Author Topic: Sprinklers in Warehouses (Read 4690 times)

Mushy · « **on:** March 03, 2008, 05:21:12 PM »

Can someone tell me if water sprinklers are needed by law for warehouses. Thanks

kurnal · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2008, 05:33:55 PM »

For England and Wales, from 6 April 2007 new warehouses require sprinklers if compartment size exceeds 20000 sq m.
Previos to that generally warehouses did not require sprinklers except as a compensation for excessive travel distances etc. However where local acts are in place, EG Leicstershire Act 1981, or Greater Manchester Act 1983 Section 65 storage buildings exceeding 7000 cubic m may need sprinklers or vents under the local act to assist firefighters.

Mushy · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2008, 05:49:21 PM »

Thank you for your informative answer Kurnal

John Webb · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2008, 01:43:05 PM »

Kurnal,
I'm sure the query was raised back in 2006 when the RR(FS)O was implemented; I recall that the fire safety provisions of a number of Local Acts were nullified by the FSO. Can you refresh our uncertain memories, please?

To Mushy - it would be worth seeing if insurance premium reductions would off-set the extra costs of sprinkler installation, particularly if the building is still to be erected. The presence of sprinklers will considerably minimise the effects of a fire on both building, contents and the business, provided they are correctly installed and maintained.

kurnal · « **Reply #4 on:** March 04, 2008, 07:13:34 PM »

Hi John
Yes numerous local enactments were modified or nullified- principally those that would duplicate the new powers within the fire safety order- such as those elements of licensing of certain establishments where requirements were made in terms of fire safety, firemans switches for neon signs. But many provisions were left in force, including those focussed on the safety of firefighters in buildings ( Firefighters not being relevant persons when engaged on operational duties) such as section 65 of the Greater Manchester Act requiring sprinklers in large storage buildings. This requirement remains in force in many - but not all - other counties as well.

Similar local powers still in force in parts of the country cover sprinklers in underground car parks and garages (now very much coming to the fore) and control of the sizes of stacks of combustible materials on open ground

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Author Topic: Sprinklers in Warehouses (Read 4690 times)