FACT: Each fatality from fire can cost the economy £1.4million

Legislation for sprinkler systems varies around the United Kingdom. Currently there is no UK-wide requirement to install fire sprinklers in dwelling houses or other premises used for residential purposes.

England and Wales

The current building regulations (Building Regulations England & Wales Part B, 2006, Fire Safety in Dwelling Houses and Building Regulations England & Wales Part B, 2006, Fire Safety in Buildings Other Than Dwelling Houses) prescribe the maximum size for certain types of new building above which a sprinkler system has to be installed.

What do the Building Regulations Part B state?

In England and Wales, new residential properties above 30m in height must be sprinklered and warehouses over 20,000sqm must have sprinklers.

This would therefore include retail premises, industrial and storage properties, high rise buildings and places of assembly and recreation.

Wales

On 27th January 2010, the Legislative Competence (Housing) Order, relating to Domestic Fire Safety, was debated in the Welsh Assembly and passed unanimously by its members. The Order will now be presented to Parliament and if passed by both house, fire sprinklers will become mandatory in all new domestic dwellings. Contact us for more information.

Scotland

Scotland successful passed legislation in May 2005 requiring the mandatory installation of residential sprinklers into all new care homes, sheltered housing, high rise residential buildings (above 18 metres) and school accommodation.

Furthermore, sprinklers are required in all covered shopping centres.

The United States

The USA is some 25 years ahead of the UK with sprinkler usage, development and legislation. As of January 2011, it will be mandatory for all one and two family residential dwellings and townhouses to have a sprinkler system.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the body responsible for ensuring that sprinklers in the USA are designed, installed and maintained to a set standard. The current American standard for sprinkler systems in domestic and residential properties is set out in the NFPA 13D (Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One and Two Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes) document.

Unlike the UK, the USA has also developed and successfully implemented a water mist system standard, NFPA 750 (Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems, 2003). This standard contains the minimum requirements for the design, installation, maintenance, and testing of water mist fire protection systems.

What do you mean by automatic fire suppression systems?

The term “automatic fire suppression system” covers fire sprinkler systems. By definition it is a broad term which encompasses any system which will automatically detect, give warning and fight (by the means of control or extinguish) a fire should it occur in a premise. In this instance all sprinkler systems, including that of a water mist system, are included in this definition. It is such a term which both Westminster and the Welsh Assembly are using in the passing of current and future legislation.

What is the British Standard for domestic and residential sprinkler systems?

BS 9251/2005 was introduced in 2005 to ensure that any fire suppression system installed in a domestic or residential properties is to a standard that safeguarded the occupants. The standard lays down requirements for the minimum amount of water that must be discharged onto the fire and for how long the system should fight the fire.

Ultrasafe Fire Solutions are pleased to announce that our domestic sprinkler system exceeds the requirements of BS 9251/2005. Our systems can be installed in any property and can be fed directly from a water main or can be tank and pump fed. We can design systems that are cost effective, efficient and reliable.

What is the British Standard for water mist systems?

Currently there is no British Standard for water mist systems. BSi are in the stages of drafting a standard for water mist in the form of DD 8489, which will incorporate a code of practice for mist in terms of its design and installation.

It should be noted that the National Fire Protection Agency (the US body which oversees the design and installation of sprinkler systems in the United States) has had their NFPA 750 water mist standard for several years.

Given that there is no British Standard, Ultrasafe Fire Solutions designs, installs, commissions and maintains all of its water mist systems stringently to the requirements of BS 9251.

For more information on the services we can offer you including a free quotation, click here.

Or click here if you want to know more about our products.

24 Hour Call: 08451 800339 E-mail: info@ultrasafe.org.uk

Future legislation in Scotland

It is likely that the Scottish Government will pass legislation requiring sprinklers to be installed in all new primary and secondary schools come the Autumn of 2010.

Text Box: Future legislation in England As of January 2010, the House of Lords are pushing through legislation to amend the current Building Regulations to ensure that ‘fire suppression systems’ are fitted in all new residential blocks under 30m in height. If successful, sprinklers would become mandatory in all new schools, residential care homes and large single storey retail buildings.

Domestic Sprinkler System Installation: Always safe

For more information on the services we can offer you including a free quotation, click here.

Or click here if you want to know more about our products.