FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems
The British standards associated with sprinkler systems are as follows.
BS 9251 is the main British Standard covering fire sprinklers in this country. BS 9251 gives guidance for the design, installation, components, water supplies and backflow protection, commissioning, maintenance and testing of fire sprinkler systems installed for life safety purposes with additional benefits for property protection in residential and domestic occupancies.
Sprinkler systems are the most effective way to ensure that fires are suppressed or even extinguished before the fire rescue service can attend the site. Sprinkler systems save lives and can reduce injuries, the additional benefit of protecting firefighters who attend incidents and contribute to reducing the amount of damage to both property and the environment from fire. BS 9251: 2014, British Standard for Fire sprinkler Systems for Domestic and Residential Occupancies. Specifically for domestic and residential fire sprinkler installations. This standard sets the minimum requirements for the design, installation, and commission of a fire sprinkler system.
Specific requirements for a sprinkler systems are shown below:
- Minimum flow rates: 60 litres per minute (lpm) through a single nozzle or 42lpm for multiple nozzles.
- Minimum design: 2 nozzles for domestic and 4 nozzles for residential properties.
- Minimum duration: 10 minutes for domestic properties, 30 minutes for residential properties.
- Minimum nozzle spacings: no more than 2m from any wall or corner, no closer apart than 4m.
The National Fire Sprinkler Network Report 2017 stated the following, reducing average property loss by up to 70% . In the UK there has never been a fire death in a building with a fully maintained sprinkler system. Fires are extinguished or controlled in 99% of sprinkler protected properties.
Weekly Testing & Servicing of Fire Sprinkler Systems
- Testing alarms, Pump/engine test.
- Test air compressors if installed, Check isolating valve positions, Heating systems/frost protection Monthly: Battery level checks, Water Storage tank security
Routine Servicing of Fire Sprinkler Systems
- Quarterly: Review of hazard, Inspection of pipework/supports, Water supply flow tests, Exercise stop valves, Test flow switches.
- Six Monthly: Alternate pipe system – change over from air to water/ water to air, Check electrical signal to Fire brigade Annually: Pump service, Check tank ball float valves, Engine service, Valve service/inspection.
- 3 Yearly: Inspect tanks, All valves & non return valves, Inspection, service and overhaul as necessary.
- Other Intervals: Tank drain down & clean – 10 yearly, Sprinkler head performance testing to suit rules.
In the UK residential and domestic fire sprinklers need to be serviced at least every 12 months. This is a legal requirement, so you do need to ensure that you get these systems serviced if they’re in your premises and it’s your responsibility to do so. The legal requirement is set out by the British Standard BS 9251:2014 which covers the regulations for all types of fire sprinkler systems.
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Weekly Fire Alarm Testing Guidance
Weekly fire alarm testing is vital to ensure the reliability and readiness of the fire detection and alarm system in protecting life and property. Regular tests confirm that alarm sounders, manual call points, and signalling paths, including connections to any Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), are functioning correctly and that any faults are identified and addressed promptly. Conducting tests at the same time each week also helps occupants recognise the alarm sound and reinforces fire safety awareness, while providing early warning of potential system issues before an actual emergency occurs.
Externally Monitored to Ensure that we meet a High Standard of Service.
As members of the SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board), We maintain service records and monitor our success. The SSAIB, is a leading certification body for organisations providing security systems and services, fire detection alarm systems, and monitoring services. So, you can be confident that we strive to provide our clients with a reliable and professional level of service.
