According to the Building Research Establishment (BRE), watermist is defined as ‘a fixed fire protection system that uses water to control, suppress or extinguish a fire.’ (BRE, 2006)

Why Watermist?

In comparison to traditional sprinkler systems, watermist systems are much easier to install. This not only allows for a quicker installation on new projects and new builds, but also allows for an increased ability to retrofit fire suppression systems into existing buildings and properties.

Building Control teams are beginning to accept and specify watermist systems as a fully viable, British Standard approved alternative to allow for fully open plan living; this includes open plan living, open stair lobbies and hallways and even loft conversions and living extensions. This covers and is specified as part of Building Regulations Appendix Document B.

Watermist systems are so widely accepted that in 2016, Wales became the first country in the world to introduce legislation to make it compulsory for all new build properties to incorporate suppression systems to BS8458:2015. As of early December, Scotland have confirmed that it will be mandatory for sprinkler systems, or alternative, to be installed in flats and ‘multiple-occupancy dwellings’, and in England Cornwall County Council have already incorporated a similar system as to that used in Wales.

The ever-growing concern around fire safety in properties has brought a number of key developments within the industry, which are starting to become apparent nationally. Building Control teams are beginning to accept and specify watermist systems as a fully viable, British Standard approved alternative to allow for fully open plan living; this includes open plan living, open stair lobbies and hallways and even loft conversions and living extensions. This covers and is specified as part of Building Regulations Appendix Document B.

Watermist systems are so widely accepted that in 2016, Wales became the first country in the world to introduce legislation to make it compulsory for all new build properties to incorporate suppression systems to BS8458:2015.

As of early December, Scotland have confirmed that it will be mandatory for sprinkler systems, or alternative, to be installed in flats and ‘multiple-occupancy dwellings’, and in England Cornwall County Council have already incorporated a similar system as to that used in Wales.