Monthly Archives: May 2019

Fire Sprinkler Tank and Safety In Multi Storey Car Parks

A fire sprinkler tank is currently not legally required in UK multi storey car parks. This is in spite of growing calls from local authorities and campaigners. A brand new multi storey car park at Manchester Airport is today the scene of major blaze. It is not yet known if the car park benefits from sprinklers. Plumes of smoke can be seen billowing from a site close to Terminal 2, which is currently undergoing a £1b expansion.

Asset protection, as well as life preservation measures, should be a priority consideration for any enclosed space near a major development or where people congregate. The nature of multi storey car parks means they are often located inside a building or adjoining a facility. Even in cases where an indoor car park is adjacent, the risks of a fire spreading can be high. This means that a detailed evaluation of safety equipment is imperative.

Enclosed parking spaces and a fire sprinkler tank

Nationwide Water Solutions, the fire sprinkler tank company trusted by major brands in the public and private sector, said multi storey car parks are an issue. “The problem is that they house vehicles that contain fuel,” said a spokesman. “If a fire breaks out, it can be hard to tackle, spread quickly, and pose a range of challenges.

“More and more fire safety experts are advising developers to look carefully at fire risk assessments for multi storey car parks and other types of under-cover storage areas. What we have to bear in mind is that vehicles can catch fire for any number of reasons. Having a vehicle fire inside a building is much more serious than at the side of a road.”

The British Sprinkler Alliance has raised the issue at Government level. The BAFSA raised similar concerns following a fire that caused £20m worth of damage in Liverpool. Engineers Ireland and even The Times newspaper have had something to say about lack of action over dangers posed by fires in multi storey car parks.

Don’t wait for legislation – act now

Many experts expect a sprinkler requirement for enclosed car parks to form part of a new nationwide approach to fire safety. You don’t have to wait to be compelled to install sprinklers. Do it now and ensure you include a fire sprinkler tank to ensure water is available to tackle a blaze immediately.

If you are concerned about fire risks in a multi storey car park you own or manage, ask for a free site survey from Nationwide Water Solutions.

Sprinkler Tank Work By Accredited Professionals

The safety of your people and assets should always be paramount. Property owners and businesses invest in automatic sprinkler systems because it gives them peace of mind. Ensuring sprinkler tank work is only ever undertaken by accredited professionals is vital.

Engaging unqualified workers to repair or maintain an important component of fire safety equipment is not just dangerous, it is foolish. A sprinkler tank failure, for example, could cause serious water leakage or cause sprinklers to fail in an emergency. It is also important to bear in mind that anyone working on a sprinkler tank should be trained to work at height and have the appropriate first aid knowledge.

Nationwide Water Solutions, the UK’s foremost expert for all sprinkler tank work, explains what accreditations you should look out for.

Safety Schemes In Procurement

If you see the SSIP logo, you can be assured that your sprinkler tank work is being undertaken by a contractor competent in health and safety management. This important accreditation is recognised across multiple sectors, including construction.

CHAS

This third party accreditation body is a trusted advisor on health and safety compliance. It is considered an authority and sets industry standards that accredited members must follow.

The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association

The BAFSA is the driving force behind the manufacture, installation and maintenance of automatic fire sprinkler and water-based fire suppression systems in the UK.

Sprinkler Tank Work You Can Trust

Nationwide Water Solutions is accredited by all three of these important organisations and more. It installs new sprinkler tanks as well as delivering inspection, maintenance and repair services. It works with businesses and public authorities across the UK, setting new standards in fire safety.

If you are in the process of investing in a sprinkler system and want to benefit from on-site water storage, arrange a free site visit. For all your sprinkler tank work, contact Nationwide Water Solutions.

3 Ways A Sprinkler Tank Protects A Vulnerable Building

If you run a business that sells flammable materials such as furniture or beds, a sprinkler system with a sprinkler tank is a no-brainer. But what if you own or manage a a building you don’t realise is vulnerable to fire? The best way to gauge the risk is through regular and thorough assessments.

Even the most obvious fire risks are sometimes overlooked. Firefighters regularly deal with major fires in commercial kitchens and retail units containing large amounts of fabric and / or cardboard. A recent fire in Kettering devastated a long-established bed shop. If you want to ensure your building, business and people are protected from the devastation of fire, here are three ways to make a difference…

1. Book a sprinkler tank site survey

A water storage tank site survey is a good idea if you are planning to install a sprinkler system or already have one. It will look at the size, location and nature of the site and give you a clear understanding of what may be required. You can book a completely free site survey here.

2. Maintain an existing sprinkler tank

It is easy to let things slip when you are busy or struggling to grow your business. But ignoring the condition of an existing sprinkler tank can end up costing you everything. Make sure your tank is independently inspected to ensure any problems are detected early. By monitoring your tank and taking swift remedial action, your automatic sprinklers will always have water on standby.

3. Replace a redundant fire tank

If your fire tank is redundant or earmarked for decommissioning, don’t wait. Talk to Nationwide Water Solutions. This is the company trusted by household name to remove and replace outdated water storage tanks.

For further information about the sprinkler tank and how it can protect your vulnerable building, call Nationwide Water Solutions on 0345 505 2540.

Industrial Fire Safety In The Spotlight

Industrial fire safety was in the spotlight again earlier this month. Firefighters were praised for dealing with a potentially difficult fire in an industrial building in Gloucester. Four people were taken to hospital as a result of the blaze. Two fire appliances were sent to the scene one Wednesday night.

Emergency services were told a blaze had broken out in an industrial building at Hempstead at 8.29pm. Nationwide Water Solutions Limited, the UK’s leading supplier of sprinkler tanks and services, said it was heartening to note that the fire had been quickly contained. All four men taken to hospital were suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.

Concerns over industrial fire safety

A spokesman said: “In this case, the fire was quickly put out and damage was minimalised. Unfortunately, that is not always the case with fires in industrial buildings. Many lack modern firefighting equipment and others have systems that are out of date or not properly maintained.

“We would urge any business with industrial premises to contact us. We offer completely free site surveys to those thinking of investing in automatic sprinklers and a sprinkler tank for on-site water storage. For those who already have a sprinkler tank, we offer a full range of services – from independent ROV inspections to repairs. We also carry out routine maintenance work.”

The cause of the fire in Gloucester is still being investigated. It is thought it was contained to an extraction unit.

Talk to the sprinkler tank specialists

Sprinkler tank specialists for more than a decade, Nationwide Water Solutions has installed life-saving water storage tanks in industrial premises operated by household name. It works with businesses from a wide range of sector to deliver water storage solutions designed to protect material assets as well as people.

For further information visit Nationwide Water Solutions.

Sprinkler Tank Business Supports Independent Inspections

Are you are looking for a sprinkler tank business that carries out independent tank inspections? You are in the right place. Nationwide Water Solutions is the UK’s leading supplier of insurance compliant checks. It thoroughly examines sprinkler tanks without the need for draining. Its ROV method gives you the clearest picture of the health of your tank -without compromising the operation of your sprinkler system.

Inspection services are in the spotlight. More businesses and public sector bodies are suspected of neglecting the need to maintain water storage facilities for sprinkler systems. Considered dangerous, as well as a false economy, such an oversight can cost lives.

The sprinkler tank business for your next inspection

The guidelines for how often a sprinkler tank should be inspected vary. One sprinkler tank business may say every ten years. Another, including Nationwide Water Solutions, will suggest annually. Corrosion of carbon steel, for example, can occur quickly when the humidity of the air reaches 70 per cent and and the air above exceeds 32F. Air impurities can also accelerate corrosion, making more regular checks a savvy investment.

If corrosion is left undetected, a sprinkler tank could fail. As well as rendering a sprinkler system useless, it could lead to significant water leakage and necessitate the removal and replacement of the existing tank. Monitoring any potential problems and authorising remedial works is safer and more cost-effective.

Book an independent sprinkler tank inspection

If your sprinkler tank has not been inspected for a year or more, contact Nationwide Water Solutions. It inspects sprinkler tanks across the UK. Importantly, it uses underwater thermal imaging equipment and ultrasound to cover every inch of the structure. Check also include other components, such as access routes, lids and valves, to name a few.

Don’t leave the integrity of your sprinkler system to chance. Talk to the sprinkler tank business that can help you ensure your system is always ready to work in an emergency.

New Row Over School Sprinkler Systems

School sprinkler systems are the subject of a new row. Just 105 of 673 new school buildings have been fitted with sprinkler systems, the schools minister Nick Gibb has admitted. The revelation has angered the Fire Brigades Union. It accuses the government of “utter complacency” over fire safety in schools.

Just 15 per cent of buildings opened by February this year have the life-saving equipment. The Fire Brigades Union has responded. It says new school builds and high-risk buildings should have sprinklers. A spokesperson said: “Sprinklers can assist in the control of a fire in its early stages.” The Union added the equipment limits damage, giving occupants extra time to escape. Sprinklers also reduce the risks faced by firefighters attending the incident.”

Need for school sprinkler systems

Nationwide Water Solutions is the UK’s sprinkler tank expert. It says the decision to ignore the pressing need for school sprinkler systems doesn’t make sense. A spokesman said: “As well as protecting valuable state assets, sprinkler systems with their own water supplies in schools slow down the spread of a fire. They don’t just limit damage and save the public purse by containing a blaze – they give a building’s occupants more time to evacuate.”

Nationwide Water Solutions installs sprinkler tanks in public, commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. It has noted a rise in work from industrial partners. They recognise the potential high losses and long-term impact of a major fire. “Sprinklers are mandatory in new school buildings in Scotland and Wales. Why they are not in England is a complete mystery to us. Why invest millions and then not protect that investment? The combined figures of a new build with the potential costs of a fire are mind-boggling.”

Sprinkler tank services for school sprinkler systems

In the UK the leading sprinkler tank expert is Nationwide Water Solutions. It installs, maintains and inspects water storage facilities for automatic school sprinkler systems. The company’s clients include major commercial and industrial brands, as well as some areas of the public sector. It is working hard to raise awareness about the long-term benefits of fire tanks. Contact the company for further information about sprinkler tank installation. If you already have a sprinkler tank, book an independent inspection.

Further reading: ‘Children at risk as ‘most new schools built without sprinklers’ – The Guardian.

Lessons Learned From The Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire

The world could only watch as one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world burned last month. Notre-Dame Cathedral was described as ‘the epicentre of our lives’ by Parisians and President Emmanuel Macron. It succumbed to flames that almost wiped out its 850-year old history. Part of the iconic Gothic structure was undergoing remedial works at the time.

An electrical fault is currently being assessed as the possible cause of the fire. Meanwhile, the UK’s leading sprinkler tank expert says lessons can already be learned. Nationwide Water Solutions is urging those who own or manage historic sites to consider the impact of a major fire when carrying out risk assessments. A spokesman explained: “Too often, it is discovered after a devastating fire that that not enough fire safety equipment was in place to stop a fire from spreading. Modern automatic sprinkler systems and sprinkler tanks can effectively contain a fire and limit the damage.”

Don’t want your historic site to suffer the same fate as Notre-Dame Cathedral? Here are two lessons that have already been learned:

1. Invest in modern fire fighting equipment

Nationwide Water Solutions says too many building owners don’t look at the bigger picture when planning fire safety improvements. A spokesman said: “We cannot comment on the firefighting equipment installed at Notre-Dame Cathedral. What we can say is that time and time again, we hear of cases where hugely important buildings have been all-but lost because owners have failed to install sprinklers and a sprinkler tank. Some worry about water damage, but compared to the loss of a major landmark it is a small price to pay.

2. Properly maintain fire safety equipment

Nationwide Water Solutions urges owners of historic properties to check the last time they had their sprinkler tank independently inspected. It offers a nationwide inspection service and uses underwater ROV equipment to carry out checks while tanks are still full and sprinkler systems fully operational. Book an inspection here.

It will take years, possibly decades, to restore Notre-Dame Cathedral’s landmark spire and interior. Take action now to protect your historic building and preserve it for posterity. Visit Nationwide Water Solutions.