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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Technical Advice => Topic started by: Neil Galling on January 16, 2008, 10:47:55 AM

Title: Sprinkler Fire Risk Assessment
Post by: Neil Galling on January 16, 2008, 10:47:55 AM

Good morning

Can anyone tell me if there is a risk assessment process available for the installation of sprinklers in buildings other than schools?

Many thanks

Title: Sprinkler Fire Risk Assessment
Post by: wee brian on January 16, 2008, 11:47:52 AM

Not a standard one - I suppose you could do it from first principles.

How much things cost, how likely it is that you will get a fire, what would you lose if you dont etc.
what discount will you get from your insurer.

Title: Sprinkler Fire Risk Assessment
Post by: nearlythere on January 16, 2008, 01:04:49 PM

Quote from: wee brian

Not a standard one - I suppose you could do it from first principles.

How much things cost, how likely it is that you will get a fire, what would you lose if you dont etc.
what discount will you get from your insurer.

Is there a need for one?

Title: Sprinkler Fire Risk Assessment
Post by: Neil Galling on January 16, 2008, 02:00:26 PM

Thank you gents.

A project engineer in my department asked the question as he thought it is a useful tool.

Regards.

Title: Sprinkler Fire Risk Assessment
Post by: John Webb on January 16, 2008, 02:12:17 PM

There have been quite a lot of articles over the years in the IFE/FPA journals and in other publications regarding the cost effectiveness of sprinklers, the greater flexibility they allow in the design of a building, the reduction in the risk for the company and their insurers etc.. I'd also try http://www.bre.co.uk for information on sprinkler research done in recent years.

Title: Sprinkler Fire Risk Assessment
Post by: Dragonmaster on January 16, 2008, 03:59:56 PM

Try looking at BB100 for schools. TA Risk/Cost Analysis Tool is used by schools to determine if they can build without sprinklers, the government's expectation being that sprinklers will be fitted unless this analysis proves otherwise. This might be of help and may be applicable to other users.

Title: Sprinkler Fire Risk Assessment
Post by: Chris Houston on January 16, 2008, 05:17:59 PM

If you end up doing a cost benefit analysis, don't make the mistake that many make and consider only the direct costs (i.e. cost of the factory, stock and contents).  In a real fire the reality is that many insured and uninsured losses occur such as:
Reputation damage to establishment
Loss of customers to competitors while you are getting back on your feet
Possible loss of reputation to suppliers
Loss of staff (who could not wait about for the X months/years for the business to get back up and running)

Many small to medium businesses never recover from a large fire, as by the time they are up and running again their customers have already got in the habbit of buying from their competitors.

Title: Sprinkler Fire Risk Assessment
Post by: wee brian on January 16, 2008, 10:39:17 PM

Similarly you need to check what the real cost of the fire protection system is - its often more than some people will tell you