Many people, and especially landlords, are slowly beginning to realise the high importance of installing effective sprinkler fire protection in their homes, and this is likely to have something to do with the Housing Act 2004 which ordered around 300,000 HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) to fit domestic fire sprinklers. In addition, the Building Regulations 2000 have ordered all new build houses to be fitted with hard-wired smoke detectors. The risk of fire within the home is a big one and steps are being taken to combat it before many more lives are lost due to fires in the home.   

It is important to ensure that your home meets the specifications laid out in the Housing Act 2004 and so if you are still without suitable fire protection then now is the time to contact a sprinkler contractor, such as RAD Fire Sprinklers, who can install effective and affordable domestic fire sprinklers into your home. Why not visit their website to view their impressive range of fire safety suppression equipment or give the team a call on 01892 680090.

If you run a care home or are a landlord wanting greater fire protection in your property, a residential fire sprinkler system from RAD are the perfect solution.

If you run a care home or are the designated ‘responsible person’ or fire officer in a care home, installing fire sprinklers could provide extra insurance within the property. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005, has shifted responsibility for all aspects of fire safety towards the responsible person or officer. Installing a residential fire sprinkler system can lead to a reduction in staffing levels and an increase in acceptable travel distances.

The obvious benefits of incorporating a Residential Fire Sprinkler in a care home can also include:

1. Increased safety for residents.
2. Unique selling point.
3. Reduced fire separation.
4. Increased living accommodation.

It is recommended by RAD that a fire risk assessment should be carried out to determine the best fire sprinkler design for each individual property. Not only this, a fire risk assessment will highlight problem areas in terms of means of escape (are there enough fire escapes?), fire compartmentation, staffing levels and general fire safety management.

If your care home is one that has been converted from an existing property, there could be additional benefits: Problems associated with converting an old building can be alleviated with the addition of a sprinkler system, especially when the original features of the property, such as ceiling cornices and paneled doors and walls, need to be retained. There may also not be the need for a lobby area between the accommodation and common areas with the installation of a residential fire sprinkler to BS 9251.

For more information. or to request a quote from one of their expert team members, please visit http://www.radfiresprinklers.com.

If you’re looking for the ideal fire sprinkler for your property, look no further than RAD Fire Sprinklers.

With domestic fire sprinklers, residential sprinklers, sprinklers for landlords, care homes and self build properties, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at RAD. But which one to buy? Paul Hummerston from the firm explains the different types of fire sprinklers available and where they work best.

“Domestic fire sprinklers work best – as it says on the tin – in domestic properties,” says the expert from RAD. “These sprinklers are specially designed for use in houses, flats and residential blocks and are ideally connected to the mains water supply, although they can also be connected to a specially incorporated tank and pump if required.

“Residential fire sprinklers are made more for open plan flats/houses/apartments or higher risk properties like care homes or hostels, especially ones which have been poorly converted.”

Mr Hummerston advises landlords especially to have fire sprinklers installed, calling them an investment. “Landlords, pay particular attention. Installing a fire sprinkler in your property may mean relaxations in certain Part B requirements by increasing maximum travel distances. You may not even require an external fire escape if the travel distances can be extended, which means you may not need a lobbied area between living accommodation and communal areas. It’s a real investment if you’re looking to save money in the long run.

“If you run a care home or are the designated fire officer in one, then installing a care home fire sprinkler could well work in your and your residents’ favour. There are many obvious benefits to installing sprinklers in a care home, including increased safety for your residents and reduced staffing levels and the need for a fire officer on hand all the time.

“Finally, self build properties can be tricky to manage in terms of fire safety. There has to be a delicate balance between having an open space and emphasis on natural materials such as wood, and the space given to be able to do this AND ensure a safe passage out in case of a fire. RAD provides a unique solution to this problem. Not only do we install the required fire sprinklers, we also design, supply and commission it, making your and the architect’s job extremely easy.

Mr Hummerston added: “Installing fire sprinklers can provide a wealth of benefits and cost saving fire escape solutions to any property. Not only are they a monetary investment, they are also an invaluable health and safety addition to any property. Here at RAD we take care of the whole project from start to finish, giving you more time to do the things you really want to do!”

For more information or to get a quote on any of the fire sprinklers mentioned, please visit http://www.radfiresprinklers.com.

A renowned architect has recently asked for Building Regulations to be revised in relation to fire sprinklers.

At the London Assembly’s fire safety meeting earlier this year, architect Sam Webb, who was representing the RIBA, raised concerns over the safety of timber framed buildings over three storeys, and blocks of flats, and suggested they should be sprinklered.

For the RIBA to be seeking a well overdue revision of the Building Regulations in relation to domestic fire sprinklers, is a milestone in itself and may change the way in which future timber framed buildings and new build flats are fire proofed.

A representative from the Timber Framed Association, also said: “We are in discussion with the sprinkler industry Associations, looking at the potential for putting in a sprinkler system, which could be converted as the build proceeds, to fulfill its role for the completed building.”

This will have a massive impact on the way in which timber framed buildings are built, ensuring a higher level of safety for construction workers and residents alike. It is believed by industry professionals that timber framed buildings and blocks of flats are at the most risk from fire and death or injury by fire because of the construction methods employed. Installing approved domestic sprinkler systems will mean that these risks are alleviated, ensuring safer buildings and residents.

If Building Regulations are revised in relation to sprinklers, it will mean a much higher safety level for sprinkler design. Fire sprinklers will be better designed to fit the Building Regulation standards, meaning a higher level of fire-related safety in timber framed buildings.

Whether you’re a new landlord or a seasoned buyer, you will know that the safety of your residents always comes first. Fire in the home is one of the biggest killers in the UK and to keep your residents (and yourself) protected, installing a domestic fire sprinkler from RAD Fire Sprinklers is one of the best investments you can make.

The implementation of the Housing Act 2004 has meant that fire protection enforcement has been extended to over 300,000 HMOs in the UK. More and more landlords are beginning to recognise the legal and safety advantages of having fire sprinkler systems installed in their properties.

What’s more, you do not need to be the landlord of an HMO to benefit from sprinkler systems. If you are associated with an apparent PCB (poorly converted building) you may be paid to find out whether a residential fire sprinkler system would bring your property up to scratch. Some local authorities even offer grants to landlords with some HMOs to upgrade the safety features of their properties – this includes the installation of domestic sprinklers.

Installing a fire sprinkler can also relax some Part B requirements of the Act by increasing maximum travel distances. For example, if you have a domestic fire sprinkler system to BS 9251, you may not require an external fire escape if the travel distance can be extended with the use of a sprinkler. Contact your local authority for exact specifications of properties where this may be permissible.

For more information on domestic fire sprinklers for Landlords, please visit http://www.radfiresprinklers.com or call 01892 680090.

With the current housing market on a downturn, many are choosing to build their own home. However, creating your own style and perfect home requires years of planning and there are a lot of boxes to tick when it comes to building the perfect home safely. UK based fire sprinkler experts RAD can help you create a safe home environment whilst maintaining your desired style and décor.

“One of the main issues with a self-build, is creating a safe and flexible route out of the building should a fire occur” explains Paul Hummerston, representative for RAD Fire Sprinklers. “RAD can help by designing, installing and maintaining fire sprinkler systems to suit the design of your self-build”.

Residential fire sprinklers are installed within the fabric of a building; with only a plain white sprinkler cover plate visible in most cases. RAD work together with builders and architects to install fire sprinklers in the correct and most effective locations, without disturbing the ambience of your residence.

The RAD system design will be submitted to the authority that has jurisdiction over your self-build project and once the plans have been accepted, the RAD team can supply the fittings and necessary instructions on installing the fire sprinkler systems.

After installation, The RAD Fire Sprinklers Co. can then test and commission the final product to ensure your self-build is as safe and effective as possible. To learn more about domestic and residential fire sprinkler systems, visit www.radfiresprinklers.com; where The RAD Fire Sprinkler Company explain the best options for your self-build. You can also contact a member of the team on 01892 680090.