Fire safety is serious business in the UK and throughout the developed world. Many people feel that we are generally overly cautious when it comes to fire safety with all our fire drills and regulations regarding fire safety. And if citizens and the general public feel this way, what’s left for building, design & construction professionals. Ensuring that all buildings are built and constructed in accordance with fire safety regulations often hikes up building costs, thus resulting in higher property prices. However, we are in no way implying that fire safety regulations should be scrapped. On the contrary, they should be vigorously implemented. Recent Grenfell Tower tragedy showed us just how important fire safety regulations are. It also showed that additional elements like cladding should be added with caution, especially if the materials in question are flammable. Fire safety regulations have a long history in the UK, so we decided to have a look at the historical events and developments that gave us the current legal landscape. Generally speaking, legislation of areas that are considered to be potentially risky, has been becoming a lot more restrictive lately. In certain areas like gambling, the changes have been more drastic and even though it is still legal to play casino games like White Rabbit slot the legal framework has gone through a series of changes. Fire safety regulations have been changing gradually over the centuries. First acts from the 17th and 18th century It is interesting to note that the first fire safety regulations predate the United Kingdom. There has been legislation governing fire safety in the Kingdom of England, Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of Great Britain, all of which are predecessor states of the United Kingdom. The first act in England that regulated construction of buildings and roads with the aim of fire prevention was passed shortly after the Great Fire of London of 1666. This event from over 350 years ago shows that legislation is more often reactionary than preventive. Other laws and acts were implemented in the following years. Scotland, i.e. the Kingdom of Scotland passed an act in 1698, following a number of fires in Edinburgh. The Fires Prevention (Metropolis) Act of 1774 was the first thorough, all encompassing act that regulates multiple aspects of fire safety. Modern legislation The first piece of legislation that regulates fire safety in the United Kingdom was the Explosives Act of 1875, under which fire brigades were put in charge of storing explosives. The Petroleum Act of 1928 regulated the storage of petroleum and the operation of petrol stations. A series of bylaws regarding building and other building regulation acts have been passed from 1930 onward. In fact, there were so many local bylaws that regulated building standards in different counties, areas, towns and cities, so that in 1936 with the Public Health Act as single set of regulations 1,400 different regional bylaws were replaced. The Public Health Act was amended in 1961, but its aim and scope remained the same. Most regulations that have been implemented over the years were not retrospective. In laymen terms this means that buildings that have been built prior to the passing of the act in question weren’t required to be amended to meet the new regulations. This was the case until the Fire Safety Order of 2005 which requires all buildings, i.e. the responsible person for the respective building to conduct a risk assessment and ensure that the building has a sufficient level of fire safety. The Fire Services Act of 1947 was the first act that gave fire brigades specific responsibilities and allowed the establishment of protocols and other internal acts and bylaws. The Fire Precautions Act was passed in 1971, but it was repealed by the above-mentioned Fire Safety Order if 2005. The Building Act and the Fire Safety Order When it comes to building and regulations that govern what sort of materials should be used, and what level of fire safety is to be implement in construction, the 1984 Building Act is the most important regulative Act in England Wales. In addition to provisions that regulate the building process, maintenance and reporting on safety is also regulated by the Building Act. Section 15 of the Act refers to the consultation with fire authority and includes provisions that regulate this area. The last passed act and the one that’s currently in force is the Regulatory Reform Order of 2005, also known as the Fire Safety Order. This act was mentioned above, and it regulates all aspects and all areas within fire safety. The text of the law is divided into several parts, including a general part, a part that covers the fire safety duties, an enforcement part, offences and appeals are discussed in the fourth part and then there’s a miscellaneous part. It is not difficult to predict that the current legislative will be amended, considering the number of local and nationwide initiatives that were launched lately, especially following the Grenfell Tower fire.

Sprinkler tank refurbishment is the most cost-effective way to deal with a range of common water tank problems. Though not always possible, it is the preferred remedy because refurbishment delivers a long-term solution. If a tank is identified during an independent inspection as suitable for remedial works, this is the course of action that should be followed. As well as delivering durable repairs, it will offer cost savings and limit disruption. Many site owners and municipalities don’t recognise the benefits of refurbishing a fire sprinkler tank. Others don’t even know it is possible. They simply assume an old, corroded or leaking LPCB tank has reached the end of its life. While sometimes a tank will need to be replaced, discarding one that can be repaired is bad for the environment and the more expensive option. There are lots of good reasons why refurbishment is the better choice. So, is it worth having your water tank repaired? Water tank refurbishment The fact is that water tank refurbishment is worth it – if your tank is considered a suitable candidate. Not only will it save money, it will ensure a tank carries on storing water for a fire sprinkler system for many years to come. Other benefits include: Deals with the presence of any corrosion Stops water from being wasted Reduces short and medium-term disruption of water supplies to a sprinkler system Negates the need for a tank to be decommission and removed Minimises on-site hassles Keeps insurers happy Many sprinkler tank refurbishment projects are carried out to reduce downtime. Refurbishment is a much quicker process than draining, dismantling and removing an existing tank ahead of the installation of a new one. Concrete, galvanised steel and GRP tanks are routinely refurbished across the UK. Less expensive than the sometimes-complicated removal process, repairs take a fraction of the time. Fire sprinkler tanks suitable for refurbishment may present with any of the following common problems: Weak spots in tank walls Presence of corrosion Blisters of rust inside the tank Leaks Splits If caught in time, all these issues can be effectively remedied with refurbishment. Sprinkler tank refurbishment process The processes involved in sprinkler tank refurbishment mean a tank will have to be drained before work can start. A contractor will always give a clear indication of how long this is likely to take. Once a tank is empty, the repairs can begin. A typical works schedule will include: Closure of the inlet valve Isolation of electrics Pumps tagged Tank draining Installation of ventilation and other safety equipment Removal of sediment with specialist wet vacuums Repair of tank’s internal surfaces Application of surface tolerant coating Once this work has been completed, and following a necessary ‘curing’ period, a tank can be refilled and put back into service. This type of refurbishment is guaranteed to last for a decade by reputable contractors. They will ensure that a project is completed to the very highest standards. In addition, all those working on the project will have the necessary safety training. Always use a contractor accredited by CHAS. This help you save time at the tendering stage and limits the amount of paperwork that will need to be duplicated. Other things to look out for are links to recognised trade associations, such as the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association. The last thing you want is an unqualified, unaccredited contractor working on a vital component of your life saving sprinkler system. Extending the life of an LPCB sprinkler tank Because an LPCB sprinkler tank forms an integral part of loss prevention strategies, it makes sense to ensure they are properly maintained. Routine checks can flag up early warning signs and ensure sprinkler tank refurbishment is a viable option. Experts recommend yearly inspections from an independent contractor. As well as helping you to save money, this process is convenient and economical. All inspections below the water line should be carried out with ROV equipment. This will ensure a tank does not have to be drained for the process. A fire sprinkler system will be fully operational throughout. If you are ever approached by an inspection team that wants to drain your tank, call another contractor. It is not necessary and significantly adds to the cost. It also wastes water and time. Importantly, it will knock out your sprinkler system’s water supply. Sprinkler tank refurbishment is a savvy move. If you are told by a qualified expert that your water tank is suitable, get the work done. It will be guaranteed and last for at least a decade. At a time when the risks posed by fire are very rarely out of the headlines, now is the time to act. Ignoring problems can make them worse and significantly add to the final cost of putting things right.