Which Buildings Can Benefit From Sprinklers?
Domestic sprinkler system installation should be considered in all new and refurbished buildings; with this being required in Wales and Scotland. For England, sprinkler systems are only a consideration in buildings such as high-rise apartment buildings. However, there are certain groups of people that are more vulnerable if a fire were to occur in their building, where a sprinkler system would be beneficial.
Student Accommodation
Let’s face it, students aren’t the most reliable. From flat parties to cooking after a night out, there are many risks of a fire breaking out. Especially since there can be hundreds of rooms in one accommodation block. In London alone, over the past five years, firefighters have attended 1,262 incidents, with over 90% of them being false alarms. Whether it is from cooking with oil or burnt toast, these situations could be avoided by having a sprinkler system installed in each flat, specifically in kitchens.
Having a fire engine called out not only is an inconvenience for the firefighters themselves and a waste of their resources, but it also disturbs the rest of the accommodation block who will have to leave their flats. Domestic sprinkler system installation would minimise the risk of a fire spreading and could act as an appealing quality for the building; especially for worrying parents.
Care Homes
At RAD Fire Sprinklers, we have been designing and installing domestic sprinkler systems in care homes over the years. We understand that the elderly, in some cases, will be more vulnerable than others. They may require extra time and more assistance when exiting. A domestic sprinkler system means that the fire is detected automatically and is dealt with by the specific head that is closest. In the case that the building needs to be evacuated, a sprinkler system gives older residents the time to leave, or for carers to assist.
Also, domestic sprinkler system installation is a great alternative to having fire alarms, as these may have negative effects on some care home residents. For example, people who have Dementia or Alzheimer’s, who when living alone could potentially cause fires, will need assistance leaving during a fire evacuation. A fire alarm may scare them and become too confused to leave and will rely on others to help them. Whereas, having a sprinkler system in place will smother the flames and prevent the blaze from getting any bigger. This is also the case for any deaf or hard-of-hearing inhabitants who would struggle to hear any fire alarm.
Schools
Unlike in Wales and Scotland, where new and refurbished schools need to have sprinklers in place, English schools are not required by law to have such a system. Fires in schools amount to millions of pounds of damage; including the building itself, resources and distress that is caused to the children’s education.
If a school is engulfed in flames, requiring fire engines, hundreds of children of all ages will need to either work from home or move to a temporary building. This will cause major disruption, especially for older pupils who are going through GCSEs or A-Levels. However, domestic sprinkler system installation within schools will reduce the amount of damage done to the building, with the sprinkler head automatically going off and eliminating the need for students to relocate.
Our Domestic Sprinkler System Installation
RAD Fire Sprinklers promotes domestic sprinkler system installation in all buildings across the UK. We understand the importance of fire safety and how sprinklers can prevent damage and save lives. Sprinkler systems are the most effective form of fire suppression and can keep your property safe for years to come.
For more information, or to receive a quote, fill out our online contact form. Or, call us on 01892 680090 and speak to a member of our team.
