The introduction of sprinkler systems in all new homes will “set Wales apart” from the rest of the world in how it promotes fire safety, the Housing Minister has said.
Carl Sargeant gave his backing to the systems which are being phased in for some buildings from April this year before becoming mandatory for all new and converted houses and flats.
Mr Sargeant made the comments at a seminar of the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association – emphasising the importance of the policy in light of a devastating fire in a Quebec care home which may have killed up to 30 residents.
His intervention follows repeated criticism over the costs of installation of the systems for the housebuilding industry by notable UK Government figures, including Communities Secretary Ed Pickles and Welsh Secretary David Jones.
Mr Pickles criticised the burden of regulations in the Welsh housing sector, writing to Labour AM Ann Jones – who proposed the regulations – that: “The growing distance in relative building costs between England and Wales will place Wales at a competitive disadvantage, diverting housing investment away from Wales.
“Whatever the intentions, I fear this burden of red tape will mean less housebuilding, fewer first-time buyers and more expensive rents and mortgages in Wales.”
Sprinkler regulations will apply to new and converted care homes from April, as well as children’s residential homes, hospices, halls of residence, boarding houses and some hostels.
It will then apply to all new and converted houses and flats from January 1, 2016.
Mr Sargeant told delegates: “Domestic fires continue to have a devastating effect on individuals, families and communities across the world.
“We have just seen the tragic loss of life to residents in a care home in Quebec, as a result of fire. It’s imperative that we do everything we can to make our homes, care homes and residential buildings as safe as possible.
“I am very proud that Wales is the first country in the world to require the installation of an automatic fire suppression system in all new houses and flats. Our policy on fire sprinklers is part of our continuing wider approach to promoting fire safety and we will continue to set Wales apart as leading the way in this regard.
“These pilot projects form part of the phased introduction of the fire sprinklers in all new homes. This phased approach allows the building industry to gain experience and skills, and gives the sector the opportunity to innovate and reduce the costs of installing sprinklers.”
IFEDA has many members in wales. Anyone looking for guidance on the installation of fire equipment or assistance with your Fire Risk Assessment should go to http://www.ifeda.org/new-member-list/?region=6
