Requirements for the Supply and Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers and Hose Reels

The South African National Standard for the Application of the National Building Regulations Part T states clearly that portable fire extinguishers installed in a building shall comply with the requirements in SANS 1910, and shall be installed, maintained and serviced by competent persons in accordance with SANS 1475-1 and SANS 10105-1. Such portable fire extinguishers shall bear a certification mark from an accredited certification body.

This places the onus on the owner of a building to ensure that portable refillable fire extinguishers installed in his/her building comply with SANS 1910(the current manufacturing standard) and that such equipment has been submitted by the manufacturer for approval as per SANS 1910 and that the equipment clearly displays the certification mark of SANS 1910. The owner is also responsible for the further maintenance of this fire equipment as per SANS 1475-1 and SANS 10105. This means that only a registered person may maintain such equipment.