The fire detection industry has been regarded as the 'poor relation' of the security industry for many years as well as being an industry of 'cowboys' and low standards. "Technology changes have pushed the fire detection industry up to and beyond the level of most security systems," states Keith Norgate, Chairman of the FDIA.
Beyond knowing fire principles and the theory of initialisation and spread of fires, the fire detection specialist today has to have working knowledge of:
* Analog electronics.
* Digital electronics.
* Conduit and cabling techniques.
* Fibre-optics.
* Networking.
* Computer and microprocessor programming.
* Software configuration.
* Pipework and hydraulic calculations.
* Pipefitting.
* Airflow technology.
In an industry valued in excess of R300 million and an industry dealing with 'life safety' it is concerning to believe that there are no barriers of entry to the industry.
Projects are still awarded on price irrespective of whether the contractor has a track record or experience in the field or not. There has never been an independent or controlling body in the fire detection industry that consultants or end-users can turn to in the event of technical disputes.
Technicians in the fire detection industry are trained 'on site', as no official apprenticeships or training courses are available for fire detection technicians.
Two years ago the FDIA was formed to introduce, implement and uphold standards in the fire detection industry.
Fed up waiting for the leading institutions to introduce standards into the industry, a group of representatives from the leading fire detection companies met to take the 'bull by the horns', form an association, and tackle the numerous problems.
Headed by Keith Norgate fellow contractors were urged to form a committee. The FDIA boasts in excess of 40 paid-up members in a highly regarded and successful Association with branches in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Cape.
Support has been received from the SABS, FPA, IFE, SAACE, ECSA and the South African Insurance Association. A web page and training course have been established and all contracting companies are at present being trained on the detection design principles of the recognised standard.
All members of the association are provided with copies of the fire standards and are committed to study and work to these standards.
The objectives of the FDIA are:
* To compile and manage a list of approved fire detection installers, via entrance level qualifications.
* To adopt a set of international standards. These standards to be circulated and used by all participating member companies.
* Forge an alliance with SABS to adopt/approve/police standards.
* Form an Association with other bodies - ASIB, FPA, IFE, Insurance Association.
* Generate communication between member companies and respective clients, and provide market awareness regarding fire systems.
* Create barriers of entry to the industry.
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