Shopping Malls, especially in cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg, serve as bustling hubs and have become major attractions for visitors and local residents, providing an experience from coffee shops and restaurants to house and home, and leisure experiences.
While they provide convenience, they also pose unique challenges when it comes to ensuring the safety of patrons and staff. Multi-storey malls with inter-connecting floors increase the risk of a fire spreading if they are not equipped with adequate or fully operational fire-safety equipment. Fire protection maintenance in Shopping Malls is therefore of paramount importance, as it plays a critical role in preventing and mitigating the devastating impact of fires. In this blog, we’ll delve into the reasons why maintaining fire protection systems is crucial and explore the key aspects of effective maintenance.
The Importance of Fire Protection Maintenance
Fire Costs South African Economy
Shopping Malls play a pivotal role in the South African economy, serving as vital contributors to employment, commerce, and economic growth. These hubs not only provide a diverse range of goods and services but also stimulate local businesses, attract investments, and foster community development, making them integral to the overall economic vibrancy of South Africa.
While Shopping Malls contribute to the economy, the cost of fires to the economy is massive. The Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa (FPASA) noted that in 2016, the recorded financial losses incurred by South Africa, including retail Shopping Malls, because of fires exceeded R3.144 billion. We also need to consider that that this figure reflects fires attended to by fire services and reported to the FPASA while excluding to a large extent uninsured losses, and fires occurring in areas where no professional fire services exist, it becomes evident that the cost of fires to our country’s economy are significant and pervasive. Preventing and controlling fires are therefore essential.
Health and Safety Measures
In densely populated urban areas like Gauteng and developing areas such as Mpumalanga, where Shopping Malls are central to daily life, the preservation of life is of utmost importance. The high foot traffic and diverse demographics make it imperative to prioritize health and safety, which includes fire protection maintenance. Health and safety inspections are necessary to ensure potential hazards are identified and addressed promptly.
Well maintained fire protection systems can rapidly detect and suppress fires, facilitating a swift, organized, and safe evacuation process. This significantly reduces the risk of injuries and casualties.
Mitigating Risks Through Proper Fire Protection Maintenance
Fire sprinkler systems in Shopping Malls across Gauteng and Mpumalanga are susceptible to failures at any given time. Primary causes of these failures encompass inadequate maintenance, corrosion, incorrect installation, and the use of substandard parts and materials. Such issues can lead to extensive damage to commercial properties in the event of a fire or substantial water damage if the sprinklers release water unexpectedly.
Another prevalent concern in Shopping Mall sprinkler protection involves unauthorized access to the spares box. According to an article by Elite Fire Protection, this issue was identified during the maintenance of a system on one of their projects in the region. It is crucial to consistently verify that the fire sprinkler spares box contains all the necessary equipment to ensure the effectiveness of the system in these bustling commercial spaces.
Fostering Fire Safety Culture
Raising awareness and providing comprehensive education to both employees and shop owners within Shopping Malls is paramount for ensuring fire safety and the importance of regular fire protection maintenance.
According to a recent article by the Daily Maverick, a fire at Bree City Mall is one of many experienced in Johannesburg over the last few months. The fires have prompted questions about the City’s overall fire safety measures and the need for heightened awareness and preventive actions within the community.
Employees should be well-versed in emergency procedures, understanding the location of fire exits, and familiar with proper operation of fire extinguishers. Simultaneously, shop owners need to recognize the significance of routine maintenance for fire protection systems, emphasizing the role it plays in preventing potential disasters. Workshops, training sessions, and informational campaigns can significantly contribute to a heightened sense of responsibility, fostering a collective commitment to maintaining a safe shopping environment for both customers and employees alike.
Click here to view the Elite Fire Shopping Mall Safety Checklist
How Often Should Warehouse Fire Sprinkler Systems be Maintained in South Africa?
On top of inspections, there are important tasks that are required to be performed to ensure the maintenance of sprinkler systems.
Fire sprinklers systems
- Weekly testing of fire sprinkler system
- Weekly testing of installation control valve
- Weekly testing of fire pump
- Sprinkler control valve requires a valve overhaul/service every 3 years.
- Deluge valve requires a valve overhaul/service annually.
- Fire pumps require a service annually.
- Any time alterations are conducted on the original installation.
Tank
- Mild steel tanks must be inspected every 3 years and if required, a tank refurbishment.
- Galvanize tanks must be inspected every 15 years and if required, a tank refurbishment.
Click here for maintenance case studies by Elite Fire Protection
Documentation Needed for Warehouse Fire Sprinkler Maintenance
A sprinkler company that is appointed to conduct your sprinkler system maintenance should be providing you with the documentation below:
- A maintenance and test schedule for the sprinkler system, and
- A comprehensive operation and maintenance manual or folder for the sprinkler system which shall contain at least the following at system commissioning:
- As built drawings and hydraulic data/calculations.
- Proprietary equipment specifications, data sheets, and maintenance requirements, including pump.
- data provided by the pump set supplier.
- Maintenance, inspection, and test schedules.
- Where appropriate, a weekly test card.
- The installing sprinkler company records and reports.
- Clearance Certificates.
- Comprehensive sprinkler system maintenance test schedules for pumped water supplies.
Reputable Companies Doing Fire Protection Maintenance:
Ensuring the safety of your premises requires engaging a trustworthy and reputable fire protection company for the design, installation, and maintenance of your fire protection systems. Prior to selecting a company, conducting thorough research is crucial. Visit their website, inquire about testimonials if not readily available, and request information on the scale of projects they’ve undertaken to assess their experience in meeting diverse needs. Additionally, checking the certification status on the ASIB website is advisable to confirm their compliance with industry standards. Taking these steps ensures you entrust your fire safety measures to a qualified and reliable professional.
https://www.asib.co.za/installers/map
In addition to the credibility, ensure that the fire equipment is of good quality as an additional measure to prevent equipment malfunction.
“Safety First is Safety Always!”
Contact Elite Fire Protection:
E: info@elitefire.co.za / T: +27 87 741 3517
