frequently asked questions
“SANS 10400-T:2020 4.37.3 Portable fire extinguishers installed in a building shall comply with the requirements in SANS 1910, and shall be installed, maintained and serviced by competent persons in accordance with SANS 1476-1 and with SANS 10105-1.”
A Fire Extinguisher can save lives and livelihoods because fire extinguishers are not used daily, we tend to forget about them. However, when we do require their usage, they need to be in excellent working condition, this is why it is important to have these pressure vessels serviced annually.
“OHSA 85 of 1993 PER 19 (2) No Person shall fill, recharge, recondition, modify, repair, inspect or test any fire extinguisher unless such a person is an authorised person employed by a permit holder: Provided that a permit is issued by an organisation approved by the chief inspector.”
In short, the answer is NO.
Fire Extinguisher are pressurised vessels that require annual maintenance following the proper safety procedures stated by the Pressure Equipment Regulations. A fatal injure can be sustained when working with these vessels. A qualified SAQCC Technician is a trained person who has learnt how to service the fire equipment safely and effectively.
“SANS 10400-T:2020 4.32.2 The disposition of such fire -fighting equipment shall be clearly visible at all times or shall be indicated by symbolic signs which shall be visible at all times and comply with the requirements in SANS 1186-1”.
We should keep in mind that fire extinguishers are only used when an emergency occurs, in a panic we don’t usually have time to search for the equipment. This is why signage is important to help indicate where the equipment is situated and how the exit escape of a building can be found should your vision be obstructed.
“SANS 1475-1:2010 Annex F. Foam, Water. Powder, Halon and Co2 Fire Extinguisher maximum service intervals: 1 year.”
Fire Extinguishers should be serviced once a year. In high-risk environments, it is suggested that all equipment be serviced bi-annually (twice a year).
“SANS 1475-1:2010 Annex F. Foam, Water. Powder, Fire Extinguishers pressure testing interval: 5 years.”
SANS 1475-1:2010 Annex F. Co2 Fire Extinguisher pressure testing interval: 10 years.”
The pressure testing of a fire extinguisher is conducted by increasing the pressure to roughly 1.5 times the normal given working pressure with a hydrostatic pump. Bulging and water leaks will form if the working order of the cylinder is compromised. The medium inside the cylinders are replaced as well. Any high risked faults will result in the fire extinguisher being condemned.
“SANS 10400-T:2020 4.37.1 A building that contains an occupancy given in table 10 shall, for the relevant occupancy and floor area, be provided with portable fire extinguishers in readily accessible and unobstructed positions approved by the local authority.”
According to the occupancy table above, each building or premises will fall under a certain class of occupancy. Once established then we can determine the required amount of equipment, for example: a J1 (High Risk Storage) will need 1 – 9KG DCP (Dry Chemical Powder) Fire Extinguisher for every 100m2. The calculations can be quite tricky, so please feel free to contact us to assist you in obtaining the correct equipment for your premises!
And remember: Fire compliancy is or business, so you can do yours.