This PAS specifies requirements for the design, testing, factory production control, installation and user documentation, and marking for different types and configurations of building skirt system intended
for the temporary sealing of the above ground external faces of buildings and properties, in the event of flood water rising up to a level between 600 mm and 900 mm above ground level.
This PAS is intended for use in the UK or locations with similar exposures, i.e. where there is a temperate climate and advanced warning of flooding is available.
This PAS specifies the method of testing and any allowable leakage rate for above ground components.
The range of building sizes covered is governed by the system constraints, but theoretically the system could be installed to provide protection to any size of building.
NOTE 1 The hydrostatic pressures exerted by floodwater can cause sudden or long-term structural damage and undermine the foundations of a building, unless the building is specifically designed to withstand such
stresses. The actual water level that can be safely retained by the external walls will depend upon the construction, age and condition of the walls.
It is recommended that a suitably qualified building surveyor, architect or structural engineer inspects the external walls, before any building skirt system is installed.
NOTE 2 Flood protection products adjacent to or around buildings are not normally intended to prevent water more than 600 mm to 900 mm above the level of the ground surrounding the property from entering the building.
NOTE 3 The PAS leakage test represents conditions that can be experienced during a flood. This includes testing the flood protection product under static water levels, random waves up to 0.1 m high and currents up to 1.0 m/s.
NOTE 4 This PAS does not cover testing with contaminated or saline water, however, product manufacturers are required to provide information about the performance of their products in these conditions (see Annex C).
NOTE 5 Conformance of the flood protection product does not mean it is suitable for all situations. If the user is in any doubt as to the suitability of a flood protection product they should seek further information from Preparing for floods: Interim guidance for improving the flood resistance of domestic and small business properties [1], or from the Flood Protection Association (www.floodprotectionassociation.org) or other professional advisers.
NOTE 6 Extreme loading conditions such as those resulting from turbulent water or from debris impact are not covered by testing in this PAS. If required in these locations, the flood protection product should be specifically designed and/or tested to withstand such stresses.
NOTE 7 The flood protection products described in this part of PAS 1188 are not intended for installations providing permanent flood protection, and attention is drawn to the need to ensure a safe evacuation of persons
in the event of an emergency and to access and egress for persons with impaired movement. These flood protection products should only be installed or activated in the event of an imminent flood and should be removed or deactivated as soon as danger from flooding is over.
This PAS does not cover requirements for surface applied treatments or membranes applied to the above or below ground faces of buildings.
This PAS does not cover ground water protection systems.