Published October 19, 2017
The Royal Institute of British Architects insists the retrofitting of sprinklers should be made a mandatory part of tower block refurbishments.
They claim sprinkler systems or automatic fire suppression systems and fire alarms should be retrofitted to all residential buildings higher than 19 meters – regardless of age.
And the RIBA told the government’s building regulations review that the ‘stay put’ fire response advice should be reviewed in favour of an evacuation policy.
The RIBA has been asked to submit evidence and recommendations as part of the governments building regulations review.
Dame Judith Hackitt is leading the review which is due to be published in spring 2018, followed by a response to parliament by the government.
Jane Duncan, chair of the RIBA Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety, said: “The RIBA welcomes Dame Judith Hackitt’s review but we believe it must be more comprehensive, addressing the details of building regulations guidance as well as the broader regulatory system.
“The review should cover all building types and construction methods, not just those relating to high-rise, multiple-occupancy residential buildings.”
The RIBA submitted 15 recommendations to the review including calls for fire suppression systems to be installed in all new and converted residential buildings as well as multiple staircases in all new high rise developments.
Protect24 provide local authorities and housing associations with a complete turnkey solution to the retrofit of fire protection systems.
The North West based fire protection specialists provide bespoke planning and design programmes for high rise social housing developments, which includes the retrofitting of sprinkler systems.
To learn more about Protect24, the services provided or to arrange a consultation with our team click this link.
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