Improved Fire Protection – to retrofit fire sprinklers?

Current StatusVictoria• mandatory fire sprinkler protectionQueensland • mandatory to upgrade fire protection • sprinklers are one optionNew South Wales • retrofitting is common across many types of buildings• legislative changes unknown• Class 9C currently require sprinklers – AS 2118.4

How do you go about installing sprinklers?

• Brief• Considerations/Investigations• Budget• Procurement

Brief• Thorough site inspection• Size of facility, floor areas and plans• Form of construction • Water pressure availability• Concealed or exposed systems (surface mounted)• Heritage considerations• Hazardous materials• Location of booster pump sets and tanks

Considerations/Investigations

• Which Australian Standard do you use – AS 2118.1 or AS2118.4

• Fire indicator panel – Can it be extended– Check for compatibility and capacity– Check ongoing maintenance cost

• How will the whole installation look?

Types of sprinkler heads

Budget• Establish a typical cost of installation for your facility.

Considerations of variations to typical include:– Type of sprinkler head– Water Pressure enquiry will you need pumps &/or tanks– Design– Additional building work due to installation – Rural locations– Staging/business disruption– Ongoing maintenance

The next step

• Engage an impartial expert to work with you on planning the installation and whole of life cost

• Generic systems are usually more appropriate for building owners than proprietary systems

Thank youAlexandra Davis Ph: 0419 016 702

Email: alexandra.davis@paynterdixon.com.au