An emergency evacuation scheme is a crucial safety measure designed to protect lives and minimise risks during emergencies. But when exactly should your business’s emergency evacuation scheme be activated? Understanding the triggers and procedures for activating this scheme is vital to ensuring the safety of everyone on your premises. In this article, we’ll explore the key scenarios that warrant the activation of an emergency evacuation scheme and what steps to take when it happens.

What Is an Emergency Evacuation Scheme?

An emergency evacuation scheme is a structured plan that outlines the procedures for safely evacuating a building during an emergency. In New Zealand, businesses are required by the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) Act 2017 to have an approved evacuation scheme for certain types of buildings.

This scheme includes detailed instructions on evacuation routes, assembly points, and the roles and responsibilities of staff during an emergency. It’s designed to ensure a quick and orderly evacuation, reducing the risk of injury or loss of life.

When Should an Emergency Evacuation Scheme Be Activated?

An emergency evacuation scheme should be activated whenever there is an immediate threat to the safety of occupants within the building. Common scenarios include:

1. Fire or Smoke Detection

The most obvious trigger for activating an emergency evacuation scheme is the detection of fire or smoke within the building. Whether the fire is small or large, immediate evacuation is crucial to prevent harm. In some cases, the activation of smoke detectors or fire alarms will automatically trigger the evacuation process.

2. Gas Leak or Hazardous Material Spill

If there is a gas leak or a spill of hazardous materials, the evacuation scheme should be activated immediately. These situations can escalate quickly, leading to toxic exposure, explosions, or fires. Quick action is essential to protect everyone in the vicinity.

3. Natural Disasters

In the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or severe storms, activating the evacuation scheme may be necessary, depending on the severity of the situation. For instance, if a building is at risk of collapse during an earthquake, or if flooding is imminent, evacuation may be the safest course of action.

4. Bomb Threats or Security Breaches

If your business receives a bomb threat or experiences a significant security breach, such as an active shooter scenario, the evacuation scheme should be activated. These high-risk situations require a swift and coordinated response to ensure the safety of all employees and visitors.

5. Structural Failures

Any structural failure, such as a collapsed roof or compromised building integrity, can necessitate immediate evacuation. These situations are particularly dangerous and require quick action to prevent injury or fatalities.

How Is an Emergency Evacuation Scheme Activated?

The activation of an emergency evacuation scheme typically follows a set protocol. Here’s a general outline of how it works:

1. Detection of the Emergency: The first step is the detection of the emergency, whether through fire alarms, gas detectors, or visual confirmation by staff members.
2. Alarm Activation: Once an emergency is detected, the fire alarm or emergency alert system should be activated to notify all occupants of the need to evacuate.
3. Evacuation Coordination: Fire wardens or designated personnel take charge of coordinating the evacuation. This includes guiding employees and visitors to the nearest exits and ensuring that everyone follows the evacuation routes.
4. Evacuation of the Premises: All occupants should evacuate the building immediately, following the designated routes to reach the assembly points safely. In some cases, elevators should not be used, and stairwells should be the primary evacuation route.
5. Roll Call at Assembly Points: The warden(s)/designated persons should clear the whole building as detailed in the evacuation scheme procedures. Checking every room and area. In some rare scenarios a roll call may be conducted (mainly school scenarios).
6. Await Further Instructions: After evacuation, employees should wait at the assembly point for further instructions from fire wardens or emergency services. They should not re-enter the building until it has been declared safe.

Who Activates the Emergency Evacuation Scheme?

The responsibility for activating the evacuation scheme typically falls to designated personnel, such as wardens, security staff, or senior management. These individuals need to be trained to recognise when an evacuation is necessary and how to carry out the procedure effectively.

In some cases, the evacuation scheme may be automatically activated by fire alarm systems or other detection devices. However, manual activation is often required in situations like bomb threats or structural failures.

Ensuring Your Emergency Evacuation Scheme Is Effective

To ensure your emergency evacuation scheme is effective, it’s essential to:

• Conduct Regular Drills: Regular fire and evacuation drills help employees become familiar with the procedures and identify any areas for improvement.
• Review and Update the Scheme: Regularly review and update your emergency evacuation scheme to reflect changes in your business operations, building layout, or staff numbers.
• Train Your Staff: Provide ongoing training for fire wardens and other key personnel to ensure they are prepared to act quickly in an emergency.

An evacuation scheme is a vital tool for ensuring the safety of everyone in your business during a crisis. Knowing when and how to activate this scheme can make all the difference in protecting lives and minimising damage. By understanding the scenarios that require activation and maintaining a well-practised evacuation plan, your business can be better prepared for any emergency that comes its way.

For businesses in New Zealand, partnering with a fire protection and evacuation specialist such as Evacs R Us can provide peace of mind, knowing that your evacuation scheme meets all legal requirements and is ready to be activated when needed.

Fire drills (also known as trial evacuations) are a critical component of workplace safety, ensuring that employees know how to evacuate the premises quickly and safely in the event of a fire. But how often should your New Zealand business conduct a fire drill to maintain optimal safety and compliance? In this article, we’ll explore the importance of regular fire drills and provide guidance on how frequently they should be conducted.

Why Are Fire Drills Important?

A fire drill is more than just a routine exercise – it’s a life-saving measure.

Regular fire drills:

• Ensure preparedness: Employees who regularly practise evacuations are more likely to respond quickly and calmly in a real emergency.
• Identify issues: Fire drills can highlight potential problems in your evacuation plan, such as blocked exits or unclear routes, allowing you to address these before an actual fire occurs.
• Meet legal requirements: In New Zealand, certain businesses are required by law to conduct regular fire drills as part of their evacuation scheme. Even if your business is not legally required, regular drills are a best practice for safety.

How Often Should You Conduct Fire Drills?

The frequency of fire drills depends on several factors, including the size of your business, the type of building you occupy, and the specific risks associated with your operations. However, a general guideline for New Zealand businesses is to conduct a fire drill at least every six months.

1. For High-Risk Environments

Businesses operating in high-risk environments—such as manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and large office buildings—should conduct fire drills more frequently. In such cases, quarterly drills may be appropriate to ensure that all employees are familiar with evacuation procedures.

2. For Smaller Businesses

For smaller businesses or those in low-risk environments, conducting a fire drill every six months is usually sufficient. However, it’s important to assess your specific needs and adjust the frequency accordingly.

3. When There Are Changes in Staff or Premises

Any significant change in your business, such as moving to a new location or onboarding a large number of new employees, should prompt an additional fire drill. This ensures that everyone is familiar with the new environment and evacuation procedures.

4. After Revising Your Evacuation Plan

If you update your fire evacuation plan or introduce new fire safety measures, it’s crucial to conduct a fire drill to test the effectiveness of these changes and ensure that employees are aware of the new procedures.

What Does the Law Say About Fire Drills in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) Act 2017 sets out specific requirements for businesses regarding fire evacuation schemes and drills.

If your building requires an approved evacuation scheme, you must conduct a trial evacuation at intervals of not more than six months. Failure to do so can result in penalties and puts your employees at risk in the event of an actual fire.

Tips for Effective Fire Drills

To maximise the effectiveness of your fire drills, consider the following tips:

Simulate Real Conditions: Conduct drills at different times and under varying conditions to prepare employees for any situation.

Involve Everyone: Ensure all employees, including those with disabilities, participate in fire drills. Assign roles such as fire wardens and ensure they are well-trained.

Review and Improve: After each drill, review what went well and identify areas for improvement. Use feedback to refine your evacuation plan.

Document Everything: Keep records of all fire drills, including the date, time, and any issues identified. This documentation can be essential for compliance and future reference.

Communicate Clearly: Before each drill, remind employees of the importance of the exercise. After the drill, communicate the results and any changes to procedures.

Regular fire drills are a vital part of your business’s fire safety strategy. By conducting drills at least every six months – or more frequently in high-risk environments – you ensure that your employees are prepared to respond swiftly and safely in the event of a fire. Remember, fire drills are not just about ticking a compliance box – they are about protecting lives and ensuring that your workplace remains safe and secure.

Partnering with a fire protection and evacuation specialist such as Evacs R Us can help ensure your fire drills are effective and that your business meets all legal requirements in New Zealand. Don’t wait for an emergency to find out if your fire drill procedures are up to standard – make regular fire drills a priority in your safety program.

Fire safety is a crucial element of any business’s health and safety obligations in New Zealand. No matter the size of your company, having a robust fire safety program can protect your employees, assets, and reputation. If you’re unsure whether your business needs one, or if your current plan meets legal standards, this article will guide you through the essentials of fire safety programs.

Why Is a Fire Safety Program Important?

A fire can happen anytime, and the impact can be devastating. From loss of life to property damage and business disruption, fires pose a serious threat. Implementing a safety program ensures that your business is prepared to prevent fires and, if one occurs, respond quickly and efficiently. 

In New Zealand, the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 mandates that certain businesses have an evacuation scheme. Even if your business is not legally required to have one, putting a fire safety program in place is a proactive measure that could save lives and reduce risks.

What Does the program involve?

A fire safety program covers multiple aspects of fire prevention and response. Key components include:

1. Fire Risk Assessment

A thorough fire risk assessment is the starting point of any safety program. This involves identifying potential fire hazards in your workplace, evaluating the risk, and taking steps to minimise or eliminate those risks.

2. Evacuation Scheme

Having a well-documented and tested evacuation scheme is essential. This includes clear signage, designated exits, and assembly points. Training your staff to know how to evacuate safely is vital to ensure the scheme is effective in an emergency.

3. Fire Wardens and Staff Training

Appointing fire wardens and providing fire safety training are critical elements of your fire safety program. Fire wardens oversee fire prevention measures and coordinate evacuations. Regular fire drills ensure that staff are familiar with escape routes and procedures.

4. Fire Equipment Maintenance

Your fire extinguishers, alarms, and sprinkler systems should be regularly inspected and maintained. This ensures they are functional when needed. Working with a professional fire protection service provider can help ensure your equipment meets all safety standards.

5. Ongoing Reviews and Updates

A safety program is not a “set and forget” process. Regular reviews and updates to reflect changes in your business premises or staff numbers are necessary. Keeping your safety program current ensures compliance and continued protection.

Who Needs a Fire Safety Program?

The short answer is that every business should have some form of a fire safety program. However, specific requirements vary based on factors like the size of your business, the nature of your operations, and your premises.

In New Zealand, businesses that meet certain criteria (also known as relevant buildings), must have a certified fire evacuation scheme. But even if your business doesn’t fall into these categories, a fire safety program is a sound investment in safety and compliance.

Benefits of Implementing a Fire Safety Program

1. Legal Compliance

Meeting legal obligations is a fundamental reason to implement a safety program. Non-compliance can result in fines and penalties, and if an accident occurs, you could face legal action.

2. Protecting Lives

A well-planned safety program ensures that in the event of a fire, your employees know how to evacuate safely. This reduces the risk of injuries and fatalities.

3. Reducing Property Damage

By having fire detection and suppression systems in place, you can significantly reduce damage to your property. This can save you from costly repairs and business downtime.

4. Reputation Management

In the event of an emergency, having a safety program can help your business recover quickly and maintain a positive reputation. Customers and stakeholders will appreciate that you prioritise safety and responsibility.

Getting Started: Partner with a Fire Protection Specialist

If you’re ready to implement a fire safety program in your business, it’s essential to partner with a reputable fire protection specialist such as Evacs R Us. They can assess your needs, provide necessary equipment, and ensure you comply with New Zealand fire safety regulations.

Every business should have a comprehensive safety program in place. Whether it’s legally required or simply a smart precaution, a well-executed program ensures that your business is prepared to prevent fires and respond effectively in an emergency. Protect your people, your property, and your future by investing in fire safety today.

Fire safety planning is a fundamental aspect of protecting any business or organisation from the consequence of fire. A fire or other emergency can potentially cause irreparable damage
to a business, leading to catastrophic losses (life, property, reputation) or even permanent closure. This is why businesses in New Zealand need to adopt a comprehensive evacuation
plan*.

An evacuation scheme outlines procedures that should be followed in case of a fire. It is important to note that having an evacuation plan is not only a legal requirement in
New Zealand, but it also ensures the safety of your employees, customers, visitors, and your business property.

*Note – All relevant buildings in NZ are required to have a FENZ approved evacuation scheme. Buildings not meeting the “relevant building” criteria are required to have an evacuation
procedure this does not need to be approved by FENZ.

Legal Requirements

In New Zealand, the law requires that all business premises, whether big or small, must have an evacuation procedure or scheme in place. The law mandates that all businesses
must take precautions to minimise the risk of fire and ensure that everyone is safe in case a fire or other emergency breaks out.

Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines, legal penalties, and even imprisonment. It is essential to have a well-planned and implemented evacuation plan to avoid any legal problems and ensure compliance.

Proactive Risk Management

Having an evacuation scheme in place also helps to identify potential fire risk areas. This allows businesses to take proactive steps to prevent fires from happening in the first place.
By conducting regular fire risk assessments and implementing preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of fires occurring.

Employee Safety

Creating an evacuation plan also ensures the safety of your employees. Your employees spend a considerable amount of time in the workplace, and it’s your responsibility to ensure
their safety. A well-designed evacuation scheme identifies escape routes, assembly points, and procedures that should be followed during a fire or other emergency.

This information can be communicated to employees through training and regular fire drills. A clear understanding of the evacuation scheme reduces the potential for panic and ensures a
smooth and safe evacuation.

Protects Your Business Assets

Putting measures in place to protect your business property can be a significant investment. A fire can cause irreparable damage to your business and result in extensive financial
losses. However, with a well-planned evacuation scheme, you can ensure your business assets are as safeguarded from the consequence of fire as possible. Evacuation schemes should identify areas within the business that are more susceptible to fires and outline prevention systems such as sprinkler systems, alarms and fire extinguishers.

Above all, an evacuation scheme gives you peace of mind. Knowing that you have a well-managed and implemented evacuation scheme can help protect your business and
employees from the consequences of fire. Evacuation schemes need to be reviewed periodically, at least once a year (generally every six months during the trial evacuations/training), to ensure that they remain current and effective. A comprehensive evacuation scheme is not only a legal requirement but also a smart investment for your business as it shows that you promote a safe and secure environment for your staff. Don’t let your business operations remain more vulnerable to fire risk than they need to.

Plan today, and equip your business with the necessary tools to prepare, prevent or react to reduce the consequence of a fire or other emergency.

Imagine a scenario, smoke starts curling from your kitchen stove. Panic sets in, but you remember the fire extinguisher hanging conveniently beside the stove. Grabbing it, you rush towards the flames, only to find the pressure gauge in the red zone and the pin firmly lodged – a useless lump of metal in your hand. This is the chilling reality of an unmaintained fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguishers are the first line of defence in any fire emergency. They can mean the difference between containing a small blaze and facing a raging inferno. Yet, many Kiwi homes and businesses treat these crucial safety devices as mere decorations, neglecting the importance of regular maintenance and inspections.

Just like your car needs servicing to run smoothly, fire extinguishers require regular check-ups to ensure they’ll perform flawlessly when you need them most. Think of it this way: if your smoke alarm starts chirping incessantly in the middle of the night due to a low battery, you replace it immediately. Why wouldn’t you take similar precautions with your fire extinguisher, the very tool designed to extinguish a blaze?

Let’s delve deeper into the potential consequences of neglecting fire extinguisher maintenance and explore the benefits of regular inspections and professional servicing.

The Pitfalls of Neglect: Why Regular Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Matters

Fire extinguishers are not invincible. Over time, or due to improper handling, several issues can arise that render them ineffective in an emergency. Here are some common problems that can occur with an unmaintained extinguisher:

• Leaky Seals: The pressure within a fire extinguisher is what propels the extinguishing agent. Leaky seals can cause the extinguisher to lose pressure, rendering it useless. Imagine trying to fight a fire with a limp water hose – that’s essentially what you’d be doing with a leaky extinguisher.
• Malfunctioning Gauges: The pressure gauge on a fire extinguisher is a vital indicator of its functionality. A faulty gauge might display a false reading, giving you a false sense of security. In the worst-case scenario, it might not register a pressure drop due to a leak, leaving you completely unaware of the extinguisher’s compromised state.
• Clogged Nozzles: The nozzle of a fire extinguisher is where the extinguishing agent is discharged. Without regular maintenance, dust, debris, or even corrosion can build up and clog the nozzle, preventing the agent from being properly expelled.
• Internal Damage: Even minor bumps or drops can cause internal damage to an extinguisher, compromising its ability to function properly. Regular inspections can identify such issues before they become a problem.

These are just a few examples, and a faulty extinguisher can not only fail to extinguish a fire, but it can also worsen the situation. A malfunctioning extinguisher might create a false sense of security, delaying evacuation or proper firefighting measures. In the precious moments of a fire emergency, every second counts. Don’t gamble with a faulty extinguisher – prioritise regular maintenance and inspections.

Regular inspections offer several benefits:

• Early Detection of Issues: A professional can identify potential problems before they escalate, preventing a malfunction during a fire emergency.
• Compliance with Regulations: In New Zealand, workplaces are required to have their fire extinguishers inspected and maintained at regular intervals. Inspections ensure compliance with these regulations.

Remember, a well-maintained extinguisher is your first line of defense in a fire emergency. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action today!

At Evacs R Us, we understand the importance of fire preparedness and the role fire extinguishers play in keeping you and your loved ones safe. If you have any questions or concerns about fire extinguishers, inspections, or general fire safety practices, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts. We’re here to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to face any fire emergency with confidence.

Keeping your staff and customers safe should be high on the priority list. Fire safety training is a crucial element of workplace safety, but for Kiwi business owners, it can sometimes feel like a significant expense. This begs the question: why is a fire and safety course in New Zealand be so expensive?

Before diving into the cost factors of a fire and safety course in New Zealand, let’s establish the undeniable importance of fire safety training.

• Legal Requirements: In New Zealand, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 mandates that employers provide a safe working environment for their employees. This includes fire safety training that meets specific industry standards. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and even prosecution.
• Moral and Ethical Responsibility: Beyond legal obligations, business owners have a moral and ethical responsibility to ensure the safety of their staff. Fire can have devastating consequences, and proper training empowers employees to react effectively in an emergency situation.
• Benefits Beyond Compliance: Fire safety training goes beyond simply ticking a compliance box. It fosters a culture of safety awareness within your organisation, leading to a more vigilant workforce. Trained employees can identify potential fire hazards, use fire extinguishers correctly, and safely evacuate the premises during a fire. This minimises potential damage and in some cases, loss of life.

Factors Contributing to the costs of a Fire and Safety course in New Zealand

One of the primary factors contributing to the expense of fire training is personnel costs. Hiring qualified trainers or outsourcing training programs can incur significant expenses. Additionally, the need to allocate employees’ time for training sessions can impact productivity.

Equipment and material costs also add to the overall expense. From fire extinguishers to protective gear, ensuring that participants have access to the necessary tools during training sessions requires financial investment. Furthermore, maintaining and replacing equipment adds to the long-term costs.

Venue and facility costs are another consideration. Depending on the size of the organisation, finding suitable locations for training sessions can be challenging and expensive. Renting training facilities or arranging off-site training adds to the overall expenditure.

Class Size and Location

Larger training classes generally cost less per person than smaller, personalised sessions. However, larger groups can limit individual attention and interaction. Training location also plays a role, with sessions held outside your workplace often incurring additional venue rental costs.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory requirements regarding fire safety vary depending on the industry and location. Businesses must adhere to specific standards and guidelines, which often necessitate specialised training programs. Meeting these regulations incurs costs for training materials, certifications, and compliance audits.

Specialised Training Programs

Certain industries require specialised fire training and evacuation schemes to address unique risks and challenges. For example, healthcare facilities may need training on evacuating patients with mobility issues, while industrial plants may require instruction on handling hazardous materials. These tailored programs come at a higher cost due to their specialised nature.

Training Frequency

Fire training is not a one-time event; it requires regular refreshers and updates to ensure that skills remain sharp. Frequent training sessions mean recurring costs for both training materials and personnel time. However, the benefits of ongoing training in reducing the risk of accidents and improving response times outweigh the expenses. Think of fire training as an investment into your business.

The True Cost of Not Having Fire Training

While the upfront cost of fire training may seem daunting, consider the true cost of not having it:

• Financial Penalties and Legal Issues: Non-compliance with fire safety regulations can result in hefty fines and potential prosecution. This can be a significant financial burden for your business.

• Property Damage and Business Disruption: A fire can have a devastating impact on your business, causing extensive property damage and disrupting operations for weeks or even months. The cost of repairs lost inventory, and business downtime can far outweigh the investment in fire training.

• Potential Loss of Life and Injury: The most tragic consequence of a fire is the potential for loss of life or serious injury. Proper fire safety training empowers your employees to respond effectively, potentially preventing such tragedies.

• Investing in Peace of Mind: Fire safety training provides peace of mind knowing you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your employees, customers, and your business. It fosters a culture of safety awareness within your organisation, creating a more secure and productive work environment.

Fire safety training is an essential investment for any Kiwi business owner. While the cost may seem like a hurdle, the benefits far outweigh the expense when considering the costs of undertaking a fire and safety course in New Zealand. Mitigating risks to ensuring compliance with regulations, investing in comprehensive fire training is essential for safeguarding lives and property.

Remember, fire safety is not just about ticking a box; it’s about creating a safe and secure work environment for everyone. Here at Evacs R Us, we understand the importance of affordable, effective fire training. We offer a variety of fire and safety courses (including Fire Warden training) covering Southland and Otago, tailored to your specific needs and budget. Let our experienced trainers equip your team with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe.

When it comes to fire and safety training, traditional modes of delivery can only provide so much. The challenges and risks that come with fire emergencies can be overwhelming and require special training that goes beyond classroom instruction. Fortunately, the future of fire and safety training is here in the form of Virtual Reality (VR). This technology presents a new way to learn and prepare responders for real-life scenarios. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 5 reasons why VR technology is the future of fire and safety training and why you should choose it for your organisation’s needs.

Why Virtual Reality is the Future of Fire and Safety Training

1. Realistic Scenarios

VR fire training offers immersive experiences that replicate real-life scenarios accurately. This technology allows your employees to train in different virtual environments, including those that would be costly or challenging to create in real-life situations. For instance, you can simulate scenarios, such as fires in confined spaces, offices, construction sites and more. With these types of scenarios such as Virtual Reality fire extinguisher training, you can create realistic experiences that will help your team identify potential hazards and navigate various emergency situations.

2. Cost-effective

Training and education can be an expensive part of any organisation’s operations. Traditional training methods can be costly, and live-fire training can be even more so. VR training eliminates the need for costly equipment, safety equipment, and travel costs associated with live-fire training. With VR fire training, trainees can access multiple experiences without leaving the classroom or training centre, which makes it a more cost-effective solution.

3. Safe Training Environment

One of the most critical features of virtual reality training is its safety – you can fight fire without the fire! The immersive nature of VR can provide responders a sense of what it is like to experience a fire emergency without the risk of accidents or injuries. This means that trainees can make mistakes without fear of injury or damage to property or life. By providing a virtual training environment, virtual reality technology gives exponentially more options and variations to create real-life emergency scenarios that prepare trainees for the inevitable and challenging life-threatening situations that may present themselves.

4. Customisation

One of the key benefits of VR technology is the ability to customise the experience to fit specific training needs. You can design custom scenarios to meet specific training goals and objectives. This makes it easier to tailor training schedules, adapt to new procedures, and accommodate individual needs. It is adaptable to every individual’s needs and allows for individualised instruction.

5. Ability to Track Progress

In this style of fire and safety training, advanced analytical software can track the progress of each trainee. Trainers can assess a trainee’s strengths and weaknesses and tailor their training to suit the specific needs of each individual. Trainers can also identify any areas where the trainee might need additional training and focus on improving those areas. This leads to a more informed approach to training and helps ensure that individuals have the knowledge they need to be effective in the field.

Virtual reality is revolutionising fire and safety training, providing a high-quality training experience that is both safe and immersive. The technology provides customisable and reusable scenarios, dynamic feedback, cost-effectiveness and high retention rates. By providing trainees with the ability to learn from their mistakes in a safe environment, VA fire training is the future of fire and safety training. If you’re looking to provide high-quality training to your organisation that more engaging and fun compared to traditional modes of delivery, contact our team for more information.

The sudden activation of fire sprinklers can be a panic-inducing experience, but these sprinkler systems for fire protection are designed to save lives and minimise property damage during a fire. If you are wondering what sets off fire sprinklers? This article will provide you with an overview of the most common activation causes. Let’s dive into the details.

What sets off fire sprinklers?

1. Heat

The most common trigger for fire sprinklers is heat. Sprinklers feature a small liquid-filled glass bulb or a metal alloy link that holds a small amount of liquid in place. When heat from a fire reaches a certain temperature, typically between 55 and 75 degrees Celsius, the liquid expands and causes the bulb to shatter or the link to melt. This opens the valve, allowing water to flow out of the sprinkler.

Sprinklers do not activate like shown in the movies. The only sprinkler that will flow water is the one that has heat or damage impacted. Sprinklers release approximately 20 litres of water per second, and designers have configured the systems to provide enough water for at least three sprinkler heads simultaneously. If more sprinklers are activated, the system won’t maintain the necessary water capacity to ensure proper pressure and droplet size for containing or extinguishing the fire.

2. Smoke

While smoke detectors are responsible for alerting occupants to a fire, they do not activate fire sprinklers. However, some sprinkler systems can be designed to respond to smoke as well. This is more common in specialised systems such as those used in museums or data centres.

3. Mechanical Damage

Mechanical damage, such as vandalism or accidental impacts, can also set off fire sprinklers. If a sprinkler head is hit hard enough, the fragile glass bulb can shatter regardless of the temperature.

4. Corrosion or Wear

Fire sprinklers are designed to spring into action only during a fire, but they can develop corrosion or wear over time. This can cause the sprinkler head to malfunction and activate even if there is no fire. Regular maintenance and inspections can prevent this from happening.

5. Malfunctioning Systems

While rare, it is possible for fire sprinkler systems to malfunction and activate due to a faulty valve or faulty wiring or even water pressure. This again attests to the importance of routine maintenance and inspection of fire systems to prevent unnecessary and costly mishaps.

While we often hear about fire sprinklers going off accidentally, it’s worth remembering that a well-maintained and trouble-free system can make all the difference in the event of a fire. By understanding what triggers fire sprinklers and ensuring that your system is functioning properly, you can protect your building and its occupants from the devastating effects of fire. Contact our team to ensure a proper inspection and maintenance regime on your premises.