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Our systems are fully compliant: Find out more by selecting Residential or Commercial.
When it comes to fire hazards, responsible practice and uncompromised security, non-compliance isn’t just a risk, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Picture this: You’re a property manager tasked with looking after a mid-rise block of flats. A routine inspection is looming, but outdated smoke detectors and flickering emergency lighting remain unresolved. Then, a kitchen fire in one apartment breaks out, filling multiple storeys with smoke in just minutes. Luckily, everyone escapes, meaning no fatalities, but a thorough investigation reveals multiple safety breaches, resulting in hefty fines and reputational damage.
Across the UK, full compliance with fire safety regulations is essential for resident safety and business continuity. Regulators now expect more than basic smoke detectors and emergency lighting. Real-time monitoring, documented risk assessments and robust suppression systems are critical. Falling short can invalidate insurance, trigger costly rectifications and endanger lives.
This growing responsibility is driving a shift toward eco-friendly solutions like water mist systems. Unlike traditional sprinklers, water mist atomises water into ultra-fine droplets, suppressing flames faster — using up to 90% less water and minimising structural damage. The first step is taking full cognisance of the fire regulations that matter most, and we’ve got the details you need in this article.
British Standards provide the foundation for residential fire safety, and key documents include:
This definitive guide requires sprinklers in buildings above 11m and sets rules for evacuation lifts and smoke control. While sprinklers are standard, alternatives like water mist are acceptable (and highly recommended) with a fire-engineering justification.
Focused on fire extinguishing systems, this standard provides the performance data needed to validate water mist systems as compliant alternatives.
Please note: BS 5308 is often confused with BS 5306 by the layman, but the former is not a fire regulation per se. It is a British standard that guides the use of instrumentation cables within industrial process control, measurement and communication systems. It’s still vital to know and may be applicable in informing certain policies and use case scenarios involving data transmission for safety and fire protection systems.
This standard addresses mixed-use buildings, offering flexible guidelines for harmonising residential and commercial fire safety strategies.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 reinforces these standards by making fire safety a legal obligation. Key responsibilities include:
Meeting these obligations is non-negotiable, and selecting the right suppression system can simplify compliance and enhance sustainability.
In Wales and Scotland, fire suppression systems are mandatory in all new homes and conversions. England and Northern Ireland allow flexibility under Approved Document B. While sprinklers are the default, water mist systems offer equal or superior safety with added environmental benefits.
Here’s how these systems align with regulations:
This flexibility makes water mist attractive for property managers balancing safety, sustainability and cost.
You may be wondering: Why all the fuss over opting for an advanced, eco-friendly mist solution over the more traditional sprinkler go-to? Well, water mist systems offer several distinct advantages:
These systems adapt to diverse settings, from HMOs and care homes to heritage conversions, making them ideal for modern residential applications.
Under BS 9991:2024, water mist systems require fire-engineering validation to prove performance parity with sprinklers. They must demonstrate:
In taller buildings, water mist complements evacuation strategies, smoke control, fire doors and firefighter lifts, ensuring comprehensive safety compliance.
Water mist systems offer a dual advantage: Compliance with stringent fire safety standards and alignment with sustainability goals. By choosing this technology, you protect residents, safeguard assets and demonstrate leadership in eco-friendly building practices.
With advanced technology at the ready, you can support your ongoing sustainability goals while meeting modern safety standards. Not to mention carving a clear path to brand visibility and a growing customer base where your residential property is closely tied to any business endeavours.
At SmartMist, we understand and fully cater for comprehensive fire regulation compliance for both residential and commercial spaces. Contact us today for a consultation on smarter fire suppression solutions.