Ian Gough

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is supporting the position of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) in urging the UK Government to change its stance on sprinklers. In particular it is asking for sprinklers: to become a requirement in all new high-rise residential structures to be retro-fitted in buildings more than 30 metres tall when they are refurbished should be retro-fitted in high-rise residential buildings over 30 metres with a single staircase, regardless of refurbishment plans should be provided in new residential care premises and specialized housing Minimizes the impact of fire on businesses Sprinklers save lives, reduce injuries, protect property and minimize the impact of fire on businesses"At TWFRS’ Sprinkler Seminar, during National Sprinkler Safety Week, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, John Baines said: “The research conducted by the NFCC confirms just how important sprinklers can be, within the range of fire safety solutions for new and existing buildings. “Sprinklers save lives, reduce injuries, protect property and minimize the impact of fire on businesses. They also help to protect firefighters and reduce the impact of fires on the environment. We believe that this compelling evidence deserves a positive government response.” Key experts across the field of sprinklers This week, TWFRS welcomed to its headquarters in Barmston, Washington, a number of key national experts across the field of sprinklers. This included Terry McDermott, CFO Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and the NFCC Lead for Automatic Water Suppression Systems, who gave the audience an overview of the recent research on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Sprinkler Systems in the United Kingdom; Ian Gough, from the sprinkler trade association BAFSA, who presented on sprinklers in schools and Nick McCormack from Merseyside FRS who described a challenging car park fire. The seminar also included, housing provider Gentoo and South Tyneside Housing who shared with the audience their own sprinkler journey and demonstrations on sprinkler effectiveness. Protecting lives, homes and businesses As a service we promote the installation of sprinklers and Automatic Suppression Systems in homes"John concluded: “As a service we actively promote the installation of sprinklers and Automatic Suppression Systems in homes and businesses. Sprinklers already play a major role in protecting lives, homes and businesses and we would very much welcome the UK Government following the lead from Scotland and Wales, and by doing so providing greater protection particularly to those in our vulnerable communities, who need it the most.” At the seminar, TWFRS also launched an updated version of their sprinklers booklet, with key information for residents and businesses.