Included as part of this significant fire safety improvement was the building code’s recognition of a new residential sprinkler system delivering fire protection through integration with the domestic drinking water system. FPAA101D (‘D’ for ‘drinking water’) became a Deemed to Satisfy solution for mandatory fire sprinklers, its proper use set by provisions in NCC 2019.
In developing a cost-effective fire protection system, the new design leveraged off the building’s already-required drinking water infrastructure. FPAA101D was specifically developed to be installed by qualified domestic plumbers, as well as existing fire sprinkler installers. The new system is basically the domestic drinking supply system, looped with add-on residential fire protection parts; for example, a sprinkler head per typical bedroom, with larger rooms requiring additional heads to ensure full coverage. Independent reports by industry professionals and subject-matter experts demonstrated the drinking water supply could safely and reliably supply the fire sprinkler system.
Internationally recognised studies consistently show there is more than a 90% improvement in occupants surviving a typical home fire if their home is sprinklered. And unlike other traditional separate, stagnant ‘black pipe, black water’ systems, 101D’s servicing and maintenance needs are minimal. The integration means if you have working domestic plumbing, you know your fire sprinklers are also ready to protect you and your family. Servicing the system, another potential cost over the life of your home, is the bare minimum – watching for water leaks and replacing sprinkler heads every 25 years, as per the manufacturer’s specs.
Historically, the market for residential and home sprinklers in Australia was at the bare minimum. This is despite the overwhelming majority of preventable fire fatalities being in residential buildings, typically Class 1 stand-alone or terraced homes for one or two families. HFSCA’s national advocacy efforts are therefore focused on mandating fire sprinklers in Class 1 family homes, the intention being to match Australia’s current mandatory requirement for domestic smoke alarms – fire sprinklers need to be installed everywhere that someone sleeps.
Our initial focus is on improving life safety in social housing and homes for people living with disability, groups who are over-represented in Australia’s preventable fire fatalities. To deliver the known life-saving improvements, HFSCA is supporting industry and the community by:
- Developing online training for designers, installers, firefighters and regulators, with government building inspectors and trade educators being among those who’ve successfully completed the current modules
- Offering technical guidance to projects where sprinklers are being considered, with an offer to support plumbers, designers and builders through planning and the build
- Developing a new standard for a safe, reliable, cost-effective and fit-for-purpose home sprinkler system for Australian metropolitan conditions, again with this system to be installed by competent plumbers and fire sprinkler practitioners.
Along with the new standard and training, regulations are required that support the take-up of home sprinklers. A competent industry is also needed to ensure the expected demand for installation can be met. An important role for the Coalition is supporting plumbers, designers, certifiers and regulators to grow our workforce of competent and confident practitioners. So, saving lives and improving home fire safety will also create new employment and grow business opportunities.
To find out more about HFSCA, please see https://homefiresprinklers.org.au
If you’re interested in discussing collaboration or support, please e-mail us at info@homefiresprinklers.org.au
After a career with Fire and Rescue NSW, Mark Whybro is now Chair of Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition Australia (HFSCA), a not-for-profit strategic public safety partnership between AFAC, the national council of fire and emergency agencies, and Fire Protection Association Australia, the peak national body supporting the fire protection industry.
