Blog

In the world of fire safety, few documents are as critical—and often overlooked—as the Sprinkler Block Plan. Whether for a commercial office, shopping centre, warehouse or residential high-rise, a compliant block plan is a mandatory part of any sprinkler system installation under AS 2118.1 – Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.

What is a Sprinkler Block Plan?

A Sprinkler Block Plan is a durable, site-specific drawing that provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the fire sprinkler system. It details the layout of protected zones, the position of stop valves, isolation valves, boosters, pumps and storage tanks, along with key operational instructions for emergency use.

Primarily designed for use by fire brigades and emergency services, the block plan enables quick identification of:

• Sprinkler-protected areas
• Locations of alarm and isolation valves
• Design densities
• Highest head above booster
• Flow/Pressure Requirement

Fire brigades use these plans during emergencies to isolate valves and manage incident response effectively, while fire service companies refer to them for system testing, ensuring compliance with flow and pressure performance requirements.

AS 2118.1 Requirements and Key Features

Sprinkler block plans are located at:

• Each main installation control assembly or group of valves
• Sprinkler booster connections
• Fire Indicator Panels (FIP)

The plans must be:
✅ Water- and fade-resistant — materials like engraved or printed durable plates are acceptable (laminated paper does not meet this requirement)
✅ Clearly visible and permanently fixed adjacent to the control assemblies
✅ Kept up to date — any system changes, alterations, or upgrades must be reflected in the plan without delay

The plan must display:

• The building or site layout with marked protected areas and nearby streets
• Locations of pumps, tanks, boosters, test valves and isolation valves
• Size and position of town mains feeding the system
• Contact details of the local fire station
• A clear “You Are Here” marker aligned to the correct orientation
• System specifications including flow rates, pressure and design density
• Emergency operating instructions

Whether for new installations or existing systems, the plan forms a vital part of the fire safety documentation required for certification and compliance.

Why Sprinkler Block Plans Matter

💡 Critical for Emergency Response: Fire services rely on these plans to quickly locate and operate isolation points and understand the system layout during a fire event.
💡 Essential for Maintenance: Service contractors use the plan during inspections and flow testing to confirm that the system meets performance standards.
💡 Required for Compliance: Meeting AS 2118.1 standards for block plans is mandatory, and failure to provide compliant plans can delay certifications, occupancy permits or lead to insurance complications.

Best Practices for Commercial Builders, Plumbers and Building Maintenance

✔ Ensure Sprinkler Block Plans are prepared by professionals experienced in AS 2118.1 compliance
✔ Coordinate early with certifiers to ensure any site-specific wants are captured
✔ Update the plan immediately following any system modifications or upgrades

Final Thoughts

Sprinkler Block Plans are not simply regulatory paperwork—they are critical safety tools that protect lives, property and your legal standing. By ensuring these plans are clear, compliant and durable, you provide essential support to emergency responders and maintenance teams, and demonstrate your commitment to best practice fire safety.

👉 Looking for AS 2118.1 compliant Sprinkler Block Plans? Design Assist Partners delivers precise, regulation-ready documentation that integrates seamlessly into your handover and fire safety packages. Contact us today.

In today’s fast-moving construction industry, working with an experienced Fire Sprinkler Block Plan provider like DAP, ensures your project is finished professionally, your client is satisfied and future building management is made easy.

If you need professionally prepared Fire Sprinkler Block Plan, contact us today for a same day quote