Some practitioners feel fire detection and prevention is better associated with the electronics industry but it needs to be recognised that fire, no matter what the cause, has the ability to destroy buildings, goods and harm or kill people, and that fire detection and alarm systems are therefore frequently linked to central security control rooms.
Formed 10 years ago, the Fire Detection Installers' Association (FDIA) has a mission to uplift the industry, disseminate information and ensure work carried out attains the highest standards. FDIA liaison officer Keith Norgate points out that fire detection is but one specialised aspect of what constitutes a large industry.
"In essence our business is to ensure safety and prevent loss of life by sensing and alarming faults in the early stages of a fire condition being created. In a nutshell it is triggering an alarm that will allow people to be safely evacuated."
Fire detection systems essentially entail the fitting of sophisticated electronic devices, or sensors that will quickly detect heat, smoke and flames. The technology used is usually fully compatible with computerised systems delivering alarm signals and information back to centralised control rooms as the industry has steadily moved to open protocols.
Norgate says there are few specialist fire consultants in South Africa and the country needs more qualified people to do this work. "However, the FDIA is encouraging higher qualifications and is lobbying for government technical institutions and for universities to develop fire engineering national certificates or an appropriate specialist university degree."
There is no controlling legislation in place but the fire detection practitioners adhere to very strict SABS standards. Norgate adds that the FDIA does police the application of these standards and also monitors an established code of conduct for its members.
"The SABS 0400 building regulations standards specify fire detection systems for constructions such as hospitals and other large public buildings, prisons, warehouses, factories and others. The short term insurance industry strongly supports adherence to these standards, because if they are not in place the risk is seen as being too great to insure economically."
Norgate feels the life safety aspect of fire detection is an area that requires more focus.
Exhibition manager at organisers Specialised Exhibitions, Breda Kenealy says the show is already 70% sold. "We are expecting more exhibitors from other African countries as a result of a concerted marketing drive into Africa. The merger with IFSEC also bodes well as this has extended our marketing capability and reach and we're hopeful of an excellent response."
For more information, see: http://www.ifsecsa.com/
