Sprinkler systems, removing the fiction from the fact

FACT: Fire hoses are more random, are applied when the building is well alight and are often used from outside the building. As a result fire brigade intervention will result in much more water in a building than sprinkler control.

MYTH: Sprinklers aren’t effective in high risk areas.

FACT: Sprinklers are designed in line with the potential fire risk that could occur in higher risk areas in schools like laboratories, libraries or theatres. In high risk areas, the system is designed to deliver more water to control what could be a larger fire.

MYTH: Sprinklers cramp modern building design.

FACT: Sprinklers actually allow freedom in design as other fire management features may not be necessary if a sprinkler system is installed.

FACT: If the brief includes sprinklers the design can include larger open spaces and more flexibility in terms if compartmentation and fire detection.

MYTH: Sprinklers are expensive.

FACT: Not if they are considered from the beginning of a project. For example, if a void above a ceiling is more than 800mm, the rooms below and the space above require sprinklers. But if sprinklers are designed into new buildings or major refurbishment programmes from the start then the use of an open cell ceiling could alleviate the need for sprinkler protection in both areas, halving the cost.

FACT: Insurers are so confident about sprinkler systems that they will give a significant reduction in premiums. Zurich gives a guaranteed discount for sprinklers.