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Standards for fire detection

With the increase of devastating fires reported throughout South Africa, adequate and suitable fire detection cannot be overstated. SAQCC Fire will publish a series of articles in SMART Security Solutions to provide insight into fire detection requirements and their importance.

Standards are essential when deciding on a suitable fire detection system to be installed on a premises. The correct type of system can prevent the loss of life and property. However, it is not just a simple matter of having a fire detection system installed, it is how it is installed, how it is maintained, and the correct selection of detection devices to promptly and effectively detect a fire.

The South African National Standard, SANS 10400 (Code of Practice for the Implementation of the National Building Regulations), specifically section T, provides information on which buildings require a fire detection system. SANS 10400-A includes a list of building types and the occupancy categories associated with the structure. SANS 10400-T uses the building type and occupancy category to determine whether a building requires fire detection and the level of fire detection.

SANS 10400, being a regulatory document, essentially means the requirements stipulated must be followed. The document itself does not describe how a system should be installed, commissioned or maintained.

Installed, commissioned and maintained

SANS 10139 (Code of Practice for Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems in Non-Domestic Buildings) provides information on how a system should be installed, commissioned and maintained. (Additional information pertaining to SANS 10139 will be covered in a future article). Determining the type of system required within a structure depends on several different factors. Risk type is probably the most critical factor. The type of risk will determine what type of detection is required, the coverage of the system and the ability to evacuate the premises in the event of an emergency. The earlier a fire is detected, the greater the chance of extinguishing or containing the fire, as well as ensuring prompt evacuation of personnel.

Where SANS 10400 may indicate that no detection is required within a structure, insurance underwriters, local authorities, or end users (building owners) may require a detection system to be installed. The system designer needs to assess the risk/s to determine the correct type of system to be installed and the appropriate detection methods. One structure may have multiple risks and, therefore, may require different detection methods. No single solution fits all scenarios.

Understanding the standards

Understanding the requirements of the various standards is imperative to providing the correct detection level within a structure. Competent persons should be utilised in the system’s design, installation, commissioning and maintenance to ensure optimal coverage and functionality of any fire detection system. Inadequate or poorly installed and maintained systems can lead to loss of life and property destruction.

The Department of Employment and Labour has mandated SAQCC Fire to register competent persons within the industry. (SAQCC Fire and its role in the industry will be covered in a future article.)

For more information and to check if your installer is registered, visit www.saqccfire.co.za

The need to ensure compliance

SAQCC Fire is a legal entity mandated by the Department of Employment and Labour to certify and qualify competent authorised persons within the fire industry.

One of the fundamental objectives of SAQCC Fire is to establish the necessary procedures for the education, training and registration of all appropriate personnel actively involved in the fire industry.

Such registration is necessary to create and ensure consistent, safe, and high-quality standards of service excellence with respect to both the reconditioning of portable fire fighting equipment and the design, installation, and maintenance of fire detection and gas suppression systems.

Regulation of an industry is important, however, it becomes extremely important when the regulation pertains to saving lives and property. The fire industry falls under the National building regulation SANS 10400.

Fire equipment is designed to save lives and property, but if installed or maintained incorrectly, lives or property can be at risk. Any persons working on such equipment must be registered as competent, and in the case of fire extinguishers, the company itself must have a SANS 1475 permit.

SANS10139 for fire detection and SANS14520 for gas suppression systems require competent persons to provide services and sign the required certificates. The only way to ensure compliance is to verify the correct SAQCC Fire registration.

Readers are encouraged to determine if a company and technician is legal before employing them. You are entitled to check that any person/s onsite doing the work is carrying their current SAQCC Fire card.

Registration can be verified at www.saqccfire.co.za.

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