25.02.25
Withdrawal of FIRAS certification schemes
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Here you can read about the latest developments in sprinkler technology, training and legislation along with examples of automatic fire sprinklers protecting people, property and the environment.
Automatic fire sprinkler systems are the most widely used fire protection system in the world.
Sprinklers are designed to put as little water as possible on the seat of a fire at a very early stage of development in order to control and contain it – and often extinguish it before the fire and rescue service arrive.
Help to raise industry competence levels through training and education
Promote the importance of compliance in the sprinkler industry
Educate and inform people about the value of fire sprinklers in an effective fire safety strategy
80%
Sprinklers reduce injuries by at least 80%, reduce property damage by 90% and substantially reduce damage to the environment from fire.
60%
About 60% of fires in commercial premises are controlled when only four sprinklers are operating
10%
Losses from fires in buildings equipped with sprinklers are 1/10th of those in unprotected buildings
68.c
Smoke will not activate a sprinkler head. There must be a fire that generates enough heat to raise the temperature near the sprinkler to above 68⁰C.
BAFSA's Training Centre provides opportunities for continuous professional development and competence for those already working in or looking to join the fire sprinkler sector. It offers a range of courses from beginner level to advanced, with a mixture of both online and face to face course delivery along with additional training content and resources on automatic fire sprinkler systems. The resources are available to both BAFSA members and non members, so that they can keep up to date with fire sprinkler installation, design, inspection and commissioning requirements
BAFSA welcomes applications for membership from all parts of the fire suppression industry and from any organisation with an interest the promotion of fire sprinklers as the most effective way of protecting life and property from the effects of fire. It is only by having a strong trade association that we can influence future standards, legislation and government policies and we can continue to ensure through training and education that sprinkler systems are installed to the highest professional standards.
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association ( BAFSA) is the UK's leading trade association for the fire sprinkler industry. It was founded in 1974 and in 2024 celebrated 50 years of advocating for increased fire suppression and protection through the use of automatic fire sprinklers. Over the years the association has been instrumental in both an advisory and lobbying capacity to successive governments and those responsible for fire safety on the effectiveness of fire sprinklers as a fire safety measure.
BAFSA offers a free technical advice service to those with questions about sprinkler design, installation and maintenance. Whether you have queries about commercial, residential or domestic fire sprinkler systems our experts should be able to advise you. This service is available to both members and non-members. If your question relates to a search for a sprinkler installation company to undertake work for you then please use our member directory for a list of third-part accredited installers.
BAFSA is the only UK trade association that represents all parts of the sprinkler industry.
As an association BAFSA contributes to promoting, developing and driving key partnerships to improve the quality, awareness of and legislative requirements for fire suppression systems. We also advocate for the importance of competence in our industry. All our members have to be third party certified and we provide training courses and seminars along with a suite of qualifications for the industry. We also contribute to working groups and committees that shape the relevant European and British standards and work alongside third-party certification bodies. Since 1974 we have ensured the the automatic fire suppression sector has a voice and the more members we have, the greater the influence we can exert.
Join us today to help make fire sprinklers the norm and not the exception.
Ali Perry, CEO, BAFSA
BAFSA's magazine, Sprinkler Focus, is published twice a year and is the only sprinkler focused publication in the UK. It features expert technical articles, case studies and updates on legislation, training and standards and is essential reading for anyone working in the fire safety sector
Each year BAFSA documents all of the reported sprinkler activations sent to our Sprinkler Saves co-ordinator Nick Coleshill and publishes them in an annual review. Nick is an ex firefighter and passionate about the sprinkler cause. He works closey with Fire and Rescue Services to compile this key data which provides the best evidence there is of why sprinklers should be installed in all buildings.
The BAFSA Yearbook is an indispensable guide to the UK sprinkler industry and also features a directory of all of BAFSA's members. This is distributed to Building Control, Housing Associations and Fire & Rescue Services. Copies are also shared at all trade shows, exhibitions and seminars that BAFSA attends.