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Important notice for anyone
responsible for sprinkler systems
Periodic system inspection / Hazard review
The rules for the upkeep of sprinkler installations have been updated.
The clarification which we explain below specifically excludes building occupiers, system owners, sprinkler contractors, and service and maintenance contractors from carrying out these inspections.
See below why Fire Risk Engineers Ltd can help.
What are the implications
If there is a fire and subsequent investigations show the sprinkler system has been inspected by an appropriately qualified person such as our principal fire engineer.
This will help the responsible stakeholders demonstrate having taken recommended steps to comply with BS EN 12845 and the LPC rules.
With 30 years fire safety experience, 20 years directly in the design, installation and commissioning of fire sprinkler systems, our fully qualified principal fire engineer has the expertise to carry out periodic third party inspections of sprinkler systems, also known as a hazard reviews.
Having no connection to any sprinkler contractor and being currently employed by the LPCB to carry out third party inspections of sprinkler installations, a member of the FPA and having an Msc in fire safety engineering he will be able to assist with any issues.
As well as working on traditional commercial and industrial sprinkler systems, he also has experience of residential systems to UK standards, and has expertise in FM Global, NFPA, Vds and TÜV standards.
What will we do
We will carry out a survey of sprinkler protected areas including any drawings and documentation available.
The following is a brief list of general points that we will review:
- Structural alterations and additions
- New buildings, mezzanines, offices etc
- Change of use of protected areas
- New hazards or process changes
- Storage height, configuration and clearance
- In-
rack protection compliance - Sprinkler system alterations
- Ambient temperatures and frost protection
- Condition of systems, painting, shielding
- Interface with other systems
- Maintenance and servicing
- Our survey will be followed by a detailed report
The 2019 amendment to BS EN 12845-
Clause 21 also makes specific reference to the new annex Q in BS EN 12845, which recommends these system inspections are undertaken by an independent body, not the owner, occupier, sprinkler system installer or competitor, sprinkler system service and maintenance provider or their competitors.
Annex Q also defines the expert as a designated person, suitably trained, qualified by knowledge and practical experience.
The FPA Fire Protection Association, established by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) wrote the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinklers. Their sister company the RISKauthority carry out research supported by UK insurers, publishing guides and recommendations for risk management in areas of Fire and Security via the FPA.
The RISKauthority held a presentation on the 5th of May 2020 in which they commented:
This clarification should not be conflated or confused with the requirements of technical bulletin TB203 which sets out care and maintenance requirements of automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler.
Routine checks and inspections for service and maintenance purposes should continue to be carried out by registered sprinkler contractors.
In the current climate of much needed reforms to the fire industry it is notable that for crucial systems such as automatic sprinkler systems, checking of these systems will come under increased scrutiny.
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