A new report released by the London Assembly’s Planning Committee has outlined recommendations for making the installation of Automatic Fire Suppression Systems including sprinklers mandatory in all new-build residential developments above 18 metres in height.
The report, called ‘Never Again: Sprinklers as the next step in fire safety’, has been drawn up in response to the recent Grenfell Tower tragedy, and states that “London cannot afford to ignore the deadly consequences of failing to protect its buildings from fire”.
Published by the London Assembly’s Navin Shah AM, the report calls for a risk-based, phased, ‘road map’ towards making sprinklers mandatory in all homes in England. This includes the recommendation that “Building Regulations should require all new residential buildings over 18 metres – 6 storeys – high, new care homes and sheltered housing be fitted with sprinklers immediately.” It also recommends the retrofitting of sprinklers in all existing tall buildings, care homes and sheltered housing.
The London Assembly report follows Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, which is due to release its final report in Spring 2018.
Paul Teasdale, Chief Executive of Premier Technical Services Group PLC (PTSG) said: “We fully support the call for mandatory sprinkler systems in residential buildings and will continue to work closely with local authorities and building managers to provide fit-for-purpose fire suppression systems for their facilities.
“Since we founded our dedicated Fire Solutions division we have installed sprinkler systems to more than 3,500 residential buildings nationwide. They are a cost-effective safety measure and are proven to save lives, so it is self-evident that we should be looking at installing them to new buildings as well as retro-fitting.
Paul added: “The London Assembly’s report outlines the size of the task ahead to protect the city’s residents from fire. PTSG has a strong presence in the capital and offers a turnkey fire solutions provision can help meet the growing demand for fire safety systems in public and residential buildings. We look forward to continuing our work to make these buildings safer for everyone.”
To read the London Assembly’s full report click here: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/final_afss_report.pdf
