In Depth
Basic Aims and Objectives — In Depth
The Sprinkler Rules
Neither ASIB or any other approving authority can be expected to inspect sprinkler systems which represent deviations in the name of rational design, personal feelings or beliefs and pass, accept or approve the installation under review.
Approval can only be applied to known and proven codes, rules or standards that are based on proven tests and criteria which are internationally accepted. ASIB is obliged to follow minimum standards which are acknowledged by insurance companies and reduces or removes liability from the owner or occupier automatically protecting their interests.
A rationally designed sprinkler system acceptable to one insurance company for the current year may not be acceptable to the following year's insurer. An ASIB Clearance Certificate is the only certification within South Africa that virtually guarantees continuity of acceptance.
The ASIB Tenth and Eleventh Edition Rules have proven themselves over and over again to be perfectly acceptable in terms of design and the resultant control of fires. Since 1970, averaging four-thousand inspections per annum, the ASIB has no recorded loss under normal fire conditions of a structure with a Clearance Certificate in place.
Listed Sprinkler Installers and Approved Suppliers
ASIB maintains a list of sprinkler installers and approved suppliers which can be viewed on this site. These companies are adjudged to be capable of working to a nominated standard of sprinkler installations within their individual capabilities. The listings are updated on an annual basis.
APPROVED MEANS: Approved and listed by the Automatic Sprinkler Inspection Bureau (Pty) Limited for peace of mind, insurance and Clearance Certificate purposes utilising accepted standards.
The use of a company not listed by the ASIB generally indicates that they are not well versed, if at all, in the intricacies of sprinkler systems. ASIB can ensure the registered and listed installers will carry out the necessary rectification work if they are at fault for poor design, fabrication or erection but cannot for an unlisted company. It is in the client's interests to use those listed.
Approved Equipment
Approved Equipment is specific to the sprinkler industry which has a unique requirement. As sprinkler installations are classed as life-safety property protection systems, the reliability must be proven for the particular function it has to perform in accordance with internationally accepted criteria.
Only equipment and components approved by The Loss Prevention Council (LPC), or Factory Mutual (FM), are acceptable for a sprinkler system.
Fire pumps are critical to the reliable operation of a sprinkler system and exceptional care must be taken in selecting these. Each pump installed is individually engineered and endurance tested on the manufacturer's test bed.