Tag Archives: sprinkler water tank

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.

Can Relining A Sprinkler Water Tank Extend Its Lifespan?

A newly installed sprinkler water tank will last for many years – often well over a decade. However, over time, it will show signs of wear and will eventually require refurbishment or replacing. Knowing when your tank needs remedial work is important, which is why experts recommend regular inspections – preferably by a fully trained independent expert.

Relining a sprinkler tank is in many cases the recommended alternative to going through the upheaval of replacing an existing one. So, yes, it can extend a tank’s lifespan. In fact, the best professional installers will give you an indication – or better, a guarantee – of just how much longer your tank will last after being relined.

While the motivations for relining a tank can be varied, the most common ones are outlined below.

 

Saves time

If you can’t afford the water supply to your sprinkler system being lost for longer than a couple of days, relining is best way forward. We have to point out, not all tanks will be suitable for this type of repair. You should only agree to a tank relining procedure if your existing sprinkler water tank has been properly assessed by an independent expert and found to be suitable. If it is not, you will have to go through the decommissioning process and have the old tank uninstalled and removed before a new once can be fitted and commissioned.

A lot will depend on the internal condition of the tank. If it can be relined, the time it takes to carry out this process will vary according to its size, design and siting. During the process, your sprinkler system will be impacted. Draining a tank can take more than 24 hours and refilling it the same amount of time, depending on its capacity. However, relining a sprinkler tank is still quicker than having to install a new one.

The process involved in constructing a new tank can require bespoke fabrication and other factors that all add to the time it takes to install. This can have safety as well as insurance implications.

 

Relining a sprinkler water tank saves money

Money is often a big factor when it comes to making a choice. The sprinkler water tank is no exception. Many businesses and municipalities now use tanks made from glass reinforced plastic, commonly referred to as GRP. In this case, relining is much more cost effective than investing in a brand-new tank. Even relatively old tanks can be relined, if their condition has not deteriorated to the point of no return.

There are obvious cost disadvantages of having to empty and remove an old tank. That is why more and more businesses are looking to extend the life of existing facilities.

Relining a sprinkler water tank saves hassle

Time costs money, as they say. In the case of the sprinkler water tank time can cost lives. So, in addition to avoiding the upheaval on a site, relining can reduce the hassle. It is worth noting that tanks designed when a site is first developed can be located in hard-to-access areas, adding to the time it takes to remove it. Often a tank will need to be dismantled and cut up to ensure it can easily and safely be removed. The guarantees given for relining make it a savvy choice, not just for saving time but for budgeting in the future. If you have a newly lined tank with a good guarantee, you can plan ahead and budget money for a new one when the guarantee runs out.

 

Other factors

It is better for the environment to reline a tank than remove it. Apart from saving non-recyclable components from landfill, it will help you to use what you have already got for much longer. People often assumed that corrosion or a small leak means a sprinkler water tank has reached the end of its life. This simply isn’t always the case.

Even splits below the water line can be remedied with relining – if they are deemed repairable. Sometimes, simply refurbishing a tank will extend its life. Strengthening weak points in the structure and applying fibreglass matting, as well as a multi-coat epoxy system can achieve the same desired results.

The shutdown period during works should be clearly specified in advance, so risk assessments can be carried out to cover a site while a sprinkler water tank is out of service. Some tanks can be relined or refurbished in just a few days while other can take up to a week.

 

Making the right choice for your sprinkler water tank

Sometimes, even badly leaking sprinkler tanks can be repaired. It all depends on the overall condition of the tank’s internal walls, along with a number of other factors. If you are not sure if your tank is suitable for relining, book an independent inspection. It will give you an accurate indication of the level of corrosion or deterioration.

Modern inspection techniques do not require a tank to be emptied, so there will be no disruption to the supply of water to your sprinkler system. Getting an expert’s opinion will help you make the right choice. An inspection report should clearly set out recommendations. If relining is an option, it will be noted in the report.

If you decide to book an inspection, make sure you use a specialist that will supply you with video or photographic evidence of his or her findings. You can refer to these images when going through the report to be totally certain of what you need to do to ensure your sprinkler system benefits from a fully compliant, reliable water source.

Sprinklers are important. Without them, lives and property are at a higher risk from fire. Ensuring a wet sprinkler system has the best possible chance of containing a blaze starts with a good supply of water. If you are not sure about the condition of your tank or need more advice after an inspection, always talk to an expert.

Relining a sprinkler water tank is cost-effective, safe and saves time. Importantly, it will extend the lifespan of your tank allowing it to deliver many more years of service.