Risk news

The National Assembly for Wales has approved the draft Domestic Fire Legislative Competence Order which states that all new homes built in Wales must be fitted with sprinkler systems.

Vale of Clwyd assembly member Ann Jones pushed for the new law, which has been backed by a number of organisations including fire services in Wales.

However, the Home Builders Association has told one newspaper of concerns that developers may be put off building new properties if they feel the cost of a sprinkler system is too risky should a home not sell.

Spokesman Steve Turner told the Denbighshire Visitor that potential housing sites could remain inactive, impacting upon employment and property supply, if builders feel they cannot keep up with the cost of sprinkler systems.

The average cost of sprinklers in a new-build property is approximately £1,500, the newspaper said.

Mr Turner said that regulatory requirements being placed on builders - whether these are environmental or otherwise - are constantly increasing.

However, Ms Jones stated that the benefits of sprinkler systems outweigh the costs and she does not think that developers will lose money by meeting such regulatory responsibilities.

Another parliamentarian who has been campaigning for sprinklers is Liberal Democrat for Torbay Adrian Sanders, who wants sprinklers to be installed in low-rise properties, as well as smoke alarms in all rented accommodation.

He told the South Devon Herald Express that the UK lags behind other countries where sprinkler systems are automatically installed in new homes.

David Tonkinson, sprinkler specialist at Aviva Risk Management Solutions, said: "Sprinklers are extremely valuable in minimising fires in the commercial sector where the risks can be significantly greater that in the private and domestic sector.

"There is no doubt that sprinklers in the private sector will make an equally significant contribution to a reduction in fire losses, as well as saving lives providing, of course, that the design and maintenance are to the proper standards."

Our preferred supplier, Chubb Fire Limited, offers a range of fire safety solutions at discounted rates to Aviva insured customers. Call the Risk Helpine on 0845 366 66 66 for further details.