WE are now living in a very different world since the horrendous Grenfell fire last week.
Major debates and inquries now focussing on types of cladding. And the critical question, should all high rise buildings have sprinkler fire suppression systems.
It is then relevant to note there is no major vessel on the world's seas, or any offshore installation, rig or platform, that does not have
- fire detection systems (heat, flame, and smoke)
- a linked fire alarm system
- a fire sprinkler system
In the marine world fire sprinklers one-to-one part of all vessels yet in the case of high rise buildings, with very similar fire risks with limited escape options, sprinkler systems have never been mandatory.
It in fact took the enormous Titanic disaster in 1912 to bring in mandatory radio systems and operators on all large ships, along with adequate lifeboats. Huge loss of life all but for ensuring adequate safety precautions.
And likewise, Grenfell, 2017. The case is now surely overwhelming all high rise towers must have fire sprinkler systems.
I cannot see there is a case to wait for the outcome of any inquiry, as has been said by Poole Council (Echo June 24) in the case of Sterte high rises.
The need surely could not be clearer. A fire breaks out, detectors detect fire, alarms sound, sprinklers activate. This then suppressing fire and the spread of fire.
This must be now the end of the age of any large buildings without comprehensive fire detection, fire alarms, and fire suppression systems.
JEFF WILLIAMS Jubilee Road, Poole
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