Water Mist Systems: Why Third-Party Testing Is Essential
Over the past thirty years, water mist systems have increasingly been adopted to provide fire suppression in certain types of buildings. In this article, Jade Musto, Head of Suppression System Testing at the Fire Protection Association (FPA), explores the key considerations for facilities managers looking to utilise water mist systems as part of their fire strategy and why third-party testing prior to installation is essential.
Research from the FPA and RISCAuthority found that the average large loss for businesses in the event of a fire is £657,074. It is therefore critical that those responsible for fire safety take adequate steps to ensure a building is fully protected against fire, including having the right suppression systems in place. Water mist systems can be highly effective at managing and preventing the spread of fire when used correctly. But what are the key considerations for facilities and building managers when it comes to these systems?
Water Mist Vs Sprinkler Systems
Water mist systems offer many benefits, one of which is that they do not rely on the larger water supplies needed to support sprinklers and use smaller pipes and components. This makes them an appealing fire protection method in environments where it would be difficult to accommodate a larger system.
There are considerations, however. Water mist systems can be very effective at suppressing fires in buildings which are compartmentalised. However, they do not work well in highly ventilated spaces as the droplets of water can be dispersed by factors such as air conditioning or open areas between floors.
One of the key points of difference between water mist and sprinkler systems is that water mist systems must be designed with the exact environment in mind. This means that it is essential that facilities managers enlist a third party that has the knowledge and experience to carry out a thorough inspection pre-installation, as well as advise on next steps and conduct regular maintenance.
Testing And Maintenance
BS 8458 water mist testing
As water mist systems are bespoke to their environment, it is critical that they are tested prior to their installation. Facilities managers should seek assurance that BS 8458 testing has been carried out prior to installation. This will provide peace of mind that the systems have been tested to the highest possible standard and will perform as intended should a fire occur.
Nozzle testing
It is important that water mist nozzles are tested regularly by a third party to ensure that the systems will operate effectively should a fire occur. This should only be carried out by an independent third party and not the system owner, manufacturer, installer or maintainer, and removing the nozzles should only ever be done by a trained professional.
The FPA recommends as best practice that nozzles are removed and sent for testing after 10 years of service and tested every five years after that. This supports the recommendation of NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
Water mist systems have the potential to manage and prevent the spread of fire. However, they often undergo less rigorous testing than sprinklers, despite each system being almost entirely unique. Facilities managers, and those responsible for ensuring fire safety within a building, need to recognise that third-party testing prior to installation is essential and the only way to ensure systems will perform as intended should a fire occur.
For more information on the FPA’s advice and support for water mist systems, please visit: www.thefpa.co.uk/sprinkler-services/watermist-services.
