Fire Sprinkler Water Storage Tanks & Fire Safety Regulations

Fire sprinkler water storage tanks must adhere to a variety of safety regulations, including the LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) standards and BS EN 12845. These standards are designed to ensure that any water tank used for a fire sprinkling system is effective at fire suppression and meets local authority requirements. Read on to find out about the main regulations and best practices you will need to consider when investing in a commercial or residential fire sprinkler water storage tank.

What Are The Main Standards And Regulations?

There are three main British Standards (BS) to be aware of when installing or maintaining a fire sprinkler water storage tank. These are:

1. BS EN 12845: This standard governs the automatic sprinkler systems used in non-residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, covering installation, maintenance, design, capacity etc.
2. BS 9251 (2021): This standard governs design, installation, and maintenance for the water storage tanks used by sprinkler systems in residential and domestic properties, including multi-storey apartments.
3. LPS 1276: Loss Prevention Standard 1276 deals with the operation of fire sprinkler protection systems and their associated water tanks.

You should also refer to Approved Document B, which sets out the UK government’s framework for structural fire safety requirements in residential and non-residential buildings. Most buildings over 30 m in height have to be fitted with the appropriate sprinkler system and storage tanks, in compliance with the standards listed above.

Let’s summarise the main requirements:

Capacity And Performance

Your fire sprinkler water tank must meet the water volume requirements required by the ‘hazard classification’ of the building. The water must be reliable, meeting the specific needs of the fire safety system, and the system must have the appropriate pressure to activate the sprinklers during a fire emergency.

Hazard classifications and tank volumes:

1. Ordinary Hazard Group 1 – offices and schools: 27,500 to 40,000 L
2. Ordinary Hazard group 2 – car parks, museums, libraries, public buildings: 105,000 to 140,000 L
3. Ordinary Hazard group 3 – shopping centres, supermarkets, plant rooms, hospitals: 135,000 to 185,000 L

Refill time: BS EN 12845 specifies that your tank should be refillable within 36 hours.

Inspections And Maintenance

Regular inspections are required to ensure that your sprinkler tanks remain functional and compliant. These inspections should cover all components, including the valves, pumps, any sensors, water levels, and be documented thoroughly as part of your ongoing maintenance records to meet legal and insurance requirements. Tanks should be designed to minimise the need for emptying, and should be maintenance-free for at least 10 years.

Materials

The material you choose for a sprinkler storage tank is essential for its long-term reliability and performance. We recommend a tank made from a durable polymer material, such as polyethylene, which reduces the risk of water contamination, and provides strong resistance to corrosion and wear.

Find Out More

Please contact the experienced team at Enduramaxx today to find out more about the benefits of fire sprinkler water storage tanks and the regulations they need to comply with.