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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does my fire-fighting equipment - like extinguishers and hoses - have to be in the open?

Any fire-fighting equipment in any building shall be so installed as to be ready at all times for its purpose.

2. Do I need to display signs indicating where my fire-fighting equipment is?

By law the disposition of such fire-fighting equipment shall be clearly visible or must have it indicated by symbolic signs which comply with the requirements contained in SABS 1186.

3. Do I need to keep a maintenance record of the fire-fighting and protection equipment in my building?

Yes, if you are the owner you are required to do so by law.

4. Do my fire extinguishers have to comply with any regulatory standards?

Yes.

No user shall use, require or permit the use of a hand held fire extinguisher unless designed, constructed, filled, recharged, reconditioned, modified, repaired, inspected or tested in accordance with the safety standard incorporated into the regulations in terms of section 44 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993.

5. What do I need to know about having my fire extinguisher filled, recharged, reconditioned, modified, repaired, inspected or tested?

The company that carries out this duty must be a holder of a permit issued by the South African Bureau of Standards in terms of the SABS code 1475.

For more information about the theory of fire download the following document:

• The Theory of Fire