Sprinklers

Sprinkler systems installed in buildings can reduce the risk to life and significantly reduce the degree of damage caused by fire. A sprinkler is a device that detects a fire and uses water to control the fire, although there are some popular misconceptions as to their operation, particularly with respect to the number of heads that operate.

Sprinklers have been incorporated in buildings for some considerable time and were originally seen and developed as a means of reducing fire losses to property and contents. Over recent years there has been a growing recognition of their use as a means of contributing to life safety, which is recognised in current guidance to the Building Regulations.

The recognition of their contribution to life safety can be largely attributed to their good record in detecting, suppressing and controlling a fire to a much smaller size than would otherwise be the case without sprinklers.

Sprinkler provision may be used where the provisions of Building Regulations are varied in some way. It is normal to install sprinklers throughout the building. However, if installed as a compensatory feature to address a particular risk or hazard, it may be acceptable to protect a specific part of a building.

To find out more about sprinklers download our sprinklers leaflet here.

Further guidance and information is available below from:

• The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association
• Automatic Water Suppression Systems – Chief Fire Officers Association guide to Automatic Water Suppression Systems
• Sprinklers in schools – Chief Fire Officers Association guide to sprinkler systems in schools
•  Fire Sprinkler - Fire Sprinkler information and Discussion Forum