1 Scope
NOTE 1 The hydrostatic pressures exerted by floodwater can cause sudden or long-term structural damage and undermine the foundations of a building or cause leakage through the walls, floor or sub-floor, unless the building is specifically designed to withstand such stresses. The actual water level that can be safely retained by the external walls depends upon the construction, type, form, age and condition of the walls. It is advisable that a suitably qualified building surveyor, architect or structural engineer inspects the external walls, before any flood protection product for building apertures is installed.
NOTE 2 Flood protection products are not normally intended to prevent water more than 540 mm to 840 mm above the aperture threshold level from entering the building. An allowance of 60 mm has been assumed to allow for the aperture or entrance threshold against which the lower edge of the product seals.
NOTE 3 The PAS test conditions given in Annex B represent typical conditions that can be experienced during a flood. This includes testing the flood protection product for leakage under static water levels, waves up to 0.1 m high and parallel 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 Flood protection products that conform to this PAS might not be suitable for all situations. Further guidance is set out in Delivering benefits through evidence: Temporary and demountable flood protection guide [2], Six steps to property level flood resilience: Guidance for property owners [9], and guidance can also be obtained from the Flood Protection Association, National Flood Forum or Scottish Flood Forum or other qualified professional advisers.
NOTE 6 Extreme loading conditions such as those resulting from turbulent water or static water head (above designated maximum water depth) or debris impact are not covered by testing in this PAS. If required in these locations, the flood protection product and system needs to be specifically designed and/or tested to withstand such stresses.
NOTE 7 The flood protection products described in this PAS are, with the exception of some systems such as foam products which provide passive protection, not intended for installations providing permanent flood protection. These flood protection products are installed or activated in the event of an imminent flood and removed or deactivated as soon as danger from flooding is over.