FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT The Occupational Health and Safety Act obliges every South African business to safeguard personnel in the event of fire.
Fire safety and security solutions experts Chubb Fire & Security South Africa offers fire risk assessments, which highlight any risks at a site and recommend the necessary changes need to align with the requirements prescribed by the Department of Labour under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
A detailed assessment includes an individually tailored report, with a priority action list on aspects, such as recommended fire equipment, safe exit points and available training courses.
Chubb Fire & Security South Africa products consultant and member of the fire-fighting equipment traders association Steve Bastuba explains that before a business moves into a premises or builds new structures, certain processes need to be completed that lead to a certificate of occupancy being issued.
“This includes the approval plans, as well as getting an inspector from the municipality to recommend what fire equipment needs to be in place,” says Bastuba.
Yearly fire risk assessments further evaluate any re-rating owing to changes having been made to a building to ensure that systems meet regulatory requirements.
Fire legislation is enforced by the National Building Regulations, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), and the Standards Act, besides other recognised bodies.
Bastuba further recommends that businesses only use certified fire risk assessment officers.
“Chubb Fire & Security South Africa’s qualified team of risk-assessment officers provide good insight into a company’s legal responsibilities and offer advice on how companies can comply and assist in implementing recommend solutions,” he notes.
Some aspects of a business fire risk assessment include an on-site survey to appraise the fire equipment in place and whether the equipment is properly maintained and meets SABS requirements.