Highlighting the fire risk faced by hospitals

26 February 2021
The biggest challenge faced by hospitals when it comes to fire risk is that a large number of occupants are either incapacitated or immobilised, which renders them extremely vulnerable, ASP Fire CEO Michael van Niekerk highlights. Hospitals must be able to compartmentalise wards in the event of a fire so that patients can be moved to another section where they can take refuge safely while the fire is put out effectively in the area where it originated.
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A recent example was when the first floor of the Cape Gate Hospital in Brackenfell in the Western Cape had to be evacuated after a fire broke out on Tuesday 13 October 2020. Firefighters were dispatched as far afield as Kraaifontein, Durbanville and Belville after Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at about 20:00.

ASP Fire can assist architects upfront during the design phase of hospital projects by offering its specialist fire-engineering expertise and experience. For example, a high-rise hospital building definitely requires a fire sprinkler system, while evacuation routes in such a multi-storey structure also have to be considered carefully.

Appropriate fire detection and suppression systems for hospitals, from sprinklers to water mist systems, can be designed. Hospitals also have high-risk areas such as LPG gas storage, boilers, kitchens and server rooms that require special attention. In terms of existing hospitals, a fire-risk assessment can highlight any causes of concern for management. These range from non-functioning fire doors to equipment that has been vandalised or not maintained properly.

“We are able to offer assistance in order for existing buildings to be modified accordingly so they can be fully compliant with all of the necessary regulations and standards,” adds van Niekerk. ASP Fire has carried out work in this regard for Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Helen Joseph Hospital, as well as for a number of private Netcare hospitals.

Ends

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Notes to the Editor
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About ASP Fire
ASP Fire operates across the entire African continent from its Gauteng base, providing professional, accredited fire risk management and support to its clients. ASP Fire designs, installs and maintains a full range of fire detection and suppression equipment suited to clients’ needs. ASP Fire provides a holistic, proactive and preventative fire solution based on integrated fire risk assessment, training and consulting, with the installation and maintenance of fire detection and suppression systems that meet SABS, NFPA, FPASA, FDIA and SAQCC standards.

ASP Fire Contact
Michael van Niekerk
ASP Fire CEO
Phone: (011) 452 2169
Cell: 083 779 1701
Fax: 086 505 1030
Email: michael [at] aspfire [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.aspfire.co.za

Media Contact
Nomvelo Buthelezi
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Fax: 086 512 3352
Cell: 083 4088 911
Email: nomvelo [at] ngage [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.ngage.co.za

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