A new provision for sprinklers to be installed in new care homes was announced by the building safety minister, Rushanara Ali on 2 September 2024. This decision follows a 2022 consultation to amend Approved Document B of the building regulations to install sprinklers in care homes irrespective of height.
In her statement announcing the provision, she said:
“Sprinklers enhance fire protection where residents may be reliant on others for help and assistance, especially if a building evacuation is needed. Many care home providers already include sprinklers in new designs. For those that do not yet provide for sprinklers, again, I recognise that businesses and investors seek certainty. So, care homeowners and developers will benefit from a six-month transition period until the guidance comes into effect and will then have a further six months to enable work on current development projects that are under way, or about to start, to continue.”
The Government’s latest announcement is an opportunity for care home operators to take stock of their existing fire safety systems and ensure that they are doing all they can to keep their residents safe. The consequences of getting fire safety wrong can be tragic.
If you’d like support with complying with your fire safety obligations, do get contact us.
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