The article presents research on the reliability and effectiveness of sprinkler systems
in selected countries around the world as well as results of similar studies conducted
in Poland based on the data of the State Fire Service. First discussed are the specifics
of analysed data and the problems regarding its acquisition and presentation in
a simplified form without proper reflection and the assessment of its specificity, quality,
detail, uncertainty and completeness. The next step presents the methodology
of detailed data analysis based on full description of fire events and the segregation
of fire events into separate subcategories. Such an analysis allowed the presumption
that in the five-year period 2013–2017, in 94.4% of relevant fire events sprinkler
systems in Poland have demonstrated the achievement of their intended goals. This
result is similar to the results achieved in other countries known for high level of
fire safety culture (USA, UK, Sweden). In the author’s opinion, this proves the high
immanent reliability of these systems, which results from their simple construction
and proper maintenance, and not from the country in which they were installed. Taking into account these results, it is recommended that Poland should update
its regulations in a manner similar to that of developed countries, so that they take
into account in a greater extent the protective value and characteristics of sprinkler
systems and the benefits resulting from their application. It is also recommended to
increase the detail of publicly collected data on fire protection systems in buildings
because better knowledge about the characteristics of these systems in Poland may
allow achieving an even higher level of their reliability and effectiveness.