To ensure a successful fire sprinkler installation, it’s important to look beyond choosing the right materials and contractors. You’ll need support from the people who occupy the building every day to ensure the project goes smoothly. It’s essential to ensure they understand the project, how they will benefit and what to expect.
With more than three decades of experience providing fire protection systems around the world, we know the issues and concerns that typically arise. To help you communicate, here is an overview of several “myths” that may be on the minds of your occupants.
MYTH: “A smoke alarm is enough protection”
REALITY: Smoke detectors provide a warning, but they will not stop a fire from spreading. Fire sprinklers go to work immediately to reduce heat and quench flames and smoke to give occupants more time to get to safety. Too often, smoke alarms have been removed or they do not work because the batteries have expired or have been removed. Even if an alarm sounds, a small child or individual with physical limitations may not be able to escape in time.
MYTH: “Sprinklers aren’t dependable”
REALITY: Sprinkler system reliability exceeds 95 percent, based on data from laboratory testing and a 50-year installation history. BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems offers additional confidence because BlazeMaster CPVC resists corrosion and mineral build-ups that can cause failures in traditional steel systems.
MYTH: “Sprinklers can go off accidentally and cause extensive damage”
REALITY: Some people think smoke or steam from cooking will set off the sprinklers. In fact, sprinklers are activated by high levels of heat (about 68 degrees Celsius). Steam or smoke would not cause them to activate. The chances of an accidental discharge are approximately 16 million to one.
MYTH: “If there’s a small, isolated fire sprinklers will go off all over the building and everything will be ruined”
REALITY: Fire protection systems are designed so that each sprinkler head is independent. If a fire occurs, only the sprinklers closest to the fire will activate and spray water directly on the fire. Data taken from a ten year period in Europe show that 60% of fires are controlled by the activation of no more than 4 sprinkler heads.
MYTH: “The water damage will be worse than the fire would have caused”
REALITY: If a fire spreads because there is no sprinkler system, it can consume everything in its path – and it can kill. Equally important, sprinkler systems use relatively small amounts of water compared to what will be required if firefighters must put out a fire. A sprinkler typically discharges about 60 litres per minute compared to 600 litres per minute for a fire hose.
MYTH: “Newer buildings are safer, so you don’t need a fire protection system”
REALITY: Most fires are caused by activities that can happen in old or new buildings, such as burning candles, cooking, burning cigarettes and others. Fire sprinkler systems are important for protecting people and property regardless of the age of the building.
MYTH: “Sprinklers will detract from the décor”
REALITY: Sprinkler heads are designed to be unobtrusive and many come in designer colors. Some models can be flush-mounted to the ceiling or concealed behind protective covers.
By addressing these seven myths, you can address the concerns most likely on the minds of your residents. That can help you move forward with an efficient installation that protects people and property.
