This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New law on fire sprinkler systems
18/03/2004
Certain types of new and converted buildings will
require to have sprinkler systems fitted under plans
outlined today by Deputy Communities Minister Mary
Mulligan.
Subject to forthcoming consultation, high rise blocks of
flats, residential care buildings and sheltered housing
will be required to have sprinklers fitted from May 1 next
year.
The Minister has also said that new and improved
guidance will be drawn up for existing buildings,
especially for residential care homes in the wake of the
Rosepark Home tragedy, and that further research was being
carried out which will both examine the Rosepark fire and
look at other issues related to the installation of
domestic and residential sprinklers.
Ms Mulligan said:
"Last week I asked the Building Standards Advisory
Committee to consider the introduction of requirements for
residential sprinklers in the first set of Building
Regulations to be made under the Building (Scotland) Act
2003.
"It is our intention to require sprinkler systems in the
following categories of new and converted buildings:
- High rise blocks of flats
- Residential care building
- Sheltered housing
"Although the technical details and definitions still
have to be settled, and will be the subject of our normal
public consultation procedures, we hope to have the new
regulations in force from 1 May 2005."
On existing buildings, the Minister added:
"Fire safety in existing premises needs to be based on
an accurate assessment of the risk within the individual
building. This is currently enforced through fire
authorities and other authorities under various Acts and
licensing regimes. We are aware of the need for clear and
authoritative guidance on risk assessment for different
building types and it is our intention to improve that
which is currently available.
"In the case of Houses in Multiple Occupation we are
already in the middle of a review of the guidance. In the
case of residential care homes we will certainly be
producing new national guidance to take account of the
lessons which can be learnt from the Rosepark Home tragedy.
The Fire Services Bill will put in place a new framework
for the assessment of risk and give authority to guidance
issued by the Scottish Ministers."
On research, the Minister said:
"The research we have been putting into place following
the events at Rosepark will build on the work already
completed by the Building Research Establishment and is to
be jointly funded by ourselves and the Office of the Deputy
Prime Minister. The research will both examine the Rosepark
fire and look at other issues related to the installation
of domestic and residential sprinklers.
"It is essential that fire safety is given greater
prominence and that everyone is alerted to the risks of
fire in the home and the various strategies for controlling
it."