The South African Qualification & Certification Committee for the Fire Industry
Frequently asked questions
QI've heard of people being killed or injured by exploding fire extinguishers. How can I ensure the safety of my staff?
Make sure CO2 fire extinguishers are regularly pressure tested at an SANAS approved pressure test station. This is a legal requirement and your service technician must supply you with a certificate as proof of testing.
QMy service technician offered to upgrade my old CO2 extinguishers by fitting new valves. Is this advisable?
Absolutely not! Modifying extinguishers in any way is considered to be 'creating' a new extinguisher, which is illegal. SANS 1475 requires service companies to restore extinguishers to manufacturers' original specifications.
QHow can I be certain the technician who services my fire protection equipment is properly qualified and competent?
Check to see that your technician is wearing a SAQCC-fire ID card, and that he is associated with the company recorded on the card. A SAQCC-fire technician using a different company name to that on the card is illegal.
QI tried to return a faulty extinguisher and the manufacturer refused to accept it because part of the original label had been cut off. Surely this is not important?
The label on a fire extinguisher is an integral part of the device. If it is cut off or a label from another company is stuck over it, it is no longer an SANS approved unit and looses all manufacturers' warranties.
For further information, contact SAQCC-Fire on tel. 011 455-3157.
Complaints
As part of our mandate to regulate suppliers and technicians working within the Fire Industry, the SAQCC-Fire will investigate any complaints against persons registered with our institution. Should you be aware of anyone who has awarded a contract to and/or is using non-registered technicians to work on their fire equipment, you may contact the SAQCC Fire anonymously if preferred, providing proof of your allegations, and we will follow up with the company or persons concerned.
Kindly download the Complaint Form, complete and return to us either by faxing to 011 455 4126/086 518 4374 or email info@saqccfire.co.za (1475) or dgs@saqccfire.co.za (Fire Detection and Gas Suppression).
Please click here to download the Disciplinary Code.
Recent hearings:
D Cockeram - Reg no 13/027
Decision:
Found guilty of servicing whilst not registered for a company that did not have current SANS 1475 permit.
Sanction:
- Fined R 5 000.
I Mnisi - Reg no 09/054
Decision:
Found guilty of being registered with one company whilst servicing for another company with no SANS permit.
Sanction:
- Registration suspended for six months and to undergo a 5 day training course before being able to re-register.