Chubb, a leading global provider of fire safety, security and monitoring solutions and services, today launched a High-Rise Evacuation Alert System to assist the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services in safely evacuating residential buildings over 18 metres. Responding to the new Code of Practice recommendations outlined within British Standard (BS)
Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC) has called on contractors and installers to play their part in improving building safety by increasing their understanding of the performance capabilities of fire-resistant cables. The leading UK manufacturer of ‘fire-resistant’, or what they prefer to call ‘Fire Survival’, mineral insulated cables says it is vital
As our buildings become ever more complex, the importance of using only approved products which meets the latest regulations for fire safety cannot be emphasised enough. Here, Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, explains the significance of a new Code of Practice for Category 3 fire performance cables. As
A Nittan Evolution fire detection system has been installed into the Bloomfield Shopping Centre in Bangor by Nittan Elite Partner Solutions for Systems, based in Northern Ireland. Built in 1992, the Bloomfield Shopping Centre has for many years been North Down’s premier shopping destination, featuring a covered mall with 45 retailers,
The award-winning FIRETEX® FX6002 intumescent coating system from Sherwin-Williams has been selected to deliver fire protection of a new landmark in Milan’s financial district. UnipolSai Tower, currently under construction in the Porta Nuova district of the Italian city, will become the new local headquarters for leading Italian insurance and banking
A leading manufacturer of fire resistance cables believes building safety could remain a ‘ticking time bomb’ if product testing for fire cables is not strengthened. For many years, Wrexham Mineral Cables has been calling for more stringent testing standards as it believes too many cables are classified as fire resistant
Eye on the next generation as work experience opportunities made available to University of Ulster students SPIE UK, a subsidiary of SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, has been awarded a four-year contract to be the fire systems maintenance contractor with
The high-pressure water mist fire suppression system designed and manufactured by Yorkshire-based iMist has been awarded LABSS Registered Details certification, making it the only water mist system for domestic and residential projects to hold this prestigious certification. The LABSS Registered Details certification covers all of the components in iMist’s STX12
More than four years following the tragic fire in the Grenfell Tower, we are still waiting for the full legislative response from the government. While it is accepted that the public inquiry has yet to complete its work, are there measures, perhaps including some of those contained in Dame Judith
Dale Kinnersley, Principal Consultant at the FPA discusses the changes within the recently updated residential and domestic sprinkler standard BS 9251:2021 and the concern from UK insurers that this standard is inappropriate when considering the commercial hazards associated with multi-occupancy buildings. The recently updated residential and domestic sprinkler standard BS
Chubb, a leading global provider of fire safety, security and monitoring solutions and services, today launched a High-Rise Evacuation Alert System to assist the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services in safely evacuating residential buildings over 18 metres. Responding to the new Code of Practice recommendations outlined within British Standard (BS) 8629:2019, the High-Rise Evacuation Alert System will facilitate the immediate evacuation of any floor within a building to securely phase the evacuation process and provide the highest levels of tenant and asset protection. The system’s operating panel is housed within a tamper-proof enclosure that features an STS 205 BR2 security rating and can only be opened by a patented key and lock mechanism conforming to BS EN 1303. The easy-to-use toggles enable Fire and Rescue Services to instantly activate alarm sounders, whilst the LED indicators provide a clear overview of evacuation zone status to support quick and straightforward implementation of evacuation strategies. Suitable for both new build and retrofit applications, the system’s hybrid network capabilities offer building owners the flexibility to tailor the system to meet their specific requirements and the system can be continuously upgraded and extended to meet future legislative updates. The flexible nature of the system also provides building owners with the ability to wirelessly interlink each individual alarm sounder and visual alarm device to the hardwired evacuation alert control and indicating equipment panel. “For over 200 years, Chubb has been committed to making our customers world a safer place. The launch of our new High-Rise Evacuation Alert System is a reflection of this dedication, providing building owners with the highest possible standards of protection and performance,” said David Foord, Fire Sales Director, Chubb: “We understand the importance of ensuring the successful and safe evacuation of tenants in the event of a fire, which is why our latest system has been designed in accordance with BS 8629:2019, to provide complete peace of mind.” Supporting the installation and reporting stages, Chubb also provides proof of testing upon handover, in addition to regular testing in accordance with complete compliance. Featuring technology recommended within BS 8629:2019, the High-Rise Evacuation Alert System is also supported by Chubb’s nationwide network of dedicated engineering and support teams that provide building owners with industry-leading advice, knowledge, and service. To find out more, visit https://www.chubbfiresecurity.com/en/uk/products/fire/evacuation/evacuation-alert-system/
Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC) has called on contractors and installers to play their part in improving building safety by increasing their understanding of the performance capabilities of fire-resistant cables. The leading UK manufacturer of ‘fire-resistant’, or what they prefer to call ‘Fire Survival’, mineral insulated cables says it is vital they recognise the stresses real-life fire scenarios have on ‘fire-resistant’ cables so they can identify products that will truly withstand a critical situation. In order to meet the requirements of a fire-resistant cable, products must meet the British Standard appropriate to their type of fire-resistant cable, such as BS50200, BS8434, BS8519 and BS6387. All of these standards have a variant of time and temperature the cables are tested at under fire conditions, ranging from a 30 minute rated cable tested at 830oC to a three hour rated cable tested at 940oC. However, Wrexham Mineral Cables Commercial Manager Steve Williams says building safety could take a step forward if contractors and installers play a more active role in delivering change. Moreover, says the Company, this will require an increased awareness of the tests individual products undergo in order to obtain their fire resistance certification. For example, only ‘fire-resistant’ cables that are greater in diameter than 20mm must undergo testing for direct impacts and water testing with any significant pressure on a single test sample. For ‘fire-resistant’ cables under 20mm, different stages of the test are carried out on different samples of cable, whilst exposure to water is minimal. He commented: “There has been a real drive across the construction industry to make everybody in the supply chain more accountable throughout the various stages of the building’s existence. Fire survival cables are a vital component of building safety, yet because there is a lack of understanding about the important role they play in keeping buildings safe, all too often inferior cables are installed. The sad reality is these cables are not likely to be adequate in the event of a fire, putting lives at risk. “In an era of greater accountability, there should be no compromise; we can no longer aim for minimum compliance to get the job done. Whilst we believe there should be a higher classification of cables introduced to identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist fire, greater understanding of performance capabilities, particularly amongst contractors and installers, would go a long way to ensuring high performance products were used in every project. “As a market leader, we are committed to raising standards and are working hard to educate people – whether they are just starting out in their career or have many years’ experience – about the benefits of specifying ‘true’ fire survival cables. It is for this reason we offer training to students and experienced contractors – showing how we make and test our cables and demonstrating how they compare to other products – so they can be sure they are using a solution which is fit for purpose.” For more information, call 01978 810789 or email sales@wrexhammineralcables.com.
As our buildings become ever more complex, the importance of using only approved products which meets the latest regulations for fire safety cannot be emphasised enough. Here, Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, explains the significance of a new Code of Practice for Category 3 fire performance cables. As a responsible leader in the cabling industry, we are raising awareness of the dangers of not using approved cabling as specified under the revised version of the new Code of Practice for Category 3 fire performance cables under BS 8519: 2020. The signal and control equipment systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. Simply put, some of these systems will not survive in a fire if a sub-standard cable is installed. We point to the detail under the BS 8519:2020 which covers how to select and install fire-resistant power and control cable systems that, in the event of a fire, will maintain their circuit integrity for life safety and fire-fighting. The new Code is intended to inform designers, contractors, fire engineers, regulators and enforcers including building control bodies, fire authorities, Health and Safety inspectors and equipment suppliers and manufacturers. The gives guidance and recommendations on the selection and installation of fire-resistant power and control cable systems that need to maintain their circuit integrity for life safety and fire-fighting. It is primarily intended for use in buildings which, due to their size, height, form or use, require the installation of life safety and fire-fighting systems, e.g. sprinkler pumps, wet riser pumps, smoke control systems, fire-fighting and evacuation lifts or other systems as required by a fire engineering strategy. Customers, the wider fire safety industry and professionals have welcomed our message including the professional fire safety membership body the Institution of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO). We feel strongly about this issue as a matter of safety and compliance. Using inferior types of cable for these applications is dangerous and posing a major risk. We are receiving a very positive response from customers who appreciate the information on an issue of such importance. Category 3 Control fire performance cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. Indeed, these cables also help fire and rescue services to fight a fire and evacuate people in the event of an incident so we shouldn’t underestimate their importance. The standard clearly references and clarifies the products and levels of performance that should be used from specifiers to contractors and installers. We have received wide support for this information and the efforts we are making in the interests of safety for all concerned from the supply chain through to those responsible and the public using buildings in which these systems operate. As the only supplier in the UK with independent approval from LPCB for BS8519 Category 3 Control fire performance cables with a fire survival time of up to 120 minutes, AEI Cables is issuing the warning to all concerned, particularly those making decisions about fire safe products and systems. Under the detail of the revised standard, the practical applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables extend to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, care homes, shopping malls and stadia. BS 8519:2020 makes reference to the recommendations of BS 9999and BS 9991, with regard to the design and installation of the electrical distribution systems for life safety and fire-fighting equipment. It also makes reference to three categories of circuits required to maintain their circuit integrity under defined fire conditions for varying fire survival times of 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes. Appropriate cable tests are identified for each cable category derived from applicable British Standards assessing cable performance under conditions of fire as might be expected in an actual fire incident. BS 8519:2020 also aims to ensure that the level of circuit fire integrity is not compromised by other components of the whole electrical distribution system, including cable glands, terminations, joints and cable support systems. By incorporating this guidance into the selection of cabling for these critical systems, those using these striking new buildings can move about safe in the knowledge that they are safe. For further information tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk See www.aeicables.co.uk
A Nittan Evolution fire detection system has been installed into the Bloomfield Shopping Centre in Bangor by Nittan Elite Partner Solutions for Systems, based in Northern Ireland. Built in 1992, the Bloomfield Shopping Centre has for many years been North Down’s premier shopping destination, featuring a covered mall with 45 retailers, eight retail park units and three stand-alone restaurants. A new fire detection system was required at the site and, following detailed proposals by Solutions for Systems, a Nittan Evolution system was installed. William McBride of Solutions for Systems stated “Nittan were specified because the client required that the system selected be compliant, cost effective, user friendly and have functionality to permit integration with existing or future building management systems”. The new fire detection systems feature eight Nittan Evolution 1 fire alarm control panels installed in a network at strategic locations throughout the site, enabling site personnel to quickly and effectively access and assess any alerts on the fire alarm system without needing to return to the control room or to have dedicated staff located at a single panel in a control room. Evolution 1 are user-friendly touch screen panels that are both reliable and cost effective. Fully compliant with BS EN54 part 2 and 4, the Evolution 1 panels have been designed with separate dedicated menus for the user and installer. They have the capability of running up to 254 devices on the loop, while the flexible architecture means everything from a single standalone panel, to a 16 panel network can be achieved without any additional hardware. Evolution 1 panels are compatible with Nittan’s award winning Evolution range, which uses microprocessor technology in the sensors and sophisticated detection algorithms, combining extremely reliable fire detection together with a very high degree of protection against unwanted false alarms. Its advanced, highly flexible protocol is not only uniquely resistant to external interference, but also allows for substantial amounts of information to be transmitted at high speeds. At the shopping centre, Evolution EV-DPH-A2R Dual Optical Heat Detectors were selected, which feature Nittan’s award winning Dual Optical Technology to reduce false alarms, which retail environments are often prone to. Furthermore, the detectors also incorporate an A2R class heat detector. As such, the units are capable of monitoring two very different by-products of a fire –smoke and heat – so response to all fire types is significantly improved when compared with single sensor type units. The Evolution EV-DPH-A2R Detectors sit on Nittan EV-AV2-Sounder Beacon Bases which provide both sound and visual indication of alarm. The new BS5839 Part 1 compliant Nittan Evolution system installed at Bloomfield Shopping Centre is now in operation and meeting the needs of its customer. It provides the level of protection required at a competitive price, from the cost of the equipment through to the installation and ongoing maintenance. Whilst the cause-and-effect requirements of the centre and retail park are relatively complex and detailed, it was easy to configure with the Nittan system and a substantial part of the work to do so was performed off site which reduced on site disruption and installation costs. In addition, the system is open protocol and comes with an extended warranty which means the client has reassurance from an ongoing maintenance perspective that there should be minimal future costs after installation. The open protocol also ensures the Nittan system can readily interface with the existing centre BMS and also the systems in individual shop/retail units. For more information, please contact Nittan on 01483 769 555 or by email at sales@nittan.co.uk or go to www.nittan.co.uk.
The award-winning FIRETEX® FX6002 intumescent coating system from Sherwin-Williams has been selected to deliver fire protection of a new landmark in Milan’s financial district. UnipolSai Tower, currently under construction in the Porta Nuova district of the Italian city, will become the new local headquarters for leading Italian insurance and banking group Unipol, when it opens later in 2021. The 31,000m2 building offers a modern elliptical design over 26 stories, and is LEED Platinum certified to meet the highest environmental standards. Having examined the priorities to protect the steel structure in the event of a fire with up to 2,000 people working there at any one time, Sherwin-Williams experts selected FIRETEX® C69 Epoxy blast primer, followed by FIRETEX FX6002 methacrylate intumescent coating and a topcoat of Acrolon™ 7300 polyurethane for the project. Winner of a 2021 Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation, FIRETEX FX6002 can be applied off-site, enabling paint applicators to transport steelwork in a matter of hours rather than days – which means less downtime, fewer bottlenecks and faster project completion, as specified by the steel fabricator for the construction, MAEG Costruzioni Metalliche. The super-fast drying times and off-site application also allow for greater expression of architectural design. FIRETEX FX6002 can be applied direct to metal without the need for a primer or topcoat in some environments whilst retaining the highest levels of durability. With up to 120 minutes fire protection and long-term corrosion protection to the steelwork, the application of FIRETEX FX6002 makes it possible for steel sections to be coated and shipped in one day as opposed to one week in the same circumstances. Alessio Ortolan, General Manager of Maeg Costruzioni said: “This high-rise office block demands the highest level of fire protection in order to safeguard the structure and the thousands of employees inside. “Sherwin-Williams offered the solution we needed to coat the necessary 5,000 tonnes of steel including H profiles and rectangular beams which connect the external diagrid to the reinforced concrete core. Using FX6002 allowed us to apply off-site, leading to a quick throughput and less damage to the coated beams when lifted into place.” FIRETEX FX6002 can be used on a diverse range of steel section types and for different fire protection scenarios. Valter Volta, Sherwin-Williams Regional Sales Manager for South East Europe, said: “Where the lives of people and safety of property are at stake, only the highest level of fire protection measures can ensure the building’s long-term viability.” “FIRETEX FX6002 offers fabricators across Europe high-quality passive fire protection coatings, which also help in reducing bottlenecks and project costs.” Projects using fire protection coatings delivered by Sherwin-Williams in EMEAI include London’s The Shard and the Leadenhall Building (known as The Cheesegrater), as well as Azerbaijan’s Flame Towers. For more information, visit the FX6002 website.
A leading manufacturer of fire resistance cables believes building safety could remain a ‘ticking time bomb’ if product testing for fire cables is not strengthened. For many years, Wrexham Mineral Cables has been calling for more stringent testing standards as it believes too many cables are classified as fire resistant yet are not fit for purpose in real-life fire scenarios. Under current standards, only ‘fire-resistant’ cables greater than 20mm in diameter undergo testing for direct impacts to reflect falling debris and water jet testing on a single test sample. For ‘ENHANCED fire resistant’ cables under 20mm, no direct impact test takes place, and the water test is just a spray test, whilst different stages of each test are carried out on different samples of cable. Wrexham Mineral Cables believes this is putting lives at risk. It comes at a time when London’s Fire Commissioner Andy Roe has called for urgent change in the building industry as the number of blocks of flats in London with fire safety failings is now more than 1,000. Whilst a majority of the issues are due to cladding, the remainder have other fire safety defects, and in all of these buildings, LFB has suspended its ‘stay put strategy’. Wrexham Mineral Cables Commercial Manager Steve Williams says testing needs to be strengthened for all fire-resistant cables as part of the construction industry’s wider drive to improve building safety. He commented: “ENHANCED fire-resistant’ cables play a fundamental role in ensuring that emergency and building critical systems are supportedin the event of a fire. Not only do they provide early indication of a fire, they keep them safe whilst providing extended time for rescue services to evacuate occupants and ensure critical circuits remain functional for longer periods. This is particularly critical in high rise buildings where evacuation times can be extensive or hindered due to the sheer size of the building. “The tests which construction products are subjected to need to be relevant and relied upon. It is extremely concerning that ‘ENHANCED fire-resistant’ cables most commonly being used in fire alarms, emergency lighting, extraction systems, monitoring systems or even backup generators may not survive fire, water, and direct impact. If this remains the case, building safety will remain a ticking time bomb.” Mr Williams says Mineral Insulated Copper Cable (MICC) is the only fire performance cable that, in historical testing, has survived over 1000˚C, whilst being subjected to direct hammer blows and a full water pressure test using a fire hose. Samples tested have been measured at just 5.7mm in diameter and maintained circuit integrity for over 3 hours. He added: “We remain committed to raising industry standards. And the only way to achieve this is by introducing a higher classification for such products. The Government’s review of current systems for testing construction products was a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure the safety of buildings. Regardless of size or construction, if a cable is required to function in the event of a fire, each single cable sample must have to pass a true fire scenario test, helping identify those which can survive, rather than simply resist fire. Ensuring that the tests which construction products are subjected to are relevant and can be relied upon is the only way we can make buildings truly safe.”
Eye on the next generation as work experience opportunities made available to University of Ulster students SPIE UK, a subsidiary of SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, has been awarded a four-year contract to be the fire systems maintenance contractor with the University of Ulster. The SPIE UK team will be working across all four of the university’s campuses, which are located at Magee (Derry/Londonderry), Coleraine, Jordanstown and Belfast. As part of the contract, SPIE will be conducting planned and reactive maintenance, servicing and repair of fire alarms and gas suppression on a 24/7, 365 days-a-year basis. SPIE UK will also conduct any upgrades to the fire systems as is appropriate. Already being a supplier of services to the university, the SPIE team was well placed to identify bespoke benefits that they could offer to the University of Ulster, including specific system upgrade works. The contract will run for four years, with an optional extension period of a further four years. Working in the community… The University of Ulster has a proud reputation for its regional community engagement and continues to make a major contribution to the economic, social, and cultural development of Northern Ireland. As part of their work with the university, SPIE will likewise be engaging in a number of community benefit pledges. These include the creation of work experience placements across technical and administrative roles for University of Ulster students, as well as participation in the university’s career events. Jim Skivington, Divisional Managing Director, SPIE UK, said, “We are delighted to have been chosen by the University of Ulster to support them as their fire systems maintenance contractor. The team’s deep knowledge and relationship with the university were key to understanding the improvements that needed to be made. I know that that the team is also very much looking forward to supporting the university in its efforts to engage the local community and support its graduate programme, helping to develop the next generation of professionals in the built environment in Northern Ireland.”
The high-pressure water mist fire suppression system designed and manufactured by Yorkshire-based iMist has been awarded LABSS Registered Details certification, making it the only water mist system for domestic and residential projects to hold this prestigious certification. The LABSS Registered Details certification covers all of the components in iMist’s STX12 proprietary high pressure water mist system which includes its STN12 nozzle type. This means that individual projects in Scotland that use the iMist system will not require a project specific in-depth review by Building Standards as the LABSS certificate attests that it has already been assessed and approved for suitability. The certification followed a near year-long comprehensive review of the iMist system with thorough examination of its system design, installation, operation and maintenance manual, including assessing safety in case of fire; safety in use and durability serviceability and identification. Going forward, an annual review process will be carried out before the LABSS certificate is renewed. “With the tightening of regulations post-Grenfell, every fire suppression system should, rightly, undergo a robust review. As water mist systems are a relatively new alternative to traditional sprinkler systems, the authorities in Scotland wanted to understand exactly how the iMist system works and undertook a detailed assessment covering all aspects of the system,” explains Timothy Andrews, iMist business development director. “We have been able to evidence the efficacy of our system which is designed to suppress a fire by automatically discharging very small droplets into the air at high pressure. This fine mist remains in the air, displaces oxygen from the seat of the fire, has a cooling effect and provides surface wetting to limit the fire spread. “LABSS Registered Detail certification means that anyone choosing an iMist system for domestic or most residential projects should be able to fast-track their scheme as the Scottish Government’s Building Standards Divisions (BSD) now has the confidence that the iMist system has passed a thorough assessment.” Use of the LABSS registration negates the need to consult with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) under Section 11 of The Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (as amended). A verifier may still wish to consult with SFRS under Section 10 of the legislation. Alex Pollard, operations director of the fast-growing Hull headquartered business, adds: “Having had an office near Sterling for a number of years, we already have a presence in Scotland and expect the award of the LABSS certificate to turbocharge our business here, creating new jobs for engineers as we expand our operation. “As a business at the forefront of developing new fire suppressant solutions, we are proud to be awarded the LABSS accreditation, alongside our existing LABC certification in England, both of which give people the peace of mind of knowing that the iMist system has been thoroughly tried, tested and approved by the relevant regulatory bodies.”
More than four years following the tragic fire in the Grenfell Tower, we are still waiting for the full legislative response from the government. While it is accepted that the public inquiry has yet to complete its work, are there measures, perhaps including some of those contained in Dame Judith Hackitt’s report from 2018, which could have been introduced already? The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) is convinced that there are initiatives which could be undertaken today, without pre-judging any findings of the public inquiry. For example, chief among these would be the introduction of a legal requirement for third-party certification of fire-resisting doorsets. The Hackitt report calls for third-party certification of safety-critical construction products and it is clear that fire doorsets at Grenfell failed to protect the landings and the stairwell from smoke and fire spreading from the flats. This failure to protect the escape route had fatal consequences. Fire door certification could be introduced without affecting requirements relating to other components or structures which may be still under consideration. There are several certification schemes in existence today covering manufacture, installation and inspection of fire doorsets, but, even so, some time would inevitably be required for existing facilities to be expanded. This makes it all the more important to begin the process now, without waiting for decisions to be made in other areas. “Fire-resisting doorsets are obviously safety-critical and should therefore be subject to third party certification, at least when the intended use is in high-risk buildings,” explains DHF’s General Manager and Secretary, Michael Skelding. “There really should be little need for discussion on this. If we wait for all the other issues raised by Grenfell to be debated before dealing with this one, we are missing a golden opportunity to make a significant improvement in fire safety in high-risk residential buildings”. DHF’s recommendations come on the cusp of this year’s Fire Door Safety Week, a national safety awareness campaign that was first launched in 2013 and is, this year, taking place from 20th – 26th September. DHF has been a long-standing supporter of the objectives of Fire Door Safety Week, and as always, the federation will be putting its weight behind the campaign’s objectives to raise awareness of the critical role that fire doors play in saving lives and protecting property. “We are very pleased to be able to support Fire Door Safety Week once again this year, and applaud its efforts to increase the public’s understanding of the role that fire doors play,” says Michael. “We continue to stress that the use of fire doorsets, correctly installed and with robust fire door maintenance procedures, are a vital part of fire safety and urge those in positions of responsibility to seek the correct training with regards to installation and maintenance. Equally important is that companies carrying out the manufacturing, installation and repair of these doorsets are also certified.”
Dale Kinnersley, Principal Consultant at the FPA discusses the changes within the recently updated residential and domestic sprinkler standard BS 9251:2021 and the concern from UK insurers that this standard is inappropriate when considering the commercial hazards associated with multi-occupancy buildings. The recently updated residential and domestic sprinkler standard BS 9251:2021 (Fire sprinkler systems for domestic and residential occupancies code of practice) has introduced multi-occupancy (mixed use) opportunities for buildings, which overlap into commercial and industrial fire hazard classifications already suitably covered by BS EN 12845, to reflect the fire load and characteristics of the occupancies. While BS 9251 is listed within Approved Document B and is recognised as a life safety standard, there is major concern from UK insurers that this standard does not appropriately consider the implications of the commercial and industrial risks, or the fire loads associated with these risks, which may actually compromise the life safety intent of BS 9251. While BS 9251 has a place within the industry for ‘life safety’ and to help achieve conditions where occupants of a building can escape safely in the event of fire before structural failure or collapse, this is generally the only obligation government legislation requires. The standard is limited in its robustness and resilience in terms of providing an element of ‘property protection’ associated with the sprinkler system. Acceptability of sprinkler protection by property insurers is contingent on the application of commercial and industrial design standards. This is confirmed by UK insurers, where sprinkler-protected buildings to BS 9251 are considered effectively un-sprinklered for property-underwriting purposes. Table 4 of BS 9251 is misleading in that it lists commercial areas of multi-occupancy buildings where sprinkler heads should be used, and the density of discharge’s suitability for Ordinary Hazard commercial and industrial applications. However, it then goes on to list ‘Areas of Operation’, such as in, but limited to: car parking within or beneath a block of flats retail shop units bar/restaurant/café plant rooms bin store located within or beneath the flats These are significantly less than the Areas of Operation specified in the current LPC Rules: BS EN 12845:2015 Fixed firefighting systems – automatic sprinkler systems – design, installation and maintenance (+A1:2019) (Incorporating corrigenda December 2015 and January 2016). There appears to be no justification or explanation for these reductions in areas of operation. Where buildings are multi-occupancy – which has become more common in recent years – the requirement for the correct selection of sprinkler protection should be based on the highest risk classification within the building in question. This is covered within BS 9251 clause 4.1 note 3, and further clarified in clauses 4.2.3.2 sub clauses a) and i), and clause 4.2.4 sub clause f), where the requirement of the sprinkler system should be discussed and agreed with the ‘insurer(s) of the building and its contents.’ Where property insurers are one of the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), in addition to building control, the standard or level of sprinkler protection is typically specified as the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations 2015 incorporating BS EN 12845. This standard is based on research and testing, resulting in a more robust and comprehensive sprinkler system that covers both property protection and the life safety requirement which is fully backed by the UK insurance industry. For example, car parking facilities within BS 9251 have an assumed fire area of 100m². The same fire hazard within BS EN 12845 has an assumed fire area of 144m² with a sprinkler discharge design density of 5mm/minute. However, it should be noted that modern car parking facilities now encompass vehicles which are larger, heavier, contain more plastics (including fuel tanks), and may have lithium-ion batteries and electrical charging stations. In addition to this, the building structure configuration – sloped ramps, denser parking, and poor fire service access – all add to the complexity of fire control. Fire hazards associated with these increased risks are higher fire loads, fire spread due to radiation and convection, fuel leakage resulting in running fuel fires, shielded fires, thermal runaway within lithium-ion batteries, lower ceilings, and higher temperatures. These all require further consideration for increased sprinkler protection from beyond current LPC Rules and BS EN 12845 requirements, rather than a reduced allowance as specified in the new release of BS 9251. It has been recently advised, for insurance purposes, that the risk for car parks should be based on the core guidance for hazard classification assessments, which considers: presence of plastics the likelihood of a shielded fire, where the vehicle obstructs the sprinkler from a fire either below or within the vehicle presence of flammable liquids possibility of pool fires or running flammable liquid fires presence of other hazards such as li-ion batteries or charging stations This would fall into category HHP3 of BS EN 12845, with a sprinkler design requirement of a 12.5mm/minute design density over the fire area to protect against these risks. Insurer losses and recently published car park fires support this approach. NFPA has undertaken a research project on this matter, and NFPA 13 has already made adjustments for the next edition, which is due imminently in light of known and recognised concerns to the new risk profile. Retail shop units are also included in table 4 of the new BS 9251, which implies the sprinkler design criteria, based on an assumed fire area of 100m², would be adequate. BS EN 12845 however requires a much larger assumed fire area of up to 216m², with a design density of 5mm/minute to control fires in storage areas. This allows for storage typically found in retail units (either in sales area displays, stock rooms, or both), which can be expected to consist of a range of stored products on different storage configurations to various storage heights also benefiting from a water supply duration of 60 minutes. Plant rooms are another commercial and industrial risk, which are usually located either below ground or on the top floor of the building. These fire risks are classified within BS EN 12845
