Systems under pressure: The hidden costs behind sprinkler system downtime

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionResearch

IFSJ’s analysis looks at how regulation, construction activity and long term performance considerations are influencing fire sprinkler strategies worldwide

Fire sprinkler systems are continuing to gain traction as construction activity expands across multiple building types and regulators apply closer scrutiny to compliance and long-term system performance.

Alongside new installations, attention is shifting toward how systems are maintained, monitored and adapted over their service life.

Market overview

Future Market Insights (FMI) values the global fire sprinkler system market at USD 14.6 billion in 2025 and projects it will reach USD 24.5 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%.

According to FMI, wet pipe systems account for the largest share at 55% due to their established reliability and compatibility with standard water supplies, while commercial buildings represent 45% of total demand.

Residential construction is also contributing to growth as developers expand formal compliance programmes.

In industrial environments, Verified Market Reports (VMR) places the global industrial fire sprinklers market at USD 4.5 billion in 2024, with a projected value of USD 7.2 billion by 2033.

VMR forecasts a CAGR of 6.5% from 2026 to 2033, linking growth to industrial infrastructure modernisation, higher safety mandates and insurance driven compliance requirements.

Across both datasets, warehouses, logistics centres and large footprint facilities consistently appear as high demand segments.

These environments combine high asset values with operational sensitivity to downtime, increasing the appeal of automated suppression systems that integrate monitoring and diagnostic functions.

Maintenance considerations are therefore becoming a core part of procurement decisions, particularly where system reliability over decades is weighed alongside installation cost.

Strengths shaping demand

FMI describes fire sprinkler systems as offering dependable automated activation across a wide range of occupancies, including offices, manufacturing sites, residential complexes and warehouses.

VMR highlights ongoing development in corrosion resistant materials, improved nozzle design and water efficient activation mechanisms, alongside growing adoption of IoT enabled monitoring and predictive maintenance tools.

Bringing more than 35 years of industry experience, Jim McHugh, President of AGF Manufacturing Inc.

and a board member of several international fire protection bodies, provided context on how these factors are shaping demand.

McHugh said: “The global fire sprinkler market continues to show steady growth, driven by urbanisation, stricter building regulations and increased awareness of life-safety risks.

Commercial and industrial construction remains the largest demand segment, particularly warehouses, logistics centres, healthcare facilities and high-rise developments.

While North America maintains the highest penetration of automatic sprinkler systems, adoption is accelerating in Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia as codes evolve and insurers exert greater influence on fire protection strategies.”

VMR also notes that digital monitoring platforms are gaining ground in industrial settings, enabling condition-based inspections and earlier identification of faults.

These capabilities are particularly relevant where false activations, undetected corrosion or delayed repairs can disrupt production and inflate operating costs.

Challenges linked to maintenance and integration

FMI outlines a series of technical and operational challenges that affect both installation and long-term upkeep.

These include achieving appropriate spray coverage where ceiling layouts, HVAC systems and electrical services restrict head placement, as well as coordinating supply chains when systems rely on components from multiple manufacturers with differing lead times.

Maintenance related risks remain a recurring theme.

FMI identifies corrosion as a persistent issue, citing oxygen exposure in dry pipe systems and chemical reactions in wet pipe systems using untreated water.

VMR similarly highlights frequent maintenance audits, high lifecycle costs and incompatibility within older facilities, where outdated piping, limited space and low water pressure complicate upgrades.

McHugh said: “Market dynamics vary regionally.

Europe traditionally emphasises passive fire protection, but recent regulatory changes and high-profile fire tragedies have increased interest in active suppression systems, especially in residential and mixed-use buildings.

Emerging markets are investing heavily in modern infrastructure, creating opportunities for standardised, internationally compliant sprinkler solutions.

“Across all regions, system designers are prioritising reliability, ease of installation and system longevity.

High quality products that reduce installation time, limit potential failure points and expedite maintenance and testing are increasingly favoured as the industry balances performance, compliance and cost efficiency.”

These pressures are encouraging wider use of application specific designs, such as dry pipe systems for cold environments, deluge systems in chemical processing and pre action systems in electronics manufacturing, as noted by VMR.

Each option brings different inspection and testing demands, reinforcing the need for skilled personnel and clear maintenance planning.

Outlook

Across all regions, maintenance capability and retrofit readiness are emerging as practical differentiators.

VMR points to predictive maintenance, AI enabled diagnostics and data driven inspections, while FMI highlights ongoing corrosion control and coordination challenges that influence lifecycle costs.

For manufacturers, installers and asset owners, the direction of travel places sustained emphasis on materials, monitoring tools and system designs that support long term reliability with fewer disruptions.

This was originally published in the February 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

From concept to completion: Telgian reveals the 10 steps to sprinkler approval

by Breaking NewsFire Engineering

Jacob Ford, Fire Sprinkler Design Team Lead at Telgian Engineering and Consulting, outlines the essential stages of system design and regulatory approval

Fire is a powerful force of nature that can be detrimental to buildings and even entire cities. To create a safer, more effective society, there must be a way to control or limit the potential danger posed by fire. That is where fire protection engineering, and one of its subdisciplines, fire sprinkler design, come into play.  

Fire engineering is a diverse field that draws on many engineering disciplines. This field encompasses a broad range of pursuits, all with the common goal of minimising or preventing fire damage, achieved through various fire prevention and protection methods. Although these two concepts may sound redundant, they each offer their own distinct advantages toward the overall goal of fire control.  

Fire prevention vs. fire protection 

Fire prevention encompasses various strategies to prevent fires from starting in the first place, including:  Risk analysis; Human behaviour in fire events; Building design layout; Programs and procedures for fire events.

Fire Protection involves systems that are put in place to protect life and property in the event of a fire. These systems can be either active or passive. Examples of active fire protection systems: Fire sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems. Fire sprinkler and alarm systems activate in the event of a fire and provide a means of assisting in controlling the fire or warning of its presence.  

Examples of passive fire protection systems: Smoke control (smoke barriers, separation); Coatings and casings; Fire-retardant building materials (fire walls, fire doors).  

The role of fire sprinkler design 

Fire sprinkler systems are the most common form of fire protection. For these systems to be installed and effectively protect against fire, they have to be designed to a predetermined standard. That is where the fire sprinkler designer comes in.  

Fire sprinkler designers utilise many fields of engineering, including: 

  • Electrical: Electrical design fundamentals will be used when the designer coordinates integration with the fire alarm system or when coordinating power supply requirements for fire pump selection and design.  
  • Mechanical/Piping: Mechanical and piping layout skills are used to create the fire sprinkler piping system and to coordinate with elements of other disciplines.  
  • Fluid Dynamics/Hydraulics: The designer demonstrates knowledge of fluid dynamics and hydraulics by designing the system in a hydraulically efficient manner and validating it through hydraulic calculations.  
  • Structural: A fire sprinkler designer must understand structural elements and how buildings are constructed. This knowledge is crucial for routing the system, as some architectural elements cannot be covered or hidden, and piping can only be hung from certain structural members.  
  • Civil:  A basic understanding of civil engineering is required for tasks such as fire hydrant placement, soil classifications to determine the need for seismic bracing, and thrust block calculations for underground pipes. 

Key design considerations 

When a designer begins a project, they must consider the following factors.  

Building layout: Certain architectural and structural elements may limit the placement of system components; Building size will determine the number of systems needed to protect it; and portions of the building that are not conditioned or exposed to the elements may warrant the inclusion of dry or pre-action systems.  

Building occupancy and use: Different occupancies correspond to varying levels of risk and potential fire severity. The designer will select the type of system that best protects the hazard with minimal risk. For example, the designer should choose a pre-action system for a data center to minimise the potential for pipes to leak onto the servers. This system fills the pipes with air unless there is a fire event. 

Local codes and standards: Although there are national standards for the design of fire sprinkler systems, various AHJs (authorities having jurisdiction) have the choice to adopt past iterations of these standards, which can vary in their requirements, and alter and amend sections of the code for their region.  

Geographic area: The location of a facility determines the need for seismic bracing on the sprinkler system if it is in an area subject to earthquakes. Also, local weather may necessitate a dry sprinkler system.  

Steps in the fire sprinkler design process 

During the design phase of a project, the sprinkler designer will go through several steps as outlined below. 

  1. Consult with the building owner/client. 

Coordinating with the building owner/client is crucial to the design process, as this is where the scope of work is determined. The owner may be able to move some storage out of their building to avoid a sprinkler system upgrade, or they may want to strengthen what they already have in anticipation of the building’s occupancy changing in the future.  

  1. Analyse the water supply. 

This is typically done by performing a fire hydrant flow test as outlined in NFPA 291. During a flow test, the person performing the test opens a fire hydrant and measures the resulting water flow. They place a gauge onto another hydrant to measure both static (no flow) pressure and residual (flowing) pressure. The designer sometimes performs this test, but it may be done by others. 

  1. Determine applicable codes and standards. 

The designer, or in some cases a consultant, coordinates with the AHJ to determine what codes and standards apply to the project’s location.  

  1. Identify the hazard or commodity. 

The commodity being protected will be a factor in determining the system type and the correct density for hydraulic calculations. 

  1. Identify the sprinkler system type. 

Based on the previous steps, the designer should have enough information to determine the best type of sprinkler system to protect the building(s). 

  1. Lay out the sprinklers and system piping. 

The design layout must follow NFPA 13, manufacturers’ data sheets, and any local codes or amendments. Based on the sprinkler layout, the designer will then lay out the system piping, making sure to connect the heads to each other via the piping and routing around obstacles in the most hydraulically efficient manner. 

  1. Perform the hydraulic calculations. 

The designer must verify the system layout with hydraulic calculations utilising the water source determined during the water supply analysis phase. The designer will calculate the most hydraulically demanding area of the system to a predetermined density (volume of water over area) that has been decided upon (typically derived from code) based on the hazard. The results of these calculations will determine if the water supply is adequate to support the system. If the supply is insufficient, the designer can upsize the piping or add a water tank/fire pump.  A fire pump will aid the water supply if a lack of pressure is the issue, and a tank will supply water if volume is the issue. 

  1. Obtain AHJ approval of the designs. 

The fire sprinkler system design needs to be reviewed and approved by the local authority having jurisdiction.  

  1. Prepare for system installation. 

The designer will then move to stock listing, which is the process of selecting the materials required for fabrication based on the design plans. Based on this list of materials, the designer will order the correct components, then the system will be fabricated and installed.  

  1.  Await system inspection and final approval. 

The AHJ performs an inspection following the system installation. The designer is typically involved during this phase directly through design and/or indirectly through answering questions and being a resource for those performing the inspection. 

Fire sprinkler design field 

The role of the fire sprinkler designer is instrumental throughout the process of developing a fire sprinkler system, making it an invaluable and much-needed role in the fire protection engineering field. Designers can find careers with engineering firms, fire sprinkler contractors, and property insurance companies. 

As long as buildings are being built, there will be a need for fire sprinkler designers, making it a stable and future-proof profession. 

About the Author

Jacob Ford, Fire Sprinkler Design Team Lead at Telgian Engineering and Consulting, has been in the fire sprinkler industry for 19 plus years. He is NICET certified in Water Based Systems Layout and has worked on a wide variety of projects ranging from foam systems, clean agent, aircraft hangers, hospitals, gamma knife facility, clean rooms, large data centers, sports training facilities, etc. Starting his career as an apprentice pipefitter and moving to a designer role shortly after college, Jacob is a demonstrated leader in the fire protection field having held several leadership, training, consulting, and management roles in both the contracting and engineering sectors of fire protection.

This was originally published in the December 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

NFPA highlights fire sprinkler awareness and retrofit gaps during Home Fire Sprinkler Week 2025

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

Campaign to promote fire sprinkler awareness returns in May 2025

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has reported that Home Fire Sprinkler Week 2025 will take place from 11 to 17 May, with a renewed digital campaign aimed at informing the public about the benefits of home fire sprinklers.

According to NFPA, fire departments and safety advocates across North America will take part in the initiative through online messaging and local events.

The goal is to raise public understanding of how home fire sprinklers reduce fatalities, injuries and property loss.

The NFPA reported that home fires are responsible for over 80 percent of civilian deaths in structure fires.

Modern construction methods, synthetic furnishings and lithium-ion batteries contribute to fires that burn faster and hotter, leaving little time for escape.

Sprinkler systems offer early response and reduced damage

The NFPA has stated that home fire sprinklers can activate in less than two minutes and often control or extinguish fires before emergency responders arrive.

Only the sprinkler closest to the heat source activates, using less water than fire hoses.

The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC), which works in partnership with the NFPA, will lead the digital outreach.

Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy and president of HFSC, said: “Home Fire Sprinkler Week is a great opportunity for us to bring together our digital voices and amplify the message of the tremendous benefits of fire sprinklers across our continent.”

Each day of the campaign will include different themes distributed through social media and websites.

The themes include how fast fires spread, costs to communities without sprinklers and the ease of living with sprinkler systems.

Outreach and resources to support local engagement

The NFPA said that fire departments and other participants are encouraged to hold public outreach events, including live demonstrations and community displays.

Free resources will be made available through the HFSC Studio to help design educational materials.

Available tools include social media templates, flyers, videos and proclamations for use during the campaign week.

According to NFPA, the materials are designed to require minimal effort and to maximise reach through online sharing.

Visitors can find daily content and media resources on the Home Fire Sprinkler Week section of the HFSC website.

Residential high-rises in Chicago remain unsprinklered

In a related post, Lorraine Carli from NFPA commented on the continued lack of sprinklers in residential high-rise buildings in Chicago.

On 25 January 2023, a fire in the Harper Square high-rise killed one resident and displaced more than 200 others.

The building did not have a sprinkler system installed.

This fire was the first of 17 fires in unsprinklered residential high-rises in the city during 2023, Carli reported.

Ken and Rita Harris, long-time residents of the building, described the personal and financial impacts of the fire during a media briefing on its second anniversary.

They reported that over 80 residents are still waiting to return home.

Local policies have not mandated residential retrofits

Following a 2003 fire in the Cook County Administration Building that killed six people, Chicago required sprinklers in unsprinklered commercial high-rises.

However, the same requirement was not extended to residential buildings.

Carli stated that more than 600 residential high-rises in Chicago remain without sprinkler protection.

According to Harper Square residents, the cost of post-fire recovery has already exceeded $20 million.

She questioned the decision to omit residential buildings from retrofit requirements: “What is the cost of not protecting these buildings?”

Minneapolis adopted a full retrofit approach after fatal fire

In contrast, Carli pointed to the response of Minneapolis officials following a 2019 high-rise fire that killed six people.

Local, state and federal funding was used to retrofit all 42 public housing high-rises in the city.

The final retrofit was completed in August 2024.

Carli noted that sprinkler systems are often easier to install in high-rises than assumed because standpipes and fire pumps are typically already present.

Erik Hoffer, executive director of the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board, participated in the Chicago media event and supported the call for renewed attention to fire safety in high-rises.

Campaign seeks to shift public understanding and policy

The NFPA and HFSC aim to increase public awareness of the role fire sprinklers can play in both new and existing buildings.

According to Carli, modern homebuyers are more informed and are likely to favour homes with sprinkler protection once they understand the technology.

She said: “The campaign is simple and really works well. Today’s homebuyers are savvy about safety and when they learn about fire sprinklers, they want them.”

The HFSC is providing digital content, including virtual reality tools, to assist communities and advocates in communicating the benefits of sprinkler installation.

Events and outreach planned across North America

Throughout Home Fire Sprinkler Week, daily content will be distributed online and through community partners to support education about sprinklers.

Fire services across North America are expected to take part in outreach events to demonstrate how sprinkler systems operate and why they are effective.

Further information and resources are available on the HFSC website, including the daily themes and downloadable content.

NFPA highlights fire sprinkler awareness and retrofit gaps during Home Fire Sprinkler Week 2025: Summary

The National Fire Protection Association has announced that Home Fire Sprinkler Week 2025 will take place from 11 to 17 May.

The campaign, led in partnership with the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, promotes awareness of the role fire sprinklers play in reducing deaths, injuries and property loss in home fires.

Modern home fires burn faster and more intensely due to materials and construction methods.

Sprinkler systems activate quickly and can suppress fires using less water than hoses.

The HFSC is providing digital resources and outreach tools to support the campaign.

In a related commentary, Lorraine Carli highlighted that over 600 residential high-rises in Chicago remain without sprinkler systems.

She referenced the Harper Square fire, which killed one person in 2023, and stated that post-fire costs have already exceeded $20 million.

Chicago currently mandates sprinklers for commercial but not residential high-rises.

Minneapolis has completed retrofits for all public housing high-rises after a fatal 2019 fire.

Daily themes, educational materials and resources are available on the HFSC website.

Zenova Group secures inaugural order for advanced fire suppression system

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

First order for Zenova CS ceiling sprinkler system

Zenova Group PLC has announced its first order for the recently launched Zenova CS ceiling sprinkler units, which comes just one month after the product’s debut.

The order, valued at over €20,000, includes Zenova FX fire extinguishers and will be deployed at a newly constructed casino in Albania.

The buyer aims to meet high standards of customer safety in the new facility.

Innovative fire suppression technology

The Zenova CS system, certified to EN3-7 standards, offers 360-degree fire protection through a unique nozzle system that extends both horizontally and vertically.

Unlike traditional water-based sprinklers, it uses Zenova’s proprietary fluid, capable of suppressing fires from sources such as cooking oil and lithium batteries.

This makes it suitable for high-risk spaces like kitchens and restaurants and adaptable for residential and commercial applications.

Adaptable for new and retrofitted projects

Designed for easy integration, the Zenova CS can be installed in both newly constructed buildings and existing properties.

This flexibility ensures that it meets diverse safety needs, including addressing risks associated with mobile devices in offices and homes.

The system is also suited for broader residential developments, providing comprehensive fire suppression capabilities.

Zenova CEO comments on milestone

Zenova Group CEO Thomas Melchior highlighted the rapid uptake of the Zenova CS system, stating: “We are delighted to see the Zenova CS receiving its first order so soon after launch.

This demonstrates Zenova’s ability to rapidly deliver high-quality, innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers, both current and new.”

Zenova Group secures inaugural order for advanced fire suppression system: summary

Zenova Group has secured its first order for the recently launched Zenova CS ceiling sprinkler units, valued at over €20,000.

The order also includes Zenova FX fire extinguishers and will be used in a casino in Albania.

The Zenova CS, certified to EN3-7 standards, offers 360-degree fire suppression using proprietary fluid designed to combat diverse fire sources such as lithium batteries and cooking oils.

It is suitable for kitchens, residential spaces, and offices, and can be installed in both new and existing properties.

Zenova Group CEO Thomas Melchior noted the product’s early success, emphasising its ability to address customer safety needs across various applications.

Zenova launches ceiling-mounted sprinkler to meet growing fire safety regulations

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProducts

Zenova Group launches innovative sprinkler system for fire safety compliance

Zenova Group PLC, a developer of fire safety and temperature management solutions, has introduced a new ceiling-mounted sprinkler system to expand its product offerings and support compliance with fire safety regulations.

The Zenova CS sprinkler is EN3-7 certified and designed to address a variety of fire risks, as reported by Zenova Group.

The Zenova CS sprinkler system incorporates a 360-degree spray mechanism using a custom nozzle, offering extensive coverage for diverse spaces.

This model is suitable for new installations and retrofitting, allowing for flexibility in both residential and commercial environments.

The new sprinkler uses Zenova’s specialised fluid, which is engineered to handle fire types that conventional water-based systems cannot extinguish, such as cooking oil and lithium battery fires.

360-degree coverage and advanced safety features

The unique design of Zenova CS enables horizontal and vertical spray distribution, effectively maximising fire coverage.

Unlike traditional water-based sprinklers, the Zenova CS is compatible with spaces where water systems are often ineffective or limited, such as home kitchens, restaurants, and areas where mobile devices pose fire risks.

Zenova’s fluid solution in the CS model is particularly beneficial for real estate developers, office spaces, and other settings that demand broad and comprehensive fire coverage.

The product’s ability to cover diverse fire hazards enhances safety compliance and operational flexibility in high-risk environments.

CEO champions new product’s potential impact

Thomas Melchior, CEO of Zenova Group PLC, highlighted the product’s relevance in meeting current customer needs and extending Zenova’s market position.

He stated: “The Zenova CS is another product innovation from the Company that directly addresses growing needs for existing and potential customers.

“Not only does it extend our product suite into another key fire safety product sector, but it also further extends the Group’s brand identity in the industry as an innovation leader with the capability to develop customer solutions quickly and effectively.”

Melchior noted early interest and positive feedback from customers, which has encouraged the company to anticipate initial orders soon.

This launch reflects Zenova’s strategy to support industries requiring enhanced fire safety solutions tailored to evolving risks and regulatory demands.

Zenova’s broader fire safety and temperature management portfolio

Zenova Group PLC specialises in fire safety technologies, including fire-protection paints, thermal insulation products, and extinguishers tailored to various commercial, industrial, and residential applications.

Among its products are Zenova FP, a fire-protection paint that expands when exposed to flames, and Zenova FX series extinguishers, effective on Class A, B, F, and electrical fires.

The company’s products meet strict industry standards, with Zenova FP and Zenova IP developed to comply with both UK and European fire safety regulations.

Through its diversified portfolio, Zenova aims to offer adaptable solutions across multiple sectors, aligning with growing regulatory expectations and customer demand for advanced safety measures.

Zenova launches ceiling-mounted sprinkler to meet growing fire safety regulations: Summary

Zenova Group PLC has launched the Zenova CS, an EN3-7 certified ceiling-mounted sprinkler designed to broaden the company’s fire safety product offerings.

The sprinkler’s unique 360-degree coverage is supported by a nozzle system that disperses fluid horizontally and vertically, providing protection for spaces where traditional sprinklers are inadequate.

Unlike water-based systems, the Zenova CS is suited for fire hazards involving cooking oils and lithium batteries, making it applicable for kitchens, restaurants, and office environments with electronic devices.

Zenova’s CEO, Thomas Melchior, expressed confidence in the CS model, noting early customer interest.

The product aligns with the company’s portfolio, which includes fire-protection paints, thermal insulation, and extinguishers.

Level 2 fire sprinkler installation certificate launched for domestic and residential sectors

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionTraining

First cohort passes new fire sprinkler qualification

A new qualification for residential sprinkler installation, developed in response to the Hackitt Report, has been successfully completed by its first group of learners.

The Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (Domestic and Residential) was launched by the Residential Sprinkler Association and SFJ Awards.

It aligns with recent legislative changes to ensure installers have the skills required for safer, more professional installations.

Chair of the Residential Sprinkler Association Dean Price said the qualification marks a key step for the industry: “Now that a first cohort of learners have this qualification under their belts, the sector has a platform to build from in terms of upskilling the workforce to better protect our communities, families and homes.”

Designed to meet new regulatory standards

The qualification was developed in response to the Hackitt Report, which called for improved industry training to enhance safety in building practices.

Dean Price explained that regulatory changes had been slow to keep pace with the growing demand for residential sprinkler installations.

“The residential sprinkler market has experienced significant growth in the past decade or so, with regulation failing to keep pace until relatively recently,” he said.

The Level 2 certificate was designed by experts to raise installation standards in the domestic sector.

This qualification aims to address the gap by providing essential training to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.

Collaboration between Residential Sprinkler Association and SFJ Awards

The Residential Sprinkler Association partnered with SFJ Awards, an Ofqual-regulated awarding body, to develop and deliver the certification.

The association, which represents 60 members across the UK, advocates for the sector by providing training, technical guidance, and support.

David Higham, Managing Director of SFJ Awards, emphasised the importance of this training: “It’s fundamentally important that those installing residential sprinklers have undergone specialist training that is backed up by a recognised qualification.”

Raising standards and improving safety

Higham added that the introduction of this qualification is a step forward for the fire safety sector, with the aim of improving standards across domestic and residential installations.

“Changes in the regulatory environment are an opportunity to professionalise and raise standards,” he said.

The qualification was subject to a thorough accreditation process, ensuring it meets the required government guidelines.

Higham stated: “We are proud to have played our part in developing this qualification, which represents a significant step forward in terms of minimising fire risk in domestic and residential settings.”

Level 2 fire sprinkler installation certificate launched for domestic and residential sectors: Summary

The Residential Sprinkler Association and SFJ Awards have launched the Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (Domestic and Residential) following recommendations from the Hackitt Report.

The qualification aims to improve safety standards by providing professional training in residential sprinkler installations.

The first group of learners has successfully completed the course.

Dean Price, Chair of the Residential Sprinkler Association, highlighted the qualification’s role in upskilling the workforce.

David Higham, Managing Director of SFJ Awards, noted that the qualification underwent a rigorous accreditation process and aligns with current government regulations.

Fire sprinkler advocates honoured by American Fire Sprinkler Association

by AmericasFeatured NewsFire SuppressionPeople

Todd Short and Adam Levine recognised for their tireless commitment to fire safety

The American Fire Sprinkler Association has announced the recipients of its 2023 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year and Young Professional of the Year awards.

Redmond Fire Department Fire Marshal, Todd Short, has been bestowed the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award.

This recognition comes for his lifelong dedication to fire safety and his efforts in educating the public on the benefits of fire sprinklers.

As assistant fire marshal for the Redmond, Washington, Fire Department, Short played a crucial role in the adoption of the city’s residential fire sprinkler ordinance.

This ordinance mandates the installation of fire sprinklers in all newly built single- and multi-family homes.

He also contributed significantly to the creation of the Best Practices Forum. This forum facilitates industry collaboration on fire sprinkler best practices, from permit application to final inspection.

Industry professionals and fire sprinkler advocates unite

Short’s commitment extends beyond his local jurisdiction. He’s an active participant in the Washington State Association of Fire Marshals, International Residential Code Technical Advisory Group, and currently leads the Washington State Fire Marshal Coalition.

The American Fire Sprinkler Association developed the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award to commend individuals not directly in the fire sprinkler industry but have made significant contributions towards advancing the sector.

Adam Levine named AFSA’s Young Professional of the Year

Meanwhile, Adam Levine, P.E., president of Capitol Fire Sprinkler, Woodside, New York, has earned the accolade of Young Professional of the Year for 2023.

Levine is celebrated for his technical prowess, professionalism, and leadership skills, both in his business and at the national level.

After graduating with a degree in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland, Levine joined Capitol Sprinkler full-time in 2009. Later, he secured his MBA in entrepreneurship in 2011 from Baruch College.

Levine is also a respected member of the NFPA 14 Technical Committee and volunteers his time to maintain the standards set by NFPA.

Fire sprinkler industry celebrates upcoming talent

Kevin Hall, senior manager of engineering and technical services for AFSA, commended Levine: “Adam volunteers a significant amount of time to the industry and has facilitated AFSA’s involvement with the New York Fire Sprinkler Contractor’s Association.”

Both Short and Levine will receive their respective awards during the general session at the AFSA42 Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition, scheduled for September 6-9 at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.

For more information about the event and to register, visit the AFSA42 website.

About the American Fire Sprinkler Association

The American Fire Sprinkler Association is an organisation that aims to promote the adoption and proper use of fire sprinklers. Through advocacy, education and awareness, the association works to ensure that fire sprinkler systems are more widely understood and utilised to save lives and property.

IFSJ Comment

Awards such as these are crucial in recognising the contributions of those working tirelessly to advance fire safety.

The honourees, Todd Short and Adam Levine, demonstrate the vast impact individuals can make towards fire safety, from local ordinance change to national-level influence.

We congratulate both recipients on their well-deserved accolades.

Their accomplishments remind us of the significant role fire sprinklers play in protecting lives and property.

Northern Ireland proposes new fire sprinklers for all new high-rise apartments

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured NewsFire Suppression

Introduction of fire sprinklers in new builds over 11 metres

The Northern Ireland government has initiated a public consultation on the proposed changes to local Building Regulations, with a specific emphasis on fire safety measures.

The consultation, which was launched on 3 July 2023 and is set to conclude on 25 September 2023, is aimed at elevating fire safety protocols in buildings.

The proposed amendments will primarily focus on residential buildings, particularly multi-residential ones.

An overview of the fire safety measures proposed

The intended effect of the proposed changes is to mitigate the consequences of fires by saving lives and preventing injuries.

The Department is planning to revise Part E (Fire safety) of the Building Regulations and the accompanying Technical Booklet E (Fire safety).

Under the new proposed amendments, a fresh functional regulation in Part E is to be introduced.

This regulation will necessitate those carrying out the work to provide sufficient fire safety information to the relevant party who has fire safety duties.

This requirement will apply to buildings with flats more than 11m above the ground level.

The role of fire sprinklers in enhancing safety

The new prescriptive regulation in Part E will mandate the installation of suitable automatic fire suppression systems, such as fire sprinklers, in specific types of buildings.

These will encompass buildings containing flats and purpose-built student accommodations with a floor more than 11m above the ground level.

Additionally, all residential care premises will also need to have these systems, regardless of their height.

Several changes to the Technical Booklet E (Fire safety) are also proposed. These will provide guidance on new requirements for fire safety information and the installation of automatic fire suppression systems.

They also aim to increase smoke alarm coverage in all new dwellings and clarify the measures required for adequate smoke ventilation from common escape routes in buildings with flats.

The guidelines will also enhance facilities and access for the Fire and Rescue Service, aiding firefighters in search and rescue operations and firefighting.

An online information event will be held on Tuesday 18 July where the Department will present these proposals.

Those unable to attend can access an anonymised Q&A summary and a voiced-over video presentation on the official consultation page.

Responses to the consultation will be accepted until the closing date, Monday 25 September 2023.

IFSJ Comment

This represents a proactive step towards enhancing fire safety in buildings, particularly residential ones.

The introduction of fire sprinklers and other fire suppression systems in high-rise buildings could significantly reduce the risk of fire-related fatalities and injuries, thus promoting safer living conditions for residents.

Stipends available for US and Canadian fire departments to support sprinkler outreach programmes

by Featured News

Continuing a successful public education strategy, the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition is once again offering $500 stipends to 20 US and 20 Canadian fire departments to help enhance their community outreach this year.

The stipends can be used to produce educational banners, purchase virtual reality headsets to show HFSC’s Virtual Reality (VR) videos and TV monitors to play VR and other HFSC educational videos, produce social media messages and boost them, support live fire and sprinkler demonstrations or build a home fire sprinkler riser display.

Over the last five years, fire departments that chose to build the home fire sprinkler display as part of their stipend activity have also received a free RiserPACK packaged by AGF Manufacturing. The PACK includes all the components needed to set up a home fire sprinkler system according to NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes and donated by various manufacturers. It also includes HFSC’s guidance to build the display, including a material and tools list, step-by-step instructions, and suggested component labels.

With this contribution and packaging, partners are supporting HFSC and the fire departments using the displays to increase awareness about the role of home fire sprinklers and community risk reduction. More than 100 RiserPACKS have been donated to fire departments in the US and Canada.

NDPA VP for Outreach & Advocacy, Lorraine Carli, said that feedback from fire departments that have received HFSC’s stipends and the RiserPACKS has been very positive: “In addition to their gratitude, many departments said the display has allowed them to educate homeowners, elected officials involved in code upgrades to require sprinklers, water providers, builders and developers, and members of the fire service who are not familiar with home fire sprinklers. Having a riser display has helped departments dispel myths about 13D systems and demonstrate the simplicity of the system.

“We share in the departments’ appreciation of this tool that helps improve HFSC’s grassroots home fire sprinkler outreach and education. Here’s to the next 100 fire departments that build these educational displays!”

The deadline to apply for the US stipend is February 24, 2023.