Fire shuts down one of Gauteng’s largest hospitals
The risk to patients when such a fire breaks out is extremely high, as many are incapacitated or immobilised, comments ASP Fire CEO Michael van Niekerk. The immediate challenge is to get these patients to safety as soon as possible while the fire is contained. This is best achieved by compartmentalising wards so that patients can be moved to another section where they can take refuge safely while the fire is put out in the area where it originated.
Appropriate fire detection and suppression systems for hospitals, from sprinklers to water mist systems, are critical. Hospitals also have high-risk areas such as LPG gas storage, boilers, kitchens and server rooms that require special attention. Any potential causes for concern can be highlighted by an appropriate fire-risk assessment.
This can look at such issues as non-functioning fire doors to equipment that has been vandalised or not maintained properly. For example, the SANS 1475 fire detection and suppression standard makes it a legal requirement that all above-ground fire hydrants must be serviced on a yearly basis.
“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,” explains van Niekerk. ASP Fire can also 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. Another recent hospital fire 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.
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
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