As we approach the thought of a release from lockdown it’s important to consider what may have changed in the dormant buildings whilst we have been away.

Whilst the Alpine Service Team have remained 100% operational across the UK some businesses may have taken the decision to pause their planned maintenance schedules whilst the facilities are empty.

We have gathered the thoughts of our in house technical experts for advice on some considerations to be given where sites have not been fully maintained, tested or checked.

Here are 5 issues that may arise from a pause in the regular tests and checks advised by LPS 1048 and could potentially compromise the operation of a fire sprinkler system.

1. Seized Pressure switches – unless regularly exercised pressure switches can stick causing a number of issues with the sprinkler system. Pressure switches installed on the pump initiation lines would not detect a drop in system pressure and would therefore not start the fire pump(s) preventing the sprinkler system from operating. The pressure switches on the alarm line of the control valves would not send a signal to the main fire alarm, impairing the detection of any issues, either accidental damage or fire related.
2. Water Motor Alarms could be seized – although seen by some as outdated technology the mechanical aspect of a water pressure driven alarm cannot be overlooked as this should still give an audible signal if there was ever a problem with the building fire alarm system. It also enables a hard check on the alarm valves operational effectiveness during regular checks, this would not be possible with an inoperable alarm motor and gong due to failed or seized components.
3. System valves could be stiffer to operate or seized – water flow control valves that are seized or at least stiff would be much more difficult to close in the event of an accidental discharge, potentially leading to excessive water damage if the flow of water cannot be stopped. Individual test valves seized will prevent the normal testing procedure being carried out. However the worst case is that the alarm valves may not open correctly preventing water from flowing into the main sprinkler system in the event of a fire situation.
4. Fire pumps could be seized – As above, if the fire pump is not able to deliver water to the sprinkler system then the effectiveness of that system is eliminated. The ability to provide a continuous flow of water at required pressure based on the design parameters is paramount in the operation of the overall fire suppression system.
5. Undetected frost damage – we have endured some of the coldest days on record in the UK during lockdown. There is a risk within closed sites that there may be frost damage to parts of the system, which could lead to impaired components that could fail on returning to standard operation. These components may not operate as designed and impair their ability to control a fire or at the minimum could cause water damage within a facility in the event of failure.

So, as we all look to Spring for a return to something more like the life we remember, we recommend that your fire sprinkler systems are checked for impairments and correct operation by a competent engineer before reoccupation of buildings takes place.

In uncertain times it’s good to know that some things never change. When it comes to building a successful business, it’s those consistent relationships with colleagues, customers, suppliers or mentors that keep us in focus, and keep us feeling in control, even when all around is crumbling. That got us thinking internally, ‘how can we help to provide that constant source support for businesses?’ which lead us to launch Business Builder in April 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was starting to hit hard.

Business Builder is our virtual tool to support businesses and business owners to upskill and grow at their own pace. Designed to be an intuitive, self-serve platform, it offers a TV streaming service-like approach to development, allowing you to log into an ever-expanding library of business support content as well as access a UK-wide network of business owners and a set of workshops, allowing you focus on core business topics alongside your peers.

Business Builder includes:
▪ Digital Learning – Whether you want to focus on your Business Model, your Customer Segments or your own Personal Development (to name a few), Business Builder’s modular approach means that you can work through the content alongside your existing business commitments and revisit topics as often as you like. The digital learning portal is a living library of content, with new modules added according to your needs and current affairs on a regular basis

▪ Online Community – Access our network of over 6,000 UK business owners, all keen to share their skills, partner or support with others to expand their offering or add value to yours.

▪ Wrap Around Workshops – We have 10 workshops designed to focus on a wide range of key topics such as how to write a great pitch, to putting a continuity plan in place, all in the company of other business owners, gaining fresh and relevant perspectives.

Business Builder is completely free and available to anybody whether you’re a NatWest customer or not. We understand and recognise the impact SMEs are going to have on our economic recovery over the coming months, and we’re delighted and excited to be supporting as many of them as possible. To take a look at our digital learning, book onto a workshop or access our community, simply register in a few moments by visiting: Business Builder Tomorrow begins today.

With so much going on, it’s so easy for us to find an excuse to cease our own development. That sales call or that employee review that always takes precedence, yes, it’s important, but so are you. As we move into 2021, make sure your development is a consistent focus as your business will flourish as a result.
As your local enterprise manager in Merseyside and surrounding areas, it’s my responsibility to support businesses in the community whether you bank with NatWest or not. I will look to add value and growth to SME’s to stay ahead of the curve, whether it be through one to one mentoring or by attending a local event – I am here to boost your business. Growth means different things to different businesses, so tell me what it means to your business.

Natalie Hughes, Local Enterprise Manager, NatWest, Natalie.Hughes@natwest.com, 07917 213381