Government consultation on the installation of sprinklers within domestic buildings is drawing to a close – have you had your say?

Sprinklers are the sort of building service item that are not given a second thought until they are really needed – in a fire. Sadly, the number of people who die in their home as a result of fire is still too high. This is why a Cwmbran high rise is set to become the tallest block of flats in the UK to be retro-fitted with a fire sprinkler system.

'The Tower', a 22-storey high building owned by Bron Afon Community Housing is to have a sprinkler fitted in every one of it's 80 flats and in it's communal areas. Duncan Forbes, Bron Afon's chief executive, said; “Sprinkler systems are the most effective way of fighting fire and preventing loss of life. We are proud that this work is setting an example as the most challenging of its kind in the UK.”

As part of the Government’s Domestic Fire Safety (Wales) Measure in 2011, there are plans to introduce regulations to make automatic fire suppression systems (sprinklers) compulsory in all new and converted homes and right now it is seeking to make changes to the Building Regulations to make sprinklers and fire suppression systems compulsory in new and converted homes. This went to consultation – which is due to close on 17th June. CEW has been involved in events promoting the use of sprinklers in Llandudno and Cardiff where there have been some energetic discussions and positive feedback.

There is still time to join the discussion. Go to the Welsh Government website to add to the debate before it ends on 17th June.