Fire Sprinkler International Conference: A Summary
This is our summary of Fire Sprinkler International 2022 in London, and the points that stood out for our team: the debate over stay put policies in flats, sprinkler protection for automated warehouses, and making water based systems more sustainable.
After two years of COVID-related postponements, the Fire Sprinkler International Conference was finally held in London on 31st May and 1st June. Hosted by the European Fire Sprinkler Network (EFSN) in partnership with the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA), the event welcomed over 300 attendees and more than 50 leading fire protection experts to the Park Plaza London Riverbank. The two-day conference explored the latest challenges, innovations, and trends in fire sprinkler systems — and looked ahead to the future of fire protection.
Fire Sprinkler International 2022
The long-awaited 2022 conference brought together some of the biggest names in the global fire safety sector, including London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner Paul Jennings, Fire Protection Research Foundation Executive Director Amanda Kimball, and former NFSA President Russ Fleming from the United States.
Key topics discussed during the event included:
- Changes to UK, European, and global fire safety regulations
- Innovation in sprinkler design and fire protection systems
- Sprinkler applications with a focus on warehouse protection
- Environmental considerations for water-based suppression systems
- Testing, quality assurance, and compliance standards
Event Highlights
While both days offered valuable insights, two particular themes stood out for our team at Eversafe Fire Protection — the debate around “stay put” policies and the growing importance of sprinklers in automated warehouses.
Fire safety expert Ruud van Herpen of Eindhoven University of Technology presented findings suggesting that “stay-in-place” policies in apartment blocks can only be effective if reliable sprinkler systems are in place. He noted, “The time needed for evacuating a building exceeds in many cases the available safe time… a stay-in-place concept is probably more realistic.” His comments reinforced the crucial role of sprinklers in containing smoke and fire within residential buildings.
Another major discussion point focused on the future of fire protection in automated warehouses. Alan Brinson, Executive Director of the European Fire Sprinkler Network, explored how automation and robotics are changing warehouse design — and the growing demand for advanced, responsive sprinkler systems. Zurich’s Stuart Lloyd also highlighted the insurance implications of these evolving environments.
The Future of Sprinkler Systems
For our team at Eversafe, one of the most inspiring aspects of the conference was the focus on making water-based fire suppression systems more sustainable. Discussions around “smart” sprinklers that use less water without compromising protection took centre stage.
Other innovations explored included the potential for automatic sprinkler testing, enhanced corrosion resistance through polymer-based piping, and even specialised sprinkler designs for use in maritime vehicle carriers. The conversation clearly demonstrated that the fire protection industry is entering a new era of intelligent, environmentally responsible design.
Sharing Our Thoughts
We’re proud to see the fire protection industry continuing to evolve — and we’re excited to be part of that journey. For more updates, expert insights, and commentary on the future of fire safety, keep an eye on the Eversafe Fire Protection blog.