Why Do Hospitals Need Fire Sprinkler Systems?
According to statistics, in 2021, there were 1,229 hospitals in the UK, including trust-managed and private practices. In a place of help and recovery, it is important to consider other factors that could affect the building, its patients and other people inside. In 2019 alone, there were 636 fires throughout the year up until September. But, how many of these hospitals have fire sprinkler systems in place?
At RAD, we understand the benefits that fire sprinkler systems can have on a variety of buildings. So, what about hospitals and other medical premises? Find out more here.
Building Regulations
At RAD Fire Sprinklers, we have previously underlined when building regulations dictate the installation of fire sprinkler systems. Currently, buildings over 18m and in certain cases, over 11m, are required to have sprinklers fitted on every floor. All of which will help improve the overall fire safety throughout the property.
All newly constructed commercial buildings with a fire area of over 5,000 square feet must
have automatic fire sprinkler systems. And this is the case for hospitals.
On floors up to 12 metres above ground, the fire resistance of compartment walls in fully sprinklered healthcare facilities can be decreased from 60 minutes to 30 minutes (integrity and insulation).
Thermally actuated dampers may be offered in some places in place of fire and smoke dampers connected to the fire alarm and detection system. Where sprinklers are present, the maximum size restrictions on uninsulated glazing in subcompartment walls are not applied, which can result in significant cost savings and increased design freedom. When full sprinkler protection is offered, the amount of time that a building’s structural elements can resist fire can be lowered by 30 minutes when compared to a building without sprinklers.
How Fire Sprinkler Systems Can Benefit Hospitals?
No matter the building, there are various benefits to the installation of fire sprinkler systems. Especially through healthcare premises. In hospitals, there may be hundreds of vulnerable patients who may need longer to safely evacuate in the case of emergencies. In these cases, sprinkler installation can help lengthen the time required for staff to help patients exit.
Also, important infrastructures such as hospitals, if destroyed by a fire, would have a negative effect on the community’s environment and those who require their services. So, it is important that the most effective fire safety systems are in place.
As each fire sprinkler head acts independently, the systems that detect the fire will be activated. This means that if a fire breaks out, the sprinklers do not disturb every patient. Especially those on completely different sides of the building.
RAD Fire Sprinklers
At RAD, our team designs and installs bespoke sprinklers throughout residential and commercial buildings. All of which are tailored to the individual requirements of the property. There are various benefits to the installation of fire sprinkler systems in all types of buildings, including healthcare premises.
Benefits of fire sprinkler systems include:
- Protect firefighters
- Limit the size of a fire
- Control fire spread
- More time to evacuate
- Help prevent property damage
For more information on our services, or to receive a quote, fill in our online form here. Or, give us a call on 01892 680 090.
