Why Are Fire Sprinkler Systems Important In Care Homes?

BM Sprinklers specialists in designing, supplying and installing BS9251 automatic fire suppression systems specifically for residential care homes. Whether it’s for the new construction or existing properties, we have you covered. Residential care home operators must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legal obligation requires operators to conduct a risk assessment and implement measures to minimize the risk of fire, guaranteeing resident’s safety in case of a fire.

Guidance is issued by the National Association for Safety and Heath in Care Services (NASHiCS) and the Chief Officer’s Association (CFOA) addresses a range of Fire Safety issues. These encompass evacuation times, the need for rooms for residents who can’t evacuate, staffing levels, fire escapes, travel distance, and more. The primary responsibilities and duty of care involve ensuring the safety of occupants, providing fire awareness training for staff, minimizing fire safety hazards, and implementing effective evacuation procedures.

Facts.

• Care homes operators must take measurements to ensure the safety of residents in the event of a fire.
• In the past 10 years there have been over 6,000 reported fire in premises providing care for older persons.
• It requires two staff members to life one person, and a fire can escalate to fatal conditions before the Fire Brigade arrives.
• On average, over the past decade, there have been three fatalities each year due to fire-related incidents, with an additional 1,026 individuals sustaining injuries.

Repairing a fire-damaged care home can potentially take several months before it is fully operational again. The solution being – install an automatic fire sprinkler system.

• The solution is simple and is already compulsory in all new care homes in Scotland. While builders and operators recognise the importance of installing fire sprinklers, the main deterrent is the cost. Yet, many are unaware that significant cost savings can be achieved in various areas with a fire sprinkler system in place, along with additional design and operational advantage.

Benefits.

• They will control and, in most cases, extinguish a fire before the fire and rescue services arrive.
• The automatic fire sprinklers will help contain and minimize the damage caused by a fire to the property, preventing it’s spread.
• Where residents require assistance, it is likely that the evacuation process will take longer, and sprinklers provide significant benefits to address the risk.
• Additionally, sprinklers will not only improve the safety of your residents but also serve as a distinctive selling point for your care home.

Conclusion.

Installing residential fire sprinklers not only safeguard properties and lives but also has a postive financial impact. For instance, with sprinklers in place you can gradually reduce overnight staffing since the sprinklers automatically prevent fires from spreading, enabling safe evacuations.

BM Sprinklers offers the design, supply and installation of a cost-effective fire sprinkler system that complies with regulations for care homes. Proving you with peace of mind, knowing that the risk of fire have been reduced.