Ban on New Antifreeze Sprinkler Systems in Regulated Facilities

Effective December 1, 2014, the Bureau of Fire Services (BFS) will not permit new installations of antifreeze sprinkler systems in state regulated facilities. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has been researching safety concerns regarding antifreeze sprinkler systems for several years now. The latest findings confirm that even when lower concentrations of antifreeze are used there are still fire safety issues. The main safety issue is the combustibility of antifreeze solutions in sprinkler systems. BFS is following NFPA’s lead and have put a ban on new installations of antifreeze sprinkler systems until a listed antifreeze solution can be found.  This ban is for BFS regulated facilities which include hospitals, nursing homes, adult foster care, home for the aged, schools, colleges, universities and penal facilities.

Because only a few new antifreeze sprinkler system submittals have been received this past year, BFS believes that many sprinkler companies are also being proactive and are finding other sprinkler solutions.  If you have any questions in regards to how this ban will affect a specific project, please contact the BFS Plan Review Division at 517-241-8847.