When is a Sprinkler System Required in UK Residential Buildings?
Throughout the UK, when it comes to residential buildings, the regulations on a mandatory sprinkler system differ depending on the location. It is important that landlords and tenants understand when automatic sprinkler systems need to be retrofitted throughout residential buildings, no matter the size.
Find out when sprinklers are required in residential buildings below.
England
The latest in fire sprinkler information is the newest regulations, coming into effect back in 2020. This came as a result of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, for which a report was conducted after. The Government undertook research to find out how the fire started and what spread it. From there, they found that the tower and 446 residential buildings over 11m in England had a certain ACM cladding that did not meet building regulations.
In the wake of Grenfell, changes were made to the previous 2007 document. The requirement was lowered from 30 to 11m above ground level. This can include high-rise office buildings. But, more often than not, this will include blocks of flats that are typically a part of a complex.
Having a sprinkler system in residential flats will stop the flames from spreading to further rooms. If a fire does occur in a first-floor room, the adjacent sprinkler (and only that particular sprinkler head) will be set off to suppress the flames and ensure the fire does not spread. This will give enough time for residents to safely evacuate and await emergency services. However, though fire engines will still need to come to the building, the amount of fire damage will have been limited, meaning less water is needed from hoses.
Wales
The National Assembly for Wales established new building regulations in October 2013. This included a mandatory fire sprinkler system to be installed in all newly constructed and renovated homes throughout Wales. The main areas where the sprinkler heads are fitted include living rooms, home offices, kitchens and utility rooms.
In 2016, this then included care homes, group homes and sheltered housing. For more information on fire regulations in Wales, read our previous blog here.
Scotland
Starting in March 2021, similarly to Wales, all newly constructed social homes, apartments and shared multi-occupied residential buildings in Scotland require a sprinkler system installed through the premises. Previously, this was for buildings only over 18 m, however, following the Grenfell Tower fire, there has been a focus on improving social housing throughout Scotland.
Housing minister Kevin Stewart understands the importance of automatic sprinkler systems, stating that “these systems have been proven to save lives and it is right that [they] now make these changes.”
Northern Ireland
Much like England, Northern Ireland also has slackened sprinkler legislation, compared to Scotland and Wales. In light of the Grenfell Tower fire, a review published in January 2018 concluded that sprinklers “should be installed” in Northern Ireland’s housing executive tower blocks.
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) started accepting bids for a £7.7 million contract last year. All to retrofit sprinklers in 31 residential high-rise buildings. The contract was looking for “suitably skilled and competent contractors” to install the sprinklers throughout the blocks. However, mandatory automatic sprinkler systems still haven’t come into effect in Northern Ireland.
RAD Fire Sprinklers Can Help
Here at RAD Fire Sprinklers, we promote and install fire sprinklers throughout residential and commercial buildings in the UK. Whether this is sprinklers within care homes or commercial warehouses. We understand the importance a sprinkler system can have in saving living and property damage.
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.
