LEGISLATION
Certificate for Fire Compliance in terms of SANS 10400. Part T (1) and (2): 2020.
Section 24 of the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution states that everybody has a right to: “an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being”. So if our buildings and or business aren’t healthy, and aren’t built with people’s health and welfare in mind, they are essentially unconstitutional!
SANS 10400 Part T is broken down into several parts:
Essentially the legislation quite simply, is with the need for all Buildings (Fire Protection Certificate) and or Businesses (Fire Compliance Certificate) to be designed, constructed, and equipped so that in the event of fire:
The occupants or people using the business premises will be protected – including persons with disabilities;
The spread and intensity of any fire within the business premises, and the spread of fire to any other buildings, will be minimized;
Sufficient stability will be retained to ensure that such business premises will not endanger any other building: assuming that no significant structural system breakdown will occur in any multi-story building;
The generation and spread of smoke will be minimized or controlled to the greatest extent reasonably practicable; and
Adequate means of access, fire detecting equipment, fighting, controlling, and extinguishing such fires, are provided.
Adhere to parameters for Fire Sprinkler and Fire Protection System installations with criteria that meet the ISO 17020:2012 Inspection Standard throughout South Africa.
The requirements of the Act will be deemed to have been satisfied if the design, construction, and equipment of buildings comply with SANS 10400 Part T and satisfies the Local Fire Authority.
The Act also specifies several offenses that owners of buildings/businesses need to avoid, including the need for fire extinguishers that comply with SANS 10105. Also, if people do anything to obstruct escape routes in buildings, they will be guilty of an offense.
LEGISLATION
Certificate for Fire Compliance in terms of SANS 10400. Part T (1) and (2): 2020.
Section 24 of the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution states that everybody has a right to: “an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being”. So if our buildings and or business aren’t healthy, and aren’t built with people’s health and welfare in mind, they are essentially unconstitutional!
SANS 10400 Part T is broken down into several parts:
Essentially the legislation quite simply, is with the need for all Buildings (Fire Protection Certificate) and or Businesses (Fire Compliance Certificate) to be designed, constructed, and equipped so that in the event of fire:
The occupants or people using the business premises will be protected – including persons with disabilities;
The spread and intensity of any fire within the business premises, and the spread of fire to any other buildings, will be minimized;
Sufficient stability will be retained to ensure that such business premises will not endanger any other building: assuming that no significant structural system breakdown will occur in any multi-story building;
The generation and spread of smoke will be minimized or controlled to the greatest extent reasonably practicable; and
Adequate means of access, fire detecting equipment, fighting, controlling, and extinguishing such fires, are provided.
Adhere to parameters for Fire Sprinkler and Fire Protection System installations with criteria that meet the ISO 17020:2012 Inspection Standard throughout South Africa.
The requirements of the Act will be deemed to have been satisfied if the design, construction, and equipment of buildings comply with SANS 10400 Part T and satisfies the Local Fire Authority.
The Act also specifies several offenses that owners of buildings/businesses need to avoid, including the need for fire extinguishers that comply with SANS 10105. Also, if people do anything to obstruct escape routes in buildings, they will be guilty of an offense.
NOTICE
A Fire Compliance Certificate is not transferable at the change of ownership (When the Business is Sold) or from one premise to another (When the Business is relocated). The Fire Compliance Certificate is renewable annually for each Business in South Africa.
Insurance companies may refuse to cover any claim for damages related to fire if you don’t have an approved Fire Compliance Certificate for the Business. As per the norm, your Lease Agreement with the Landlord holds you the Business Owner, Operator responsible for any damages to the Building originating from Business activities.
Nobody wants to see their house or business premises go up in flames. This is why there are very strict Regulations when it comes to fire safety and protection against fire in any building in South Africa.
NOTICE
A Fire Compliance Certificate is not transferable at the change of ownership (When the Business is Sold) or from one premise to another (When the Business is relocated). The Fire Compliance Certificate is renewable annually for each Business in South Africa.
Insurance companies may refuse to cover any claim for damages related to fire if you don’t have an approved Fire Compliance Certificate for the Business. As per the norm, your Lease Agreement with the Landlord holds you the Business Owner, Operator responsible for any damages to the Building originating from Business activities.
Nobody wants to see their house or business premises go up in flames. This is why there are very strict Regulations when it comes to fire safety and protection against fire in any building in South Africa.