Fire safety is a huge topic at the moment in the wake of tragedies like Grenfell. There are big changes in the works to improve standards and make homes and other buildings safer. As a top provider of fire protection in Redcar, we keep a close eye on all relevant stories and changes in the industry. We want to look at a notable recent one here; changes to LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations.
The original rules
The most significant standard for the installation of automatic sprinkler system in the UK is from 2015. It incorporates BS EN 12845:2015+A1:2019 and Technical Bulletins. There are regular updates to ensure people can achieve the highest levels of resilience to fire.
Last year, there was Technical Bulletin 203 in January. However, in December, we got a revised version of TB203. It gave confirmation that an amendment was necessary to the requirements for testing automatic sprinkler systems that are over 25 years old. This is to check for potential failures.
The goal with the updated TB203 is to capture more quality data. It will provide details of the various factors that can lead to sprinkler head failure in older systems, including the geographical location, environment, temperature, year of manufacture, and type (external or internal).
The main changes
There are some notable changes to the LPC Rules because of TB203: December 2024. Let’s have a look, then you can talk to us if you need help with fire protection in Redcar.
Most importantly is the change to the number of sprinkler heads that require testing. Crucially, low and medium risk properties must test at least 10 sprinkler heads. In higher risk properties, at least 50 heads require testing.
The LPC Rules respect that properties can have different environments within them. For example, some low risk properties may have areas with false ceilings while others have ceiling voids or wide spaces with roof glazing. In this case, the rule is now that 10 sprinkler heads must be tested per environment.
Similarly, high risk properties can have different environments within them, including various roofing systems. As a result, there needs to be 50 sprinkler heads tested per environment.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the standards will reflect real world conditions. It will allow a better understanding of sprinkler head longevity, considering the risks in different environments. It will benefit the whole industry.
Do you need help with fire protection in Redcar?
One of the most important things to keep in mind is the rules about different aspects of fire safety change regularly. It is vital to think about this, especially if you are the responsible person for a property. One of the best things you can do is ensure you work with a company that can give you ongoing services and advice. ABC Fire Safety & Security can do just that, conducting fire risk assessments, inspecting fire doors, and much more.
So, if you want some help with fire protection in Redcar, please get in touch. We work with various clients, ensuring you get the best services for your properties.
