SC 1 would cover "Fire initiation and growth" and SC 3 "Fire threat to people and the environment".

Views were expressed supporting allocation of the work in both SC 1 and SC 3. The presence of existing expertise and alignment with existing work areas was mentioned, together with the most appropriate area from the scientific viewpoint. The need for close liaison was emphasised and it was also proposed that the work might be more appropriate dealt with in a joint group, possibly under TC 92 directly. The relationship with SC 4, which had to consider transport of species, was also mentioned.

Delegates were to consider the matter through the week.

21 May 1999

3. Roll Call of Delegates

Leaders of delegations and liaison members introduced themselves.

4. Adoption of the Agenda

The draft agenda given in N 849 rev was accepted.

5. Appointment of the Drafting Committee

The following were agreed:

Miss Boughey

Mr Sommer

Mr Rutman

6. Approval of the Report of the 17^th Meeting

The draft report of the 17^th Meeting held in November 1997, N 842, was accepted.

7. Report of the Secretariat

The current membership and sub-committee structure in N 866 were noted.

The chairman of SC 3, Mr Roux, acknowledged there had been administrative problems in his sub-committee. He announced that his current term of office would expire in 2000 and he intended to retire from the chair at the next meeting of SC 3 in Orlando in February 2000. It was the intention that the SC 3 secretariat would nominate Dr Gann as his successor.

The chairman noted Mr Roux's announcement and thanked him for his contribution to the work in ISO/TC 92, especially his recent work in his Task Group on examining the future responsibilities and structure of TC 92. He hoped that Mr Roux would attend the next plenary meeting of TC 92 where the committee would have the opportunity of expressing their full appreciation of his contributions.

Turning to the work in SC 4, the secretary reported that no objections had been received to the nomination, in N 848 of Dr Kruppa as the new chair of SC 4. The secretariat would also transfer from DIN to AFNOR. The chairman thanked Mr Sommer for his work as secretary to SC 4, especially in the completion of the documents on fire safety engineering which were due for publication June 1999.

The chairman then paid tribute to the work of the retiring chairman of SC 4, Prof Becker. Prof Becker had been very active in ISO/TC 92 for 36 years, he had attended his first meeting in Berlin in 1963. He had been active in CIB W014 in their initial discussion on fire safety engineering and had continued this interest in skilfully chairing SC 4 in its discussion in completing the Technical Reports which would shortly be published. His positive contributions and courteous friendship within TC 92 would be remembered.

On behalf of members the chairman presented Prof Becker with a gift to mark his retirement. Thanking the chairman and members for their good wishes Prof Becker spoke of the importance of personal contact and discussion in meetings in making progress. Electronic communication was a great help in speeding up work but could not replace meetings. Fire technology was similarly always improving and with the guidance of the chairman and secretaries and the positive contribution from members the work of TC 92 would continue. He thanked delegates for their years of friendship and expressed his good wishes for the future.

Mrs Di Carlo then briefly introduced the format of Business Plans which ISO technical committees would be developing, (see N 878). Mrs Di Carlo would prepare an initial draft and complete this in discussions with the chairmen and secretaries before circulation to TC 92 for comment.

8. Report from WG7, Advisory and Liaison Group

The activities of WG7, in N 854, were noted. The chairman drew members attention to decisions in to the WTO regarding standards and also at the 1998 conference of the Transatlantic Business Dialogue (annex A).

9. Report from WG8, Fire Terms and Definitions (N 855)

Mr Burry was pleased to report that WG8 had completed its consideration of comments received on DIS 13943 and anticipated the FDIS would be circulated before the end of 1999.

10. Report from SC 1 Reaction to Fire (N 856)

Dr Sundstrom introduced the report from his sub-committee. The WGS continued to be very active and he particularly noted the participation of IMO, which used many of the SC 1 standards. Dr Sundstrom and SCI were thanked for their work.

11. Report from SC 2 Fire Resistance (N 857)

Mr Priest presented the report from SC 2. It was noted that good progress was being made in the committee. Mr Priest and SC 2 were thanked for their work.

12. Report from SC 3 Toxic Hazards in Fire (N 858)

The report from SC 3 was introduced by Mr Roux. Several proposals for new work items had been identified at the last meeting of SC 3 and circulated to SC 3. However it was confirmed that in line with anticipated decisions in TC 92, these would not be progressed until the news of the TPMG had been obtained. Mr Roux and SC 3 were thanked for their work.

13. Report from SC 4 Fire Safety Engineering (N 859)

Dr Kruppa presented the report for SC 4. It was noted that the current work items had now been completed and the WGs disbanded. A Task Group was established to consider the next stage of work for SC 4. The retiring chairman, Prof Becker, and SC 4 were thanked for their work.

14. Future Structure of TC 92 and SC Responsibilities

A detailed presentation of proposals from the resolution 230 had been made in the opening plenary session on 17 May, and possible changes identified in those discussions were made available in N 847 rev 2.

With minor editorial improvements the proposals for the revised scope, objectives and strategy were agreed.

The titles and scopes of the four sub-committees were agreed.

Details of the annexes to N 847 rev 1 giving the specific areas of responsibility of the sub-committees were agreed in line with proposals from the SCs. A final version of this document would be circulated with the report of the meeting.

Concerning external liaison with ISO and IEC committees the proposals in N 851 from the resolution 231 Task Group were particularly noted. Whilst accepting this document it was pointed out that ISO/TC 21 would have preferred a higher level of co-ordination on fire safety.

It was agreed that the current WG7 should be replaced by a Technical Programme Management Group (TPMG), WG11. This would provide the forum for external liaison and internal management through the SC chairmen.

One area which had generated discussion and required clarification was the handling of new work items. Document N 871 gave a proposed procedure. Following a detailed discussion the following was agreed:

- the need for a NWI could be identified by the TPMG/SC/P members/Liaison members

- details would be sent to the TC 92 secretary

- the TPMG would be consulted within 3 months

- the views of the TPMG would then be circulated with the NWI proposal

It was emphasised that NWIs would not be 'voted' upon in the TPMG, it would just provide a forum for wider assessment of the proposal from a management and scientific viewpoint. Full details of the agreed procedure would be circulated with the report of the meeting.

This procedure would be reviewed at the next plenary meeting of TC 92.

There had also been considerable discussion on handling of fire effluent and in document N 867 the chairman had summarised the positions and views of SC 1 and SC 3. The chairmen of these two sub-committees spoke of their views. The UK view on establishing a WG under TC 92 to consider fire effluent and other areas of common areas, as detailed in N 873, was well received. Noting this proposal the USA supported this and withdrew their proposed resolution N 874.

It was agreed that SCI would be responsible for fire initiation and growth, including measurement of smoke in reaction to fire tests. SC 3 would be responsible for the analysis of fire generated species and the evaluation of chemical yields.

A WG would be established under TC 92 to consider topics in this area common to all SCs. Prof Purser was appointed convenor.

Noting the USA proposal in N 875 it was agreed that SC 4 should study the process of fire safety engineering in order to define the specific needs for fire models, fire data and appropriate test methods. Representatives of all four SCs would participate in these discussions.

15. Liaison Reports

Liaison reports from the following were noted:

ISO/TC 21 - N 876

IEC/TC 89 - N 861

CIB W014 - N 862

SFPE - N 863

IMO - N 869

CEN/TC 127 - N 864

16. Co-ordination on Fire Safety (N 851)

The outcome of discussions in the resolution 231 Task Group were reported and it was agreed that the TPMG would provide the forum for such co-ordination.

17. Framework for Fire Safety Standardisation (N 860)

The chairman had presented initial responses from experts to this topic in the opening plenary session. The informal brainstorming session on 17 May had also been useful and those individuals with a particular interest and contribution had been noted. A further meeting of interested parties would be held during the CIB meetings in September. Any other individuals who had not attended the brainstorming session but wished to attend the next meeting were asked to notify the chairman. A proposal would be circulated to members at the end of the year.

18. Approval of Resolutions

The resolutions drafted during the meeting were agreed as given in annex B.

19. Date and Venue of Next Meeting

The next meting would be held in 12-18 months time in either Australia or Japan.

20. Close of Meeting

Prof Cox was thanked for the excellent manner in which he had chaired the meeting. Members expressed their appreciation of the work of the secretary, Miss Boughey, who would be retiring from the work of ISO at the end of July 1999.

ANNEX A

Article 2

Preparation, Adoption & Application of Technical Regulations

by Central Government Bodies

(WTO-Final Act 1994)

The government to government co-operation between EU and US on regulatory matters suffers from systematic deficiencies. TABD urges governments to come to grips with

• The need to overcome diverging positions at an early stage of the regulatory process
• The need to base regulatory activities on scientific evidence
• The necessity to promote global competitiveness by giving more emphasis on international standards in the regulatory framework.

"The Brink of Trade War Syndrome" has too often appeared in transatlantic regulatory activities, meaning that agreements have been reached only under the pressure of an immediate crisis. There is also "The Hostage Syndrome" meaning that unrelated sectors are kept hostage for each other when governments negotiate umbrella agreements. The TABD process has led to improvements in this respect. TABD expects further improvements to be made through Guidelines on Regulatory Co-operation. Such Guidelines should be part of the Transatlantic Economic Partnership (TEP) Action Plan with a deadline by Mid-Year 1999.

Resolution 233

Retirement of Prof Becker

On his retirement from the chair of SC 4, ISO/TC 92 thanks Prof. Becker for his excellent work in this area in developing the first international documents on fire safety engineering. ISO/TC 92 also records their appreciation of his total contribution to International Standardisation over a period of 36 years.

ISO/TC 92 agrees to appoint Dr J Kruppa as Chairman of ISO/TC 92/SC 4 for a 6 year period expiring 2005-05. The secretariat is allocated to AFNOR, Mr J.-M. Rémy.

Following the review carried out by the resolution 230 TG, ISO/TC 92 agrees to request the ISO/TMB to approve the following scope, objectives and strategy:

(i) Scope

Standardisation of the methods of assessing

• hazard and risk to people, property and the environment from unwanted fire

• the contribution of design, materials and products to fire safety and methods of mitigating the fire hazards and fire risks by determining the performance and behaviour of these materials and products, as well as of systems eg. buildings, ships, trains and contents.

Excluded:

• materials and products already covered by other technical committees

• fields covered by other ISO and IEC committees

(ii) Objectives

a) to provide tools for fire safety design

b) to facilitate international trade

c) to harmonise product characterization

(iii) Strategy

To develop ISO international products (standards and other documents) to satisfy market needs, be timely, cost effective and cover:

a) The assessment of fire hazard and risk to people, property and the environment

b) The performance under fire conditions of materials, products, elements of structure, structures and buildings (not covered by other TCs) in end use conditions, where appropriate.

c) The application of fire safety engineering and fire safety management.

d) Characterisation of occupant performance and occupant behaviour when subjected to fire conditions.

Following the review carried out by the resolution 230 TG, ISO/TC 92 agrees the following sub-committee structure and scopes for the sub-committees:

The Scope shall be

The Scope shall be

The Scope shall be

The Scope shall be

Following the review carried out by the resolution 230 TG, ISO/TC 92 agrees the following:

Management of all work is 'top down', from TC92 to SCs and from SC to WG in a collegial and coherent manner.

TC92/WG7 shall be replaced by a TC92 Technical Programme Management Group, TPMG, (WG11) which will have responsibility for:

1. reviewing all new work item and preliminary new work item proposals prior to their circulation for voting by the appropriate SC, to ensure consistency with the objectives of TC92.

2. liaison with bodies conducting prenormative research related to standardization of fire safety e.g. CIB W014, SFPE

3. liaison with international organizations which use international standards on fire safety e.g. IMO.

4. taking the initiative in co-ordination with other ISO/IEC committees with an interest in fire safety e.g. ISO/TC21, ISO/TC61, IEC/TC20 AND IEC/TC89.

The TPMG shall be chaired by the chairman of ISO/TC92 and be composed of the chairmen of the SCs. Any other organization or individual, considered appropriate by the TPMG, may be invited by the Chairman to give advice on particular agenda items.

Following the review carried out by the resolution 230 TG, and understanding the requirements of the ISO Directives for handling new work items, ISO/TC 92 agrees an initial review phase, before SC ballot, to ensure consistency with the objectives of ISO/TC 92.

When a possible new work item (or preliminary new work item) is identified within SC, appropriate details shall be submitted to the TPMG which will recommend the appropriate action to be taken. The procedure outlined in N 871 (as modified during the meeting) shall be used for a trial period and reviewed at the next plenary meeting of TC 92.

Noting that areas of common interest exist between SC 1 and SC 3 in the areas of fire growth, in relation to chemical species generation and fire atmosphere analysis; appreciating there are differences in the application of fire chemistry in the two SCs, ISO/TC 92 agrees

a) SC 1 is responsible for fir initiation and growth, including measurement of smoke and gases in reaction to fire tests

b) SC 3 is responsible for the analysis of fire generated species and the evaluation of chemical yields, and formation rates relative to fire types and stages.

c) to establish TC 92/WG 12 to examine areas of common interest for SC 1, SC 2, SC 3 and SC 4 in areas of fire growth, in relation to chemical species generation and heat production, effluent analysis (especially FTIR), the specification of fire hazard scenarios and the influence of fluid mechanics.

d) Prof. D Purser is appointed convener and member countries and the 4 SCs are asked to notify Prof. Purser of their nominated experts by 30 September 1999.

ISO/TC 92, "Fire Safety", thanks Ruth Boughey for her long and outstanding service as a secretary to ISO Technical Committees.

ANNEX C

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