 |
| The project will test the viability of retrofitting sprinklers to an existing residential tower block |
In what is believed to be the first initiative of its kind, a project to retrofit a sprinkler system to an existing residential tower block got underway last week in Sheffield.
Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Homes have joined with the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) to install the system at Callow Mount in Gleadless, a 38-year old social housing block occupied mainly by elderly residents.
The project will test the viability and cost of retrofitting a sprinkler system to an existing residential tower block and is thought to be the first in the UK where residents will remain in occupancy during the work.
The likely cost of the project is around £80,000 which is being fully funded by BAFSA and its members.
The US-based International Fire Sprinkler Association have also provided funding to help promote the lessons learnt from the project, and to provide technical information for housing authorities and landlords who wish to provide similar protection.
In addition to the normal warranties and guarantees included in the contract, the project will be overseen by Warrington Certification, who will be reviewing each stage to ensure that the design and installation meets the required standards.
On completion, a report will include practical guidance for other local authorities and private landlords to use when considering the safety potential and economic benefits of retrofitting fire sprinklers in their high-rise accommodation.
Peter Armstrong, chairman of BAFSA, said: “The project will provide the opportunity to demonstrate the practicability and cost effectiveness of using sprinklers to safely protect people from fire in high-rise tower blocks”.
Assistant chief fire officer Neil Hessell of South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “This is an innovative and ground breaking project, and we are delighted that BAFSA have chosen to pilot this initiative in Sheffield. We are supportive of community based projects to increase the safety of local residents. This sprinkler system will certainly mean the residents of Callow Mount will be safer if they were unfortunate enough to suffer a fire in the future, and could save lives.”
