Why is Sprinkler System Installation Important in Museums?
We have previously spoken about myths surrounding sprinkler system installation. And, the idea that water damage is much worse than fire damage. Yet, this is untrue.
Museums, art galleries and libraries are much loved as they preserve our history for generations to come. Where else can we observe the irreplaceable bones of a T-Rex? So, imagine if a fire did break out and these valuable exhibits were engulfed in flames?
At RAD, we believe that sprinkler system installation is vital in all sorts of buildings, no matter if they are residential or commercial. Including museums.
Sprinkler Systems Saves Will Lives
Museums, across the UK, can receive over a million visitors each year; in 2021, the Natural History Museum saw more than 1.5 million visitors. And, that’s when most of us were still in lockdown as well. Since all restrictions have ended and a “new normality” resumes, this number is set to increase by the end of 2022.
That means that hundreds a day could be entering a museum. If there was a fire to break out, this high number of people may cause problems when trying to safely evacuate. Especially if the fire has begun to spread. Therefore, sprinklers go off automatically when detecting heat over 56°C and will give visitors and staff the time to exit the building and await emergency services.
Valuable Artefacts
Back in 2018, a fire started in Brazil’s National Museum, spreading across the building in a blaze. Previous experts had warned the museum that there was a serious fire risk, yet no fire protection systems were put in place. Though there were thankfully no injuries, that can’t be said for its exhibits.
In the blaze, most of the 20 million display items, along with the dilapidated building, went up in the flames. This includes the 12,000-year-old remains of a woman known as “Luzia”, which were the oldest Latin American remains discovered. According to the deputy director, Luiz Fernando Dias Duarte, a $5.3m (£4.1m) modernisation was agreed upon in June that year, including sprinkler system installation.
With the inclusion of sprinkler systems, this damage would have been saved. Though water is released to suppress the flames, this is only a small amount, compared to the amount fire engines would have to use. This way, the sprinklers would stop the flames from spreading and save valuable exhibits that are irreplaceable.
Assess Risk Areas
The first procedure that should be undergone is finding where in the museum is most at risk. These areas may be classified as “high-risk”, due to the presence of priceless artefacts; the possibility of combustion; or elements that call for extra caution. These can include:
- Exhibits made of combustible materials, such as papers, wood or fabrics
- Laboratories that preserve flammable liquids like alcohol
- Rooms filled to capacity with displays or exhibits
Sprinklers should be considered throughout all buildings, including museums. As humans, we often want to look to the past to see where we came from and learn our history. That’s why museums have been so popular. So, why risk these valuable pieces? Especially when, more than likely, there will be rooms that have flammable materials or liquid inside?
Several institutions currently have sprinkler system installation within their premises, including the Capitol Hall Library of Congress and the Smithsonian in the USA and the National Library of Scotland.
Our Fire Sprinklers
Here at RAD Fire Sprinklers, we offer sprinkler system installation in a variety of buildings, including both residential and commercial.
To find out more, or to receive a quote, why not fill in our online form? A member of our team will shortly be in touch to see how we can help you. Or, give us a call on 01892 680 090 and speak to us today.
