They then commissioned a number of companies including Fireworks to come up with a more effective solution to replace this outdated and ineffective method.

Knowing that Watermist systems offer a far more efficient way of using water to fight fires, Fireworks suggested this alternative product to replace their existing hose reels across the establishment. It was considered an effective and reliable alternative and kept the building works and costs down to a minimum and was accepted by the Home Office as a potential viable replacement. HM Prison Service asked Fireworks to participate in a series of evaluation trials to determine the effectiveness of the Watermist systems. These were held at the world renowned Buildings Research Establishment (BRE)in Watford.

The BRE test criteria established that the service required included:
“to maintain a tenable atmosphere for a period of 20 minutes when fire tested in accordance with the specifications”

”discharge a relatively small amount of water”

”deliver a spray of water mist with sufficient momentum to discharge droplets to theback wall of a cell”

The Inundation was to last for 5 minutes after pre-burn and operation of internal cell fire detection systems, then a simulated ‘rescue’ of an inmate involving opening the door for a set period of one minute would occur , followed by Re-closing the door and waiting 10 minutes during which time the fire was not to resume.