Sprinkler systems mandatory for buildings three storeys or higher

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is reminding developers and property owners that buildings three storeys or higher must be equipped with sprinkler systems as part of the fire safety requirements aimed at protecting lives and property. “Our mandate is to ensure buildings are safe. We protect lives and property from the destruction by fires,” Operational Officer Rovin Thomas told members of the media on the sidelines of a recent event. He explained that under the Fire Service’s established protocols and recommendations, any building that is three floors or higher must include a sprinkler system in its design before approval is granted. “So you have a building and you want to build a building three floors and up and you submit your plan to the Fire Department, better be sure that the number one recommendation, you must have a sprinkler system,” Thomas said. A building sprinkler system is an active fire safety network installed in ceilings or walls. It automatically detects high heat generated by a fire and releases water to control, slow or extinguish the flames, helping to protect both occupants and property. Thomas acknowledged that sprinkler systems can be costly to install, noting that the requirement is generally geared towards larger buildings. For smaller residential and commercial buildings, Thomas said the Fire Service instead recommends other fire safety measures, including fire extinguishers, smoke alarm systems and fire balls. He encouraged building owners to ensure they comply with the relevant fire safety requirements to reduce the risk of fire and improve emergency response should an incident occur.