The British Standards Institution (BSI) has published a draft revision of standard BS 750 and opened it up for public comment. The standard defines technical requirements for underground fire hydrants and their surface frames and covers. With this consultation, BSI is responding to recommendations from the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry (Phase 2) and pursuing the goal of further clarifying key aspects of fire protection infrastructure.
The standard BS 750 “Underground fire hydrants. Surface box frames and covers. Specification” specifies requirements for the design, manufacture and testing of underground fire hydrants. It thus forms a technical reference framework for manufacturers, water suppliers, fire brigades and rescue services. The aim is to ensure the reliable functionality of the hydrant infrastructure while also guaranteeing the compatibility and durability of the systems.
Response to recommendations from the Grenfell investigation
The revision is related to Recommendation 40 of the investigation report on the fire disaster at Grenfell Tower. Among other things, the report, published in September 2024, pointed out that technical standards for critical fire protection equipment should be formulated more precisely and made more transparent.
The draft standard now published is therefore intended to provide greater clarity in particular with regard to definitions and technical descriptions. A key point concerns the description of the measurement of the so-called flow coefficient of hydrants. This parameter is crucial for assessing the hydraulic performance of a hydrant in use.
More precise wording and improved illustrations should make it clear in future how this value is measured and evaluated.
Stricter requirements for certification and verification
In addition to technical clarification, the draft also provides for stricter requirements for independent testing and certification. The aim is to create greater transparency and traceability in the industry while ensuring consistent application of the standard.
In addition, revised technical specifications are intended to help ensure the long-term performance and reliability of hydrant components. For fire brigades and rescue services, a functioning hydrant infrastructure is a key prerequisite for fast and effective firefighting.
Consultation phase for industry and authorities
The draft was initially distributed to existing users of the BS 750 standard. In a next step, the consultation will be extended to other stakeholders from industry, water management, fire protection technology and public institutions.
Stakeholders from these areas are invited to review the draft standard and submit comments. The public consultation phase will run until 13 April 2026.
Anne Hayes, Director of Sectors and Standards Development at BSI, emphasised the importance of the revision in this context: The publication of the draft is part of the commitment to constructively implement the recommendations of the Grenfell inquiry and further strengthen safety in the built environment.
Significance for fire protection infrastructure
Technical standards such as BS 750 play a central role in the safety of critical infrastructure. They define requirements for the design, manufacture and operation of components that must function reliably in an emergency.
The revision of the standard is intended to ensure that hydrant systems continue to comply with uniform technical standards in the future and reliably meet the required flow rates and operating conditions when in use. At the same time, the amendment is intended to help strengthen confidence in the technical infrastructure of public safety.
