Monthly Archives: May 2018

Overwhelming Public Support for Sprinklers in Social Housing

A private members bill is set to be put to the Scottish Parliament for sprinklers to be installed in all new social housing. A public consultation showed more than 90 per cent of respondents were in favour. MSP David Stewart launched the public consultation and has now lodged a formal proposal. If his bill wins support, Scotland will follow Cornwall and make the installation of sprinklers the norm in new affordable housing.

Responses to Mr Stewart’s consultation were 94 per cent in favour of sprinklers. The private members bill will now need to find support from at least 18 other MSPs to be taken forward.

 

Social housing fire safety

Mr Stewart, a member of Scottish Labour, said: “I am delighted with the overwhelming support for my proposal to increase fire safety in Scottish social housing. The consultation responses came from across the breadth of Scottish society and the quality of the responses have given me a strong base upon which to proceed with the bill.”

He continued: “Automatic fire suppression systems should be a crucial part of our fire safety approach and are a tried and tested method of saving lives. By focusing on social housing, my bill aims to protect some of the most vulnerable in our society, where the risks of fire are highest. My hope is that such a common sense proposal will have the support across all the Holyrood parties and in the long term will be just the first step towards fire sprinklers protecting all Scottish homes.”

 

Sprinkler Association and social housing

Keith MacGillivray, who is chief executive of the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA), said: “The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association are pleased to see the strong public support for the proposals by David Stewart MSP to improve fire safety in Scotland by requiring the installation of automatic fire suppression systems (sprinklers) into all new-built social housing.

“BAFSA has campaigned for almost forty-five years to improve the safety of the public and Firefighters by the installation of automatic fire sprinklers, which control and extinguish fires in their very early stages. Automatic fire sprinklers have a proven track record for the mitigation of fire and the prevention of loss of life through fire, this goes back more than one hundred years. This proposed member’s bill would make a significant difference to the safety of the Scottish public and firefighters while ensuring that Scotland’s housing stock is more sustainable.”

 

Sprinkler tanks

For information about sprinkler tanks, which supply stored water to automatic sprinklers, visit Nationwide Water Solutions Limited.

Raw Emotion as Cost of Failings Dominate Inquiry

The human cost of safety failings at Grenfell Tower has dominated the first week of an inquiry into the cause of the tragedy. Victims’ families have continued to give their testimonies and pay tribute to those who were lost in the blaze. Almost a year on from the devastating fire, emotions are still very raw.

Today (Friday), the inquiry heard stories that were so harrowing a woman attending a hearing collapsed. News veteran Jon Snow is reported to have caught her as she fell. Other people in the room were asked to leave so that the woman could receive medical attention and the space to recover.

 

Inquiry hears ‘we are left with nothing’

 

While news reports have long made claims about those believed to be responsible for the huge loss of life, the bereaved have put those allegations into perspective. Today, one of those speaking at the hearing is reported to have said: “We as a family are left with nothing, absolutely nothing. Grenfell Tower was on fire for more than 24 hours. We were literally watching our loved ones turn from alive, waving and begging from the window, to ashes.”

The person making that testimony, Assema, went on to make it clear she did not blame firefighters. However, she pointed out other public bodies had watched from a distance as people succumbed to choking smoke. She said: “The whole world had watched on TV a lady waving a white cloth from the 22nd floor. My brother and his family were found in the same flat.”

The inquiry continues.

 

About Nationwide Water Solutions

 

Nationwide Water Solutions Limited is the UK’s leading independent supplier of fire tanks, used with sprinkler systems. It is ready to work with social housing providers and others to ensure adequate fire-fighting facilities are provided in all high-risk buildings. For further information visit the website.

Sprinklers in New Council Homes?

A public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy is under way. At the same time, councillors in Cornwall are facing calls to fit sprinklers in all new council homes. Councillors are set to discuss the motion at a meeting today (May 22). If the proposal wins support, it will cost the council £2 million.

Neil Burden, an independent councillor, has tabled the motion. It was seconded by John Keeling, a Conservative member of the authority. In some American states automatic sprinkler systems are required in all homes. The proposal in Cornwall could make the county a national leader in domestic fire safety.

 

The council homes recommendation

At today’s meeting, councillors will be asked to consider the following recommendation: “Cornwall Council resolves to install sprinklers in all domestic new builds it commissions for sale or let inclusive of those homes now being built, thereby supporting the wellbeing of those people who will take occupation in future months and years.”

Those supporting the motion say it will save lives and money. As well as reducing fire damage, sprinklers could save council resources and reduce the time emergency services spend dealing with serious fires.

The motion states: “In order to promote best practice in housing development, the Council should install sprinklers in all new builds. This will not only promote wellbeing and save lives but also save revenue for the Council, and the NHS when such fire instances occur. Officers of the Cornwall Fire Service are first hand witnesses of local fatalities in recent times and continue to advocate best practise of sprinklers in all new builds. When adopted such positive example will encourage other housing developers to also install sprinklers systems in Cornwall.”

 

The cost of fire safety

If sprinklers are installed in all new council homes featured in the authority’s development plan, it will have to find £2 million for the installation works. Initial reports suggest it will cost around £2,500 to install sprinklers in each home with an annual maintenance cost of £150 per property.

Nationwide Water Solutions Limited is the UK’s leading independent provider of sprinkler tanks. It supplies and installs fire tanks and also delivers a wide range of maintenance and repair services. For further information visit the website or call 0345 5052540.

 Demand for Sprinkler Tanks Set to Grow

International research suggests rapid growth in the market for automatic sprinkler systems. Western Europe is pinpointed as a major growth area between now and 2026. This is good news for fire pump manufacturers and companies like ours, supplying sprinkler tanks. In urban areas, sprinkler tanks make sense. They provide a ready source of water in environments where lakes and reservoirs are scarce.

In the UK, the need for more sprinkler tanks is being fuelled by public demand. At Nationwide Water Solutions Limited, we are convinced this is as a result of the devastating loss of life in the Grenfell Tower fire. Safety is now a major consideration for those living in high-rise buildings and care facilities. With a boom in house building on the horizon, there has never been a better time to find out more about fire tanks.

 

Ready to meet demand for sprinkler tanks

At Nationwide Water Solutions Limited, we have developed our products and services to meet increased demand. Our business already covers the whole of the UK, so we are well placed to work on projects wherever they may be. We employ a team of dedicated installation experts as well as maintenance professionals. Our services also include sprinkler tank inspections.

We free site visits and technical advice, our business is meeting the needs of those new to automatic sprinkler systems. While existing customers understand the benefits of installing a sprinkler tank, people new to modern fire safety equipment naturally want to know more. We are always happy to provide free, no obligation advice. Just get in touch.

 

Installing sprinkler tanks

If you are working on a new-build or refurbishment project, talk to us. We can offer advice on sprinkler tanks – from location to shape and size. Our range of sprinkler tanks is extensive, and every project includes in-house design. Our website offers an overview of our services.

For further information, visit our website or call us on 0345 5052540.

Sprinkler Tanks: Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Fire Safety

Sprinkler tanks are a hot topic. When it comes to fire safety, we are living in an era when nobody should be taking chances. That is why organisations across the UK are reviewing the measures they have in place. The death toll following the Grenfell Tower fire has made everyone – from politicians and campaigners to the public – call for sprinklers to be made compulsory in some buildings. If you manage social housing, a school, care home or hospital, sprinklers could be on your agenda.

Thinking of installing sprinklers during a refurbishment or in a new build? A sprinkler tank should form part of your plan. If you are not sure why you need a sprinkler tank, here are the top five benefits…

 

1. Sprinkler tanks deliver instant water

A sprinkler tank stores water just to fight fires. With a ready supply of water, buildings with sprinkler tanks benefit from a round the clock fire fighting capacity. This means, water can be delivered to the point of a fire and start supressing flames even in the middle of the night.

 

2. Sprinkler tanks help supress fires quickly

Because a sprinkler tank is primed to work the moment an automatic sprinkler system detects heat, firefighting can begin immediately. This often means a fire is under control before fire and rescue crews arrive on the scene. It is not uncommon for a fire to be completely out by the time firefighters arrive.

 

3. Sprinkler tanks can be fitted anywhere

At Nationwide Water Solutions Limited, we supply and install sprinkler tanks of all shapes and sizes. Each tank is specifically designed for its unique environment. Our in-house technical team can tell you more about this bespoke service.

 

4. Sprinkler tanks last for years

We supply sprinkler tanks that will serve your needs for years. Our tank installation service covers glass coated steel tanks, galvanised steel, epoxy coated steel, stainless steel and concrete tanks.

 

5. Sprinkler tanks can be repaired

If an inspection report suggests your sprinkler tank is showing signs of wear, we can help. While very old or badly damaged tanks will have to be replaced, it is often the case that others can be relined. Our liners come with a guarantee – so you know they are going to last.

 

Find out more about our sprinkler tanks and services at our website or get in touch for free, no obligation advice.

Firefighters Demonstrate Effectiveness of Sprinklers

At a time when house builders are considering the benefits of installing sprinklers in new-builds, here is some interesting news… Firefighters have demonstrated how effective automatic sprinklers are at supressing fires. Using a mock-up of two living rooms, the demonstration featured a room without fire protection and a room fitted with sprinklers. The results were clear.

After deliberately setting the rooms on fire, witnesses watched and waited. They didn’t have to wait long to see the room without sprinklers go up in flames. In fact, it was completely engulfed in just five minutes. When you consider how long it could take the fire and rescue service to reach the scene of a blaze, it was a scary sight. In contrast, the room fitted with sprinklers just a few small flames were visible.

 

Sprinklers put to the test

This test was carried out in the US. It demonstrated how sprinklers only go off in the area affected by fire, meaning no water damage to unaffected areas.  In the UK, the latest Government statistics for fire brigade response times mean a building can be severely damaged before help arrives.

In England the average response time to primary fires last year was eight minutes and 44 seconds.  Overall, response times to fires have increased gradually over the past 20 years. However, between 2015/16 and 2016/17, response times to nearly all types of fires either decreased or remained the same.

The average response time to secondary fires in 2016/17 (which can broadly be thought of as smaller outdoor fires, not involving people or property) decreased by 5 seconds to 9 minutes 8 seconds.

 

Nationwide Water Solutions Limited

If you are designing a new tower block or large commercial or public building, talk to us. We supply, install and maintain sprinkler tanks. Our fire tanks ensure a ready supply of water is available around the clock to service automatic sprinkler systems. Find out more by visiting our website or getting in touch.

Fresh Concerns Over Hackitt Review

The Royal Institute of British Architects has added its voice to concerns over a Government review into fire safety.  It fears eventual recommendations will fall short of making sprinklers compulsory in some buildings. It is also worried that flammable cladding, like that used on the exterior of Grenfell Tower, will not be banned. It has written an open letter to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The Institute (RIBA) is concerned the Hackitt Review will not deliver sufficient changes. It wants robust building regulations and fire safety to save lives. The independent review, led by Dame Judith Hackitt (pictured), was set up in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy.

 

Key changes needed

RIBA’s Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety says in the letter it is concerned that key changes seem to have been overlooked. They include:

  • A ban on flammable cladding
  • Installation of sprinklers
  • A second means of escape for high-rise residential buildings

Its own briefing document has made recommendations that it urges the government to consider. It is calling for those suggestions to be looked at before Dame Judith Hackitt’s final report is next month.

Jane Duncan, immediate past president of RIBA and chair of RIBA’s Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety, said: “The RIBA has engaged closely with Dame Judith and her review and we welcome many of the suggestions made in her interim report to strengthen the building control system. However, we fear that the current set of proposals under consideration overlook simple but critical changes that would provide clarity for professionals and most importantly, would help protect the public.”

 

Hackitt Review: rules need to be rewritten

Ms Duncan added: “Sprinklers, a second means of escape and a ban on flammable cladding for high-rise residential buildings are common-sense recommendations, and a basic requirement in many other countries.

“We have written to the secretary of state making it clear that there must be a thorough rewriting of the building regulations and guidance on all aspects of fire safety, to avoid continuation of the regulatory failings that led to the Grenfell Tower fire.”

The interim review document can be read here.

 

Nationwide Water Solutions Limited

Is your organisation considering the benefits of automatic sprinklers? We supply, install and maintain sprinkler tanks across the UK. Sprinkler tanks ensure a ready supply of water is always on standby to fight fire. Whether you are planning a new build or want to retro fit sprinklers, talk to us.

 

3 Things A Sprinkler Tank Inspection Will Tell You

Automatic sprinkler systems are a must have if you own a high-risk building. Think of industrial premises, warehousing, high-rise apartment blocks, hospitals, schools and care homes. But installing an automatic sprinkler system is just one part of the job. Every component needs to be maintained to ensure it is ready to fight fire in an emergency. A sprinkler tank inspection should be a priority.

Without a ready supply of water, a sprinkler system cannot supress fires. That is why sprinkler tanks must be properly maintained. A pivotal part of that maintenance is regular inspections. Sprinkler tanks should be surveyed by an independent professional at least once a year.

What will a sprinkler tank inspection tell you?

 

Corrosion and leaks detected

A good sprinkler tank inspection company will use underwater camera equipment to check the condition of your tank. Importantly, it will be able to record any corrosion or minor leaks. Once these defects have been detected, they can be put right. Visit Nationwide Water Solutions Limited to book an inspection.

 

Solutions suggested

A thorough sprinkler tank inspection should be followed up with a comprehensive written report. Photographic evidence of any problems should also be supplied. If a tank is found to be damaged or displaying signs of wear, you may not have to replace it. New liners can significantly extend the life of a sprinkler tank and come with excellent guarantees. Find out more about sprinkler tank lining here.

 

Beyond repair?

If your sprinkler tank is significantly damaged, it must be replaced. Nationwide Water Solutions Limited supplies and installs a wide range of sprinkler tanks. With an in-house design team, it can install tanks of any shape or size. Find out more here.

Sprinkler tanks save lives. They supress fires, giving people more time to evacuate a building. They also significantly reduce damage and loss. That is why an automatic sprinkler system with a sprinkler tank should form part of your loss prevention strategy.

Fire Tanks Save Lives

Fire tanks save lives, property and other assets. Sprinkler tanks provide a ready supply of water to supress a fire. That is why they are an important feature of modern automatic sprinkler systems. At Nationwide Water Solutions Limited, we are committed to spreading the word about the vital benefits of fire tanks.

Every year in the UK, hundreds of millions of pounds worth of property and goods are destroyed by fire. Installing a sprinkler system significantly reduces losses. It gives people more time to evacuate a building. Hence, sprinkler tanks save lives.

 

Sprinklers in action

It’s easy to focus on negative news when it comes to fires. However, every day in the UK, sprinkler systems and fire tanks stop tragedies. Countless lives have been saved this year alone. All thanks to savvy investment in sprinkler systems.

Two arson attacks at the same Sainsbury’s store in Coventry were quickly kept under control by sprinklers last month. In March, a fire in the basement laundry room of an 11 floor Newcastle hotel was contained by sprinklers. And, as previously recorded in this blog, a chip pan fire at a London tower block was supressed in February.

 

Invest in fire tanks

If you want to protect your building, your people and your assets, invest in a sprinkler tank. A fire tank will not only be on standby to fight a fire 24 hour a day, seven days a week, it will give you peace of mind.

Nationwide Water Solutions Limited is based in Sheffield but operates throughout the UK. With free site visits and technical advice, this is the go-to company if you are thinking of investing in an automatic sprinkler system. Nationwide Water Solutions supplies, installs and maintains fire tanks.

Already invested in a sprinkler tank? Talk to Nationwide Water Solutions about its repair, maintenance and inspection service. For more information, visit the website. Alternatively, call 0345 5052540.