Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 605: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a need to introduce additional fire protection features in buildings such as automatically activated sprinkler systems in order to reduce the risk of fire hazard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25166/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations sets out the legal requirements in relation to fire safety in the design and construction of new buildings and the extension of, material alteration to, and certain changes of, use of existing buildings. The related Technical Guidance Document B (TGD-B) provides guidance on how to comply with the requirements of Part B.

Automatic sprinklers can play an important role in fire protection, and TGD-B recommends their use in specific circumstances. Where sprinkler systems are fitted in buildings, TGD-B requires that the sprinkler system should meet the relevant recommendations of British Standard 5306: Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises: Part 2: 1990 specification for sprinkler systems. TGD- B allows for a fire engineering approach as an alternative to following its own specific recommendations; this approach may include the use of sprinkler systems as part of an overall flexible package of fire protection measures, even where there is not a requirement to have sprinkler systems. The Building Regulations and associated technical guidance are reviewed as necessary; a review of certain aspects of Part B and TGD-B was completed in 2006.