Civic Mail Hyderabad

Fire safety alert: Hyderabad resident exposes flaw in sprinkler system maintenance

Fire Safety Alert in Hyderabad: Sprinkler

Hyderabad: Amidst increasing reports of fire accidents in Hyderabad city, resident Imran has raised concerns about the effectiveness of fire sprinkler systems, specifically regarding the orange sprinkler protection cups that cover sprinkler heads. These cups serve as temporary shields designed to protect the sprinkler nozzles from dust, debris, and damage during construction or maintenance. However, they must be removed for the sprinklers to function correctly in fire accidents or incidents.

Speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, Imran highlighted that this crucial step is often overlooked, putting lives and property at risk.

“I found something concerning that fire sprinklers only activate when the orange protection cup is removed,” Imran stated. He noted his observations in the basement parking area of Joy Alukas at Punjagutta, highlighting that this issue appears to be widespread. “It’s not enough to simply install a system; Establishments need to ensure that these protective cups are removed to enhance safety.”

One of the Building Code Forum users said, “A proper final inspection should ensure that the sprinkler head protection is removed. I’ve seen instances where the ‘shower caps’ were still in place in electrical rooms, which can lead to dangerous situations.”

Another user shared a firsthand account from a fire incident at a construction site, “In a wood-framed apartment building, the sprinklers were installed, and most systems were operational. On the first floor, where the drywall was complete and the caps had been removed, there was minimal damage. The second-floor experienced limited damage as well, as the caps popped off when the fire reached the sprinklers. However, on the third floor, where drywall was present, many caps remained in place, leading to more extensive damage.”

The user continued, “By the fourth floor, most caps did not come off at all, and we suspect that the fire compromised the water supply before it could reach the sprinklers. While the piping was charred, there was not much significant damage, highlighting the importance of fully operational sprinkler systems in fire safety.”

Imran’s observations and the shared insights from building code forums highlight the necessity for rigorous safety protocols and inspections in buildings across Hyderabad. As fire incidents continue to rise, the community is urged to prioritise fire safety measures to protect lives and property.