What role can sprinklers play in reducing dwelling-fire deaths and injuries?

The installation of residential sprinklers should be regarded as part of the overall Community Fire Safety package. The provision of a sprinkler system does not negate the need for other fire precautions or practical measures, which may include smoke alarms, escape routes and safe housekeeping practices. These are all key messages that brigades should continue to promote.

One of the most effective weapons in the Community Fire Safety armoury in recent years has been the smoke alarm. Since the Home Office and the fire service began promoting the greater use of smoke alarms in the mid-1980s, we have seen a steady fall in the number of dwelling-fire deaths. The smoke alarm is effective because it gives those vital few minutes' warning of a fire to the occupants allowing them to escape before the fire really takes hold. However, the decline in the number of fire fatalities has not prevented an increase in the number of non-fatal casualties.

With properly installed and working smoke alarms, occupants are provided with an early warning of fire. Whilst this is the case for able-bodied and fit people, it is not necessarily so for the very young, disabled or mentally disadvantaged. These vulnerable groups in society may require additional protection from the devastating effects of fire, and burns.

Where might residential sprinkler systems be installed?

Although there is no requirement for sprinklers to be installed in domestic dwellings there are a number of scenarios where it may be advantageous for householders, local authorities or builders to consider fitting a system to ensure a greater protection from fire. These might include:

• where access to the premises may be more restricted than recommended in the Approved Document B of the Building Regulations, resulting in difficulties for fire-fighting appliances gaining access to the building and delaying firefighters in tackling a fire;
• in isolated areas where it would take the fire service some time to arrive at the scene of a fire;
• in multi-occupied premises, such as houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and bedsits;
• extensions to existing properties, eg where it is planned to occupy what was originally roof space;
• in major refurbishment developments of social housing;
• as a trade-off for passive fire resistance in certain circumstances;
• sheltered housing;
• in residential care premises - in particular converted, older properties;
• housing for special needs and at-risk groups: the elderly and infirm, the physically disabled, people with a history of having fires.