Sprinklers – Making the case to Local Government for their installation. Fire Sprinkler International, Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, London 20 th & 21 st May 2014

LFEPA Sprinkler Position Statement. LFEPA has had a Sprinkler Strategy in place since It recommends sprinklers where the most significant impact can be achieved. - Residential Care Homes (Older People, those with mental health issues and mobility issues) - Schools (Impact on the community, disruption to students, teachers and families)

LFEPA Sprinkler Position Statement. - Commercial Premises (Loss of production, interruption to business, impact on community and impeding economic recovery) - Domestic Premises (Still accounts for the greatest number of fire deaths and injuries each year.) We advocate fitting in the homes of the most vulnerable, the young, the old, the infirm and those with mental health issues.

LFEPA Sprinkler Position Statement. It’s a longstanding Brigade message that sprinklers are a potentially life-saving tool. They are both highly effective in stopping fires from spreading and putting them out quickly. They are also a cost effective way of making homes safer and housing stock more resilient. We have therefore developed a strategy to work with Local Authorities to promote these ideals.

The purpose of our strategy is to actively encourage all local authorities and housing providers to consider installing sprinklers or water mist systems in the homes of those who may be more vulnerable in the event of a fire. To assist with the provision of balanced information regarding costs, benefits and information regarding the risks of not doing this. LFB Sprinkler Engagement Strategy

To progress this we: Held a series of borough-based seminars in 2012 to promote the case for sprinklers in residential housing. Met with London Councils’ Directors of Housing forum to outline the Coroner’s recommendations in regard to sprinklers and other matters. Have met individually with borough housing managers and social housing providers to discuss potential fitting opportunities.

LFB Sprinkler Engagement Strategy We now place a sprinkler recommendation on every Building Control Consultation response back to Local Authorities. To promote the benefits of installing sprinklers in housing for the capital’s most vulnerable residents we have launched a sprinkler funding competition. (£100,000 part funding available) LFB in conjunction with BRE have conducted a number of sprinkler tests to demonstrate the effectiveness of sprinklers in hoarding situations.

LFB Sprinkler Engagement Strategy LFB have partnered with BAFSA and co- hosted a sprinkler seminar, ‘Think Sprinklers – realise the benefits’, for local authorities, housing providers and developers Seminar focused on busting the myth that architectural, supply and development costs associated with installing sprinklers are “prohibitive” and to provide realistic costings for consideration.

LFB Sprinkler Engagement Strategy We also use external opportunities to promote sprinklers with Local Authorities, these have included: The Coroner’s recommendations from Lakanal in 2012 The Mayor’s £30m funding allocation for homes for older and disabled Londoners in July 2013 DCLG’s £3.5 billion funding boost for affordable homes in January 2014

Examples of borough best practice While it is true that all boroughs are now progressing work in this area, notable examples are: Kingston As part of their ongoing fire safety programme they have recently completed the installation of sprinkler systems in their 5 hostel blocks. The Council is now considering an option to do likewise in other high-rise blocks within the borough.

Examples of borough best practice Southwark Decision made by Council in December 2013 to install sprinkler systems in all of its sheltered housing schemes and temporary accommodation hostels by September Work commissioned by them found that average installation costs are about £4k-£5k per flat. 37 blocks will be retrofitted with sprinklers.

Examples of borough best practice Sutton As part of a major refurbishment programme, work started in January to install sprinklers in an 18 storey tower block containing 96 homes. Decision made by Council in December 2013 to install sprinkler systems in all of its sheltered housing schemes and temporary accommodation hostels by September 2016.

Examples of borough best practice Lewisham The Council has made a strong commitment to sprinklers for a number of years and this is reflected in them budgeting to install sprinklers in 2013/14 and 2014/15. Over the next 5 to 7 years they have plans to install sprinklers in 500 new homes in their social housing schemes.

Thank you Any Questions?