Globally, the experience gained and lessons learnt in design, performance and installation of fire detection systems has resulted in the requirement for a ‘best practices’ approach when addressing those elements of both fire development and detection that remain reasonably constant.
Simply stated, when the best practices are documented and agreed upon by the relevant persons and organisations, we have a standard.
The South African approach, quite correctly has been one of 'why re-invent the wheel?' and hence the adoption with relevant alterations in our industry via the SABS (now Standards SA) of British Standards.
Why then do we constantly see buildings under-protected and speak to end-users who believe that they have compliant systems when in fact they do not?
The simple answer is that the end-user and in many cases, the contractor, are either ignorant of the existence of a fire standard or choose to ignore it.
What follows below therefore is a brief outline of the standards relevant to our industry and where they are applied:
SANS 10139: Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings
Essentially, this is the South African fire detection 'bible'.
This document resulted from the adoption and alteration for local conditions of the British standard-BS6539 and is the standard with which most systems in South Africa should comply.
It covers detection in most environments, notes limitations of different detector types and categorises the levels of protection offered by the different types of installation.
End-users should ensure that the systems offered and installed comply with the recommendations of this standard and that deviations from it are noted and agreed upon.
It is worthwhile noting that although this is not a mandatory standard, references to it are made in SANS 10400, which is.
SANS 322: Fire detection and alarm systems for hospitals
Hospitals present a unique set of circumstances and therefore require that detection systems be altered to accommodate them.
While based on the standard above, this document highlights variations and special requirements specific to hospital environments.
SANS 246: Code of practice for protection of electronic equipment installations
Mission-critical and yet relatively high-risk installations such as server rooms require a higher level of protection. Often these locations are unmanned and rely on an electronic detection system to take independent action before the development of a fire can cause damage to equipment.
The risk of down time and loss of valuable data coupled with the high air movement often associated with these installations require us to design systems differently and usually with greater protection.
The result of this is a special standard outlining the best practices for this type of installation.
Gas suppression standards
When fire suppression using a suppressant gas is required, it is essential that these systems be installed according to the requirements of the standard relevant to both the type of gas being used and the environment to be protected.
The procedure for adopting, updating and altering standards is well controlled by the SABS and involves experienced people from all of the relevant segments of the fire industry and emergency services.
South Africa also has involvement on ISO committees ensuring that while our standards are particularly relevant to local applications we are also aware of the international developments and requirements.
Fire detection standards in the context discussed above are generally relevant to the practices followed during design and installation but make reference to equipment specification standards such as EN54. It is essential therefore that when a system is installed, it also carries such a certification. It will not help installing sub-standard equipment even though the design is correct, as performance may be sub-standard.
Awareness of the standards will ensure that the expectations of both the installer and end-user are met and that the ultimate goal of reducing risk to life and property is achieved.
Dave Boyack can be contacted on +27 (0)11 237 9600 or [email protected].
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