Plans for mandatory sprinklers in new social house will save lives, MSP claims

A Labour MSP has said his proposed legislation to make sprinklers mandatory in all new-build social housing will save lives.

David Stewart is consulting on a Member's Bill which would make it illegal for local authorities and housing associations not to fit sprinklers in their new homes.

The planned law comes in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster and would bring all local authorities across Scotland in line with Wales and with Dundee, Angus and Fife councils.

Mr Stewart said: “Undoubtedly sprinklers will play a role in preventing deaths and accidents in Scotland.

“I'm delighted to have the support of the Fire Brigade Union (FBU) and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“The FBU have made the point if there had been sprinklers in Grenfell Tower the fire would have stopped at the fridge.''

He said there have never been multiple fire deaths in Scotland in a building with a sprinkler system installed.

The Highlands and Islands MSP added: “My bill if successful would require all local authorities and housing associations to have sprinklers fitted in new builds.

“We're also looking at consulting on retrofitting in high rise flats.''

Since 2005, all new build high rises in Scotland have required to have the fire suppression system built in.

Mr Stewart said the Conservatives had backed his plans and he had a positive response from the Scottish Government, with meetings planned with Labour and the Greens.

He urged members of the public and organisations to back his proposal which has started a three-month consultation period which ends on April 16.

The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association has already pledged support.

Association Chief Executive Keith MacGillivray said: “It is a proven fact that sprinklers will save lives if they are installed in housing.

“We fully support David's proposed Bill which protects both the public and fire fighters.'