Fire Safety Compliance for Water Tanks | SBS Tanks

In South Africa, building codes and legal requirements dictate the need for water storage
tanks as part of a fixed fire protection system for buildings exceeding a certain size. The aim
of these conditions is to protect workers on site, the public and the surrounding environment.
Water tanks used as fire water reservoirs or sump tanks must comply with these
requirements, and water stored in these tanks must be kept separate from other backup
water sources to provide adequate water supplies for fire-fighting, and minimise the risk of a
fire spreading and the potential impact this will have on neighbouring properties.

One of the key legal requirements for water storage tanks used as part of a fixed fire
protection system is the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, which
sets out the minimum standards for the design, construction, and use of buildings, including
fire water tanks. By ensuring that fire safety measures are in place and that water tanks
used have been designed and constructed to deliver maximum water storage capacity, the
regulations aim to minimise the widespread impact of a fire.

Another important legal requirement that building and business owners need to consider is
the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The OHS Act requires that employers provide a
safe working environment for employees. This includes ensuring that employees are
adequately trained in fire safety procedures and that the fire system installed, including the
fire tanks, provides adequate water storage capacity and is maintained to minimise risk to
life.

The National Environmental Management Act, which requires that environmental impact
assessments be carried out for all new developments, includes the installation of water
tanks. Assessments must take into account the potential impact of a fire on the environment,
including the impact on the surrounding ecosystem and the potential for water
contamination. This can involve the installation of tanks to hold run-off water, process water
as well as fire water storage tanks.

Water tanks used for fire safety must also comply with fire safety codes and standards, such
as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, which provide guidelines for
the design, construction, and maintenance of water tanks used for fire protection. It is also
recommended that project managers use an ASIB approved water tank supplier and fire
protection specialist. ASIB is the industry body that ensures all equipment has been
designed and installed in accordance with the internationally recognised standards and
criteria.

SBS Tanks understands the importance of protecting life and assets, offering a range of fire
safety water tanks that have been designed with complete safety in mind. As a listed ASIB
approved supplier that is compliant with 12th Edition Rules, we are the preferred supplier on
fire protection projects across South Africa, working alongside various Fire Protection
specialists.