Leading built environment bodies call for sprinklers in all schools
Leading bodies in the built environment have signed a joint statement calling on the Government to require the installation of sprinklers in schools, including the retrofitting of sprinklers in existing school buildings when relevant refurbishment takes place.
The joint statement comes ahead of Parliamentary scrutiny on the Building Safety Bill.
The statement signed by all parties reads:
“As leading professional bodies in the built environment, we believe further action is required to improve the fire safety of buildings in the UK.
"Lives, stock and property are saved by the use of Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS), which includes sprinklers. At present, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland differ in their requirements on sprinklers in schools yet the science of fire knows no political or geographical boundaries. Fire safety of occupants and firefighters is of primary concern. Loss of schools in a community can have devastating effects. Recent research has evidenced the number of fires in schools and the benefits AFSS would bring.
"Achieving a more consistent approach to life safety and sprinkler installations in schools that draws on best practice from all the UK nations would provide clarity to the industry and help better protect the public and communities.
"We support the installation of AFSS in all new and converted school buildings of any height and retrofitting to existing buildings when refurbishment occurs as ‘consequential improvements’ where a building is subject to 'material alterations’.”
Each of the professional bodies will bring forward guidance for our own professionals in line with this statement in the absence of government legislation.
Signed by:
- CIOB – Chartered Institute of Building
- NFCC – National Fire Chiefs Council
- RIBA – Royal Institute of British Architects
- RICS – Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
This article originally appeared on the CIOB website. It was published on 19 October 2020.
--CIOB
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Addressing building failures: Grenfell Tower and Edinburgh schools.
- Automatic fire sprinkler.
- BS 9999: Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings.
- Building Safety Bill.
- CIOB articles.
- Fire.
- Fire detection and alarm system.
- Fire protection engineering.
- Fire Safety Bill.
- Making the case for sprinklers and dispelling myths.
- Overview of automatic sprinkler system design and operation.
- Risk assessment under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
- Sprinkler.
- Sprinkler head.
- Sprinkler systems explained: A guide to sprinkler installation standards and rules.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.