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Fires in warehouses occur throughout the UK for various reasons. This can be a nightmare for anyone involved in the business, as it can hold up production and damage any selling items. Just one warehouse can quickly snowball a business and cause massive delays which can cost a company high prices. But, how can we combat this problem? Having a fire sprinkler system installed is a great way to ensure if a fire does break out, the damage is limited. Check out this helpful guide on how a fire sprinkler system can help prevent major fire outbreaks in warehouses.

Main Causes of Warehouse Fires

Understanding the cause can actually help businesses find suitable fire protection systems; finding the solution before the problem comes to light. Arson, according to studies, makes up around one-third of all fire-related property damage and specifically, 18% of warehouse fires. Typically, if arson does occur, it will be after working hours and at night. This means that if a fire does break out, there is no one there to assess the situation immediately. However, with the installation of fire sprinklers, each head will automatically release the water.

Throughout the warehouse or factory setting, maintenance accidents can easily occur, resulting in fires. Especially if there is a lot of electrical or lighting equipment. It is important that risk assessments are performed throughout the floors and have safety systems in place for these.

Compartment Sizes

The Fire Safety Building Regulations (FSBR) do not specifically have regulations or laws in place for mandatory fire sprinkler installation. Even warehouses that are as big as 20,000m2 do not incur any guidance. However, this does not mean warehouses can’t have a fire sprinkler system in place.

In 2020, 100 firefighters and 20 engines were called to tackle a Kent Foods warehouse, based in Basildon. The 7,300m2 warehouse was destroyed and only 11 months later, was the rebuild given planning permission. In contrast, a fire broke out in a 9000m2 warehouse in Hastings the same year and was extinguished by a fire sprinkler system. This meant that the business could continue to produce and sell their goods, compared to the Kent Foods incident.

Fire Sprinkler System

A commercial sprinkler system is one of the most effective ways to reduce damage in warehouses and save countless lives. Employees may depend on the work for their salary, so putting them out of business for several months may have negative impacts. 

So, why are they not mandatory? It seems that fire sprinkler installation would prevent such incidents from spreading and ensure fire services’ resources are not wasted on major emergencies. Work with a professional fire sprinkler system company to consult whether sprinklers should be installed in your building. 

RAD Fire Sprinklers

Here at RAD Fire Sprinklers, we promote the installation of fire sprinkler systems throughout the London and South East area. No matter what the build is (care homes, high-rise flats, warehouses etc.), we believe at RAD that there are so many benefits to a fire sprinkler system:

• Saves Lives
• Environmentally Friendly
• Cost-Effective
• Reduced Insurance Costs

For more information on our services, or to receive a quote, fill in our online form and a member of our team will shortly be in touch.