INTRODUCTION

This guide provides good practice guidance relating to automatic fire sprinkler systems. Sprinkler systems installed in buildings have a good record of performance and have demonstrated that they can be effective in reducing the risk to life and property damage from fire.

The guide is aimed at project clients, building owners, building managers, specifiers, sprinkler installers and maintenance companies, insurance surveyors, building control practitioners, fire safety officers, risk assessors and fire and rescue service inspectors. It will also be of interest to anyone who needs to consider or deal with automatic sprinkler systems.

Only fixed, automatic sprinkler systems are considered in the guide; it is mainly concerned with sprinklers installed in commercial and industrial buildings, although residential sprinkler systems are briefly referred to.

• A range of issues are covered:

• brief background and description

• relevant, current UK standards

• design, installation and maintenance issues

• dealing with existing, new and novel products

• the associated benefits, limitations and potential problems that may occur

• guidance on avoiding these problems so that reliable and effective systems are designed, installed, commissioned and maintained, and fulfil their purpose in the event of a fire.

The guide also suggests where to find further information.