Monthly Archives: February 2021

Will A Sprinkler Tank Reduce Insurance Premiums?

Installing and maintaining a sprinkler tank has far more benefits than simply reducing fire risks in commercial and municipal buildings. Leading insurers can offer premium reductions of up to 50 per cent to those with effective sprinklers. The average premium is reduced by between 10 to 15 per cent. In recent years, these savings have been a key driver in the growth in sprinkler system installation.

In the UK, where most buildings are still not required by law to have sprinklers, the onus has been put on building owners to make the right call. While some systems, particularly in multi-storey social housing, have been retrofitted, many have been included in architectural plans for new buildings. Experts say including sprinklers and separate water storage saves more money and also offers up additional flexibility with building design.

Insurers have been quick to point out that misconceptions about how sprinkler systems work have, in the past, been a stumbling block. Together with fire and rescue services, they have championed the fact that sprinkler heads work individually – not all at once. This fact drives home the message that sprinkler systems reduce not just fire but water damage too.

 

Who can benefit from insurance premium reductions?

While any building that benefits from modern fire safety equipment can expect to lower premiums, those with high-quality sprinkler systems with a sprinkler tank stand to gain the most. However, such systems will need to meet criteria set out by insurance companies and, to remain valid, must be properly maintained. This has implications for those in a wide range of sectors. Installing a system is not the end of the matter. Protocols should be put in place to manage the maintenance of systems.

Specialist insurers are currently targeting new build schools, among others. They are advocating the inclusion of sprinklers at the earliest stage of planning. As well as pointing out the obvious safety benefits, they are explaining how sprinklers minimise disruption and significantly reduce material losses. In the case of an education establishment, this can mean the retention of equipment and coursework.

Whatever the use of a building, its fire safety features must be properly represented in insurance details. To benefit from maximum premium reductions, the insured should:

  • Demonstrate it has installed a quality sprinkler system. A survey report may be required for this
  • Clearly show how the system is being maintained and by whom

How a sprinkler tank manages spiralling insurance costs

Insuring a commercial building can cost a small fortune these days – particularly if it is vulnerable because of a lack of safety features. So, in the long run, sprinklers with their own water supply in the form of a sprinkler tank storage unit will pay for themselves. The stumbling block is often the initial outlay – and convincing building owners to invest in robust maintenance and repair solutions.

Many don’t realise that a single investment in a dedicated water supply can last for decades. Even after corrosion has set in or weaknesses start to emerge in the structure, remedial work can often be carried out. Not only is sprinkler tank refurbishment cost-effective, it significantly extends the life of a tank.

A sprinkler tank will ensure that water is always in system pipes. Insurers like this. It means wet systems never run the risk of being dry when an emergency occurs. The tank also tackles the issue of water pressure to ensure sprinklers can be effectively operated at any level in a building. While some sprinkler systems run off mains, they require additional equipment to guarantee they can properly serve an entire building.

You should consider installing a high-quality sprinkler system to reduce costs if:

  • Your building is vulnerable to fire
  • Your property is in public ownership
  • You cannot afford any disruption
  • A building stores high value equipment or goods
  • You want to provide trusted life-saving equipment that will support robust evacuation plans

It is worth noting that the most common small fires are often extinguished by a single sprinkler head. So, in terms of containment, a decent sprinkler system and water storage tank should make good sense to a building manager. If a fire is contained almost immediately, a building will only be out of use for a very short period of time – while the necessary safety checks are made.

 

Finding out more information

If you want to benefit from reduced insurance premiums, shop around for the best sprinkler tank installation and maintenance quotes. It should be remembered that worn components and lack of maintenance are among the leading causes of sprinkler system failures. Look for specialists who will first offer a free site survey. Ask how often they recommend independent inspections and check that they use technology designed to be used under water.

Keeping a lid on insurance costs and reducing the risks of fire damage should be part of your business strategy. Failing to take advantage of sprinklers will only add to your annual outlay and increase the chances of significant damage and / or injury in the event of a fire.

If you already have a sprinkler tank and have not had it inspected by an independent expert for some time, don’t wait. And never let an unqualified or incompetent person tamper with or attempt to carry out repairs. A recognised proportion of system failures are caused by manual intervention.

A specialist will accurately calculate the capacity of the tank required, taking into account the specifics of your site.

A one-off outlay today could save you money for many years. Not only that, investment in a modern sprinkler system with its own water storage capability will significantly enhance your fire safety. Prevention is always better than the cure, as they say – and there has never been a better time to improve your building’s safety features.

Tired of paying too much for building insurance? Know that your fire protection equipment could do with updating? What are you waiting for?
For further information about the benefits of sprinkler tanks, contact us or browse the many informative features on our accessible website.

What Is The Best Fire Suppression System?

Effective fire suppression saves lives and preserves property. It slows down the spread of fire in order to contain it. This has obvious benefits for evacuation plans and the preservation of material assets. Commonly used in commercial buildings, sprinklers are now a recommended safety system for tower blocks, industrial premises, care homes and municipal facilities.

Fire and rescue services in the UK are advocating the use of sprinklers, saying they save lives. The systems are also a recognised benefit for businesses – with many impacted by fire never fully recovering. This morning, it has been reported that a family business in Scotland has been devastated by a fire caused by an electrical fault. Up to £20,000 worth of stock has been reportedly damaged. A significant proportion of the premises sustained smoke damage.

In this case, there was no obligation on the business owner to have sprinklers installed. However, some types of businesses are required to follow strict health and safety guidelines to reduce the risks. The Yorkshire Post has reported today that a chemical company has been fined £14,000 following a blaze. In 2016, a warehouse owned by the business was destroyed. The blaze broke out after an employee accidentally dropped a can of highly flammable liquid.

It is widely accepted that modern fire-fighting equipment limits damage. In turn, it minimises disruption to business premises and protects jobs. So, if you are looking for a fire suppression system that works automatically, sprinklers are the best option. Traditional equipment has included simple fire extinguishers.

Maintaining a constant water supply

While a sprinkler system can run off mains water, this is not recommended for large properties or those constructed on multiple levels. In addition to issues with water pressure, there is a need to ensure enough water is instantly available to douse the seat of a blaze for robust fire suppression. Because of this, a sprinkler tank is recommended.

Also known as a fire tank, the storage container ensures water is always available – in the right quantity – around the clock. It means a building is protected day and night and even when it is not occupied. This type of water tank is only installed by specialists. Cost-effective, a sprinkler tank can last for many, many years if properly maintained.

During the tank’s lifetime, it will require regular inspections. Independent checks are recommended. An expert will carry out a thorough examination of the tank’s walls and components using underwater survey equipment. This is often referred to as an ROV inspection.

As the tank ages, it may require remedial works. This can include refurbishment or lining. A professional inspection will set out the recommended options.

Fire suppression, tower blocks and causes of fires

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, pressure was put on social housing providers to retro-fit sprinkler systems. While many have benefitted from the safety equipment, others are still waiting. The stumbling block has proved to be the initial outlay. A council in London recently lost a bid to force leaseholders in its tower blocks to pay for the work. It has wanted payment from those in building of 10 storeys or more. It has been reported that, had a court ruling been in favour of the council, the work would have been carried out and leaseholders made to pay through service charges.

Elsewhere, a fire and rescue authority recently gave £200,000 towards one tower block project from its Safer Stronger Communities Reserve Fund. With fire authorities championing the use of sprinklers, the message is clear: they save lives and protect property. Experts say they often extinguish a fire completely. In many cases, a blaze is already out or under control by the time the emergency services arrive on the scene.

Usually, it is the responsibility of the property owner or landlord to ensure fire suppression systems are fit for purpose.

You can never tell how a fire will start. Earlier this week, two people handed themselves into police after sky lanterns fell into a German zoo and killed dozens of animals. The lanterns in question were illegal and are said to have burned animals alive. Meanwhile, a former Holiday Inn at Walsall has been demolished after being devastated by a fire that started in a sauna last summer. West Midlands Fire Service has confirmed no sprinklers were installed. A review is to examine how the fire was able to engulf the entire hotel.

Protecting your building from fire

If you are concerned about safety and want to invest in the best fire suppression system, choose sprinklers. As well as offering a long-term solution, they can be fitted in any type of building. Compared to the cost of fire damage, they are economical. Option for a system with its own water supply. You can find out more about the benefits of sprinkler tanks from a specialist. He or she will talk you through the basics and a good contractor will offer to carry out a free site survey.

Having a sound fire safety system in place significantly reduces the risk of death. It will also minimise the chances of injuries and keep damage to a minimum. Modern fire suppression systems are all about containing fire.

If you want to find out more about sprinkler systems and fire tanks, contact an expert today. Don’t wait for disaster to strike. You may not have a property left to protect.

As dozens of fires burn out of control across Australia, the sheer devastation that can be caused is being realised by property owners around the world. The unpredictability of fire, coupled with the difficulty in tacking serious fires, seems to have struck a chord. In places like the UK, where wild fires on this scale just don’t happen, people have been quick to recognise the very real danger that fire poses.

Whether you run a business, are a landlord or simply want to better protect your assets, invest in a sprinkler system and fire tank. You will put your mind at rest, may benefit from reduced insurance premiums and give people confidence in the safety of your building.