Sprinklers - home page | Sprinklers - the facts | Sprinkler benefits
How they operate | Installation | Insurance | Schools | Contact us

Approved documents accompanying the Building Regulations in England and Wales make specific reference to the use of sprinklers.

Certain multi-storey buildings over 30 metres high should be fitted with sprinklers to meet Approved Document B standards.

When sprinklers are installed there may be significant benefits. For example, the installation of sprinklers should allow buildings to be built closer together (half the spacing is required) to adjoining premises. This is a major benefit where site space is limited.

Other provisions in the document regarding travel distances for escape can sometimes be extended and certain requirements in respect of access for the fire service may be varied.

It may also be possible to reduce construction and building costs because of the protential for relaxing certain passive fire protection measures.

The guidance issued to interpret the Building Regulations now recognises the use of sprinklers for life safety. There are many circumstances where commercial and residential sprinklers provide an active solution to fire safety problems encountered in existing premises.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire safety) Order 2005, which is the primary (non-domestic legislation to make people safe from fire in England and Wales, facilitates sprinkler protection as an alternative to expensive building alterations.