Why Should New Schools Be Designed With Sprinkler Systems in Mind?
Different parts of the UK have contrasting fire safety laws. Sprinkler systems are now required in all new and renovated schools in Scotland and Wales. However, this is not the case in England.
Fire outbreaks in schools have caused millions of pounds in damage over the years. Including vital resources, the education of kids of all ages, and structural damage. Despite being proved to save lives, fire sprinkler systems are still not mandatory. Though, this has not stopped various newly designed school buildings.
So, what are the benefits of specifically designing schools with a new sprinkler system? Make sure that the design is fully incorporated throughout the design process. Find out more from a fire sprinkler installation company.
Derbyshire Sprinkler Pledge
Back in 2020, in the Derbyshire area, two schools caught fire within 48 hours, requiring a total of 18 fire engines. Both schools had no fire safety measures, like sprinkler systems, in place, which resulted in millions of pounds in damage to the Council cabinet. But, more than just the building was harmed. All of the students were initially assigned to work from home before being transferred to other temporary schools and residences, including a three-story office building.
From this, the Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council stated their intent on focusing the design of sprinkler systems in newly-built schools going forward. Just in case this type of emergency happens again, the inclusion of fire prevention systems will stop the flames from spreading; saving damage to both the property and valuable resources.
Ravensdale School – Derby
Most recently, it seems the Derbyshire Council have kept their word. In June 2022, one of the two schools that were forced to close after a fire reopened its doors. Ravensdale School, a primary school in Mickleover, was the victim of an arson attack, causing the school to have to shut down and organise alternative education for its pupils.
However, this new building has purposely been fitted with sprinklers. The £6.9m rebuild seems to be the start of having sprinkler systems considered through the initial design stages. Though they are not mandatory, if councils, like Derbyshire, continue to make these crucial steps, it can be assumed that in the future they will be legally required. Especially in schools, there is so much at stake. Most importantly, fire sprinkler systems save lives. With so many young children, it can be hard to organise a safe evacuation. So, these sprinklers will give those in charge longer to help infants and children out of the building; ensuring the flames do not spread through the building.
Glossopdale School – Derbyshire
Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer, Gavin Tomlinson, is one of the most vocal on making sprinklers mandatory in new schools. And this is shown by the number of sprinklers in Derbyshire schools. In May 2022, a small fire started in a room at the back of Glossopdale School. Yet, the flames were prevented from spreading by the inclusion of a sprinkler system in the classrooms. Though two people were taken to hospital with minor burns, this could have been a lot worse. Tomlinson has said:
“Nationally, through the Fire Chiefs Council, and locally across Derby and Derbyshire we have been campaigning for a change in legislation that would ensure all new schools and those undergoing refurbishment in England are fitted with sprinklers.
Sprinklers not only extinguish or contain a fire until the arrival of fire crews, but they prevent the devastating impact on young people’s education, the community and the high costs of rebuilding as a result of fire.”
RAD Fire Sprinklers
Here at RAD Fire Sprinklers, we promote and install sprinkler systems throughout residential and commercial buildings in the UK and can be easily implemented in all sorts of buildings, such as restaurants and universities.
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.
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