The South African standards state that all installations must be inspected.

SANS 10139:2007 - Edition 3.1

14 - 4.2 Recommendations

The following recommendations are applicable:

c) "The fire detection and fire alarm systems shall be inspected for compliance with this standard by a third party, i.e. an independent inspection authority"

In addition,

FIRE DEPARTMENTS NOT EFFICIENT

The Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa (FPASA) reports that there have been no significant improvements within the Fire Services for 5 years, response times are down.

LARGER FIRE LOSSES IN 2007

Insurance companies are reporting greater claims for losses due to fire.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN STANDARDS RECOMMEND IT

SANS 10139.(12.2) states "It is essential to conduct system inspections at a regular interval".

SANS 369 (10.5) states "Inspections of extinguishing systems shall be conducted twice a year by a competent engineer".

The Building code SANS 10400 states that "if any building owner fails to maintain fire equipment for detecting or extinguishing fires shall be guilty of an offence."

POOR STANDARDS OF INSTALLATION

Poor quality installations abound throughout South Africa for many and varied reasons.

NO GOVERNMENT CONTROL

There is no government legislation controlling the fire detection and gaseous extinguishing industries. It is up to the industry to regulate itself. The client has no recourse to law for poorly or wrongly installed fire systems. Do not take the chance. The FSIB will protect your interests.

LACK OF KNOWLEDGE AT FIRE DEPARTMENT AND INSURANCE LEVEL

Both the fire departments and the insurance assessors admit they do not have the in depth knowledge of fire detection or gaseous systems, they rely on the FSIB.

Early warning fire alarm and protection systems are becoming of even greater importance than ever before. It is essential that all installed systems are inspected to ensure compliance to standards and that they work when being called upon to do so.

THE FSIB IS INDEPENDENT

The FSIB is independent with no association with any supplier, product, contractor or consultant.