The government has been urged to make the installation of sprinklers mandatory in all residential buildings, hotels, hospitals, schools and care homes taller than 11 metres.
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) have signed a statement that also calls for sprinklers to be retrofitted where possible.
Sprinklers are legally required in new residential buildings of 10 storeys or higher since 2007 in England. However, the regulations do not apply retrospectively and are less stringent than those enforced in Wales, where they are required in all new homes.
The letter also calls for the installation for sprinklers and other automatic fire suppression systems in high-risk buildings below 11 metres.
RICS, RIBA and CIOB said they would “bring forward guidance” of their own on the issue “in the absence of government legislation.”
The statement also says: “Lives, stock and property are saved by the use of Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS), which includes sprinklers.
“At present, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland differ in their requirements on sprinklers yet the science of fire knows no political or geographical boundaries. Harmonising building regulations across the nation states of the UK regarding the installation of sprinklers would provide clarity to the industry and help protect the public.”
FIREX International 2019, Europe’s leading fire safety event, will feature a Sprinkler & Suppression Zone. The event takes place 18-20 June 2019 at ExCeL London. Book your free ticket now.
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