Sprinklers in Buildings
The Times-Age asked a series of questions relating to the Wellington fire. Responses below, attributable to Steven Williams, Building Control Services Manager:
1. Are councils aware of any multi-occupant buildings which do not have sprinkler systems?
There are multiple multi-occupant buildings that do not have sprinkler systems. Under the Building Code, sprinkler systems are not necessarily required in multi-occupant buildings.
Any requirement for the passive (smoke and heat detection) and active (sprinklers) fire protection is determined under the Code by the ability to escape a building in an emergency. We would encourage the public to look for Building Warrants of Fitness certificates posted in the entrance or public areas of buildings for some assurance that the systems in the building are performing to standard to which they were installed.
2. Are councils aware of any multi-occupant buildings which have asbestos as a building component?
Many buildings built prior to 1990 may contain asbestos. This is not considered a risk unless it is disturbed in a way that makes it airborne. It is the building owners responsibility to manage asbestos in their buildings under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and associated asbestos Regulations 2016
3. What are councils' view of the risk of a similar fire [to the one in Newtown] happening in Wairarapa and what steps are councils taking to mitigate this risk?
It is not possible to comment until the investigation into the Wellington fire has been completed and results made known.
4. Do councils have any other comments they would like to make on this issue?
This is a tragic event and our thoughts go out to the whanau of those involved.