Sprinklers in Europe known problems and misconceptions. Alan Brinson

Transcription

1 Sprinklers in Europe known problems and misconceptions Alan Brinson

2 Over 100 members from 18 countries Insurers, laboratories, consultancies, fire brigades, sprinkler industry Mission to improve fire safety across Europe through the wider use of properly designed and installed water-based fire protection systems Set up or support organisations in Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, UK ad hoc involvement in more countries Through Technical Committee involved in standards

3 Engage with regulators, influencers and stakeholders to raise awareness of sprinklers and their benefits Change does not happen by itself! Information does not seem to travel across borders! Correct widespread misconceptions These give negative perceptions of sprinklers and prevent positive change Sometimes vested interests promote misconceptions about sprinklers we provide correct information based on independent research

4 Gather data, sponsor research and share it to inform regulatory changes There is an excellent story to tell! Support European standards development: State of the art design makes sprinklers more competitive Regulators need to refer to national standards and European standards are also national standards NFPA, VdS, FM and CEA are good but not national standards

5 Known problems architects, AHJs Most architects, fire officials and fire officers know little about sprinklers Yet they decide whether sprinklers should be part of a building s fire safety design Offer training cheaply or free Successful in Belgium, France, Germany, UK

6 Known problems EN Most widely used standard in Europe a national standard that can be referenced by authorities But reflects 1990s state of the art Under review: first draft 2019 and publication 2022 Next edition will flow in the same way as a project New guidance on hazard class selection, with more than one design option possible for a hazard class Will include CMSA sprinklers, extended coverage sprinklers, guidance for high ceilings...

7 Known problems EN No extended coverage sprinklers EN is more expensive than other standards Omits many of the storage protection options in NFPA 13, FM data sheets and VdS CEA 4001 Some risks cannot be protected, others only at more expense How do other countries deal with this? Create national documents to complement EN Use NFPA 13, FM data sheets or VdS CEA 4001 (no mixing use their water supply guidance too)

8 Known problems gaps in EN No guidance for water supplies EN only lists the options Guidance from national organisations, often insurance-led No European organisation for questions on EN Many countries have a national organisation or committee Those that do not should set one up Meanwhile ask project approval body

9 Known problems gaps in standards No design and installation standard for residential sprinkler systems EN 16925:2018 now available No product standard for residential sprinklers EN publication this year

10 Known problems CE marking No EN standard for many common components Deluge valves, butterfly valves, gate valves, check valves, couplings, hangers, piping systems, pumps Cannot be CE-marked Poland requires a national mark but there are no test protocols for obtaining one Refer to international approvals (FM, LPCB, UL or VdS) CEN deluge valve and pump standards available soon We will find a way for more components to be CE-marked

11 Known problems Quality Assurance No requirement to use third party accredited installers Third party system inspections not mandatory Many systems are installed under a third party accreditation scheme, such as VdS Some insurers inspect installed systems Encourage authorities to demand third party certificates of compliance it makes their job easier and will improve system quality

12 Misconceptions Life safety No sprinklers Sprinklers Effect of sprinklers on temperature in a house fire

13 Misconceptions Life safety No sprinklers Sprinklers Effect of sprinklers on room tenability in a house fire Sprinklers reduce fire deaths and injuries by 80-90%

14 Misconceptions Need for a backup Some officials ask, What if the system does not work? Studies show sprinkler systems are % reliable, depending on the quality assurance arrangements: Third party accredited installers Mandatory annual third party inspections Mandatory annual maintenance Sprinklers are more reliable than other fire safety measures residual risk is acceptable Fire detection, escape routes and structural fire protection still present they are the backup

15 Misconceptions Need for a backup

16 Misconceptions All sprinklers operate Each sprinkler individually reacts mechanically to heat Cigarette smoke will not set off a sprinkler In most fires only 1 or 2 sprinklers operate UK data: 65% Sprinkler system releases less water than a fire hose! 20%

17 Misconceptions Poor aesthetics Where is the sprinkler? Here

18 Misconceptions Poor aesthetics

19 More misconceptions Residents need to be rehoused when sprinklers are retrofitted in an apartment building Not true, each apartment can be retrofitted in a day Sprinklers are expensive In the UK, sprinklers cost 1,500 for a one-bed apartment and 2,500 with three bedrooms Sprinklers in warehouses cost 40-50/m 2 Average insured value is 3,000/m 2

20 Summary Known problems are not deal-breakers and solutions are available Misconceptions are just that. Education quickly makes clear how wrong they are Sprinklers are a highly effective, economic and flexible fire safety measure

21 Thank you!