Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) announced on the 29th that it will proactively promote the installation of simplified sprinklers to enhance fire safety in aging permanent rental apartments.
Sprinkler systems are classified as effective for initial fire response; however, concerns about fire risk in aging dwellings without such systems have persisted due to the division of mandatory installation targets by the timing of related legal amendments.
LH prepared a 'simplified sprinkler installation plan' last September to enhance fire safety for residents of aging permanent rental apartments. Recognizing the need for customized construction methods that fit the actual construction conditions since they are installed inside old dwellings, testing of simplified sprinklers was conducted by major types (26ty, 31ty).
Major performance tests were also conducted. Collaborating with the Fire Department, firefighting technology associations, and field experts, the expertise in performance testing was enhanced. According to LH, performance test results confirmed that installing simplified sprinklers allows for securing the golden time (3 to 5 minutes) for initial fire control.
This year, LH will prioritize the installation of simplified sprinklers in aging permanent rental apartments where vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled reside in large numbers. A total of 9,735 units in 97 permanent rental apartment complexes across the country, including those in Seoul's Daebang, will be targeted, and the project will be carried out with 50% support from the national budget. It will be implemented alongside annual remodeling projects aimed at the complete improvement of unit interiors.
In addition, LH plans to form a council with internal and external fire safety experts to continue detailed reviews for the expansion of simplified sprinkler installation not only in permanent rentals but also in other public rental dwellings like national rental housing.
LH President Lee Han-jun said, "Permanent rental apartments are home to a large number of elderly residents, so we decided to fully promote the installation of simplified sprinklers, which are effective for initial suppression and securing escape routes during fires," and added, "We will do our utmost to create a residential environment where residents can live with peace of mind."