WALES
Building Regulation powers were devolved to Wales on 31 December 2011, this provided a window of opportunity to develop legislation in Wales to mandate for sprinklers in dwellings.
Assembly Member Anne Jones proposed a measure for the introduction of sprinklers this measure titled The Domestic Fire Safety ( Wales ) Measure 2011, was the first step in introducing the requirement for automatic water suppression systems ( AWSS) in all new and converted dwellings in Wales
The Measure set out requirements the provision for automatic fire suppression systems (such as a fire sprinkler system) to be compulsory in all new and converted residences and enabled Welsh Ministers to introduce regulations setting out the requirements for such systems.
The Domestic Fire Safety (Wales) Regulations 2013 introduced the intent of the Measure into the Building Regulations by adding a new part 7A Provision of Automatic Fire Suppression systems which applies to Wales only and is comprised of new Regulations 37(a) & (b).
The Regulations were introduced in two stages.
The first stage was implemented with effect from 30 April 2014 and required (AWSS) to be fitted in all new or converted:
- Care homes (as defined in the Care Standards Act 2000)
- Children’s Homes
- Hospices
- Student accommodation
- Boarding Houses
- Hostels (other than those used for short stay leisure accommodation)
The second stage, implemented on the 1st January 2016, mandated the provision of (AWSS) in all new houses and flats, including:
- Registered group homes
- Adult placements
- sheltered housing
Approved Documents B Vols 1 and 2 (Wales)
The Welsh Government produced Amended Wales specific Approved Document B Volumes 1 and 2 which provide guidance to complying with the requirements of the Legislation. Both Volumes contain a new Section 2: Automatic Fire Suppression Systems.
Approved Documents B Vols 1 and 2 (Wales)
The Approved Documents call up the following standards
- BS 9251 :2014
- BS EN 12845:2009 ( 2015)
Equivalent technical standards also allowed e.g.
- Water Mist BS 8458:2015
- Other national standards/ codes e.g. NFPA
Welsh Government guidance for householders
This guide provides information about fire sprinklers and answers some common question and myths about sprinklers, including;
- How sprinklers work and what will happen if a sprinkler is activated
- Maintenance of sprinkler systems
- What to do if making alterations (such as making internal structural alterations, or adding an extension) in the future.