iMist™ England
At iMist™ England, we specialise in innovative fire protection systems prioritising safety and efficiency for our customers. Our market-leading water mist technology is designed to provide high-pressure water mist fire suppression, while minimising water damage, making it ideal for domestic and residential applications.
Understand the Latest Fire Legislation andHow iMist™ Keeps You Compliant
Fire Safety Law in England: What You Need to Know
Recent fire safety changes in England, especially after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, have led to tighter regulations across allbuilding types. The Building Safety Act 2022 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 amend the original RegulatoryReform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) to ensure more transparency, safety, and accountability.If you own, manage or live in a building with two or more domestic dwellings, these changes affect you.
Key Fire Safety Changes (Effective October 2023)
- All buildings must now have written fire risk assessments
- Fire safety info must be shared with residents and other responsible persons(RPs)
- Only competent individuals can conduct fire risk assessments (phased in)
- New buildings over 11 metres require fire suppression systems, such assprinklers or mist systems
- Higher penalties now apply for non-compliance
These changes aim to improve safety and make sure every building is properlyassessed, maintained, and protected.
Do You Need a Fire Suppression System?
If your building is:
- Over 11 metres tall, or
- A multi-occupancy property (e.g. flats or HMOs),
- you’ll likely need a fire suppression system under the new regulations.
How iMist™ Helps You Stay Compliant
At iMist™, we provide innovative water mist fire suppression systems that helpproperties across England comply with the latest legislation—without the drawbacks of traditional sprinkler systems.
Our high-pressure mist systems:
- Use 80% less water, reducing flood risk and damage
- Are perfect for retrofit and new builds alike
- Help you meet safety laws in line with the FSO and Building Safety Act
- Are already used in homes, care facilities, student housing, and more
| Feature | iMist™ | Other Watermist | Traditional Sprinklers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Supply | Mains Fed - No Stored Water | Yes | Tank Fed - Stored Water |
| Water Usage | Very Low - 8lpm | Very low | High - 51lpm |
| Retrofit Capability | Excellent - flexible stainless steel pipework | Often not | Limited - rigid pipework |
| In-House Service & Design | Fully In-House | No | Often outsourced |
| Suitable for Domestic Applications | Yes | Often suitable for small domestic | Often not |
| Suitable for Residential Applications | Yes | Often not | Yes |
| Suitable for Commercial Applications | COMING SOON | Often not | Yes |
What are the fire safety regulations in England?
Fire Safety Law in England and Wales
The Welsh Government’s guidance for the Fire Safety Act 2021 helps identify if you are affected. It applies to premises in Wales; similar guidance exists for England.
The Act clarifies parts of a building covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), applicable to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including blocks of flats but excluding individual flats.
The ‘Responsible Person’ (employer, freeholder, management company, or managing agent) must comply with the FSO.
This includes:
- Building structure and external walls, including balconies and cladding
- Doors between domestic premises and common parts
These must be included in the fire risk assessment. If outsourced, ensure all elements are covered as you remain responsible.
Responsibilities also include reducing fire hazards and ensuring the safety of residents, employees, and visitors. Fire and Rescue Authorities can issue enforcement notices for non-compliance, which is an offence if it risks death or serious injury.
Guidance also covers identifying Duty Holders. While not law, compliance may be used as evidence in legal proceedings.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) consolidates fire safety laws in England and Wales, assigning fire safety responsibility to the ‘Responsible Person’ in non-domestic premises.
Key points include:
- Scope: Applies to all non-domestic premises, including workplaces, public buildings, and common areas of multi-occupancy residential buildings.
- Responsible Person: Typically an employer, owner, landlord, occupier, or anyone else with control of the premises.
- Duties:
- Conduct regular fire risk assessments.
- Implement fire safety measures.
- Ensure safe escape routes and maintain fire safety equipment.
- Provide fire safety information and training to employees.
- Enforcement: Fire authorities can inspect, issue notices,and prosecute for non-compliance.
The FSO aims to improve fire safety measures across all applicable properties and ensure residents in buildings with multiple domestic units receive relevant fire safety information.
The main objective is to improve fire safety measures across all properties falling under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and to ensure that residents in buildings with two or more domestic dwellings receive the relevant fire safety information for their building. It’s worth noting that while Section 156 emphasises residential buildings with multiple domestic units, these changes apply to all buildings and properties under the scope of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
How iMist™ systems help with Fire Suppression in England
iMist™ systems, a type of water mist fire suppression technology, provide numerous advantages for fire safety in England. These systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their efficiency, environmental friendliness, and suitability for various applications.
Here’s how they contribute to fire safety:
Effective Fire Suppression
iMist™ systems utilise high-pressure water mist to suppress fires. The fine mist cools the flames and surrounding gases, reducing the temperature and controlling the fire more effectively than traditional sprinkler systems.
Minimised Water Damage
The fine mist produced by iMist’s misting solution uses significantly less water compared to conventional sprinklers. This reduces water damage to property and mitigates the risk of structural damage, which is particularly beneficial in residential buildings and heritage sites.
Safety in Occupied Spaces
Due to the reduced water usage and the mist’s ability to cool and suppress smoke, iMist™ misting systems can be safer for occupants during a fire. The reduced smoke and heat can help improve visibility and air quality, aiding evacuation efforts.
Versatility and Adaptability
iMist™ systems are adaptable and can be installed in a wide range of environments, including residential properties, commercial buildings, and industrial sites. They are suitable for retrofitting into existing buildings due to their flexible design and smaller pipework.
Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations
These systems help buildings comply with stringent fire safety regulations in England. They are often used in buildings where traditional sprinkler systems are impractical or less effective, such as in older buildings with aesthetic or structural constraints.
Environmental Benefits
iMist™ systems are environmentally friendly. The reduced water usage not only minimises water waste but also lessens the environmental impact of fire suppression efforts.
Integration with Modern Fire Safety Strategies
iMist™ systems can be integrated into broader fire safety strategies, including smoke alarms, fire curtains, and other passive fire protection measures, enhancing overall safety.
Examples of Application
- Residential Buildings: Particularly in high-rise apartments and care homes, water damage and rapid evacuation are critical concerns.
- Heritage Sites: Where preservation of the building fabric is paramount, and water damage from traditional sprinklers would be detrimental.
By addressing these key areas, iMist™ fire suppression systems enhance fire safety, offering a modern, efficient, and adaptable solution to fire suppression challenges in domestic and residential properties in England.
FAQs
Is a fire suppression system a legal requirement in UK homes?
Not in all homes. However, fire suppression systems are mandatory in certain high-risk buildings or as part of building regulation compliance, such as:
- New-build or converted flats over 11 metres in Scotland
- Open-plan layouts that don’t meet traditional fire compartmentation
- Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) or care homes where enhanced fire safety is needed
What regulations govern water mist fire suppression systems in the UK?
Fire suppression systems must comply with:
- BS EN 14972-17 – for residential/domestic water mist systems
- Approved Document B (ADB) – part of the Building Regulations
- Local building control and fire officer guidance also plays a key role.
What’s the difference between BS 8458 and BS 9251?
- BS 8458: For water mist systems in residential/domestic buildings
- BS 9251: For sprinkler systems in residential/domestic buildings
Both ensure safety standards are met but apply to different system technologies.
Do I need Building Control approval for a fire suppression system?
Yes. Any fire suppression system being installed in a property must be approved by Building Control to ensure it meets necessary fire safety and design regulations. However, this may not apply to elective installations.
Can I install my own fire suppression system?
No. Systems must be designed and installed by a competent and accredited provider to meet regulatory and insurance requirements. Self-installation can lead to non-compliance.
Are fire suppression systems required in open-plan layouts?
Often, yes. In open-plan layouts where fire separation (e.g. doors or walls) is lacking, fire suppression systems are commonly used to compensate for non-compliance with standard fire compartmentation.
Do fire suppression systems need to be serviced?
Yes. It is a regulatory requirement for systems to be annually serviced.
Are fire suppression systems required in loft conversions?
In most circumstances, yes. If the conversion creates a third floor or breaks up the fire escape route, a suppression system may be required to satisfy Building Regulations or local fire authority recommendations.