I’ve meant to write this post for some time now. It has been more than two years since the Grenfell fire and in that time the fire sprinkler industry in the United Kingdom has seen tremendous growth. A tragedy such as this often causes a rise in awareness and demand for the products and services we provide, which are designed to save lives and property and hopefully help prevent another such tragedy from occurring.
Tower block owners and registered social landlords nationwide have strived to learn as much as they can about fire sprinkler systems and how such systems may be quickly and reliably retrofitted into existing buildings or installed into newly planned and designed structures. Several fire sprinkler trade associations have worked diligently to provide answers and information as to material options and how best to go about implementing a fire protection system.
We Partner with Four Primary Associations
BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems is proud to partner with four primary associations:
- The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA), the members of which install approximately 85 percent of the fire sprinkler and watermist systems in the United Kingdom. Manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, insurers, and fire and rescue services are also members. The association is celebrating its 45th year of existence and is dedicated to ensuring that sprinkler systems are installed to the highest professional standards. It works closely with government, fire and rescue, building control officers, insurers, architects and town planners. BAFSA offers course accreditation that I highly recommend.
- European Fire Sprinkler Network (EFSN), a coalition that addresses fire safety, political and other relevant communities to encourage the use of fire sprinklers. EFSN estimates cities that have widely installed fire sprinklers have almost eliminated fire deaths and injuries, and have reduced property damage by more than 80 percent. The association collects and distributes accurate information about fire losses and fire sprinklers and serves as a not-for-profit organization for the public good. Its website houses an extensive documentation of fire safety legislation in 24 European countries.
- National Fire Sprinkler Network (NFSN), which is made up of representatives from every Fire & Rescue Service operating within the United Kingdom. It also includes local government agency representatives, government officials and MPs within the English, Scottish and Welsh Parliaments as well as national and international fire authorities and fire trade associations. Its membership is dedicated to working effectively with internal and external key influencers to introduce standards and legislation that will safeguard people and communities from the threat of fire. Its website offers case studies and video tips designed to show the benefits of sprinklers.
- Residential Sprinkler Association (RSA), which promotes, educates, advises and lobbies on the benefits of residential fire sprinklers. It demands high standards in the design and installation of all member companies and provides support for members that includes training, professional development, product approvals, installation standards and certification schemes, among others. It offers a handy Find an Installer page that pinpoints FIRAS/IFC accreditation and/or RSA member contractors around the country.
What We Do, and What We Can Do for You
BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems works with all of the above associations by attending regularly scheduled educational, skills and technical meetings and serving on committees. Helping the industry understand the benefits of CPVC vs. steel; that not all CPVC is alike; and the questions surrounding chemical compatibility are just a few of the areas in which we regularly weigh in and join the discussion.
It’s all about saving lives and properties. As an industry, we provide a major service to our nation, for which we should all be justifiably proud.
