Building safety revisions welcomed but leave gaps in fire protection
Iain Hoey
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Updates to fire safety regulations for care homes announced in England and Northern Ireland
The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) has welcomed updates to fire safety regulations in England and Northern Ireland regarding sprinkler systems in new care homes.
However, the organisation warns that these changes fall short of fully protecting vulnerable individuals in other types of accommodation, including existing care homes and assisted living facilities.
The revisions to England’s Building Regulations Approved Document B and Northern Ireland’s Technical Booklet E mandate sprinkler systems in new care homes.
Former Building Safety Minister Rushanara Ali MP stated: “A compassionate society protects its most vulnerable.”
The BSA agrees with this sentiment but highlights that vulnerable individuals living in existing care homes or specialised housing remain unprotected under these changes.
Calls to address gaps in fire safety for vulnerable individuals
The BSA points to incidents such as the 2019 fire at Beechmere Retirement Village in Crewe, which destroyed a timber-framed, unsprinklered building housing elderly residents.
Secretary of the BSA Tom Roche said: “Beechmere was an extra care living accommodation, not technically a care home, yet it housed elderly individuals, many of whom required assistance.
“The unsprinklered, timber-framed building was completely destroyed by fire, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive fire safety measures in all types of accommodation for vulnerable people.”
The BSA advocates expanding regulations to include all housing types for vulnerable individuals.
The organisation argues that current inconsistencies leave people with similar risk characteristics to those in care homes with unequal fire safety measures.
Retrofitting measures versus proactive implementation
The BSA has observed a trend of retrofitting sprinkler systems after serious incidents such as the Beechmere fire.
Tom Roche stated: “We’ve observed that following serious incidents like the Beechmere fire, operators often take retroactive measures, such as retrofitting sprinklers in similar extra care facilities.
“However, we believe it’s crucial to implement these life-saving systems proactively, rather than reactively.”
Proactive sprinkler installation is seen as critical for providing additional evacuation time for individuals with mobility issues and offering peace of mind to residents, staff, and families.
Expanding sprinkler use across the built environment
The BSA emphasises the broader benefits of sprinkler systems, which not only control fires but also reduce damage and fire spread.
It continues to advocate for sprinkler systems to be considered in a wide range of buildings, including hospitals, schools, retail centres, and industrial facilities.
The organisation urges policymakers to address regulatory gaps to ensure consistent fire safety measures for all vulnerable individuals, regardless of the type of accommodation they reside in.
Updates to fire safety regulations for care homes announced in England and Northern Ireland: Summary
The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) has welcomed updates to fire safety regulations mandating sprinkler systems in new care homes in England and Northern Ireland.
While these changes improve fire safety, the BSA highlights gaps in protection for individuals in existing care homes and specialised housing, such as assisted living facilities and retirement villages.
Citing incidents like the 2019 Beechmere Retirement Village fire, the BSA calls for proactive implementation of sprinklers across all housing for vulnerable people.
The organisation advocates expanding regulations to ensure consistent fire safety standards and greater use of sprinklers in various types of buildings.
