In the wake of last month’s MPs debate on the role of sprinkler systems in schools, a concrete industry group has said that sprinklers should not be viewed as the only main line of defence against fires.
“While sprinkler systems have a role to play in defending against fire, they should be installed over and above the maximum of fire protection provided by construction materials and not in lieu of,” said Andrew Minson, head of the Concrete Centre, a concrete industry marketing organisation. “The passive fire protection of construction materials such as concrete and masonry is the best place to start, particularly in case of fire sprinkler system failure”.
The organisation says non-combustible concrete and masonry construction provides up to four hours of inherent fire resistance and provides fire containment through compartmentation. It says these features are built-in, do not change over the life of a structure and do not require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure proper operation.
