Ahead of the first public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower disaster, Simon Rooks, director of the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association and general manager at Tyco, comments on the need for sprinklers to be retrofitted into all UK tower blocks.
Simon is an expert on fire detection, suppression and sprinkler systems. His role at Tyco sees him provide fire safety equipment, training and maintenance to residential and commercial buildings of all sizes and conditions.
Simon Rooks, director of the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association and general manager at Tyco:
“Retrofitting sprinklers in the UK’s aging tower blocks has to be a priority during the Grenfell inquiry and should be at the top of its list of recommendations. We’re already starting to receive many positive requests from owners, occupiers and stakeholders who are keen to understand what sprinklers are, how they can access them and what standard systems should be installed. The actions people are taking following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower are definitely moving in the right direction.
“Regulations already exist to ensure sprinklers are installed in new tower blocks taller than 30 metres, but what we really need urgently is action and special measures to retrofit sprinklers into these properties. There are still issues that need resolving, and a solution is available today. Retrofitting sprinklers is cost effective and practical – building managers need to find the right supplier now and take action today.”
