Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems in Care Homes
At RAD Fire Sprinklers, we have been installing in care homes throughout the country for a number of years. As experts in fire safety, our team can advise on the best type of fire sprinklers to have installed in your care home. No matter what the size of the care home might be, or whether it’s a new or replacement fire sprinkler system, you can count on RAD Fire Sprinklers to install it for you. Get in touch today and we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements.
Fire Safety Regulation for Care Homes
Prior to October 2006, over 100 Acts and Regulations referenced fire safety, the earliest of which was the 1833 Lighting and Watching Act. All these regulations were brought together by The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005.
Although domestic properties aren’t affected, Care and Residential Homes are included in the legislation, which shifted responsibility for all aspects of fire safety to the nominated “responsible person”.
While this change in approach has improved the safety of the most vulnerable members of society, it poses a challenge to many existing Care and Nursing Homes. In Scotland, legislation has been introduced to make fire sprinkler systems compulsory in new-build Care Homes.
As with any other type of property, fire sprinkler systems and safety are just as important in care homes. Before having a new fire sprinkler system installed in a care home, it’s important to understand the assessments that need carrying out and the design you’ll need.
Fire Risk Assessments for Care Homes
A Fire Risk Assessment is essential and can highlight shortcomings in a variety of areas such as means of escape, fire compartmentation, staffing levels and management. Many of these problems can be alleviated by the inclusion of a Residential Fire Sprinklerskler System, compliant with BS 9251, the British Standard for such systems. When you choose RAD Fire Sprinklers, we’ll carry out a fire risk assessment for you before your new system is installed.
Fire Safety Design Principles for Care Homes Based on Risk
Code of practice DD 9999, utilizes design principles based on risk associated with time, and provides a means of calculating the amount of risk reduction available if other provisions that reduce fire growth and spread etc., are put in place. For example, clause 8.5.3 states that the inclusion of a suitable sprinkler system permits a reduction in the risk profile, giving a larger allowable travel distance.
Benefits of Incorporating Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems in Care Homes
There are a number of benefits to incorporating a Residential Fire Sprinkler system in a Care Home:
- increased safety for residents
- unique selling point for the home
- reduced travel distances
- reduced fire separation
- increased living accommodation
- reduced staffing levels
Installing Fire Sprinklers in Existing Care Homes
Compliance with Building Regulations
Remodelling one of the rooms in a converted property, to provide a lobby required by Building Regulations, can spoil the proportions and render the remaining space inadequate to meet minimum size requirements. A relaxation in the need for a lobby between living/sleeping and common areas should be possible if a fire sprinkler system is fitted, thus preserving valuable space and the proportions of the property.
Retention of Period Features
Other problems associated with the conversion of existing properties to Care Homes can also be addressed by incorporating a fire sprinkler system, especially where the original features of an old property need to be retained. If a fire sprinkler system is installed, many period features such as elaborate ceiling cornices and panelled doors and walls, might not need to be removed to upgrade the building. Residing out of sight in the ceiling void and hidden by cover plates, Concealed fire sprinkler heads are unobtrusive and do not detract from traditional period features.
Installing Fire Sprinklers in Care Home
RAD Fire Sprinklers offers specialist advice and if necessary can refer customers to Approved Inspectors familiar with relaxations associated with BS 9251. For a number of years we have been installing fire sprinkler systems in care homes. Our fire sprinkler systems are designed to help keep residents safe and we can install sprinklers in both purpose built and converted properties. When it comes to needing a care home fire sprinkler systems, be sure to get in touch with RAD Fire Sprinklers.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Care Home Fire Sprinkler System
How much do care home fire sprinkler systems cost?
The cost of fire sprinklers for care homes will depend on the size of the project and the system you require. When you choose RAD Fire Sprinklers, we’ll ensure you receive the best possible quote for your new care home fire sprinkler system.
What type of fire sprinkler will I need?
When you choose RAD Fire Sprinklers, we’ll advise on the best type of sprinkler system for your property. The fire sprinkler we install will be enough to keep your property safe in case of a fire; helping to protect the structure, interior and the people in the care home.
Who installs fire sprinkler systems for care homes?
All of our fire sprinkler systems are installed by fully trained and highly experienced engineers to ensure that your new system is fitted correctly. We have years of experience installing fire sprinklers for care homes.
Why should I choose RAD Fire Sprinklers?
We have worked in the fire safety industry for a number of years and we go the extra mile for our customers to ensure the fire sprinkler system we fit is capable of handling even the most extreme fires. Our team work closely with our clients to ensure that your property is fitted with the best type of system.
