Changes to the builders’ National Construction Code that will see automatic sprinkler systems installed in all new residential apartment buildings above three storeys have been put to the test by Fire and Rescue NSW.
The Agency hosted a demonstration of the sprinklers in action as well as what happened when they were not there.
According to the Minister for Emergency Services, David Elliott, the importance of the change was clearly shown when a mock furnished room without any water sprinklers became fully engulfed in fire in a few minutes compared to an identical room fitted with sprinklers.
Mr Elliott said the demonstration was arranged to welcome the introduction of the changes.
“The change comes following the fatal 2012 fire in a Bankstown apartment block that was not required to have sprinklers installed,” Mr Elliott said.
“Our focus remains on prevention; however, in the event of a fire, residential sprinklers help control it and provide improved protection against fatalities, injuries and damage,” he said.
“They can often mean the difference between a minor incident and a major tragedy.”
Commissioner for Fire and Rescue NSW, Paul Baxter said the Agency’s extensive research revealed stronger measures were needed to ensure best practice fire safety prevention in shared residential buildings.
“Residential sprinkler systems can contain at least 90 per cent of fires to the room of origin, preventing them from spreading to other rooms and potentially extinguishing the fire and inhibiting the spread of lethal smoke,” Mr Baxter said.
