Our future is safer with sprinklers
The issue of fire safety in commercial buildings is once again being brought into sharp focus with the release of a preliminary report by the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) following their investigation into the devastating fire at the Ocado warehouse in Andover earlier this year. In reporting the cause of the fire and fire growth, the HFRS concluded that the “deactivation of the sprinkler system can be considered a significant factor in its failure to effectively perform as designed.”
While the fire and its causes in the automated, robot-operated depot were initially contained by the sprinkler system, it was then turned off by Ocado staff for a period of five minutes. The report then notes that fire growth was significant during this 5-minute period. The HFRS were only called to the incident after the sprinkler system was turned back on. Fire sprinkler systems are designed to activate at the outset of a fire and contain the flames until the FRS arrive.
It is clear from the report that the human intervention into the proper operation of the fire sprinkler system was a significant contributory factor to the eventual outcome of the fire incident.
The BSA agrees with the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service whose position statement on the benefits of sprinklers remains valid, as does their advice and guidance on the installation and use of sprinklers within commercial buildings.
Commenting on the HFRS report, Iain Cox, Chairman of the BSA, said: “Early intervention by the HFRS was not possible due to a number of contributory factors. As a former fire chief, the risk to firefighters in large buildings is substantial due to the size and potential for rapid collapse. Sprinklers minimise the risk to firefighters and provide an opportunity for the fire and rescue to do their best.”
Dealing with fires quickly and decisively is important for a number of reasons. An automatic sprinkler system, correctly designed, installed and maintained, can contain a fire to a small area within a warehouse. When backed-up by professional fire fighters with access to a good water supply, the chance of a fire getting out of control is significantly minimised.
Having sprinklers fitted protects businesses in the long run. They safeguard against potentially disastrous losses and also aid life safety. By preventing large fires, sprinklers also protect the environment by avoiding CO2 emissions, reducing excess water use by the fire brigade and eliminating water supply contamination. Above all, they maintain business continuity. In the event of a fire, many businesses with sprinkler systems find they are back up-and-running in a matter of hours.