Five Bold Predictions for Fire Safety in 2021
In 2020, monumental new legislation was announced and became law. Following the announcement of these major changes, we predicted in our article that this would affect the housing market, residents and the construction industry in a big way. We still stand by this.
However, as 2020 developed, the world changed even more. This has led to major international restrictions on movement, a public health crisis the like of which we haven’t experienced in our generation and of course, an ongoing inquiry into the most tragic event in our industry.
It’s time for us to make some more predictions. Join BlazeMaster CPVC as we prepare for the year ahead, with the most specified non-metallic fire sprinkler material in the world. A bold improvement to fire safety, to go with our bold expectations for the future.
More Major Retrofit Projects Will be Rolled Out
The new legislation states that all new high-rise blocks over 11 metres tall will be legally required to fit fire sprinkler systems and wayfinding signage throughout. The limit has been decreased from 30 metres, meaning 1,680 buildings will be affected each year.
However, we believe it won’t stop there, as major retrofit projects have also enjoyed success in the UK, such as the refurbishment of over 200 apartment blocks in Birmingham, a three year rollout which is nearing completion. Thousands more Birmingham residents are now experiencing the safety benefits of BlazeMaster CPVC.
Campaigning to Protect Schools Will Intensify
We have previously reflected on the campaigning still active in our community, such as the campaign to make fire sprinkler protection in UK schools mandatory. We believe that this discussion will only grow in 2021, as the Covid 19 pandemic has put schools firmly in the public eye. We rely heavily on key workers in schools during this Corona crisis, which we believe will earn educational buildings more time in the spotlight when it comes to fire protection.
There will be Renewed Focus on Training and Development
From the Hackitt report of a few years ago prompting a “radical rethink,” to the rise of online learning resources in lockdown measures, we believe that professional development in the workplace will continue to be taken more seriously.
As part of this surge in online learning as home based workers make the most of downtime to skill up, BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems offers a free online RIBA Accredited CPD seminar, to get you started in understanding, specifying and installing BlazeMaster CPVC.
The Grenfell Hearings will Reconvene
At the time of writing, the Grenfell Inquiry hearings have been temporarily suspended amid the current Covid 19 travel and gathering restrictions. Efforts are being made to switch to an online solution at the time of writing. This year, expect to hear more from this Inquiry as the 2nd phase of hearings develops.
Sprinklers Will Continue to Save Lives
As they always have, we know BlazeMaster CPVC fire sprinklers will save lives and prevent tragedies, especially at home.
As part of the initiative mentioned earlier, to fit over 200 apartment blocks in Birmingham with sprinklers, this has already occurred. A sprinkler system at Coppice House in Birmingham successfully extinguished a fire which had broken out in a resident’s kitchen. By the time the fire brigade arrived, the sprinkler head had completely extinguished the fire.
Conclusion
Prepare for 2021 with BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems. To find out more about recent changes to UK sprinkler legislation, read our article here.
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