Ensuring the safety of your property and employees is crucial, and obtaining a Service certificate of compliance for your firefighting equipment is an essential step toward achieving this. A Service certificate verifies that your fire equipment meets the required stringent South African National Standards (SANS) for occupational health and safety. But what exactly is a Service certificate, and how do you obtain one? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.
What is the difference between a service certificate and a certificate of compliance?
A service certificate or certificate of service, is a document that confirms your firefighting equipment complies with the South African National Standards (SANS) and Pressure equipment regulations of the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHS Act). Issuing a certificate of service is a legal requirement and ensures that your equipment is up to date with safety standards. Only the local fire authority can issue a valid CoC or Certificate of Compliance which is a legal document stating that the building is compliant with the National building regulations or the Local fire safety by-laws.
Why is a certificate of service important?
A Certificate of service is essential for several reasons, namely:
- Legal requirement: A certificate of service is necessary to comply with health and safety regulations outlined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and enforced by the Department of Employment & Labour.
- Risk mitigation: Helps reduce potential fire hazards by ensuring fire equipment is in optimal condition, thereby protecting your property and employees.
- Insurance compliance: Insurance claims might be affected without a valid service certificate, as many insurance companies require a valid service certificate for policy adherence.
- Employee safety: Protects your employees and clients by providing a safer working environment.
Certificate of service meaning
A certificate of service serves as proof that your firefighting equipment has been inspected and meets the South African National Standards. This document should be issued by a certified inspector after a thorough inspection.
How long is a Service certificate valid for?
A Certificate of service in South Africa is typically valid for one year. After that, a re-inspection is necessary to ensure continued compliance.
Common types of firefighting equipment requiring a service certificate
To ensure comprehensive compliance, the following firefighting equipment must meet the requirements of the South African National Standards:
- Fire Extinguishers: Various types such as water, foam, powder, and CO2.
- Fire Hose Reels: Wall-mounted hoses used for extinguishing fires.
- Sprinkler Systems: Automated systems for detecting and extinguishing fires.
- Fire Hydrants: External and internal hydrants to connect hoses for firefighting.
- Smoke Alarms and Fire Detectors: Automated alarms and detectors to identify early fire signs.
Steps to obtain a certificate of service for firefighting equipment
- Initial Inspection
· Contact a certified servicing company: Engage a certified fire equipment servicing company, like Absolute Health Services, to assess your equipment.
· Evaluate Compliance: The servicing company checks the wear and tear of your fire equipment to verify compliance with safety standards.
· Report Findings: Receive a report outlining any issues that need correction.
2. Equipment Upgrades or Repairs
· Upgrade Faulty Equipment: Replace or repair equipment that doesn’t meet compliance standards due to wear and tear.
· Re-Inspection: Schedule a follow-up inspection to verify that all issues have been resolved.
3. Issuance of the Service Certificate
· Receive Your Certificate of Service: Once your equipment meets the required safety standards, the servicing company issues a Certificate of Service.
· Keep it Accessible: Ensure that the certificate is stored in an accessible location for verification.
Key points to remember
- Occupational Health and Safety Act: Compliance is mandatory under this act.
- Approved servicing companies: Only certified companies can issue a valid Certificate of service.
- Periodic Inspections: Regular checks are necessary to ensure continued compliance.
- Board of South Africa: Ensure your equipment complies with the standards set by the relevant board.
- South African National Standards: All equipment must meet the South African National Standards to ensure safety & compliance.
Compliance with South African National Standards
The South African National Standards (SANS) are rigorous safety requirements designed to ensure optimal firefighting equipment performance. When working with a technician from Absolute Health Services, they will assess your equipment against the following standards:
- SANS 1475-1: For reconditioning of extinguishers.
- SANS 1475-2: For reconditioning of fire hose reels & hydrants.
- SANS 10105: For the use & control of fire extinguishers.
Why choose Absolute Health Services for your compliance needs?
- Certified Technicians: Our team comprises certified technicians with good knowledge of South African National Standards.
- Comprehensive Services: We offer end-to-end firefighting equipment inspection, maintenance, and certificates of service.
- Timely Reports and Follow-Up: Receive clear reports detailing issues and recommended repairs with swift follow-up inspections to ensure compliance.
- Customer-Centric: We prioritise customer needs, offering tailored solutions to meet your specific requirements.
Book your firefighting equipment servicing today!
Ensure your firefighting equipment meets compliance standards by booking servicing with Absolute Health Services. We offer comprehensive inspection services to keep your firefighting equipment compliant.
Book servicing and get compliant: absolutehealth.co.za/fire-fighting-equipment-servicing Stay compliant, stay safe.
