TB038-installation-of-fire-sprinkler-systems-mv1

TECHNICAL BULLETININSTALLATION OF FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMSSprinkler systems are a method of fixed fire protection which have been in use for over 100 years. Automaticsprinkler systems have the ability to detect and control outbreaks of fire and reduce chances of fire damage.1. BACKGROUNDAccording to British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA), European statistics over a 10 year period show that wheresprinklers are installed in buildings, 99% of fires were controlled by sprinklers alone and 60% were controlled by fewer than foursprinkler heads. Fire fighters can use 10,000 times more water to control the same size of firei.Sprinkler systems are covered by a grid of pipes at ceiling level which have heads that activate at settemperatures (usually 68⁰Cii).There are three main types of pipe systems used depending on the area in the building: wet pipe, drypipe and alternate.Wet pipe is commonly used with pipes permanently filled with water. If there is a risk of freezing then Fire Sprinkler iiidry pipe is selected with no water and alternate is a compromise between the two if there are certaintimes of year where there is a higher risk of water freezing.2. LEGISLATIONCurrent legislation and guidance on installation of sprinkler systems is as follows: - Approved Document B states new residential blocks over 30m high must be fitted with sprinklers as well as non- compartmented areas in shops/storage buildings/commercial buildings over 2000m2. Installation of sprinklers will allow for flexibility in other areas of the building which includes distance to the nearest fire exit on each floor or how close the building can be to an adjacent neighbour. - The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which replaced most existing fire legislation requires employers and other responsible people to consider whether they should comply with their duty by the installation of fixed fire suppression systems. - BS 9251:2014 is a code of practice for fire sprinklers systems for domestic and residential occupancies. - BS EN 12845:2015 covers Fixed Firefighting Systems – Automatic Sprinklers Systems – Design, Installation and MaintenanceThese standards include detailed guidance on all factors affecting the design, maintenance and installation of a sprinkler systemand should be referred to if work with sprinkler systems is being carried out.3. SPRINKLER DESIGN CONSIDERATIONSDesigning sprinkler systems requires preliminary work and consultations. The designer must consider:- Risks to be protected including fire loading TB/038 1 of 3

INSTALLATION OF FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMSTB/038 - Type of occupancy of property - Water supply requirements and availability - Special circumstancesSome parts of the building may have different fire requirements depending on the occupancy type and this must be consideredearly on.Consultation is also required at this stage with relevant Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or those with a direct interest. Theseinclude the fire authority, licensing authority, licensed water supplier, building control body, insurer of dwelling and client.The category of the system also needs to be determined at the design stage. Residential buildings up to a height of 45m are usuallycovered by BS 9251. Anything higher than this must be defined by AHJ as to whether extra measures are needed or BS EN 12845should be followed. Details of how different categories are defined can be found in BS 9251.Sometimes sprinklers may be used as a compensatory feature to overcome circumstances where buildings may not be able to befully compliant with guidance. For example: - Older buildings which cannot achieve recommended fire resistance - New builds with less access for fire appliances - Loft conversions with no escape route possibleThis is something that can be determined through consultation, following which sprinklers can be considered as a compensatoryfeature as long as AHJ’s determine that they will provide equivalent resilience to those expected in the guidance. Complianceshould be recorded on a compliance certificate.4. DESIGNBS9251 states: residential systems should be designed by a competent person in accordance with componentmanufacturer’s instruction and installed by a competent person in accordance with the designer’s specification.BS EN 12845 states: only trained and experienced personnel should undertake the design, installation and maintenanceof the system. Competent technicians should be used in the installation and testing of equipment.5. MEASURE OF COMPETENCEInsurers expect installers to demonstrate competence when installing sprinklers systems which can be done by becomingaccredited through a Third Party Accreditation Scheme. Manufacturers and designers may prefer an installation be carried out byan accredited company to ensure the system is installed correctly and becoming accredited can be used as evidence of competenceto the insurer and client.Some available accreditation schemes are LPS 1048 run by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), Exova, and InternationalFire Consultants.TB/038 2 of 3

INSTALLATION OF FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMSTB/0386. ADVICE AND COMPETENCEAny contractor wishing to carry out installation of sprinkler systems should seek to be accredited by a scheme to highlight theircompetence. Further information and guidance on sprinkler installation can be found on the BAFSA website.For any further queries about sprinkler installations please contact the technical team or BAFSA who can provide further guidanceon this issue.Note: this document is based on knowledge available at the time of publication and is meant for general purposes, not for reliance on in relation to specifictechnical or legal issues, in which case you should always seek independent advice. No responsibility of any kind for any injury, death, loss, damage or delayhowever caused, resulting from the use of the advice and recommendations contained herein, is accepted by the authors or others involved in its publication(including the Building & Engineering Services Association). 14/09/2017i http://www.bafsa.org.uk/sprinkler-information/sprinkler-facts.phpii http://www.rmpartners.co.uk/resources/automatic-sprinklersiii https://www.cfcsystems.com/services/fire-sprinklers/ TB/038 3 of 3