The safety of residents and visitors in all SHG's high-rise blocks is of the utmost importance to Stockport Homes.
Over the last five years, we have invested heavily in fire safety including:
- Sprinklers
- Smoke / heat alarms
- Flat entrance doors
- Communal fire doors
- Compartmentation (ensuring fire and smoke can't spread from one area to another)
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue ServiceThere is clear evidence that sprinklers can be effective in stopping fires spreading and putting them out, ultimately saving lives.
Sprinklers do not rely upon human factors such as familiarity with escape routes or emergency assistance. They go to work immediately to reduce the danger by preventing fires developing.
Sprinkler heads are individually heat activated. The cover plate detaches at 57°C and the sprinkler head activates at 74°C. This only happens where the fire is
Sprinklers significantly reduce fire damage and prevent loss of life
Sprinkler systems are very simple. Apart from the pump, there are no moving parts to fail. The water in the pipework is tank fed. The sprinkler head will activate when it gets hot and immediately spray water on the fire.
Once a sprinkler head is activated, the sprinkler system alerts Stockport Homes' 24 hour Control Room. The duty team will then immediately call the fire service to attend. The average response time by the fire service is on average 6-8 minutes. Having established that any fire has been extinguished, the fire service crew will then turn off the sprinkler system and water will stop discharging.
Smoke will not activate a sprinkler head. There must be a fire that generates enough heat to raise the temperature near the sprinkler head to above 74°C.
No, each sprinkler head is independent and only those near the fire will activate.
As you decorate your home, please remember to avoid using wallpaper strippers. Due to the temperature of the steam being released, this can cause an accidental activation to take place which could flood your flat and that of your neighbours.
