Building industry gets guidance following Highland MSP’s fire sprinkler campaign
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart has told of his delight that guidance is now going out to the building industry, ahead of installing fire sprinklers in all new social housing with new regulations coming into effect next year.
The sprinklers will be a requirement in new flats, maisonettes and larger multi-occupancy dwellings including where care is provided.
“I’m delighted this is coming in before I retire as an MSP at next year’s election – what better than a life-saving ‘present’ at Christmas?” said Mr Stewart.
“Fire sprinklers have been proven time and time again to be effective in the fight against fire and I know that this move will save lives.
“There has always been strong backing for these plans from the public, the industry and other MSPs, especially in the light of the Grenfell Tower disaster.
“I would still like retro-fitting sprinklers in older properties to be considered, and although that is my longer term hope I understand the problems this would pose.”
Mr Stewart was told in 2018 that the Scottish Government was taking forward his campaign for greater fire safety methods in social housing.
He previously proposed a Member’s Bill which would require fire sprinkler systems to be installed into all new-build social housing across Scotland, as a method of tackling Scotland’s high rates of fire death and injury.
The plans received overwhelming support, with 94 per cent of the consultation responses in favour and over 50 MSPs, from across all five political parties, signed up in support of the Bill’s final proposal.