Major evolution of FM fire protection standards

Published: 20 October, 2010

FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers, has rolled out significant modifications to its fire protection standards with the introduction of a new Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 2-0, Installation Guidelines for Automatic Sprinklers and a revised version of its Data Sheet 8-9, Storage of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and Plastic Commodities.

These changes come as a result of FM Global’s extensive research and testing of the latest sprinkler technology and are intended to help simplify fire protection choice, maximise protection while minimising installation costs, and support overall sustainable business practices.

According to Brion Callori, senior vice president, engineering and research at FM Global, the evolution of FM Global’s fire protection standards involves moving away from sprinkler density as a design criterion and towards key performance attributes associated with sprinkler design and installation characteristics, such as K-factor (ability to flow water), orientation, response time and temperature rating.

Shivan S. Subramaniam, FM Global’s chairman and chief executive officer, concluded: “Following these new guidelines will result in less fire, smoke and water damage should a fire occur. In addition, because these new standards require fewer sprinklers, less piping and lower water pressure to operate, we believe clients will realise reduced costs for more effective protection options, making automatic sprinklers not only simpler and cheaper, but also a more sustainable choice for loss prevention.”

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