The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) Conference

Applications Engineering will be exhibiting at BAFSA’s biennial conference at St David’s Hotel & Spa in Cardiff on Wednesday 16th November 2016. The event, organised by the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA), is one of the most important dates in the fire protection calendar, and a vital conference for anyone involved in the profession of protecting people, property and businesses from fire. At Applications Engineering we have been supplying high quality mechanical switches and sensors to a wide range of industries since 1983. Our innovative and compact fire sprinkler valve systems are a popular choice in the fire industry. Welsh fire sprinkler law The conference kicks off with a speech from Ann Jones, the Deputy Presiding Officer of The Welsh Assembly. Ann Jones worked in fire control rooms in north Wales and Merseyside until her election to the National Assembly for Wales in 1999. She was instrumental in the approval of a Legislative Competence Order by the Welsh Assembly which required the installation of sprinklers in a wide range of dwellings. The second stage of the legislation came into effect from 1st January 2016, with all new and converted single family dwellings, including houses and flats, to be protected with approved automatic fire suppression systems. Saving lives with sprinklers in the home is an effective fire safety strategy. According to BAFSA, “apart from explosions, there have never been fatalities in a fully sprinklered building in the United Kingdom. In fact, the total number of deaths world-wide in sprinklered buildings is only 50 compared to thousands in unprotected buildings.” Schools and heritage buildings Speakers also include Sarah Lyons from the National Union of Teachers who reinforces the need for sprinklers in schools. Bob Hantock, a Heritage Fire Specialist from the National Trust is also addressing the conference. He will be speaking about The Clandon Park House Fire in April 2015, which was a devastating blow to our National building heritage after 95% of the Grade I listed property was destroyed in the fire. His address considers the emergency response to the fire at Clandon Park House, and the insights gained. Within the past 10 years there has been an increasing demand for fire suppression installations within historic buildings. As seen with Clandon Park fire, the damage and loss caused by fire can be devastating. Research and the future Later in the day speakers at the BAFSA conference include Tom Roche, Senior Consultant in International Standards at FM Global. An expert in risk management he considers risk strategies and loss prevention strategies for the future. Simon Rooks, Operations Director Oil & Gas at Tyco FIS, is last up on the podium with a review of offshore fire suppression systems and the environmental impact of salt water. Tackling the issues facing the sprinkler industry are at the heart of his review. It will be a great day of learning for anyone involved in fire protection.

For more information on The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) Conference talk to Applications Engineering Limited