BAFSA sprinkler experts are on hand to assist members with any technical, legislative or training issues that they might have.
We also have an extensive library of data sheets on every area of sprinkler technology from sprinkler heads to pumps. We also have guidance on current sprinkler standards and building regulations for fitting sprinklers anywhere from care homes to commercial premises.
BAFSA's sprinkler information files and technical updates are all available to download on our website. If you are a BAFSA member and require additional printed copies for trade shows or events – please contact marketing@bafsa.org.uk
We also provide members with a suite of digital graphics highlighting the benefits of sprinklers for use in their own promotions. You can download these by logging into your member area.
If you have any questions relating to sprinklers then BAFSA's chief technical advisor, Joe McCafferty, is the man most likely to be able to answer them. Questions for Joe can be sent by email.
Most sprinkler pumps are installed by 3rd party accredited sprinkler installer companies. All BAFSA sprinkler installer member companies are 3rd party accredited. The sprinkler installers use their own engineers to install the pump room pipework and to secure the pump and its driver on the plinth/base. The pump will have been supplied by a pump manufacturer i.e. SPP Pumps, Grundfos, Armstrong, Clark pumps etc.
When the sprinkler installer has done his work the pump supplier will come to site and commission the pump/s. They will check pump alignment, pump electrics, diesel engine, electric/diesel panels, signals etc. They will run the pumps to prove that they are achieving their required duties i.e. that the water flow and water pressure are correct and are in compliance with the systems hydraulic calculations.
Many sprinkler systems may have a Certificate of Conformity which means anyone working on the system needs to be 3rd party accredited to ensure the validity of the certificate.
BS 9251 Paragraph 5.4 describes the part of a building that can have sprinklers omitted (permitted exceptions). The following is an extract from Paragraph 5.4: Extent of sprinkler protection
Sprinkler protection should be provided in all parts of the premises; however, sprinkler protection may be omitted from the following areas unless it is required by a fire strategy or risk assessment:
NOTE Where a risk assessment is carried out, it needs to take into account presence of fuel load (e.g. linen), presence of potential ignition sources (e.g. immersion heater) and consequence (e.g. impact upon fire protection to the building or escape routes).
a) bathrooms and shower rooms with a floor area less than 5 m2, with linings in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2018, Class A1, A2-s3, d2 and B-s3, d2, and which are not prepared for white goods, such as washing machines, dryers, electric showers or water heaters;
b) enclosed staircases containing only materials in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2018, Class B-s3 or better for construction materials and B(fl) or better for flooring, including sub categories such as d0, d1, d2 for construction materials and s1 and s2 for flooring, surface spread of flame and constructed as a fire-resistant separation;
c) ceiling voids;
d) enclosed vertical shafts (e.g. lifts or service shafts) containing only materials in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2018, Class B-s3 or better for construction materials and B(fl) or better for flooring (including sub categories such as d0, d1, d2 for construction materials and s1 and s2 for flooring), surface spread of flame and constructed as a fire-resistant separation;
e) cupboards and pantries with a floor area of less than 2 m2 or where the least dimension does not exceed 1 m which are not prepared for consumer units or electrical equipment (excluding a single light);
f) uninhabited loft/roof voids;
g) water closet (WC) with a floor area less than 5 m2, with linings in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2018, Class A1, A2-s3, d2 and B-s3, d2, and which are not prepared for white goods, such as washing machines, dryers, electric showers or water heaters;
h) attached buildings, such as garages and plant rooms without direct access from within the protected building.
i) crawl spaces; and
j) external balconies permanently open to the outside.
