26/08/2026
Why bother with standards?
SANS national standards are there for a reason and should be followed when designing, installing or inspection of fire systems.
SANS have adopted BS and/or EN standards for use in South Africa and cognisance is taken of NFPA standards. As the fire detection and gas standards are based on the European standards it is these that must be followed in our industry.
Although SANS standards are Codes of Practice and present guidance and recommendations only, these then become requirements in terms of the application of the South African building regulations SANS 10400-T and is further referenced in the Occupational Safety Act.
Therefore to be compliant with national regulations these standards, and the rules within them, become requirements rather than recommendations.
The rules laid down in these standards take away the human reaction of “I think” it is done like this. These rules have been drawn up by experts in their field and are regularly updated taking in experiences learnt by years of application and use.
The case of “Rational design” comes into play with certain parties adjusting rules to suit their intentions. This is cleared by statements within SANS 10400-T that all design must be conducted as “deemed to satisfy” unless the building is of such a structure that the local authority deems it is such that a “Rational Design” will be necessary.
So the standards are to be followed to ensure one is in line with the country’s building regulations.
For the world of fire detection design, it is not only SANS 10139 we must be conversant with we also have SANS 322 if designing for a hospital, SANS 246 for IT environments and SANS 369 if you are operating a gas suppression system. A lot of standards to know and to reference when conducting a design.
There are SANS standards for sprinkler systems, gas systems and aerosol systems that should also be followed when working with these types of systems.
When one has completed a fire system design they must fill in a design certificate to acknowledge it is their work. The designer will always be responsible for his work and will be called upon should there be an accident or failure of the system in future.
By following the written requirements in these standards they become your witness should anything go wrong. Design by gut feel and not applying the standards leaves you wide open should a future problem occur, you have no back up.
SAQCC Fire provides a level of registration for designers and certify those who are proved competent in design.
If one is unsure or requires assistance the FSIB are available for help, as well as providing a design vetting service as a third-party check that your design complies with the relevant South African Codes of Practice.
For end users, check on the SAQCC-Fire website if the person designing your fire system is registered and competent to conduct the task.
