Keys to a Successful Retrofit Fire Protection System Installation Update

In September 2017 – three months after the Grenfell fire – The Guardian reported that approximately two percent of the UK’s council tower blocks had fire protection systems.

There are more than 4,000 high rise concrete blocks in the country, most of which were built in the 1960s and 1970s, years prior to the 2007 law that requires sprinkler systems in new construction buildings higher than 30 metres.

Around the country, government officials and residents have demanded change. Building owners – private homeowners, private blocks and government blocks – are taking action to install active fire protection systems. And change is taking place. According to the National Fire Sprinkler Network (NFSN), more than 1,000 tower blocks have been retrofitted, as reported in its March newsletter.

The retrofit sprinkler system market has likely never been stronger, but with so many buildings in need of such systems the work won’t take place quickly. Owners of groups of 100 to 150 buildings, for example, realize that a rolling schedule for installation will need to take place. That may mean somewhere between two to five years before the projects are completed.

While residents may be impatient for the work to take place, such work, once underway, may also bring the fear of the unknown. There will likely be many questions and concerns. It is imperative that owners communicate well with their residents to ensure both their satisfaction and allay any fears.

Owners have an opportunity today that they may never have again – they are taking a positive step toward the safety of their residents. A key factor to the success of the project in terms of resident satisfaction is the assurance that the fire protection system has been well planned in advance. Communicating is key; several points to communicate include:

1. Introduce the contractors that have been hired and their qualifications, which should include accreditation by responsible UK parties, examples of which include:

• The FIRAS installer certification scheme from Warrington Fire
• British Research Establishment Loss Prevention Certification Board (LCPB) standards and certification
• Xact Fire Safety and Fire Engineering Sprinkler Courses

Explain that accreditation is essential to quality work. This will go a long way in assuring tenants that the work will be done properly. Provide any background of other large projects the contractor has completed.

2. If possible, provide images and names of the individuals who will be doing the work and entering flats, or explain how a resident may recognize those individuals to allay fears of imposters.

3. Detail the materials that will be used and explain why they have been selected. BlazeMaster^® CPVC has excellent smoke and flame-resistant characteristics with a reputation second to none in the market. The Lubrizol Corporation produces BlazeMaster CPVC compound for licensed manufacturers, who participate in the quality assurance program and receive on-site technical assistance. This program ensures BlazeMaster will deliver the same high performance and reliability regardless of by who, when and where it is produced.

4. Provide an installation schedule by building and flat. A schedule will help occupants to understand the extensiveness of the work. It must be ensured that the installation schedule is met as to limit disruption to the occupants' lives.

5. Establish a community or residents’ council. This can include both management and volunteer residents who can listen to resident concerns and provide progress reports to residents as work is completed. 

Installation of a fire protection system will excite some residents. Others, while pleased that such work is taking place, may have some fears and concerns. Communicating – and keeping the lines of communication open – is a key to a successful project.

Learn more about BlazeMaster fire protection system retrofits.