BS 10999:2010

This standard BS 10999:2010 Specification for distress signal units for the fire and rescue service is classified in these ICS categories:

• 13.340.10 Protective clothing
• 13.340.30 Respiratory protective devices

This British Standard specifies minimum requirements for the performance and testing of distress signal units (DSUs) that emit at least an audible signal:

1. to summon aid in the event the user becomes incapacitated or needs assistance, or for signalling evacuation, for use by Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) personnel; and

2. that is activated automatically on immobility of the wearer of the DSU and manually operated separately by the wearer.

This standard is intended for DSUs used by the FRS and is applicable to both stand‑alone DSUs and those integrated into self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

NOTE A number of the requirements specified in this British Standard involve subjecting DSUs to tests. It is assumed that, where relevant, these tests are carried out with the DSUs in the condition in which they are intended to be used, e.g. with or without their keys.