FIRE Magazine article by Paul Berry, Director of Fire Suppression, Johnson Controls

In the months and years since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, there has been a marked increase in focus on fire safety. In particular, the role of High-Rise Sprinkler Systems in Fire Suppression, and the regulations around their installation, have been discussed. Recently, the London Fire Brigade called for mandatory sprinkler systems in all high-rise buildings – rather than just those deemed ‘high enough’ according to current regulations. 

Moreover, fire safety professionals around the UK have rallied behind the LFB. Bristol City Council, for instance, announced earlier this year that they are to install sprinklers in all 59 of their high-rise residential blocks. This came as a welcome sign that the tide is turning in the industry, and that councils will do what it takes to ensure fire safety and avoid tragedy. 

Upgrading systems to future-proof Fire Safety

Only since the official inquiry into Grenfell have the consequences of neglecting sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings come to light. When implementing fire safety plans, this much is clear: sprinklers save lives. For fire and security professionals and building managers, it’s high time for significant action. Not only should there be reviews and reappraisals, but they must also safeguard employees and residents. They can do this by ensuring sprinkler systems in all buildings are present, effective, and compliant.

How do Sprinkler Systems in High Rise Buildings work?

While the regulatory discussion surrounding residential sprinklers is relatively new, the technology behind them has been mostly unchanged for decades now. Essentially, a temperature of more than 68 degrees Detects the Fire and causes a bulb in the nozzle to fracture. This discharges water through the sprinkler, and the quicker this happens, the better. 

The hardware involved has been proven to work by controlling or ideally extinguishing a fire as soon as possible. Thus, a fully functioning and well-maintained High-Rise Sprinkler System should prevent fires from ever getting out of control, and these basic components do succeed in preventing further damage.

“Now is the time to act – not hypothesise – about improving fire safety and installing sprinkler systems” Paul Berry, Director of Fire Suppression, Johnson Controls

High Rise Sprinkler Systems by Johnson Controls

To conclude, now is the time to act – not hypothesise – about improving your fire safety protocols and Installing Sprinkler Systems.

But what measures can fire safety and suppression teams put in place to ensure that their buildings are up to the job? There are four key focus areas: integration, intelligence, regulatory compliance, and choosing the right technology partner. Thankfully, Johnson Controls can be that partner to help carry out an install or upgrade.

Our Fire Sprinkler Systems allow you to meet all the above key factors. Indeed, we offer a comprehensive product range of sprinklers and accessories to meet the safety needs of any high-rise building. So, for more information, check out Our Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems Here.

This fire safety article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of the FIRE Magazine.

Read the whole article