Sprinklers will become mandatory in all new care homes in England irrespective of height.

The mandate follows a 2022 government consultation to ammend Approved Document B of the building regulations to install Sprinklers in new care homes, regardless of building height.

New care homes will be expected to limit compartment sizes to 10 beds while ensuring self-closing devices are fitted to doors.

Building safety minister Rushanara Ali announced the update on Monday 2nd September. "Sprinklers enhance fire protection where residents may be reliant on others for help and assistance, especially if a building evacuation is needed, " she said.

"Many care home providers already include sprinklers in new designs. For those that do not yet provide for sprinklers, again, I recognise that businesses and investors seek certainty. So, care homeowners and developers will benefit from a six-month transition period until the guidance comes into effect and then have a further six months to enable work on current development projects that are underway, or about to start , to continue. "

If you are a care home provider or developer and need further advice, please don't hesitate to contact Detect & Protect Limited .