BAFSA advocates for mandatory fire sprinklers in schools during Sprinkler Week

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire Suppression

Increased risk of school fires during summer term

The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) is urging the Government and education authorities to address the increased risk of fires in schools during the summer term.

This appeal is part of this year’s Sprinkler Week campaign, running from 20-25 May.

According to Government data, only 8.5% of new schools built since 2015 have automatic fire sprinklers installed, despite approximately 300 school fires occurring in 2023.

BAFSA highlights that schools equipped with sprinklers can often resume operations the same day after a fire, compared to the two-year rebuilding period typically required for major fires.

Sprinklers can limit fire damage to a single room, preserving valuable student coursework and preventing significant disruptions to education.

Fire sprinklers in schools: Call for legislative action

BAFSA, alongside the NFSN and NFCC, has written an open letter to the Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP.

The letter urges the Government to revise Building Bulletin 100 to mandate automatic fire suppression systems in all new schools.

The letter states: “It is deeply concerning that BB100 – which was necessary to provide fire safety measures specifically for schools, that were beyond Approved Document B and BS9999, to protect the continuity of education has become outdated and disregarded.”

Ali Perry, chief executive of BAFSA, emphasized the economic and emotional benefits of installing sprinklers in schools: “The impact of school fires is much greater than the financial cost of any rebuild. But there is the emotional cost too.

“Schools work hard to establish a positive culture and build relationships which are shattered when pupils and staff are displaced due to fire.”

Support from Zurich Municipal

Zurich Municipal supports BAFSA’s Sprinkler Week campaign, noting the persistent issue of fires in educational facilities.

Governments in Scotland and Wales have already mandated sprinklers in all new and significantly refurbished schools to prevent such blazes.

Paul Redington, Regional Major Loss Manager for Zurich, stated: “For several years, Zurich has called on the Government to bring English schools into line with the rest of Britain, but so far, we have yet to see any movement.”

Redington also pointed out additional fire risks: “The traditional fire risks of arson and ‘hot works’ are supplemented by the increase in complex electronic equipment in schools, and the growing trend among young people to use disposable vapes which contain lithium-ion batteries that can ignite if damaged or disposed of incorrectly.”

Impact on communities

Terry McDermott, secretary of the National Fire Sprinkler Network (NFSN), stressed the importance of maintaining sprinkler requirements in new schools: “Any decision to remove the requirement for sprinklers in new schools would be a retrograde step. Schools are critical buildings in local communities.

“Whilst it is accepted that there has not been a loss of life in a school fire, the impact of the loss of a school is devastating for the children, parents, and the community.”

NFCC urges stronger regulations for sprinklers and AWSS in England

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire Suppression

NFCC advocates for enhanced sprinkler regulations

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has called on the Government to introduce stricter regulations mandating sprinklers and other automatic water suppression systems (AWSS) in England.

The NFCC’s position statement, published on 14 May 2024, urges the installation of sprinklers in all new care homes, schools, and student accommodation, regardless of building height.

According to the position paper, existing schools, student accommodations, and care homes undergoing refurbishment should also be retrofitted with sprinklers.

Additionally, the NFCC recommends that the Government mandate the retrofitting of sprinklers in all existing residential buildings over 11 metres, based on a risk assessment.

As reported by the NFCC, current regulations in England lag behind those in Scotland and Wales, which have more comprehensive requirements for sprinkler installations.

Current regulations and recent incidents

In England, the NFCC has consistently advocated for the retrofitting of sprinklers in high-rise residential buildings over 18 metres or at least seven storeys, particularly those with a single staircase.

Scotland requires sprinklers in all blocks of flats, care homes, social housing, and schools, while Wales mandates them in all new single dwellings, care homes, student halls, boarding houses, and specific hostels.

Recent high-profile fires, such as the Beechmere Extra Care Village (2019) and Newgrange Care Home (2017), have highlighted the risks faced by care home residents during evacuations.

Current evacuation strategies rely heavily on staff being able to evacuate residents before smoke compromises escape routes, which can significantly endanger both staff and residents if unsuccessful.

NFCC’s focus on schools and care homes

The NFCC’s position statement also emphasizes the importance of mandatory sprinklers in schools.

In Scotland and Wales, sprinklers are compulsory in all schools, regardless of height.

Jonathan Dyson, NFCC Lead for Sprinklers and AWSS, said: “Sprinklers have been used for over a century and are consistently reliable at saving lives and reducing injuries.

“Analysis shows they’re 99% effective in extinguishing or controlling a fire.”

Dyson added: “NFCC welcomed the lower height threshold for sprinkler installation in new residential buildings to 11 metres, but we remain concerned that there’s still no requirement to retrofit existing residential buildings with sprinklers.

“We’ve consistently urged the Government to make it a requirement to retrofit all existing residential buildings over 11 metres on a risk-assessed basis.”

The impact on communities and vulnerable populations

Mark Hardingham, NFCC Chair, highlighted the broader community impact of school fires: “Thankfully, deaths and injuries in school fires are rare.

“However, it’s important that we protect schools as they are vital community assets.

“School fires can be devastating, and the use of sprinklers is proven to not only minimise the disruption to a pupil’s education but also the impact on their family and the community.”

Hardingham also addressed concerns about fire safety in care homes: “We also have serious concerns about fire safety in care homes.

“Sprinklers are critical to protecting vulnerable residents as well as employees.

“Installing sprinklers in care homes would reduce the likelihood of a fire spreading beyond the room in which it originated.”

He added: “We welcomed the Government’s proposal requiring sprinklers be installed in all new care homes regardless of height.

“However, it must go further to include existing care homes undergoing refurbishment.”

IFSJ Comment

The NFCC’s call for more robust sprinkler regulations underscores a critical need for enhanced fire safety measures across various types of buildings in England.

The proposed changes aim to align England’s regulations with those already in place in Scotland and Wales, ensuring a higher level of protection for residents, students, and vulnerable populations.

The position statement points to significant gaps in the current regulations, particularly regarding existing buildings.

Retrofitting sprinklers in older buildings, especially those over 11 metres, would address a major safety concern.

The effectiveness of sprinklers, highlighted by NFCC leaders, shows a proven track record of not only controlling fires but also saving lives and reducing injuries.

Furthermore, the focus on schools and care homes reflects the NFCC’s commitment to protecting some of the most vulnerable members of society.

School fires can disrupt communities significantly, while care home fires pose a direct threat to residents who may have limited mobility.

The NFCC’s recommendations aim to mitigate these risks and ensure safer living and learning environments.

Innovative fire break sprinkler system completed at Lake Clearwater, NZ

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

Completion of a crucial fire break system at Lake Clearwater

The installation of a new sprinkler system designed to reduce the risk of wildfire at Lake Clearwater has been successfully completed as of 8 April 2024.

This initiative introduces a 300-metre long and 15-metre wide fire break along the western side of Lake Clearwater village.

It aims to protect both the village and the adjacent Hakatere Conservation Park against wildfires, particularly from those driven by North-West winds.

The green fire break is a strategic effort by the Lake Clearwater Hut Holder’s Association, Ashburton District Council, the Department of Conservation, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand as part of a wider Lake Clearwater Community Emergency Plan.

Collaborative effort and environmental consideration

The decision to implement a sprinkler system reflects a collective approach towards mitigating fire hazards within the community.

Don Geddes, Fire and Emergency Senior Advisor for Risk Reduction in Mid-South Canterbury, highlighted the increased fire risks during the peak summer season due to the influx of visitors engaging in activities that could potentially ignite fires.

He stated: “The community decided a sprinkler system was the preferred option for a fire break as it has no impact on the environment and requires little maintenance.” This initiative was partly funded by the Ashburton District Council, and the maintenance of the fire break will be managed by the community.

Acknowledging the efforts and future maintenance

The success of the project is attributed to the concerted efforts of the community, government bodies, and emergency services.

Special recognition was given to Greg Brake, Rural Controller at Lake Clearwater Volunteer Fire Brigade, for his contribution to the groundwork.

Geddes added: “This has been a long process and wouldn’t have been possible without the community, Department of Conservation, Ashburton District Council, and Fire and Emergency, especially our crew doing the groundwork.”

IFSJ Comment

By prioritising environmental sustainability and community collaboration, this project serves as a model for other regions facing similar wildfire threats.

The implementation of the green fire break enhances the safety of Lake Clearwater and its adjacent conservation areas, demonstrating a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction.

Moving forward, the maintenance and evaluation of this system will be crucial in ensuring its effectiveness and adaptability to evolving environmental conditions.

Model V-EP Attic sprinkler from Viking allows for design with lower flow rates

by Products

The Viking Corporation has announced availability of a new specific application sprinkler designed to protect challenging attic spaces. The 5.6 K-factor “Model V-EP” VK690 allows for an enhanced system design which eliminates the need for additional branch lines, reducing installation and materials costs. In addition, the sprinkler can reduce flow and pressure requirements compared to other attic protection schemes.

When used in conjunction with Viking’s existing Model VK697 5.6 K-factor attic upright sprinkler, the new Model V-EP attic sprinkler can protect up to 80 ft roof spans using 3 branch lines, and up to 100 ft spans with a 5 branch line design, with roof pitches ranging from 2½:12 through 6:12. Additionally, the VK697 and VK690 used together allow for flows as low as 20 gallons per minute and a minimum operating pressure of 13 psi. Thorough design criteria may be found on the sprinkler’s technical data sheet.

The cULus Listed sprinkler is available in brass or corrosion resistant ENT plating. With a thread size of 1/2” NPT or 15 mm BSPT, the 5.6 (80) K-factor sprinkler can be ordered with an intermediate temperature rating of 200° F (93° C).

The product joins Viking’s complete line of attic sprinklers, which also includes back-to-back, single directional, and HIP style sprinklers.

www.vikinggroupinc.com