We all saw or heard of the fire that broke out at the East Rand Retail Park in Boksburg.
“The fire started in Coricraft, and then jumped to other stores like Adidas, Tekkie Town and Jam,” said Eric Maloka, Ekurhuleni metro’s disaster and emergency services spokesperson.
The last thing any business needs or wants is for it to 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, specifically SANS 10400 Part T.
Essentially the legislation is concerned quite simply with the need for all buildings to be designed, constructed and equipped so that in the event of fire:
the occupants or people using the building will be protected – including persons with disabilities;
the spread and intensity of any fire within buildings, and the spread of fire to any other buildings, will be minimized;
sufficient stability will be retained to ensure that such building will not endanger any other building: provided that in the case of any multi-storey building no major failure of the structural system shall occur;
the generation and spread of smoke will be minimized or controlled to the greatest extent reasonably practicable; and
adequate means of access, and equipment for detecting, fighting, controlling and extinguishing such fire, is provided.
The requirements of the Act will be deemed to have been satisfied if the design, construction and equipment of buildings complies with SANS 10400 Part T and satisfies the local authority.
If you are not sure that your company adheres to the act contact one of our specialists on 011 826 5959.
