This Publicly Available Specification (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 nominal level, not
exceeding 900 mm, above ground level, 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 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 are not normally intended to prevent water more than approximately one metre 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 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.
NOTE 5 Certification of the product does not mean it is suitable for all situations. If the user is in any doubt as to the suitability of
a 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.
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.
This PAS is not applicable to flood protection products designed solely for installation across building
apertures. These are covered by PAS 1188-1.
This PAS is not applicable to temporary or demountable flood protection barriers which are designed to be
installed away from and not attached to buildings, including flood protection products intended for
installation across driveway entrances and gateways at property boundaries. These are covered
by PAS 1188-2.