Moving forward from our previous article, we shall concentrate on SANS 10139 (Code of Practice for Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems in Non-Domestic Buildings). This South African National Standard is essentially the “Book of Knowledge” for any fire detection installer, commissioner and designer. The standard is based on the British Standard BS 5839-1, referenced in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993).
Largely recommendation-based, the various topics covered throughout the standard should not be ignored. It clearly states, “Compliance with this document cannot confer immunity from legal obligations,” and all recommendations throughout the document should be considered. The various recommendations are stated based on best business practices, technological advancements, historical incidents, ever-changing protected environments and a host of additional requirements that could affect the operation of a fire detection system.
SANS 10139 provides information on the different categories of systems that may be deemed to satisfy a fire detection requirement. These categories are:
• Category M systems
o These systems are manual only and do not provide for automatic detection.
o Manual systems are very often incorporated into automatic detection systems.
• Category L systems
o Systems primarily intended for the protection of life.
o Further subdivided into L1 to L5. L1 provides complete protection throughout a premises, down to L5, designed to satisfy a specific fire safety objective.
• Category P systems
o Systems primarily intended for the protection of property.
o P1 – Systems installed throughout all areas of the building.
o P2 – Systems installed only in defined parts of the building.
Apart from providing recommendations on the spacing of detection devices, device clearances, cabling, sounder levels, zoning, connection to non-fire detection equipment such as extraction fans, pressurisation fans and air conditioning, the standard provides in-depth information on the responsibilities of end users, installers, commissioners, designers and servicing companies.
The end user has specific responsibilities they need to observe, which are covered in SANS 10139 (13). Typically, the following will apply:
• Appoint a single responsible person to supervise all matters pertaining to the detection system.
• Visually checking the control and indicating equipment at least every 24 hours, confirming no fault conditions.
• Ensuring regular testing and maintenance is conducted.
o Weekly testing by end user – normally the activation of a manual call point and sounder activation.
o Inspection and servicing by competent persons is conducted at least every 6 months.
o Full functional testing conducted by competent persons at least annually.
• Safe-keeping of logbook and documentation about the system.
• Regular training of personnel in the end user functions on the detection system.
Being deemed a ‘passive” system’, i.e., the system will only operate when needed, regular system testing is required. Depending on the size of the installed system, more frequent servicing and testing intervals may be necessary.
Discussions regarding servicing and maintenance requirements should be held with the relevant competent person responsible for the installed detection system.
SAQCC Fire can provide guidance regarding servicing and maintaining fire detection systems. Please consult www.saqccfire.co.za for contact information.
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