Case Studies and Articles [Elite Fire Protection] 2022

COMPANY BROCHURE Elite Fire offers a turnkey solution for commercial and industrial custom design fire protection systems, fire prevention solutions, products as well as Installation andmaintenance. www.elitefire.co.za

Safety First, “Is Safety Always. Our fire protection systems are tailored to your specific applications, including risk assessments, local requirements and regulations. 01 | Table of Contents

Table of Contents 04 Retail Case Studies 06 Commercial Case Studies 11 Fire Equipment Articles 17 Fire Protection Awareness 20 Extra Resources 02 | Table of Contents

Retail Case Studies Fire Protection for Retail Mall, Mpumalanga Retail Mall, Orange Farm Retail Mall, Polokwane

Fire Protection for a Retail Mall, Mpumalanga Elite Fire bid for and was awarded a tender The existing underground hydrant line was towards the end of 2020. A mall in connected with the domestic line and Mpumalanga, housing approximately 50 Elite Fire was hired for its required upgrade stores had issues with water supply. due to its services offered. Project Fire protection of an existing mall Size 19 601m2 Year of completion 2022 Scope Supply & install fire reticulation pump and tanks Upgrade of fire hydrant line Scope “Performing the “ pressure tests as the • Construction of non-existing phase is completed pump house gave the client peace of mind, compared to the • Design & install a dedicated alternative of waiting for fire hydrant pump the entire job to be completed before any • Supply & install a new 240m3 tests are performed. water storage tank • Design & install a new hydrant line above ground for entire shopping centre

Smoke Detection System Repair in a Retail Mall, Orange Farm In 2021, Elite Fire was contacted by one of our the smoke detection system was badly existing clients affected by damage due to damaged throughout the mall and required the looting in July. After an inspection was extensive repairs and replacement of the fire conducted, it was noted that detection system. Project Smoke Detection Size 25 000m2 Year of completion 2022 Scope Repair & replace existing smoke detection system Scope • New manual call points • New PH30 fire cabling • New smoke detectors, sounders and beacons • 3 new fire panels

Process Outline “ There was quite extensive damage in this particular retail mall due to looting, which was quite disappointing to witness. • All 3 (existing damaged) fire panels were removed and replaced with an addressable fire system. • All FR20 cabling was removed and upgraded to PH30 cabling which will better support the system in the event of a fire in the future. • New smoke detectors were installed throughout the mall, along with sounders and beacons where required • All manual call points damaged by the looting were necessary to be removed and replaced with new ones Our time frame provided by the centre to complete the work was quite short. We however managed to complete the work 15 days earlier than the program plan. “Working in the tenant shops proved to be a challenge during working hours. We had to however proceed as there was no other way forward, and keep tenants informed of our program plans.

Retail Mall Polokwane In December 2021, Elite Fire was made The mall is older, and an upgrade was aware of a tender process for fire sprinkler required to ensure the safety and efficacy of system upgrade. We submitted the the fire equipment to protect the mall, its documents in a timely manner, together tenants, and shoppers. with competitive pricing and was awarded the tender in February 2022. Once completed, the centre will have a full operational fire protection system to limit the risk of malfunction and damage of any future fires. Project Fire Protection Systems Size 12 263m2 Year of completion 2022 Scope Scope Supply, Manufacture & Installation of Fire Protection Scope The supply, manufacture, delivery, co-ordination, installation, commissioning and handing over of a fully operational system including O&M maintenance manuals and subsequent 1 years Maintenance and Guarantee for the following: • Fire Protection Diesel Driven Pump for the Automatic Sprinkler Installation and Site Fire Hydrants • Associated Pipework in and around the tank and pumps including Tank delivery line, valves, etc. to the Existing Installation Control Valve (ICV) and Fire Hydrants • Associated Pipework from the Existing Water Connection to the Tank Infill including tank infill valve • Replacement of all sprinkler heads throughout the mall All installations and connecting pipework are required as per the drawing supplied, and ASIB rules where applicable.

Process Outline Pendent Conventional As with our May 2022 case study in Mpumalanga, this mall also had water supplies coming from town’s main. Due to the flow and pressure demand, the town’s main is inadequate to meet the minimum requirements as per hydraulic calculations and therefore water supplies are to be installed. There is new installation of pipework from the pumphouse to underside the existing sprinkler control valve and hydrant system. Sprinkler heads are being replaced, approximately 2200, throughout the entire mall as they have aged through the years. The 2200 sprinklers consist of conventional and pendent sprinklers. “Working in the tenant “ shops proved to be a challenge during working hours. We had to, however, proceed as there was no other way forward, and keep tenants informed of our program plans.

Commercial Case Studies Premium Meat Supplier, KwaZulu Natal Nut Processing Plant Distribution Warehouse

Premium Meat Supplier KwaZulu Natal The company bid for the tender from the The facility had partial protection, which end of 2020 and after numerous required for it to be extended throughout the negotiations during the first half of 2021, factory. The factory produces premium meats the tender was awarded to Elite Fire. and distributes throughout South Africa. With its important contribution to the food industry, they cannot afford to not have proper fire protection systems in place. Project Fire protection of a premium meat supplier factory Size 17 000m2 Year of completion 2022 Scope Design & installation of new sprinkler system to warehouse Discipline Fire Protection Scope A total of 2560 sprinklers • Design and install roof sprinklers have been • Design and install cold room, and freezer installed room sprinklers • Design and install exposed sprinklers under site concrete • Installation of hydrants and hose-reels Quick-response dry pendent sprinklers

Process Outline Pendent Conventional The installation of sprinklers within the various areas throughout the building needed to be done in phases due to the complex working environment. The contract was split into five phases, with each phase to be completed and assessed with pressure tests. Challenges The facility being a 24-hour production factory made it difficult to work around time schedules of production, as cleanliness and hygiene, whilst the factory is in use is still of upmost importance. The solution was the team becoming more flexible and working during shutdown hours in order for work to continue whether after hours and/or weekends. “Performing the “ pressure tests as the phase is completed gave the client peace of mind, compared to the alternative of waiting for the entire job to be completed before any tests are performed.

High Hazard Fire Protection in Nut Processing Plant – Phase 1 Mpumalanga In 2021, Elite Fire started with its fire Various suppliers and subcontractor services protection of a new facility. This new facility is were used during the first phase of this the largest of its kind in the world. Due to its project. Here we briefly outline the phase 1 size, the project was divided into two phases completion. in order to ensure successful installation and client satisfaction. Project Phase 1 Size 9 000m2 Year of completion 2022 Scope Design, supply, and installation of high hazard sprinkler system Scope • Water supplies • Smoke detection • Ventilation • Sprinkler installation Water Tanks within the plant

Process Outline “ The project was separated into two phases. • Phase 1 was completed at the end of February and included the: • Pumps and tanks • Valve chamber • Warehouse roof sprinkler protection • Office space • Smoke detection and ventilation • The sprinklers are fed from one diesel fire pump and the hydrants are fed from one electric fire pump • The water will be supplied to the sprinkler and hydrant systems by two dedicated water storage tanks • There are 8 sprinkler control valves with each one feeding a sprinkler system within the warehouse • The smoke detection consists of beam detection in the warehouse roof and point detectors within the office areas • Ventilation was installed throughout the entire warehouse area and is also linked to the smoke detection system in the event of a fire “The only major challenge we faced with the clients and main contractor was adjusting our project plan accordingly whilst trying our best to meet the deadlines as close as possible.

High Hazard Fire Protection in Nut Processing Plant – Phase 2 Mpumalanga In 2022 Elite Fire Protection kicked off the We are looking forward to this next phase with the start of the second phase of the fire with phase 1 being completed successfully, protection systems in the nut processing providing some insight into phase 2 with a factory. follow-up article once completed. Project Phase 2 Size 5 000m2 at roof level with multiple levels below Year of completion 2022 Scope Design, supply, and installation of high hazard sprinkler system Scope Process Outline • In-rack sprinklers protection • The push-back racking requires in-rack sprinkler • Multiple Mezzanine fire protection and after careful design completion the expected number of fire sprinklers to be installed is 3300 protection • The multiple mezzanine fire protection consists of four levels and each level will be protected fire sprinklers and smoke detection • Phase 2 will require each discipline to work closely with one another and open communication to ensure overall success of this project Push-back racking

Fire Protection Maintenance for a Distribution Warehouse Gauteng Elite Fire was approached by a Fire Maintenance of fire protection equipment is Consultant to take over the management of a an integral part of preventing malfunction in company’s maintenance of their various fire the event of a fire. Each type of fire protection systems. We completed all equipment is required to undergo a service or documentation and met the necessary inspection at different intervals and therefore criteria to become a vendor. recruiting a fire protection company to perform this task is of utmost importance. This particular maintenance client has a fire sprinkler system, hydrants, hose-reels, fire extinguishers and smoke detection that required regular maintenance and inspection. Project Fire protection System Maintenance Year of completion 2022 Scope Maintenance of Fire protection Weekly Scope Monthly Scope Inspections are performed to ensure that This is usually a visual inspection of all fire the sprinkler system is in good working equipment such as hydrants, hose-reels order in the event a fire. and fire extinguishers. • Check all components of the pump and • Hydrants - check rubber seals are in see that all sprinkler control valves are place and are not broken. Ensure hand- operational i.e. the pump “kicks in” wheel opens and closes the hydrant when required with no blockages • Ensure that the auto start test • Hose-reels - inspect the drum to ensure arrangement pressures are set correctly that it rolls out easily and there are no and that the right pumps “kick in” damages to the drum that could cause the hose not to unwind. Inspect the hose for any breakages and ensure the nozzle opens and closes easily • Fire extinguishers - ensure that there are no pressure losses, and the needle “is always in the green” in the gauge. Ensure all components of the fire extinguisher is in order. Good practice is to set a reminder for the service date to ensure its annual service is not missed.

Quarterly Servicing • A visual inspection of all exposed cabling • Fire detection and suppression • Inspect smoke/beam detection and • Service of gas suppression systems – ensure gas cylinders are working and to test if they are in good working are at the correct pressure order • Cleaning of any dust in and around • Ensure the fire panel also has no smoke detector heads, if any, to faults prevent false alarms Process Outline Maintenance includes more than inspections and testing of each component. An evaluation of any modifications to any areas protected that may affect the performance of the system Process or material Occupancy Building changes changes modifications While the above is taken into consideration, the inspections include the below but is only a partial reflection of the inspection, and not in total due to the high number of components requiring to be listed here as part of inspections. Alarm Valve Alarm gong operational, valves open/closed, system operational Deluge Valve Valves locked in correct position, detection panel and system operational Suction Tanks Check if valves open, tank is full and ball valve is operational Annunciator Panel Check charge rate, bleepers, alarms and external sirens, bells and beacon Jockey Pump Check seal for leaks Jockey Pump Functional Test Auto start cut in/out pressure, bearing/operating noise Diesel Pump Inspect shaft for wear, bearing house reservoir, check gland packaging Pump House Protection Check isolating valves, alarm sounds and pump operational Test Arrangement Check pressure switches and pressure gauges, valves operational Service Tags ASIB approval numbers and service tag numbers Diesel Engine Diesel tank level, check engine oil and coolant, inspect shaft for wear Diesel Controller Panel Check indication lamps, battery chargers and AC/DC Voltmeters Diesel Engine Functional Test Check signals and pressures During weekly maintenance and inspections, we often find that employees or security guards have disconnected the fire pump or isolated sprinkler valves without notifying the fire protection company. This may result in alarms being activated, with an increased risk of malfunction of fire protection equipment putting the client’s property at risk.

Fire Safety Articles Types of Fire Equipment in South Africa The Complete Guide to Fire Sprinkler Systems Fire Suppression Systems Overview Top 5 Impacts Fire Has on the Environment

Types of Fire Hose-reel Equipment in South Africa A hose-reel is a cylindrical spindle made of either metal, fiberglass or About Fire Safety Fire Extinguishers plastic. Its purpose is to provide a Equipment reasonably accessible and Various fire extinguishers are controlled supply of water to Often when people think about available in South Africa: combat a potential fire risk. fire safety equipment, fire extinguishers come to mind. • Powder Hose reels for the purposes of Although they are very valuable • Foam firefighting shall be installed in any to have in your building, it is not • Water building of two or more storeys in the only effective fire equipment • Water-based height or in any single-storey available and needed for • CO2 building of more than 250 m2 in protection. floor area, at a rate of one hose reel Any building must be provided for every 500 m2 or part thereof of Here we highlight the different with portable fire extinguishers floor area in any storey, provided types of fire safety equipment in readily accessible and that such hose reels shall not be available in South Africa. You unobstructed positions, and the required in any building classified should be able to determine quantity needed is determined as H4 or in any dwelling unit in an from the below, what is needed by the class of occupancy, and occupancy classified as H3 where in your building, as your the size of the building. each unit is provided with environment and size of the independent access to ground building determines what is The minimum charge is also level. necessary. dependent on the type of fire extinguishers e.g. 9L foam per Hose reels installed must be 200m2 in a class A1 building. positioned to ensure that the end of the hose will reach any point in the area to be protected. Hose-reel installation must comply with the requirements in SANS 543, and shall be installed in and accordance with SANS 10105-2 and SANS 10400-W. Where no water supply is available, two 9 kg DCP extinguishers or equivalent fire extinguishers shall be provided in place of each required hose-reel.

Fire Hydrants Any hydrant required shall be provided at a rate of not fewer than one per 1 000 m2 or Hydrants are a fitting in the street or a part thereof of total floor area and not public place with a nozzle by which a fire fewer than one per storey. hose may be attached to a water main. In the event of a fire, they can ensure fast In industrial parks, exhibition grounds, water supply. shopping centers, cluster housing, or townhouse complex, hose-reels should be Hydrants should be made available in any positioned 6m from buildings, and not building that exceeds 12m in height, and more than 70m from a building entrance. any building (except H4 classification), of any height with a total floor area that exceeds 1 000m2. Fire Blankets A fire blanket is a safety device designed to extinguish incipient fires. They are suitable for fires that cannot be extinguished by water. They are good for stove pan fires, and electrical fires. They are fire resistant sheets that work by cutting off the fires oxygen supply to completely extinguish a small fire or reducing the size of a fire. They are useful to wrap around a person whose clothes caught on fire or to spread over a contained fire.

Fire Doors A fire door is a door with fire-resistant rating used as part of a passive fire protection system to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between separate compartments of a structure and to enable safe egress from a building or structure. A fire door or fire shutter must be fitted with a self- closing or automatic closing device in accordance with SANS 1253. There are various classes of fire doors and is dependent on its location in the building. Fire Detection Systems Fire detection systems are designed to discover fires early in their development when enough time should be available for safe evacuation. There is not much use for detectors if they are not connected to an alarm system. The fire detection system and the number of smoke detectors required is dependent on class of occupancy, the floor area of the building in m2 and the storey height of the building. There are various manufactures available ranging from quite common older brands to more modern systems with voice alarm. Fire Signage Fire safety signage is essential to assist people with how to escape a building in the event of a fire, or when a fire is suspected, especially those that are unfamiliar with the route. A clear and defined route all the way to exit, provides reassurance to people in a rather stressful situation. Fire safety signage can range between emergency exit signs, emergency assembly points and location of fire equipment such as fire extinguishers. It is the responsibility of the employer and owner of the building to display safety signage and by law are required to do so.

Fire Sprinkler However, there is much more to Types of Sprinkler Systems it and definitely not as straight Systems forward as it seems. About Fire Sprinkler There are 4 types of sprinkler Systems The installation comprises of fire protection systems that are pumps, water storage tanks, permissible for installation: A fire sprinkler system is an control valves sets, sprinkler active fire protection method. heads, flow switches, pressure • Wet System - the pipes are filled Unlike passive methods which switches, pipework and valves. with pressurized water so that contains a fire and stops it from when a fire occurs, water is spreading, an active system There is a lot involved in each immediately discharged to requires action to be taken to component of a fire sprinkler extinguish the fire. detect, alert and contain a fire. system, the type of pump, hydraulic calculations, flows, • Dry System - the pipes are filled While looking at an automatic pressures, quantity of sprinklers with pressurized nitrogen or air to fire sprinkler system while and their placement, and the keep the water at a riser, therefore, walking in a shopping center or list goes on. pipes are not filled with water but building, the piping and activated when sprinklers are sprinklers may look easy. It takes knowledge and exposed to high temperatures experience to ensure this vital active method of fire protection • Pre-action - the concept is similar is installed correctly. to that of a dry system except that, as opposed to pressurised The Types of Fire nitrogen or air to withhold water Sprinkler Systems from piping, an electrically in South Africa operated valve, known as the pre- action valve, is used • Deluge - this too has a dry pipe concept except water is stored underside a control valve, a dedicated water supply and a sprinkler operated detection system. These are usually installed in high hazard areas where fires can spread rapidly, with open sprinkler heads to allow for a large amount of water to be dumped on the hazard The system is very much dependent on the type of warehouse or building and what the goods being protected consist of (e.g. a warehouse storing electronic equipment such as TV’s, computers and server rooms, needs a dry fire protection system to reduce potential damage to property).

Who needs a fire How often sprinkler system? should a fire sprinkler system While not all commercial be inspected ? warehouses or buildings, those over 2500m2 do require According to ASIB, fire sprinkler automated fire sprinkler systems should be inspected systems. biannually by a suitably qualified individual or company. Where a building is required to Only 16% of voters correctly have a sprinkler system, any answered this question in one of concealed space, such as a our recent polls. floor void, ceiling void or roof It is for this reason that we void, which has a height that continue to educate and create exceeds 800mm and an area of awareness on maintenance of compartment of more than fire equipment. 100m2 above any ceiling or an We strive to educate everyone area of compartment of more what the requirements are in than 500m2 below any raised South Africa to avoid or reduce floor, must be equipped with a the risk of malfunction of fire sprinkler system. sprinkler systems, loss of lives and damage to property by Do fire sprinklers ensuring all systems are in good activate all at the working condition in accordance same time? with the regulations. The typical answer is no, with the exception of a deluge system which is not as common as the others. Sprinkler heads are heat sensitive and will activate individually with temperatures 63oC and above. There are various sprinkler heads available on the market and as with the type of sprinkler system that is chosen based on the type of warehouse, so is the sprinkler head used.

Fire Suppression Main types of fire Systems suppression systems About Suppression What is a fire Systems suppression system? Inert systems Fire suppression systems are Like a fire sprinkler system, a fire Inert systems do not make use of any used to extinguish, control and suppression system is used to water and are therefore beneficial for in some cases entirely prevent extinguish or control fires, rooms with large amounts of electrical fires from spreading or prevent equipment such as data centres, battery occurring. rooms and other electrical environments. spreading, and is activated Fire suppression systems have a when detecting heat, smoke, or Wet chemical foam systems large variety of applications and a combination of the two. A fire therefore have different types of Designed specifically for suppressing fires systems. Here we provide an suppression system uses water in kitchens, the wet chemical foam introduction and understanding mist, gaseous, chemical, or system quickly discharges a water-based of fire suppression systems, as foam fire suppression agents to chemical foam agent directly into a small, well as further insights to the the fire. localised area. They are usually placed quiz Elite Fire Protection under the canopy hoods / extractor fans uploaded July 2022. and are activated by either a heat link or a manual switch. Clean agent systems A clean agent is any type of fire extinguishing agent that is electrically non-conductive, volatile, or gaseous, and that does not leave a residue upon evaporation. Pneumatic heat detection tubes Pneumatic heat detection tubes are a mobile and compact form of fire suppression like fire extinguishers. These tubes have two primary components: a pipe and a valve. The pipe is installed around the potential source of fire; when it reaches a certain temperature it emits a suppressive agent directly onto the flames via the valve. Wet chemical foam systems Designed specifically for suppressing fires in kitchens, the wet chemical foam system quickly discharges a water-based chemical foam agent directly into a small, localised area. They are usually placed under the canopy hoods / extractor fans and are activated by either a heat link or a manual switch.

Top 5 Impacts Fire Has on the Environment 1 Fires pollute the air with emissions harmful to human health by releasing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas into the atmosphere 2 Greenhouse gases trap heat contributing to climate change. This in turn contributes to extreme weather, wildfire, droughts and food supply disruption 3 Fires inflict adverse consequences to the natural environment. These include contamination via the fire plume & its subsequent diffusion likely to contaminate soil & water 4 Water runoff from fires being extinguished is a major source of water pollution. As the water runs along a surface, it picks up 5 litter, petroleum, chemicals, fertilizers, and other toxic substances 5 Fire effluents in water, air and terrestrial environment can have short-term hazard and long-term exposure concerns, depending on the size of the fire, and the chemicals and pollutants involved Play your part! December ‘95, Protect your building to protect the Somerset West, environment South Africa A massive fire of a sulfur stockpile used by 3 different companies in industrial applications. A unique proof that fire toxicity is a lethal threat, even in an open environment

The Importance of Who else could be Fire Protection responsible? System Maintenance • The owner • The landlord Fire safety in the The sprinkler systems were • The occupier workplace is overdue, and the block plan was extremely illegible. Had the fire systems Ensure that if you are the employer, important. You as been maintained, there would or any of the above, that you play the employer are have been a lot less damage to your part in the maintenance of fire responsible for the building and equipment, protection systems. ensuring the and decreased risk to fire health and safety fighters and anyone else that Don’t Let Your of your employees. had to assist on the day. Business Become a Statistic Parliament was a very good The obvious risk in the event of example of why fire systems a fire whilst fire equipment has It is very easy to request a fire need to be maintained. not been maintained, is that the protection company to design and Although no one systems will not perform as install fire protection systems, and was hurt, we need to note that it needed (malfunction) and will while all very exciting when it is could have been a lot worse if not extinguish the fire. shiny and new, or on display in the lives were lost. Just performing case of fire extinguishers, they a quick search on Google on It is always the responsibility of will not serve you any purpose if why the fire sprinklers did not the employer to decrease the they are not properly maintained. work, a few results come risk of damage to the building, up on when last the systems and most importantly, the lives The journey does not start and end were serviced. of its employees. with installation of fire protection. It is a journey that goes beyond installation and continues through maintenance. All buildings in South Africa need to comply with the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977), which includes the need of fire protection.

How Often Should Who Should Fire Protection Services You Use Equipment be For Maintenance Maintained? of Equipment? Fire Extinguishers It is very important to contact a reliable and credible fire • According to SANS 1475-1:2010 - protection company to design, fire extinguishers, hose-reels install and maintain your fire and above ground hydrants protection systems. shall be serviced and Some research you can do maintained annually before you select a company is to go to their website, request Pressure tests testimonials if you cannot find any on their website and request • Powder, foam, water, and the size of jobs, they have been water-based fire extinguishers involved in to see if they have the should be pressure tested experience to meet your needs. every 5 years You can also visit the ASIB website and perform a search to • CO2 fire extinguishers every 10 establish if they are certified. years In addition to the credibility, ensure that the fire equipment is Fire sprinklers systems of good quality as an additional measure to prevent equipment • Sprinkler control valve requires malfunction. a valve overhaul / service every 3 years • Deluge valve requires a valve overhaul/service annually • Fire pumps require a service annually Tanks • Mild steel tanks must be inspected every 3 years and if required, a tank refurbishment • Galvanize tanks must be inspected every 15 years and if required, a tank refurbishment

Choosing a Fire ASIB Do your research Protection Company Automatic Sprinkler Inspection Bureau Perform some research to that ensures all equipment has been establish what services they Choose the right designed and installed in accordance offer as not all companies offer company from the start with the minimum accepted the same service or product. requirements of internationally Some supply, some service, and With the fire protection industry recognized standards and criteria and others only specialize in one being so saturated, it is are maintained and inspected discipline. important to consider your according to this. requirements before selecting It is therefore important to first the fire protection company you NFPA establish what your needs or want to provide this life-saving requirements are. You can do so service. Our aim is to provide The National Fire Protection Association once your insurance company you with some tips that will (NFPA) is a global self-funded non-profit has provided you with all the hopefully assist you in making organization, established in 1896, details through their risk this decision soon. devoted to eliminating death, injury, department. property and economic loss due to fire, Do they have the skills? electrical and related hazards. Next Google specific keywords, for example: “fire protection Ensure that the fire protection NFPA delivers information and near me”, “fire protection company you select to carry out knowledge through more than 300 systems”, “fire protection the work has the skills, consensus codes and standards, company”, “fire protection knowledge, and experience. research, training, education, outreach installation”, etc. Here are some recommended and advocacy; and by partnering with accreditations. others who share an interest in At times, you may need to refine furthering their mission. the search to specify the exact type of service you are looking How To Choose for, such as fire sprinkler Your Fire installation, fire sprinkler Protection installers or smoke alarm and Company? smoke detection. Requesting more than one quotation is always advisable to see if what you will be paying for is reasonable and you get to meet the face of the employee. Lastly, visit the websites of the companies, and check if they have any social media accounts such as LinkedIn to get a feel of the company.

Knowledge & Experience Testimonials Project Size Establish the years of experience and Once again, visit their website to If your project or scope of work is going knowledge by visiting their website or establish if any testimonials are available to be on the larger side, request that the company provide you with information social media accounts to see if any for preview or request testimonials or on other projects they have completed mention is made. You can even letters of recommendation if not freely that resembles the same size as yours. contact them for more information. available. Choose A Company That Is Trustworthy This is a very important one and there are some Collusion is a deceitful agreement or secret factors you can take into consideration before cooperation between two or more parties to awarding the job to any company. limit open competition by deceiving, misleading or defrauding others of their legal right. Visiting sites, where they are currently working or have worked on and only if allowed by the You can visit the competition commission client, is one way of establishing the quality of website to do your own research on companies the work and the overall satisfaction of the that have been found guilty of collusion. client. If they have been found guilty, it is at your own While this may not be a very practical way of discretion should you wish to proceed in doing reviewing their reputation, it may be possible business with the company. when requested. Often there are companies that are tempted to let their ethics go and get themselves involved with collusion.

How To Prevent How Can We Prevent Fires And Be Better Prepared Fires In The How are fires ignited? A fire starts with the Workplace? following For a fire to ignite, oxygen, heat, 1. Store flammable and and a fuel are needed. These 3 1. An external ignition source which is combustible materials safely elements are called a “Fire usually in the form of a flame or and away from the building Triangle” or “Triangle of spark Combustion”. 2. Ensure ventilation points are 2. The external ignition source heats not blocked with dust or any Fuel the fuel under the presence of other materials oxygen By adding in a fourth element, 3. Keep your working chemical reaction, and you have 3. As both fuel and oxygen are heated, environment “clutter-free” to a solid pyramid with four plane molecular activity increases avoid fueling fires and faces called a fire \"tetrahedron\", preventing access to exit areas from the Greek words “tesseris 4. If properly heated, a self-sustaining edres”. chemical reaction is developed 4. Do not overload extension leads at workstations, server 5. The consequent chemical reaction rooms and lighting areas will then escalate at a point where the external ignition source is no 5. Avoid keeping rubbish or longer necessary for the waste on the premises and propagation of the fire store them away from the buildings The important thing to remember is that if you remove any of the elements found in the “fire tetrahedron”, with the use of a fire extinguisher, the fire will cease to burn, or better 6. In restaurants, clean cooking yet if any of the elements are removed prior to a fire igniting, you will not have a fire. equipment regularly to prevent grease build up and fueling fire 7. Have a dedicated smoking area for employees, away from flammable and combustible materials 8. Ensure all staff are aware of the common causes of fires and enforce compliance regularly 9. Ensure fire equipment are available and maintained, such as fire extinguishers, pumps, smoke detectors etc.

Top 10 Tips To Prevent Fires At Home 1 Ensure cooking stoves and ovens are cleaned after use 2 Ensure all cooking appliances are switched off at the main after use 3 In a world of loadshedding, be wise when using candles 4 Extinguish cigarettes, fires & hot ash safely 5 Do not leave a fire unattended in a fireplace and clean regularly 6 Do not overload extension leads 7 Keep any material that can burn at least 1m away from heaters / fireplaces 8 Switch off heaters when going to bed or leaving the room 9 Keep oven gloves, dish cloths, etc. away from the stove top 10 Never leave the kitchen while cooking – turn off appliances if want to leave

LET’S START YOUR NEXT PROJECT [email protected] www.elitefire.co.za Johannesburg Nelspruit Swaziland P.O. Box 271, ERF 403, Outpost Plot 493, Warehouse A2, Douglasdale, 2165 Centre, Nelspruit, 1200 13th Street, Matsapha Industrial Sites +27 87 741 3517 +27 87 741 3517 +27 87 741 3517 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]