The Reality of Fire Sprinklers: A Social Landlord’s Guide
Since the installation of the first residential sprinkler in the UK back in the late 90s, there is one crucial role that those of us in the fire safety industry will continue to be responsible for, for quite some time. It is the role of educating and providing guidance on the reality of fire sprinkler technology.
There are many qualities, functions and benefits of fire sprinkler technology that social landlords may not be aware of. It’s up to you, a trusted voice in our industry to show them the way. BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems takes pride in giving you the resources you need to educate your communities about the lifesaving benefits of sprinkler systems.
Read on for more information about the reality of fire sprinklers.
The Truth About Heat Sources
It is important to educate property owners and landlords about the true sensitivity of fire sprinkler systems.
Each sprinkler head contains an independent heat sensitive element. It is this element that identifies the threat of fire, detecting danger when it has reached around 74℃ or above. Only when the heat sensitive element of the individual sprinkler head breaks, is a release of water triggered.
Social landlords are often responsible for the living conditions of thousands of residents; ensure that they are under no danger of unwarranted sprinkler activations while food is being prepared, or if smokers are present.
The Truth About Sprinkler Activation
A very common concern is that of sprinklers activating simultaneously throughout a building during a breakout of fire in one isolated space.
Sprinkler head activity is isolated to specific areas where temperatures of around 74℃ or above are detected. In other words, the remainder of the sprinkler system will not activate, leaving areas unaffected by fire well alone.
The Truth About Water Damage
Domestic fire does not just affect residents’ lives, it also has a detrimental effect on the business operation of the social landlord and/or property owner. Water damage can be extremely costly to manage and can render rooms, apartments and even adjacent living spaces uninhabitable for extended periods of time.
A sprinkler head discharges around 50-60 litres of water upon activation. Alternatively, a firefighter’s hose targeting an isolated living space can discharge up to ten times that amount.
Damage caused to property and personal possessions is drastically reduced, as are the effects on living and returning to normal.
The Truth About Disruptive Construction Work
In the property industry, time costs money, particularly when structures are undergoing construction or renovation work.
BlazeMaster CPVC is light and maneuverable. It doesn't require as much workspace for installation and therefore installs much faster. It is also a cold installation process, requiring no machinery or heat welding equipment.
To landlords, reduced relocation of tenants means a reduced loss of earnings from their most important customers, who can return to their safer homes, faster.
Educating customers the right way on the true meaning of fire sprinkler protection will ensure more homes across the UK get the safety upgrades they need. To help share these important points and more with your customers, watch the following videos on sprinkler activation and benefits.