Author Archives: sprinkler

Grenfell Tower Fire – Lessons to be Learned

The Grenfell Tower fire, which occurred on June 14, 2017, in West London, stands as one of the UK’s most tragic modern disasters, claiming 72 lives and leaving countless others affected. The fire’s rapid spread, attributed to flammable cladding on the exterior of the building, has prompted an extensive examination of building safety practices, emergency response protocols, and the social inequalities embedded within urban housing policies. From this devastating event, several critical lessons have emerged, reshaping the approach to building safety, community relations, and policy-making.

The Imperative of Building Safety and Compliance

One of the most glaring revelations from the Grenfell Tower tragedy was the failure in building safety standards and compliance. The use of combustible cladding material significantly contributed to the fire’s rapid spread. This has underscored the necessity of stringent adherence to building codes and safety standards, especially concerning fire safety. The lesson here is clear: safety and compliance cannot be compromised at any cost. Regulatory bodies must enforce strict safety standards, and building materials must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet fire safety requirements, and a consideration must be made for sprinkler tanks and sprinkler system installation.

The Role of Effective Communication and Resident Concerns

Residents of Grenfell Tower had raised multiple concerns about the building’s safety long before the tragedy occurred. However, these warnings went largely unheeded by the building’s management. This failure in communication and response highlights the critical importance of effective dialogue between residents and housing authorities. Residents’ concerns must be taken seriously, and a transparent, open channel of communication should exist to address safety issues promptly.

The Need for Efficient Emergency Response Protocols

The Grenfell fire also brought to light issues in the emergency response and the need for clear evacuation protocols for high-rise buildings. The “stay put” policy, which advised residents to remain in their flats in case of fire, proved catastrophic due to the unforeseen rapid spread of flames. This tragic outcome emphasizes the need for adaptable and efficient emergency response strategies that consider various scenarios, including the potential failure of containment measures. Training for emergency services must also include scenarios involving cladding fires to improve response effectiveness.

The Importance of Accountability and Transparency

In the aftermath of the fire, public scrutiny focused on the chain of decisions that led to the installation of flammable cladding, among other safety oversights. The ensuing inquiry revealed a complex web of responsibilities, from local authorities to the contractors and regulatory bodies. This situation has highlighted the need for accountability and transparency in decision-making processes, especially in projects that have significant safety implications. Moving forward, it is crucial that all decisions related to building safety are made openly, with clear records accessible for public scrutiny.

The Power of Community and Resilience

In the face of tragedy, the Grenfell community’s response was one of unity and resilience. The immediate aftermath saw an outpouring of support from the local community and beyond, with people offering shelter, donations, and emotional support to those affected. This response underscored the strength and solidarity of communities in times of crisis. It also highlighted the importance of community support systems and the need for authorities to foster and engage with these networks in both planning and emergency response.

Addressing Social Inequalities in Urban Housing

The Grenfell Tower fire cast a stark light on the broader issues of social inequality and housing policy in urban areas. Many of the building’s residents were from marginalized communities, raising critical questions about the standards of housing provided to low-income families. The tragedy has prompted a broader discussion on social housing policies, with a push towards ensuring that all residents, regardless of economic status, have access to safe and decent living conditions.

The Role of Continuous Learning and Policy Evolution

Finally, the Grenfell Tower fire has taught us the importance of continuous learning and the evolution of policies to prevent future tragedies. Building regulations, safety standards, and emergency protocols must be regularly reviewed and updated in response to new information, technologies, and materials. This iterative process is crucial in adapting to changing environments and ensuring that the lessons learned from past failures are integrated into future practices.

Grenfell Tower Fire Conclusion

The Grenfell Tower fire tragedy has left an indelible mark, serving as a stark reminder of the critical importance of building safety, community engagement, and social equity. The lessons learned from this disaster are multifaceted, touching on technical, social, and policy-related aspects. As we move forward, it is imperative that these lessons lead to tangible changes in how we design, manage, and inhabit our urban environments. By doing so, we honor the memory of those lost and ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.

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.

Why You Need To Improve Fire Safety This Winter

The fire service is one of the most underrated public services in the UK. It is less likely to speak out when it is hit by spending cuts, yet this winter it will be deployed in the NHS. That’s right, fire crews will be drafted in to take patients home from hospital.

Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust has come to an arrangement which it hopes will prevent overcrowding and bed-blocking. But what does that mean for fire cover? According to reports, firefighters will transport vulnerable patients home. Not only that, they will “settle them in and check their surroundings are safe”.

Queuing ambulances lead to winter plan

The arrangement to use fire crews to take hospital patients home follows scenes of queuing ambulances outside hospitals last year. The fire service in Worcestershire has agreed to provide the transport service for six months – for free. During that time, it will seek to establish how much help the trust needs.

The service will be offered to patients at Alexandra Hospital in Redditch from the beginning of December. The Health Service Journal reports a spokesperson saying: “The service will be aimed at the most vulnerable to ensure they are safe in their own homes. Patients who can walk and possibly some wheelchair users will all benefit from transport home by uniformed fire service staff who are fully trained in identifying risks…”

What this means for your winter fire safety

Nationwide Water Solutions Limited is the UK’s market-leading, independent sprinkler tank expert. A spokesman said: “All eyes will be on Worcestershire this winter to see how this scheme works. What we don’t want to see is a national roll-out. Fire services are stretched and, in the event of a major fire, adequate resources are required in the quickest possible time.

“We advise owners of large commercial, retail and residential businesses to ensure their fire safety equipment can suppress a blaze and stop it from spreading. An automatic sprinkler system with a sprinkler tank is essential at a time when public services are under the cosh.

“In recent weeks, we have seen problems caused by low water pressure. These issues have highlighted the real benefits of having your own stored water supply to fight a fire. Our sprinkler tanks are designed to meet the needs of the buildings they serve and are a robust safety and loss prevention measure.”

Book a free site survey with Nationwide Water Solutions. For further information visit this website.

Corrosion and Your Sprinkler Tank

Have you invested in a sprinkler system and sprinkler tank? Did you know, it is important to stay on top of maintenance? A good sprinkler tank should last for many years. With annual independent inspections, any minor remedial work can be undertaken to extend the life of a tank. However, corrosion should never be ignored.

If a sprinkler tank becomes badly corroded, it is likely to leak. Apart from compromising your sprinkler system, leaking water is bad for the environment and could cause costly damage. In today’s blog post, we are going to be examining the topic of corrosion and sprinkler tanks. We hope it helps you understand the importance of proper maintenance.

What is corrosion?

Corrosion doesn’t normally occur overnight in a sprinkler tank. It is a natural process which may happen over a good many years. It is the result of metal being gradually eroded by water, chemicals and/or air. One of the biggest indicators of corrosion is rust. This is caused by the formation of iron oxides.

The difficulty with a sprinkler tank is that the corrosion is likely to be where a visual inspection can’t see it. For example, it could be below the water line inside the tank. It is for this reason that regular, professional inspections are vital.

How to detect corrosion

It is never a good idea to drain a sprinkler tank to visually inspect it. This will interrupt your fire safety measures and seriously compromise your sprinkler system. Instead, you should call in the experts. Nationwide Water Solutions carries out underwater inspections. This process doesn’t involve divers or anything dramatic. The specialist firm uses underwater cameras.

The benefits of an underwater sprinkler tank inspection are two-fold. One, they determine the actual condition of a tank. Two, they provide photographic evidence of any corrosion – so you are not left in any doubt. It also keeps your fire safety system fully operational and saves water.

Sprinkler tank repair

If your sprinkler tank is found to have corrosion, the inspection report will make qualified recommendations. In some cases, a sprinkler tank can be relined or repaired. In others, it may need to be replaced. Nationwide Water Solutions carries out sprinkler tank repairs across the UK.

For further information about its sprinkler tank services, visit the website.

Why Open-Sided Car Parks Need Sprinklers

A major fire in Liverpool at the end of last year could prompt fresh calls for new fire safety assessments in open-sided car parks. It is understood that pressure groups will demand sprinklers in all ‘at risk’ parking areas. The fire in Merseyside spread to multiple cars, causing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage. More than 1,000 vehicles were destroyed in the blaze.

It has been reported that the fire spread so rapidly a car was catching alight every half a minute. At the moment, open-sided car parks are not required by law to have sprinklers. The Government has, in the past, played down the effectiveness of sprinkler systems in car parks. However, fire safety experts are now suggesting the matter needs to be revisited.

Containing fires in car parks

Sprinklers contain fires, delaying the time it takes for them to spread. Firefighters universally back the installation of sprinkler systems in high-risk buildings. It keeps a blaze under control until emergency services get to the scene. One of the biggest concerns about open-sided car parks is that they are often found in multi-purpose buildings, including some tower blocks.

The number of vehicles affected by a blaze in a car park would be significantly reduced by sprinklers. Housing experts are already expressing concerns that fire suppression systems are not more widely used in covered car parks.

Nationwide Water Solutions

Nationwide Water Solutions is the UK’s leading independent sprinkler tank specialist. It says: “The risks posed by burning vehicles makes all covered car parks an obvious choice for sprinkler systems. Open-sided covered car parks are no exception.

“We supply sprinkler tanks to ensure sprinklers have the water they need to suppress a fire. Any building owner who is concerned about fire safety in an open-sided covered car park is invited to get in touch. We provide free site surveys and technical advice.”

Nationwide Water Solutions supplies and installs sprinkler tanks. It also maintains and repairs tanks.

For further information, visit the company’s website.

Four Building Types That Need A Fire Tank

If you are a regular visitor to our blog, you will know that we focus on fire safety issues. Over the past year, fire safety equipment has been in demand. Building owners are heeding the public’s concerns over safety. In today’s blog post, we will be looking at the four building types that need a fire tank.

If you are wondering what a fire tank is, we will explain. Also known as a sprinkler tank, it stores water solely to fight fires. Water is ready to fight a blaze in an emergency. The fire tank releases water to sprinkler heads. In the case of modern automatic sprinklers, only the area affected by fire will receive the water.

Here are the top four building types that need a fire tank…

1. High-rise tower blocks

While the installation of a sprinkler system is currently not compulsory, it soon could be. Recommendations following the catastrophic fire at Grenfell Tower include sprinklers for new buildings over 18 metres. It could be that existing buildings will have to be retro-fitted with sprinklers. If you own a high-rise building, don’t wait for the law to change. Think about installing a fire tank and automatic sprinkler system now.

2. Care homes

Elderly people are among the most vulnerable in society. Care homes could one day be forced to have sprinkler systems. That is because mobility problems make it difficult for older people to evacuate a building quickly. A fire tank supplies water to sprinklers, giving care homes more time to get residents out of a burning building.

3. New schools

There is growing consensus that all new schools should be fitted with sprinkler systems and fire tanks. This is to reduce the cost of arson and accidental fires on the public purse, and to improve the safety of children.

4. Warehousing

Loss prevention measures should include a fire tank and sprinklers.

For further information about fire tanks, visit Nationwide Water Solutions Limited.

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 sprinkler 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.