PaICS 91.040.

01
SANS 10400-T:2005
ISBN 0-626- Edition 3

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

The application of the National Building

Regulations

Part T: Fire protection

Published by Standards South Africa

1 dr lategan road groenkloof  private bag x191 pretoria 0001
tel: 012 428 7911 fax: 012 344 1568 international code + 27 12
[Link]
 Standards South Africa

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Table of changes
Change No. Date Scope

Abstract
Provides deemed-to-satisfy provisions for satisfying Part T (Fire Protection) of the National Building
Regulations issued in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977
(Act No. 103 of 1977).

Keywords
basements, buildings, building specifications, ceilings, dimensions, division separating elements,
emergency routes, escape routes, exit doors, feeder routes, fire detection and alarm systems, fire
doors or fire shutters, fire extinguishers, fire fighting equipment, fire protection, fire resistance, fire
safety in buildings, floor coverings, floors, foundations, glazing, hose reels, hydrants, lifts, lighting
systems, lobbies, foyers and vestibules, non-combustible materials, occupancies, openings,
partition walls and partitions, plans, rational design, roof assemblies and coverings, roofs, safety
distances, seating arrangements, shafts, site clearance, smoke control, sprinklers, stairs, stairways,
structural design, tenancy separating elements, wall finishes, walls

Foreword
This South African Standard was approved by National Committee StanSA TC 5120.61,
Construction standards, in accordance with procedures of Standards South Africa, in compliance
with annex 3 of the WTO/ TBT agreement.

This part of SANS 10400 cancels and replaces the corresponding parts of the first revision
(SABS 0400:1990).

SANS 10400 consists of the following parts, under the general title The application of the National
Building Regulations:

Part A: General principles and requirements.

Part B: Structural design.
Part C: Dimensions.
Part D: Public safety.
Part F: Site operations.
Part G: Excavations.
Part H: Foundations.
Part J: Floors.
Part K: Walls.
Part L: Roofs.
Part M: Stairways.
Part N: Glazing.
Part O: Lighting and ventilation.
Part P: Drainage.
Part Q: Non-water-borne means of sanitary disposal.
Part R: Stormwater disposal.

Foreword (concluded)
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Part S: Facilities for disabled persons.

Part T: Fire protection.
Part V: Space heating.
Part W: Fire installation.

Annexes A and B form an integral part of this part of SANS 10400. Annex C is for information only.

Introduction

This part of SANS 10400 provides requirements which, if complied with, allow the provisions of Part
T of the National Building Regulations issued in terms of the National Building Regulations and
Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977), to be satisfied.

This part of SANS 10400 should be read in conjunction with SANS 10400-A.

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Contents
Page

Abstract

Keywords

Foreword

Introduction

1 Scope….............................................................................................................................

2 Normative references.........................................................................................................

3 Definitions...........................................................................................................................

4 Requirements.....................................................................................................................

4.1 General.........................................................................................................................
4.2 Safety distances...........................................................................................................
4.3 Different occupancies in a building...............................................................................
4.4 Division area.................................................................................................................
4.5 Fire performance..........................................................................................................
4.6 Fire resistance of occupancy-separating and division-separating elements.................
4.7 Fire stability of structural elements or components.......................................................
4.8 Tenancy separating elements.......................................................................................
4.9 Partition walls and partitions.........................................................................................
4.10 Protection of openings................................................................................................
4.11 Raised access and suspended floors of combustible material...................................
4.12 Roof assemblies and coverings..................................................................................
4.13 Ceilings.......................................................................................................................
4.14 Floor coverings...........................................................................................................
4.15 Wall finishes...............................................................................................................
4.16 Provision of escape routes.........................................................................................
4.17 Exit doors....................................................................................................................
4.18 Feeder routes.............................................................................................................
4.19 Emergency routes......................................................................................................
4.20 Dimensions of components of escape routes.............................................................
4.21 Width of escape routes...............................................................................................
4.22 Basements..................................................................................................................
4.23 Stairways and other changes of level along escape routes........................................
4.24 Ventilation of stairways in an emergency route..........................................................
4.25 Pressurization of emergency routes and components................................................
4.26 Openings in floors.......................................................................................................
4.27 External stairways and passages...............................................................................
4.28 Lobbies, foyers and vestibules...................................................................................
4.29 Markings and signposting...........................................................................................
4.30 Provision of emergency lighting..................................................................................
4.31 Fire detection and alarm systems...............................................................................
4.32 Provision and maintenance of fire-fighting equipment, installations
and fire protection systems.........................................................................................
4.33 Water reticulation for fire-fighting purposes................................................................
4.34 Hose reels..................................................................................................................
4.35 Hydrants.....................................................................................................................

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4.36 Automatic sprinkler and other fixed extinguishing systems.........................................

4.37 Portable fire extinguishers..........................................................................................
4.38 Mobile fire extinguishers.............................................................................................
4.39 Fire stopping of inaccessible concealed spaces.........................................................
4.40 Protection in service shafts.........................................................................................
4.41 Services in structural or separating elements.............................................................
4.42 Smoke control.............................................................................................................
4.43 Air-conditioning and artificial ventilation systems........................................................
4.44 Lift shafts....................................................................................................................
4.45 Lift…...........................................................................................................................
4.46 Firemen’s lift...............................................................................................................
4.47 Stretcher lift................................................................................................................
4.48 Stage and backstage areas........................................................................................
4.49 Seating arrangements in auditoria or halls and on grandstands.................................
4.50 Parking garages.........................................................................................................
4.51 Operating theatres and intensive, high or critical care units.......................................
4.52 Installation of liquid fuel dispensing pumps and tanks................................................
4.53 Installation of other tanks............................................................................................
4.54 Access for fire-fighting and rescue purposes..............................................................
4.55 Presumed fire resistance of building materials and components................................
4.56 Non-combustible building materials............................................................................

Annex A (normative) National building regulations – Part T: Fire protection..........................

Annex B (normative) Rational designs and assessments......................................................
Annex C (informative) Application of some of the requirements of this
part of SANS 10400................................................................................................

Bibliography..........................................................................................................................

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The application of the National Building Regulations

Part T:
Fire protection

1 Scope
This part of SANS 10400 provides deemed-to-satisfy provisions for satisfying Part T (Fire
Protection) of the National Building Regulations.

NOTE Part T of the National Building Regulations, issued in terms of the National Building Regulations and
Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977), is reproduced in Annex A.

2 Normative references
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this part of SANS 10400. All standards are subject to revision and, since any
reference to a standard is deemed to be a reference to the latest edition of that standard, parties
to agreements based on this part of SANS 10400 are encouraged to take steps to ensure the use
of the most recent editions of the standards indicated below. Information on currently valid
national and international standards can be obtained from Standards South Africa.

ASTM E 108, Standard test methods for fire tests of roof coverings.

BS 5588-4, Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings – Part 4: Code of
practice for smoke control using pressure differentials.

BS 7346-1, Components for smoke and heat control systems – Part 1: Specification for natural
smoke and heat exhaust ventilators.

BS 7974, Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design of buildings – Code of
practice.

EN 12101-1, Smoke and heat control systems – Part 1: Specification for smoke barriers.

EN 12101-2, Smoke and heat control systems – Part 2: Specification for natural smoke and heat
exhaust ventilators.

EN 12101-3, Smoke and heat control systems – Part 3: Specification for powered smoke and
heat exhaust ventilators.

SANS 193, Fire dampers.

SANS 306-4, Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises – Part 4: Specification
for carbon dioxide systems.

SANS 543 (SABS 543), Fire hose reels (with hose).

SANS 1128-1 (SABS 1128-1), Fire fighting equipment – Part 1: Components of underground and
above-ground hydrant systems.

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SANS 1128-2 (SABS 1128-2), Fire fighting equipment – Part 2: Hose couplings, connectors and
branch pipe and nozzle connections.

SANS 1151 (SABS 1151), Portable rechargeable fire extinguishers – Halogenated hydrocarbon
type extinguishers.

SANS 1186-1, Symbolic safety signs – Part 1: Standard signs and general requirements.

SANS 1253, Fire-doors and fire-shutters.

SANS 1475-1, The production of reconditioned fire-fighting equipment – Part 1: Portable and
wheel (mobile) rechargeable fire extinguishers.

SANS 1475-2, The production of reconditioned fire-fighting equipment – Part 2: Fire hose reels,
hydrants and booster connections.

SANS 1567, Portable rechargeable fire extinguishers – CO2 type extinguishers.

SANS 1571 (SABS 1571), Transportable rechargeable fire extinguishers.

SANS 1573 (SABS 1573), Portable rechargeable fire extinguishers – Foam type extinguishers.

SANS 1910, Portable refillable fire extinguishers.

SANS 10082 (SABS 082), Timber buildings.

SANS 10087-3, The handling, storage, and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas in domestic,
commercial and industrial installations – Part 3: Liquefied petroleum gas installations involving
storage vessels of individual water capacity exceeding 500 L.

SANS 10087-7 (SABS 087-7), The handling, storage and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas
in domestic, commercial, and industrial installations – Part 7: Storage and filling sites for refillable
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) containers of capacity not exceeding 9 kg.

SANS 10089-3 (SABS 089-3), The petroleum industry – Part 3: The installation of underground
storage tanks, pumps/dispensers and pipework at service stations and consumer installations.

SANS 10100-1 (SABS 0100-1), The structural use of concrete – Part 1: Design.

SANS 10105-1 (SABS 0105-1), The classification, use and control of fire-fighting equipment –
Part 1: Portable fire extinguishers.

SANS 10114-2 (SABS 0114-2), Interior lighting – Part 2: Emergency lighting.

SANS 10131, Above-ground storage tanks for petroleum products.

SANS 10139, Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings – System design, installation and
servicing.

SANS 10145 (SABS 0145), Concrete masonry construction.

SANS 10177-2 (SABS 0177-2), Fire testing of materials, components, and elements used in
buildings – Part 2: Fire resistance test for building elements.

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SANS 10177-3 (SABS 0177-3), Fire testing of materials, components, and elements used in
buildings – Part 3: Surface fire index of finishing materials.

SANS 10177-4 (SABS 0177-4), Fire testing of materials, components, and elements used in
buildings – Part 4: Surface fire index of floor coverings.

SANS 10177-5 (SABS 0177-5), Fire testing of materials, components, and elements used in
buildings – Part 5: Non-combustibility at 750 °C of building materials.

SANS 10228 (SABS 0228), The identification and classification of dangerous goods for transport.

SANS 10263 (SABS 0263), The warehousing of dangerous goods – Enclosed storage areas and
covered and uncovered outdoor storage yards.

SANS 10287 (SABS 0287), Automatic sprinkler installations for fire-fighting purposes.

SANS 10400-A, The application of the National Building Regulations – Part A: General principles
and procedures.

SANS 10400-D, The application of the National Building Regulations – Part D: Public safety.

SANS 10400-M, The application of the National Building Regulations – Part M: Stairways.

SANS 10400-O, The application of the National Building Regulations – Part O: Lighting and
ventilation.

SANS 10400-W, The application of the National Building Regulations – Part W: Fire installation.

SANS 10407, Thatched roof construction.

SANS 14520-1/ISO 14520-1, Gaseous fire-extinguishing systems – Physical properties and

system design Part 1: General requirements.

SANS 50197-1/EN 197-1 (SABS EN 197), Cement – Part 1: Composition, specifications and
conformity criteria for common cements.

3 Definitions

For the purposes of this part of SANS 10400, the definitions given in SANS 10400-A (some of
which are repeated for convenience) and the following definitions apply:

3.1
access door
entrance door to an emergency route

3.2
accredited certification body
authorized body accredited by the government endorsed accreditation body (for example,
SANAS)

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3.3
Agrément certificate
certificate confirming fitness-for-purpose of a non-standardized product, material or component or
the acceptability of the related non-standardized design and the conditions pertaining thereto
(or both) issued by the Board of Agrément of South Africa

3.4
air conditioning system
system of mechanical ventilation where air that has been cleansed is supplied to a building under
conditions of controlled temperature, humidity, distribution and movement

3.5
air duct
pipe, tube, conduit or enclosed space used or to be used in any building for the transmission of
air in an artificial ventilation system

3.6
application
application contemplated in section 4 of the Act

3.7
approval
a) approval by any local authority, including approval contemplated in section 7(7))b) of the Act,
or
b) approval by the Review Board on appeal to the Review Board in terms of the Act

3.8
approved

a) approved by any local authority, or

b) approved by the Review Board on appeal to the Review Board in terms of the Act

3.9
artificial ventilation system
system in which air is caused to circulate through a room by means of a mechanical apparatus
which forces air into or extracts air from such room

3.10
automatic
fitted with an approved device which is activated by a predetermined amount of heat, smoke,
combustion gases or flame without the need for any manual operation

3.11
block
masonry unit which has a length of more than 300 mm or a width of more than 130 mm

3.12
Board of Agrément of South Africa
body operating under the delegation of authority of the Minister of Public Works

3.13
brick
masonry unit which is not a block

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3.14
building height
dimensional height in metres, measured from the lowest ground level abutting any part of the
building to the level of
a) the underside of a flat roof, or
b) the underside of the roof of any plant room on such flat roof where the plan area of the plant
room is more than 10 % of the area of such flat roof, or
c) a horizontal ceiling which is immediately under any pitched roof, or
d) half-way between the eaves level and the ridge of any pitched roof where there is no ceiling
below such roof or where the ceiling follows the pitch of such roof

3.15
carport
building intended to provide shelter for a motor vehicle, caravan or boat, and with a roof but with
walls on not more than two sides

3.16
ceiling
upper interior surface (that is not a roof covering) of a room or similar compartment including all
materials comprising such ceiling, for example, insulation

3.17
class A building
single-storey residential building, including an incremental house, with a plan area of less than
80 m2 and an elevation area facing any lateral boundary of less than 25 m 2

3.18
class 1 aggregate
coarse aggregate of foamed slag, blast-furnace slag, pumice, burnt clinker, crushed limestone,
crushed dolomite, crushed brick or crushed burnt clay product

3.19
class 2 aggregate
coarse aggregate of gravel or crushed natural stone other than limestone or dolomite

3.20
combustible
when is not classified as non-combustible when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-5

3.21
common path of travel
part of an escape route that leads to only one exit door, access door or escape door

3.22
communication pipe
pipe in a water supply system to which water installation is connected

3.23
competent person
person who is qualified, by virtue of his experience and training, to make a determination
regarding the performance of a building or part thereof in relation to a functional regulation

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3.24
dead end
corridor, that originates anywhere along the length of an escape route, and that will necessitate
retracing of steps in order to exit

3.25
deemed-to-satisfy provision
non-mandatory provision, if satisfied, enables a functional regulation to be complied with

3.26
detached
built separately as opposed to being attached horizontally with a common wall

3.27
division
portion of a building separated from the remainder of such building by one or more separating
elements

3.28
division wall
internal wall that separates one division from another division in any building and that has a fire
resistance of not less than that required 4.6

3.29
drencher system
approved system of piping and outlets which, when activated manually or by the action of fire,
releases a continuous curtain of water

3.30
dwelling house
single dwelling unit and any garage and other domestic outbuildings thereto, situated on its own
site

3.31
dwelling unit
unit containing one or more habitable rooms and provided with adequate sanitary and cooking
facilities

3.32
emergency route
part of an escape route which provides fire protection to the occupants of any building and which
leads to an escape door

3.33
escape door
door in an escape route which, at ground level, leads directly to a street or public place or to any
approved open space which leads to a street or public place

3.34
escape route
entire path of travel from the furthest point in any room in a building to the nearest escape door
and may include an emergency route

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3.35
exit door
door that is a component of an escape route from any room

3.36
feeder route
part of an escape route which allows travel in two different directions from the access doors to at
least two emergency routes

3.37
fire damper
automatic damper complete with components and assembly

3.38
fire door
fire shutter
automatic or self-closing door or shutter assembly especially constructed to prevent the passage
of fire for a specific length of time

3.39
fire installation
water installation which conveys water solely for the purpose of fire-fighting

3.40
fire load
sum of the heat energy values of all combustible materials, including combustible partitions and
other combustible elements, contained in a compartment or division

3.41
fire resistance
shortest period for which a building element or building component will comply with the
requirements for stability, integrity and insulation when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-2

3.42
fire-stop
draught-tight, non-combustible barrier or seal placed within or between building elements in
shafts, voids and other concealed spaces to retard the spread of flame, heat or smoke

3.43
flammable liquids (see also SANS 10228)
liquids, or mixtures of liquids, or liquids that contain solids in solution or in suspension (for
example paints, varnishes and lacquers, but not substances that, on account of their other
dangerous characteristics, have been included in other classes), that give off a flammable vapour
at or below 60,5 ºC, closed-cup test (which corresponds to 65,6 ºC, open-cup test)

3.44
floor area
total area of a building, or a storey thereof, enclosed within its external walls, exclusive of the
area occupied by any lift shaft

3.45
flight
part of a stairway which consists of consecutive steps

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3.46
free-standing wall
wall (that is not a retaining wall) without lateral support

3.47
functional regulation
regulation that sets out what is required of a building or building element or building component in
respect of a particular characteristic in qualitative terms without specifying the method of
construction, dimensions or material to be used

3.48
garage
enclosed area which is used or intended to be used for the parking, storing, servicing or repairing
of motor vehicles

3.49
going
distance (measured on plan) between the nosing of a tread and the nosing of the tread or landing
next above it

3.50
habitable room
room used or designed, erected, adapted or intended to be used by persons for sleeping in, living
in, the preparation or consumption of food or drink, the transaction of business, the rendering of
professional services, the manufacture, processing or sale of goods, the performance of work, the
gathering together of persons or for recreational purposes

3.51
incremental house
dwelling house that, for reasons of affordability, is to be constructed in stages in such a manner
that in its intermediate stages the house can be occupied by its owner for the specified limited
period of time necessary to complete it and that is intended, in its finally approved form, to have a
total plan area of not more than 80 m2

3.52
landing
platform between two consecutive flights of a stairway

3.53
lateral boundary
boundary of a site other than a boundary between such a site and any street and public place
where such a street or public place is wider than 6 m measured at right angles to the boundary

3.54
load
force to which a building is or may be subjected, including dead, imposed, wind and seismic loads
and forces caused by dimensional changes of materials

3.55
mezzanine floor
floor, the area of which does not exceed 25 % of the floor below it and with a maximum floor area
of 100 m2

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3.56
natural ventilation
movement of air through a building due to natural causes and that will disperse and dispel smoke

3.57
non-combustible
classified as non-combustible when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-5

3.58
non-structural wall
wall which does not form part of a structure but which may from time to time be subjected to
forces other than its own weight

3.59
occupancy
particular use or the type of use to which a building or portion thereof is normally put or intended
to be put

NOTE Regulation A20 (see table 1 in annex A of SANS 10400-A: 2005) classifies and designates
occupancies

3.60
owner
as defined in the Act

3.61
partition
interior construction less than one storey in height, and which is generally of a light construction
and is demountable

3.62
partition wall
non-structural internal wall that extends to the ceiling and is constructed for the purpose of
subdividing a space

3.63
population
population determined in accordance with regulation A21 in annex A of SANS 10400-A: 2005

3.64
pressurization
creation of a positive air pressure differential between one area of a building and the remainder of
a building, and "pressurized" shall have a corresponding meaning

3.65
public place
square, park, recreation ground or open space which
a) is vested in the local authority, or
b) the public has the right to use, or
c) is shown on a general plan of a township filed in a deeds registry or a Surveyor-General’s
office and has been provided or reserved for the use of the public or the owners of erven in such
township

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3.66
rational assessment
assessment by a competent person of the adequacy of the performance of a solution in relation
to requirements by a process of reasoning, calculation and consideration of accepted engineering
principles, based on a combination of deductions from available information, research and data,
appropriate testing and service experience

3.67
rational design
design by a competent person involving a process of reasoning and calculation and which may
include a design based on a standard or other relevant technical document

3.68
Regulation
National Building Regulation
national regulations promulgated in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building
Standards act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977)

3.69
Review Board
board established in terms of section 9 of the National Building Regulation and Building
Standards Act, 1977, (Act No. 103 of 1977) to hear appeals against a decision of a local authority

3.70
roof assembly
building cover and its supporting structure including any ceiling attached to such structure, and
including any additional components, such as insulation

3.71
safety distance
distance provided between any building and the lateral boundary of the site or, where there are
two buildings on the same site, the distance provided between each such building and a notional
boundary line between them, so that spread of fire from one building to another due to the effect
of radiant heat will be minimized

3.72
safety glass
safety glazing material consisting primarily of glass

3.73
self-closing
equipped with a device to ensure immediate closing of a door, fire-door, shutter or fire-shutter
after it has been opened

3.74
separating element
wall or floor, which has a specific fire resistance, used between divisions, occupancies or
tenancies in a building

3.75
service pipe
pipe which is part of a water installation and which is connected to any communication pipe

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3.76
site
erf, lot, plot, stand or other piece of land on which a building has been, is being or is to be erected

3.77
solid timber door
flush panel door completely constructed of hardwood with double rebated joints for example F
joints

3.78
spiral staircase
spiral, winding, or curved stair where any part of the going is less than 250 mm

3.79
sprinkler system
approved system of piping and sprinkler heads connected to a water supply which, when
activated by the effect of fire, automatically releases water

3.80
stairway
part of a building which provides a route of travel between different levels in such building and is
formed by a single flight or by a combination of two or more flights and one or more intervening
landings

3.81
storey
part of a building which is situated between the top of any floor and the top of the floor next
above it, or if there is no floor above it, that portion between such floor and the ceiling above it
(any mezzanine floor, open work floor, catwalk or gallery being taken to be part of the storey in
which it is situated); and in relation to a building
a) the ground storey is taken as the storey in which there is situated an entrance to the building
from the level of the adjoining ground or, if there is more than one such storey, the lower or
lowest of these,
b) a basement is taken to be a part of the building which is below the level of the ground storey,
c) an upper storey is taken to be a storey of the building which is above the level of the ground
storey, and
d) the height expressed in storeys is taken to be that number of storeys which includes all
storeys other than a basement

3.82
street
street, road, thoroughfare, lane, footpath, sidewalk, subway or bridge which
a) is vested in the local authority, or
b) the public has the right to use, or
c) is shown on a general plan of a township filed in a deeds registry or a Surveyor-General’s
office and has been provided or reserved for use by the public or the owners of erven in such
township

3.83
street boundary
boundary of such site which abuts any street

3.84
structural
relating to or forming part of any structural system

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3.85
structural system
system of constructional elements and components of any building which is provided to resist the
loads acting upon it and to transfer such loads to the ground upon which the foundation of the
building resists

3.86
structural wall
wall forming part of any structural system

3.87
surface fire index
classification awarded to a combustible surfacing material (in excess of 1 mm in thickness)

3.88
suspended ceiling
ceiling supported on a system of hangers

3.89
tenancy separating elements
dividing wall between tenants within the same occupancy classification group

3.90
the Act
National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977)

3.91
travel distance
(a) the distance, in any building where emergency routes are required, from the furthest point in
any room in such building to an access door, or
(b) where no emergency routes are required, the distance from the furthest point in any room in
such building to an escape door

3.92
tread
upper surface of a step

3.93
unprotected steel
structural steel which is not protected with fire resistant material against the effect of fire

4 Requirements
4.1 General
The functional regulation T1 contained in part T of the National Building Regulations (see
Annex A) shall be complied with where the fire protection is in accordance with the requirements
of 4.2 to 4.56 or the subject of a rational design, prepared by a competent person. For further
information regarding the principles of rational designs, see Annex B.

NOTE 1 The requirements of this part of SANS 10400 are intended to be of general application but they are
modelled with certain common types of buildings in mind. Where anything unusual or obviously different is to
be designed, it is important to resort to basic principles rather than any detail that may be implied by the
requirements of this part of SANS 10400.

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NOTE 2 Requirements for class A buildings are given in 4.2.7.

4.2 Safety distances

4.2.1 The external walls of any building, with the exception of any parking shelter for vehicles
where such shelter has no walls or has non-combustible walls and a non-combustible roof
covering and any carport on the same site as any building classified H4, shall be classified as one
of the following types and comply with the requirements of 4.2.2 to 4.2.10:

a) Type FR, which has a fire resistance equal to or more than that given in table 1 for the
occupancy in question.

b) Type F, which has a fire resistance of less than that given in table 1, and is constructed with
non-combustible external cladding and when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-2,
complies with the requirements for stability and integrity for a period of not less than that given
in table 1 for the occupancy in question.

c) Type N, which has a fire resistance of less than that given in table 1 for the occupancy in
question and has

1) combustible external cladding, or

2) non-combustible external cladding but such wall, when tested in accordance with
SANS 10177-2, such wall has failed to comply with the requirements for either stability or
integrity, or both, for a period given in table 1 for the occupancy in question.

Table 1 – Fire resistance of external walls

1 2

Occupancy Fire resistance

min

All occupancies except those

mentioned below 30

B1, C1, D1, E1, E2, E3, F1, F3,

J2 and J3 60

J1 120

4.2.2 Where any external wall of a building is of type FR and such wall does not contain any
window or any other opening, there shall be no restriction upon the safety distance for such wall.

4.2.3 Where any external wall of a building is of type F and such wall does not contain any
window or other opening, the safety distance required shall be not less than the relevant figures
as given in table 2, provided that

a) for any occupancy classified as J1, J2 or J3 the safety distance required shall be not less than
3,7 m, 2,2 m and 1,5 m respectively, and

b) for any building classified H4, where the area of elevation facing any boundary is not more
than 7,5 m², such safety distance may be reduced to 0,5 m.

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4.2.4 Where any external wall of any building is of type N, or where any building is provided with
external walls containing windows or other openings, such building shall, subject to the
requirements of 4.2.9, be so sited that a circle of radius equal to the safety distances given in
table 2 for the window area and occupancy concerned, drawn from any point on any such window
or other opening in such exterior wall, shall not intersect any lateral boundary of the site; provided
that this requirement shall not apply in respect of

a) any building contemplated in 4.2.6,

b) any such wall which faces a public place, railway siding reserve or any open space secured by
an approved servitude or servitudes on an adjoining site(s). Such servitude or combination of
servitudes shall be not less than the requirements given in table 2;

c) any such wall of a ground storey or basement facing a lateral boundary on which is erected a
free-standing wall which

1) is constructed of non-combustible material,

2) has a fire resistance of not less than that prescribed for such external wall

3) is equal in height to that of the ground storey or basement, as the case may be, and

4) extends at each end beyond any window or opening concerned by a distance of not
less than the difference between the minimum safety distance given in table 2 and the
actual boundary distance.

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Table 2 – Safety distances

1 2 3 4
Low fire load where Moderate fire load High fire load where
the fire load in a where the fire load in a the fire load in a
division does not division is between division exceeds
exceed 25 kg/m² 25 kg/m² and 50 kg/m² 50 kg/m² (timber
Area of openings, m² (timber equivalent) (timber equivalent) equivalent)
in elevation Occupancy class
A1; A2; A3; A4; A5; B3; B2; C1; D2; F1; F2; F3; B1; D1; J1
C2; D3; D4; E1; E2; E3; J2
G1; H1; H2; H3; H4; J3;
J4
Minimum safety distances
m m m

Type F wall 1,0 1,5 2,0

(no openings)
Less than 5 1,0 1,5 2,0
5 1,5 2,0 2,7
7,5 2,0 2,2 3,5
10 2,4 2,5 3,7
30 3,8 4,6 6,2
50 4,5 5,5 7,3
70 5,0 6,0 8,0
90 5,3 6,4 8,6
110 5,5 6,7 9,0
130 5,7 7,0 9,3
150 5,9 7,2 9,6
170 6,1 7,4 9,9
190 6,2 7,5 10,1
210 6,3 7,7 10,3
230 6,4 7,8 10,5
250 6,5 8,0 10,6
270 6,6 8,1 10,8
290 6,7 8,2 10,9
310 6,8 8,3 11,1
330 6,9 8,4 11,2
350 6,9 8,5 11,3
370 7,0 8,5 11,4
390 7,1 8,6 11,5
410 7,1 8,7 11,6
430 7,2 8,8 11,7
450 7,2 8,8 11,8
500 or more 7,4 9,0 12,0
NOTE 1 Intermediate values may be interpolated. The values contained in this table are approximate to those
calculated using the following formulae:

Low fire load: D = 2,75 x Log A - (1/A)½

Moderate fire load: D = 3,25 x Log (A - 3) - (1/A)½

High fire load: D = 2,25 x Log (A² - 5) - (5/A)½

Where:
A is the total area of window or other opening(s) on one elevation of the division;
D is the safety distance.

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NOTE 2 The terms "low fire load", "moderate fire load" and "high fire load" are used. These refer in each case to
the amount of combustible material available in a particular occupancy and thus imply the degree of intensity of
any fire when fully developed and also the duration of any fire which might occur in the occupancy in question.
They have nothing to do with the ease of starting a fire or the degree of danger due to smoke or poisonous fumes
which would be implied by the terms low, moderate or high fire hazard.

NOTE 3 The unit of fire load can be expressed in calorific values (MJ/m²) or as timber equivalent (kg/m²). The
conversion factor from megajoules per square metre to kilograms per square metre is 0,056 and from kilograms
per square metre to megajoules per square metre, is 18.

4.2.5 Where there are two or more buildings on the same site, or where any building has two or
more divisions and

a) where any external wall of any such building or division does not contain any windows or other
openings, the distance between such external wall and a notional boundary line between such
buildings or divisions shall be not less than the relevant safety distance given in 4.2.2 or 4.2.3;
and

b) subject to the requirements of 4.2.9, where any external wall of such building or division is of
type N or contains windows or other openings, any circle of radius equal to the safety distance
given in table 2 for the occupancy concerned, drawn from any point on any window or opening
in the external wall of one such building or division, shall not intersect any circle of radius equal
to the safety distance given in table 2 for the occupancy concerned in the external wall of such
other building or division, drawn from any point in any window or opening in the external wall of
such other building or division; provided that the intersection of such circles shall be permitted
where

1) the included angle between such walls is more than 135°; or

2) the included angle between such walls is more than 90° and the distance between the
nearest points on such windows or openings is more than 2 m .

4.2.6, For the purposes of fire safety,

a) class A buildings (H3 and H4) shall be one storey in height;

b) class A be detached houses (H4) shall be constructed with internal and external walls which do
not have a 20 min fire resistance, and shall have

1) an escape route with a travel distance of not more than 7,5 m;

2) an external escape door so located that the occupant does not escape through more
than one room to the outside;

3) a minimum boundary distance of 1 m if non-combustible roof cladding is used; or

4) an appropriate boundary distance as given in table 2, when non-combustible roof
cladding and walls are used.

c) class A attached houses (H3) shall either have

1) non-combustible roof cladding and walls that have a fire resistance of 30 min, provided
that:

– the external walls are type F construction (stability and integrity),

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– the separation walls are type FR construction (stability, integrity and insulation)
between units extending to the underside of the roof and non-combustible roof
elements penetrating the wall, and
– the minimum boundary distance is 1 m,

or

2) non-combustible roof cladding and non-combustible (type F) or combustible (type N)

walls that do not have a fire resistance of 30 min, provided that:

– the separation walls are type FR construction that have a fire resistance of 30
min (stability, integrity and insulation) between units extending to the underside
of the roof covering and non-combustible roof elements penetrating the wall,
and
– there is an an appropriate boundary distance as given in table 2 when
combustible walls are used;

d) class A buildings shall have a Minimum Agreement Norms Technical Advisory Guide
(MANTAG) certificate issued by the Agrément Board of South Africa.

4.2.7 Notwithstanding the requirements given in 4.2.1, any structural external wall shall, when
tested in accordance with SANS 10177-2, comply with the requirement for stability for a period
not less than that required in 4.7.

4.2.8 Without prejudice to the foregoing requirements, where any division or any building is
equipped with a sprinkler system designed, installed and maintained in accordance with
SANS 10287, the minimum safety distances given in table 2 may be reduced to half the distances
so given; provided that in no case shall such reduced distance, be less than 1 m.

4.2.9 Where any building is not divided into divisions, the area of any window or opening or the
sum of the areas of all windows or openings, in that portion of the elevation of the building
between division floors and between division walls shall be calculated; provided that:

a) where portions of such elevation are at different distances from the boundary, another
division of the same building or from another building, each such portion and the area of
window or opening contained therein can be separately considered;

b) no window or other opening or portion of such window or opening in any external wall of
any building shall be taken into consideration in the calculation of the total area of
windows or openings where the included angle between such wall and any boundary of
the site, any external wall of any other division of the same building or any external wall of
any other building on the same site is more than 30°, and such window, opening or portion
thereof is situated more than 3 m from such boundary, other division or other building;

c) where any building has external walls of type N, the total elevation area of such walls
shall be construed as being a window or opening;

d) where any garage on the same site as any building classified H4 is situated close to any
lateral boundary of the site and in such a way that the doorway is at an angle of
approximately 90° to such boundary,

1) any circle of radius equal to the safety distance required for an occupancy classified
H4 and drawn from a centre located in the plane of the garage door at a point nearest
to such boundary, shall intersect a cut-off line drawn from the same point and at an
angle of 45° to the plane of such door, at a position on or within such boundary, or

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2) the side wall of such garage may be extended and the centre of such circle located at
a point in the plane of the door that will enable such circle and the related cut-off line
to intersect on or within such boundary; provided that such wall extension shall be of a
height not less than that of such door and of a length that will ensure that such cut-off
line will simultaneously intersect the extension of such wall and such circle within the
boundary.

NOTE Annex C provides commentary and guidance on the application of safety distances.

4.3 Different occupancies in a building

Subject to the provisions of SANS 10400-A, any building shall be permitted to have an area of

a) not more than 100 m² in total, of an occupancy classified as J1 or not more than 300 m² in
total, of an occupancy classified as J2 or J3, within any other occupancy;

b) not more than 100 m² of an occupancy not classified as J1, within an occupancy so classified.

4.4 Division area

Any building shall be divided into divisions with a floor area of not more than that given in
columns 2, 3 or 4 of table 3, and such divisions of the respective floor areas shall be separated
effectively from each other by division separating elements; provided that:

a) where an occupancy classified J1, used for the storage of flammable liquids, forms part of any
building, such part shall be a separate division and the area of such division shall be not more
than 100 m²; and

b) where storage of goods is to a height which exceeds the requirements of ordinary hazards in
SANS 10287, an approved fixed installation of automatic fire extinguishment shall be provided.

Table 3 – Maximum division area

1 2 3 4
Maximum division area, m²
With fixed automatic fire extinguishment installation
No fixed automatic fire
Occupancy extinguishment installation one storey two storeys and over
E1a, E2a, E3a 250 1 250 1 250
A2, B2, B3, C1, C2,
G1 5 000 No limit 10 000
A4, A5, D3, J3, J4 No limit No limit No limit
All other occupancies 2 500 No limit 5000
a
Maximum division area on any storey and all such divisions shall be interconnected.

4.5 Fire performance

4.5.1 Where any element or component of a building is required to have a particular fire
resistance, such requirement shall, in respect of the materials or method of construction of such
element or component, be deemed to have been complied with where

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a) a representative specimen of such element or component has been shown to have the
required fire resistance when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-2, and

b) the element or component satisfy the requirements as given in 4.55.

4.5.2 Where non-combustibility of any element or component is required, such requirements shall
be complied with

a) such element or component is proved to be made only of the relevant material that complies
with the requirements of 4.56; or

b) when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-5, a representative specimen of such element or
component has been shown to be non-combustible.

4.6 Fire resistance of occupancy-separating and division separating

elements
4.6.1 Any portion of a building that has an occupancy in any one of the groups of occupancies
given in table 4 shall, subject to the requirements of 4.3, be separated by means of an
occupancy-separating element from any portion of such building used for an occupancy in any
other of such groups of occupancies.

Table 4 – Fire resistance of occupancy separating elements

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Fire resistance
Occupancy
groups min
B1 B2 J1 A1 F3 D4 E1 A3 J2 F2 G1 J3 J4 H1 A5 C1 B3
D1 D2 A2 E2 H2 C2 D3
A4 E3 H3
F1
B1, D1 • 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120
B2, D2 • 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120
J1 • 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120
A1, A2 • 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120
A4, F1
F3 • 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120
D4 • 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120
E1, E2, • 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90
E3
A3 • 90 90 60 60 60 60 60 60 60
J2 • 90 60 60 60 60 60 60 60
F2 • 60 60 60 60 60 60 60
G1 • 60 60 60 60 60 60
J3 • 60 60 60 60 60
J4 • 60 60 60 60
H1, H2, • 60 60 60
H3
A5 • 60 60
C1, C2 • 60
B3, D3 •

4.6.2 Where any occupancy-separating element is required in terms of 4.6.1, such occupancy-
separating element shall have a fire resistance of not less than that given in table 4. Where, in
terms of 4.4, a division-separating element is required, such division-separating element shall
have a fire resistance of not less than that given in table 5.

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Table 5

1 2
Occupancy Fire resistance,
min
All occupancies other than those
referred below 60
B1, C1, D1, E1, E2, E3, F1, F3, J1 120

4.6.3 Any movement joint in a division or occupancy-separating element shall have the same fire
resistance rating as that required for the separating element.

4.6.4 No combustible roof components shall penetrate the occupancy or division separating
element between occupancies.

4.7 Fire stability of structural elements or components

4.7.1 Any structural element or component directly supporting a separating element contemplated
in 4.6 shall, when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-2, comply with the requirement for
stability for a period not less than that required for fire resistance of such separating element.

4.7.2 Any other structural element or component (that is not a component that forms part of a roof
assembly) which is located in an occupancy given in column 1 of table 6 shall, when tested in
accordance with SANS 10177-2, comply with the requirement for stability for a period of not less
than the appropriate period given in columns 3 to 7 of table 6 for the building height given in
column 1.

4.7.3 The roof assembly construction of E1, E2 and E3 occupancies shall have a fire resistance
of at least 30 min when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-2 and loaded as in practice,
including wind and static loads.

4.7.4 The structural elements or components used in any basement which is not naturally
ventilated shall comply with the requirements given in column 6 of table 6. Any such basement
which is naturally ventilated shall be construed as being an additional storey to the building
concerned and any structural elements or components used in such basement shall comply with
the appropriate requirements given in columns 3 to 6 of table 6.

4.7.5 No unprotected steel shall be permitted in the structure of any basement.

4.7.6 Any perforated floor type or any mezzanine floor less than 100 m² in area shall not be
considered to be a structural element or component.

4.7.7 Notwithstanding the requirements given in 4.7.2, it shall be permissible for structural
components to be of timber construction complying with the requirements of SANS 10082 that
has a fire resistance of not less than 30 min where the occupancy of the building is classified as
G1, H3 or H4, provided that in the case of any such occupancy the timber construction shall not
exceed two storeys in height.

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Table 6 – Stability of structural elements or components

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Stability
min
Basement
Class of Single-storey Double-storey 3 to 10 storey 11 storeys and in any
Occupancy occupancy building building building more building
Entertainment and public assembly A1 30 60 120 120 120
Theatrical and indoor sport A2 30 60 120 120 120
Place of instruction A3 30 30 90 120 120
Worship A4 30 60 90 120 120
Outdoor sport A5 30 30 60 90 120
High risk commercial service B1 60 60 120 180 120
Moderate risk commercial service B2 30 60 120 120 120
Low risk commercial service B3 30 30 90 120 120
Exhibition hall C1 90 90 120 120 120
Museum C2 60 60 90 120 120
High risk industrial D1 60 90 120 180 240
Moderate risk industrial D2 30 60 90 120 180
Low risk industrial D3 30 30 60 120 120
Plant room D4 30 30 60 90 120
Place of detention E1 60 60 90 120 120
Hospital E2 60 90 120 180 120
Other institutional (residential) E3 60 60 120 180 120
Large shop F1 60 90 120 180 120
Small shop F2 30 60 120 180 120
Wholesalers' store F3 60 90 120 120 120
Office G1 30 30 60 120 120
Hotel H1 30 60 90 120 120
Dormitory H2 30 30 60 120 120
Domestic residence H3 30 30 60 120 120
Detached dwelling house H4 30 30 60 Not applicable 120
High risk storage J1 60 90 120 180 240
Moderate risk storage J2 30 60 90 120 180
Low risk storage J3 30 30 90 90 120
Parking garage J4 30 30 30 90 120

NOTE 1 The use of unprotected steel in the structural system of all single-storey and certain double-storey buildings is permitted in
spite of the fact that in many cases such structural members would not comply with the requirements of table 6. The practice is
regarded as safe for all practical cases that are likely to occur in single-storey construction but the possible consequences of early
distortion or collapse should be considered in the design of two storey buildings in order to be certain that escape routes will be
able to serve their purpose for the required period. Particular care needs to be exercised where thin sections are used or in "space-
frame" type structures.

NOTE 2 A further problem arises in the application of the requirement in 4.2. Distortion or collapse of any structural member should
not cause loss of integrity or stability in any external wall facing a site boundary or another building as this might lead to non-
compliance with the safety distance requirement. Where such a situation occurs it would be necessary either to protect the steel to
the extent required to attain the stability given in table 6 or to regard such wall as being of type N for the purposes of 4.2.

4.8 Tenancy separating elements

Any separating element between tenancies shall have a fire resistance of not less than 30 min.

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With the exception of H1, H2 and H3 occupancies, an automatic sprinkler system designed,
installed and maintained in accordance with SANS 10287 may be used in lieu of a tenancy
separating element.

4.9 Partition walls and partitions

4.9.1 Any partition wall in any occupancy classified as E1, E2 or E3 shall have a fire resistance of
not less than 60 min and any such wall, that is a separation element in any occupancy classified
as G1, H2, H3 or H4 shall have a fire resistance of not less than 20 min or shall be non-
combustible.

4.9.2 In any building classified as H3 or H4

a) any separating element (wall and floor) between any garage that is not large enough to be
classified as J4 and any habitable room shall have a fire resistance of not less than 30 min and
the wall shall extend to the underside of the roof;

b) any door between such garage and any such room shall have a fire resistance of not less than
30 min (a solid timber or solid timber core door not less than 40 mm thick will satisfy this
requirement) and such doorway shall not require a threshold. Any solid timber door of not less
than 40 mm in thickness shall be deemed to comply with the requirement for a rating of 30 min;
and

c) no combustible roof components shall penetrate the wall dividing separating space between
the garage and the habitable room.

4.9.3 Any partition walls or partitions or associated components of such partitions and partition
walls erected on any storey above the second storey of any building shall be non-combustible
and wall finishes shall comply with the requirements of 4.15.

4.10 Protection of openings

4.10.1 Where an opening in any external wall of any division is less than 1 m measured
horizontally or vertically from an opening in another division, a 500 mm projection from such wall
shall be constructed between such openings and such projection shall have a fire resistance of
not less than half that required for the element separating the divisions concerned; provided that
any other equivalent means of fire protection which ensures that the flame travel path from one
opening to another is not less than 1 m shall be permitted.

Figure 1(a) and figure 1(b) show the requirements of 4.10.1, and figure 1(c) represents a possible
alternative arrangement. In the examples shown, any flame travelling from one window to the
other would have to travel along some path the shortest length of which would be at least 1 m.
The windows are shown in plan but similar forms of construction could be used in the vertical
plane.

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Figure 1(a) – Flame path travel condition 1

Figure 1(b) – Flame path travel condition 2

Dimensions X and Y should be such that the minimum path of flame travel ABCD is more than 1000 mm.

Figure 1(c) – Flame path travel condition 3

NOTE The figures are all shown in plan but would be identical in section except that the division wall would be
replaced by a division floor.

Figure 1 – Flame path travel between openings

4.10.2 Where there is an opening in any wall required to have a fire resistance of 60 min or more
such opening shall be provided with a fire door or fire shutter of the class given in column 3 of
table 7 provided that this requirement shall not apply

a) to any opening for the entrance of a lift;

a) where such opening, (that is not an opening contemplated in 4.27.2) gives access to a safe
area outside the building, or

b) in the case of any service shaft that is fire stopped at every floor level.

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Table 7 – Class of fire doors or fire shutters

1 2 3
Required minimum
fire resistance of Class of fire door
Type of wall wall or fire shutter
min
Occupancy 60 A
separation
120 B
Divisional 60 A
separation
D (or two C doors
120 with approval)
Emergency route 120 B

4.10.3 Any fire door or fire shutter shall comply with the requirements in SANS 1253.

4.10.4 Any fire door or fire shutter shall be fitted with a self-closing or automatic closing device in
accordance with SANS 1253.

4.10.5 Any fire door which is required to have a specific fire resistance may be replaced by two
separate fire doors which shall be positioned apart not less than 1,5 times the width of any leaf of
such door; provided that the sum of the fire resistances of such separate doors shall not be less
than the fire resistance required for the first-mentioned door.

4.10.6 Any hinged fire doors installed in terms of 4.10.5 shall open in the same direction and be
hinged on the same side.

4.11 Raised access and suspended floors of combustible material

Except in the case of any building classified as H3 or G1 which does not exceed two storeys in
height or in the case of any building classified as H4, no suspended floor shall be permitted to be
of combustible material unless such floor has ground directly below it or is not more than 50 mm
above a non-combustible slab.

4.12 Roof assemblies and coverings

4.12.1 Where a roof of any part of a building meets any wall of a higher part of such building and
such wall has any openings in any position within 10 m above and 5 m to either side of such roof,
such roof shall, for a distance of not less than 5 m from such wall, have a fire resistance required
for a division-separating wall for the occupancy in question.

Figure 2 shows the principle of the protection required by 4.12.1.

4.12.2 Where any combustible roof covering material including thatch, shingles and bitumenized
felt on boarding is used and the plan area of such roof is more than 20 m², the distance between
the building so covered and any boundary of the site on which such building is situated shall be
not less than 4,5 m.

NOTE For more information on thatch construction see SANS 10407.

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AF = BC = 10 m
EF = DC = 5 m
EG = DH = 5 m

If there are any windows within the shaded area ABCF, then the area of roof EDGH shall have a
fire resistance equal to that required for a division-separating wall in the same occupancy.

Figure 2 – Roof fire resistance

4.12.3 Where any roof covering includes individual small areas of combustible material, the total
area of which is not more than 5 % of the roof area, and where

a) no such individual area is more than 20 m² such roof covering shall not be considered a
combustible roof covering, provided that

1) where the slope of the roof does not exceed 60° there shall be a minimum distance
of 1 m between any two such areas, and

2) where the slope of the roof is in excess of 60° there shall be a minimum distance of 1 m
measured horizontally and 3 m measured along the slope of such roof between any two
such areas.

b) any such individual area, which exceeds 20 m² in a roof and might constitute an element of
danger to the public, such material shall be permitted only where it is the subject of a
favourable assessment in accordance with ASTM E 108.

Figure 3 shows the application of 4.12.3.

4.12.4 Any combustible waterproof membrane in contact with a concrete slab shall, for the
purposes of this requirement, be considered non-combustible.

4.12.5 When any insulation, roof liner or waterproof membrane not envisaged as a ceiling and
used under a roof covering as part of a roof assembly, tested in accordance with SANS 10177-5
and found to be combustible, shall be acceptable if its fitness-for-purpose is demonstrated by

a) its being the subject of a current Agrément certificate and the element or component is used
within the scope, conditions and limitations prescribed in the certificate and the element or
component is compatible with other elements of the roof assembly, or

b) its being the subject of a rational design or rational assessment performed by a competent
person.

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NOTE This requirement has been included as an interim solution until such time as a new test method has been
developed.

4.12.6 Where roof space is formed between any ceiling and any roof covering, such space shall
be divided by means of non-combustible fire-stops with a stability and integrity rating of at least
20 min into areas of not more than 500 m². The distance between such fire-stops shall be not
more than 30 m, provided that this requirement shall not apply where such roof space and the
room below are protected by a fixed automatic fire-fighting system or an approved smoke control
system. Any such roof space used as an air-conditioning or artificial ventilation system plenum
shall comply with the requirements contained in 4.43.6.

4.12.7 In the case of an occupancy classified as H1, H2 and H3, the walls separating these units
shall be extended, and any such extension shall

a) have the same fire resistance as the wall supporting it,

b) be taken to the underside of any non-combustible roof or roof covering or any concrete slab
below a combustible roof covering, as the case may be,

c) be taken to not less than 500 mm above any combustible roof covering other than one laid on
concrete, and

d) no part of the roof assembly, made of wood or any other combustible material, shall pass
through the separating wall.

Figure 3 – Roof coverings

4.13 Ceilings
4.13.1 In any building that is not a building classified as H3 and H4, combustible material shall not
be used for any ceiling or suspended ceiling, except as provided for in (a) and (b) below

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a) An insulation, roof liner or ceiling tested in accordance with SANS 10177-5 and found to be
combustible or used as part of a roof assembly, shall be acceptable if its fitness-for-purpose is
demonstrated by

1) its being the subject of a current Agrément certificate and the element or component is
used within the scope, conditions and limitations prescribed in the certificate and the
element or component is compatible with other elements of the roof assembly, or

2) its being the subject of a rational design or rational assessment performed by a

competent person.

provided that this requirement shall not apply where the thickness of such combustible material is
less than 0,5 mm and such finish adheres fully to a non-combustible substrate.

NOTE This requirement has been included as an interim solution until such time as a new test method has been
developed.

b) Air supply grilles or return air intake grilles of combustible material, where the sum of the area
of all such grilles form not more than 5 % of the total area of such ceiling and the overall area of
any individual grille is not more than 0,09 m², shall be permitted.

4.13.2 Where, in terms of the provision to 4.13.1, combustible material is used in any ceiling or
suspended ceiling in a building, the maximum area of any room in which such ceiling is situated
shall be not more than one quarter of the relevant division area given in table 3 for the occupancy
classification. In occupancies A1, E1, E2, E3, H1 and H2, non-combustible material mayonly be
used. when subject an approved rational design (OUTSTANDING).

4.13.3 Where roof space is formed between a ceiling and a roof covering, such space shall be
divided into areas of not more than 500 m² by means of non-combustible fire-stops with a stability
and integrity rating of at least 20 min. The distance between such fire-stops shall be not more
than 30 m, provided that this requirement shall not apply where such roof space and the room
below are protected by a fixed automatic fire-fighting system and an automatic smoke control
system (or both).

Any such roof space used as an air-conditioning or artificial ventilation system plenum shall
comply with the requirements contained in 4.43.6. Any under-roof insulation or insulation used in
the roof space shall be considered as a ceiling and shall comply with all the relevant
requirements.

4.14 Floor coverings

4.14.1 Where any combustible material, other than the material specified in 4.14.2 or 4.14.3, is
used as a floor covering in a building, the maximum area of any room in which such floor covering
is used shall be not more than one quarter of the relevant division area given in table 3 for the
occupancy classification in question.

4.14.2 Any fitted carpet shall be permitted in any building where such carpet is of a type of which
a representative specimen, when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-4, has a classification
not inferior to that specified in table 8 for the particular occupancy concerned, provided that this
requirement shall not apply in the case of a fitted carpet laid in any occupancy classified as H4.

4.14.3 Any combustible floor covering shall be permitted in any building where such covering
does not exceed 5 mm (E Hulley to investigate) in thickness or is made up of timber of up to 20
mm thickness, and is fully adhered to the non-combustible substrate.

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Table 8 – Required classifications for fitted floor coverings

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Classification
Basement of Building
Buildings up to
building of any exceeding three Building of any height
three storeys
height storeys
Class of
occupancy Any floor area except that contained in column 7 Feeder Emergency
or column 8 routes routes

USP or SP USP SP USP SP

A1 2 3 NR 3 NR 2 1
A2 2 3 NR 3 NR 2 1
A3 2 3 NR 3 NR 2 1
A4 2 3 NR 3 NR 2 1
B1 2 3 NR 3 NR 3 1
B2 2 4 NR 3 NR 3 1
B3 3 4 NR 4 NR 3 1
C1 3 3 NR 3 NR 2 1
C2 3 3 NR 3 NR 2 1
D1 NC NC NC NC NC NC NC
D2 2 4 NR 3 NR 3 1
D3 2 4 NR 4 NR 3 1
D4 NC NC NC NC NC NC NC
E1 NC 3 NR 3 NR 2 1
E2 NC 3 NR 3 NR 2 1
E3 NC 3 NR 3 NR 1 1
F1 3 4 NR 3 NR 2 1
F2 3 4 NR 3 NR 2 1
F3 3 4 NR 3 NR 2 1
G1 3 4 NR 4 NR 3 1
H1 1 4 NR 4 NR 3 1
H2 1 4 NR 2 NR 3 1
H3 1 5 NR 3 NR 3 1
J1 NC NC NC NC NC NC NC
J2 NC NC NR NC NR 2 1
J3 2 3 NR 2 NR 2 1
J4 NC NC NC NC NC NC NC
Key
NC – Non-combustible material only.
SP – Protected by a sprinkler system.
USP – Not protected by a sprinkler system.
NR – No requirement.

NOTE 1 Only those areas actually used for the occupancies are given.

NOTE 2 It should be realized that the use of a combustible material as a ceiling, a fitted floor
covering or a wall finish could make a considerable contribution to the fire load in the building.
Since it is neither reasonable nor practical to preclude the use of such materials, it is essential to
take into account both that they are combustible and that, in burning, they might help to spread a
fire and might make a significant contribution to the quantity of heat, smoke and noxious fumes
generated.

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NOTE 3 Where a combustible material is used for a ceiling or wall finish or where a non-classified
combustible material is used as a fitted floor covering, the increase in fire load could be
significant. Under these circumstances the maximum area permitted for a division of any building
has been reduced, although concessions have been made in the case of buildings of not more
than three storeys in height and buildings that are sprinkler protected. However, it is always
necessary, even within a division of reduced size, to control where and under what conditions
combustible materials are used, as the rate of burning will be different for each material, as will its
contribution to heat and smoke.

NOTE 4 A material to be used for a floor covering or for a wall finish is tested in a standard
manner and is classified on a scale of 1 to 5. In both cases the lower figures indicate better
performance. These classifications are based on a "fire index" which in turn represents the effect
of rate of burning and the amount of heat and smoke generated. In some cases the behaviour of a
floor covering in a fire might be considerably influenced by the quality of the underfelt used and it
is therefore recommended that, where a carpet is intended to be used with an underfelt, it should
be tested together with the particular underfelt. At present no classification of underfelt, equivalent
to that used for carpets, is available and it is thus not possible to give any deemed-to-satisfy
provisions for the underfelt.

NOTE 5 Control of the use of a combustible material as a fitted floor covering or as a wall finish is
covered in tables 8 and 9 respectively, and is based on the classification mentioned above. The
class of material required in any given circumstances is related to the occupancy classification,
burning height, and the provision of a fixed fire-fighting system in the building concerned and is
determined from these tables. It should be stressed that this procedure should be followed
whether or not it has been found necessary, in terms of 4.14 or 4.15, to reduce the maximum area
permitted within a division.

4.15 Wall finishes

4.15.1 Where a combustible material other than the material specified in 4.15.2, is used as a
finish on any wall (including insulation) the maximum area of the division in which such wall is
situated shall be not more than one quarter of the relevant division area given in table 3, provided
that this requirement shall not apply where such building is

a) not more than two storeys in height, or

b) provided with a fixed automatic fire-fighting system, designed, installed and maintained in
accordance with SANS 10287.

4.15.2 A combustible wall lining, insulation or decorative finish, except where used in a building
classified as H4, shall be of a type which a representative specimen of, when tested in
accordance with SANS 10177-3, has a classification not inferior to that specified in table 9 for the
occupancy concerned, provided that this requirement shall not apply where the thickness of such
finish is less than 0,5 mm and such finish adheres fully to a non-combustible material.

4.15.3 The use of combustible material shall be permitted for any door leaf or for trim to any door
frame or window frame or for any pelmet, chair rail, picture rail or skirting.

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Table 9 – Required classifications for wall finishes

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Classification
Basement of
building of any Buildings up to Building exceeding
height three storeys three storeys Building of any height
Feeder routes Emergency
Any wall area except that contemplated in column 7 or 8 routes
Class of
occupancy SP USP SP USP SP
A1 1 3 3 3 3 2 1
A2 1 3 3 3 3 2 1
A3 1 3 3 3 3 2 1
A4 1 4 4 3 4 2 1
B1 2 3 4 3 4 3 1
B2 2 3 4 3 4 3 1
B3 3 4 5 4 5 3 1
C1 3 3 4 3 4 2 1
C2 3 3 4 3 4 2 1
D1 NC NC NC NC NC NC NC
D2 2 3 4 3 4 3 1
D3 2 4 5 4 5 3 1
D4 NC NC NC NC NC NC NC
E1 NC 2 2 2 2 2 1
E2 NC 2 2 2 2 2 1
E3 NC 2 2 2 2 2 1
F1 3 2 3 2 3 2 1
F2 3 2 3 2 3 2 1
F3 3 2 3 2 3 2 1
G1 3 4 5 4 5 3 1
H1 3 5 3 5 3 1
H2 Not 3 4 2 4 3 1
H3 permitted 4 5 3 4 3 1
J1 NC NC NC NC NC NC NC
J2 NC NC NC NC NC 2 1
J3 2 3 4 2 3 2 1
J4 NC NC NC NC NC NC NC
Key
NC – Non-combustible material only.
SP – Protected by a sprinkler system.
USP – Not protected by a sprinkler system.

NOTE 1 Only those areas actually used for the occupancies are given.

4.16 Provision of escape routes

4.16.1 One or more escape routes shall be provided in every building.

4.16.2 Where the travel distance, measured to the nearest escape door, is not more than 45 m,
such escape route shall meet the following requirements:

a) 1) in a single-storey building,

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2) in a dwelling unit that has an escape door at ground level, or

3) from a dwelling unit at first floor level, where such dwelling unit is served by an
individual stairway to ground level,

shall not be required to include any emergency route and, in the case of a dwelling unit covered
by this clause, such escape route shall not be required to comply with the requirements of 4.17 to
4.30, inclusive.

b) in a dwelling house where the travel distance to the escape door exceeds 45 m but does not
exceed 60 m, such escape route shall not be required to comply with the requirements of 4.17
to 4.30, inclusive.

c) in a building of two or three storeys in height shall not be required to include any emergency
route, provided that

1) a building of two storeys in height where the population of the upper storey is more
than 25 persons, or

2) a building of three storeys in height;

shall be provided with not less than two such escape routes.

d) Any building of a height of more than three storeys shall be provided with not less than two
escape routes and

1) an emergency route shall form part of each such escape route, and

2) such emergency route shall include a stairway that forms part of the escape route
and also that part of the escape route from the lower end of the stairway to any escape
door.

4.16.3 Where the travel distance measured to the nearest escape door is more than 45 m, not
less than two escape routes shall be provided and an emergency route shall form part of each
such escape route.

4.16.4 Where, in terms of 4.16.2 or 4.16.3, emergency routes are required in a building,

a) such emergency routes shall be entirely independent from one another and so situated that
should any one of the routes become unusable or inaccessible, not less than one other such
route can reasonably be expected to remain accessible and usable;

b) the travel distance measured to the nearest access door shall be not more than 45, m provided
that where the building is provided with a sprinkler system designed, installed, maintained and
configured to be a life-safety installation in accordance with SANS 10287, the travel distance
may be increased to 60 m;

c) the path of travel to an access door shall be along a feeder route;

d) such feeder route shall lead in two different directions to two or more independent
emergency routes; and

e) the exit door from any room shall lead directly into a feeder route, provided that

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1) the total travel distance from the furthest point in such room to an access door or to a
feeder route is not more than 15 m and the total distance travelled from within the room
to the access door or escape door is not more than 45 m, or

2) where such exit door leads into any other room, such other room is within the same
tenancy and the exit door from such other room leads into a feeder route, provided
that the distances contemplated in 4.16.4 (e) (i) are not exceeded.

4.16.5 Provisions for safe evacuation of disabled persons shall be made to the approval of the
local authority.

4.16.6 The exit door from any room shall lead directly into a feeder route or a common path of
travel provided that

a) such exit door may lead into any other room, where such other room is within the same
tenancy and the exit door from such other room leads into a feeder route provided that the
distances contemplated in 4.16.4 (e) (i) are not exceeded, and

b) the total common path of travel shall not exceed 30 m.

4.16.7 Any dead-end corridor leading off an escape route may not exceed 10 m in length.

NOTE Annex C provides guidance on the application of 4.16.

4.17 Exit doors

4.17.1 Where the population of any room is not more than 25 persons, the width of any exit door
shall be not less than 800 mm.

4.17.2 A classroom, lecture room or boardroom that has a population of more than 50
persons or any other room that has a population of more than 25 persons shall have not less than
two exit doors, and such doors

a) shall open in the direction of travel along the escape route, and

b) shall have an aggregate width of not less than the required width for an escape route for such
population, in accordance with 4.21, provided that where such population is more than 240
persons three or more exit doors, as may be required, shall be installed.

4.17.3 In any room in a building where the occupancy is classified as A1, A2, A3, A4, C1, C2,
E2, E3, F1 or F3, an exit door shall open in the direction of travel along the escape route,
provided that in any occupancy classified as A3 where the population of the room is less than 50
persons, such door may open into such room.

4.17.4 The requirements contained in 4.19.6, 4.20 and 4.21 shall apply, modified as appropriate,
to any escape routes.

4.18 Feeder routes

4.18.1 Where a corridor in a building forms part of a feeder route, the walls, partition walls or
partitions enclosing such corridor shall be constructed of non-combustible materials or, when
tested in accordance with SANS 10177-3, shall be class 1 or class 2 as given in table 8.

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4.18.2 A door in the path of travel along any feeder route shall be of the double swing type and
such door shall not be provided with any means of locking.

4.18.3 The requirements contained in 4.19.6, 4.19.7, 4.19.8, 4.20 and 4.21 shall apply, modified
as appropriate, to any feeder routes.

4.19 Emergency routes

4.19.1 After being subjected to two impacts with a 30 kg mass sand-bag swung from a vertical
height of 1,5 m, a wall enclosing an emergency route shall have a fire resistance of not less than
120 min or the relevant time required for stability of structural elements or components given in
table 6, whichever is the lesser. A floor or ceiling of an emergency route shall have a fire
resistance of not less than 120 min or the relevant time required for the stability of structural
elements or components as given in table 6, whichever is the lesser.

4.19.2 The finish of the floor of an escape route shall have a slip-resistant surface and shall be
free from any projections, indentations, hollows or covering which might cause a person to trip.
Such finish or covering shall be of a classification not inferior to that given in table 8. No
combustibles of any nature shall be allowed in an emergency route.

4.19.3 An emergency route shall consist of one or more of the following components so
arranged that each component discharges directly to another component:

a) doors;

b) internal or external passages;

c) internal or external stairways or ramps; and

d) lobbies, foyers or vestibules.

4.19.4 The last component of any emergency route shall discharge at ground level direct into a
street or public place or into an approved open-air space leading to a street or public place.

4.19.5 Subject to the requirements of 4.19.6, an access door or any other door that is being a
component of an emergency route shall be a hinged door which shall open in the direction of exit
from the building.

4.19.6 A revolving or sliding door or automatically operated door or shutter may form part of an
emergency route where such door or shutter is positioned at the end of the route discharging into
a safe area, provided that

a) there shall be, adjacent to such door or shutter, an alternative hinged door which shall comply
with all rules relating to hinged doors in emergency routes, or

b) such automatically operated sliding door or shutter shall be equipped with an approved
fail-safe system and such revolving door shall be of an approved collapsible type.

4.19.7 No door giving access to an emergency route shall, when opened, obstruct the progress
of persons using such route.

4.19.8 A door frame, and door leaf when in the open position, shall not protrude into the width of
the emergency route by more than 100 mm on either side.

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4.19.9 Every locking device fitted to an access door or escape door in any escape route shall be
of a type approved by the local authority, provided that in any building where an electronic locking
device is required for security purposes, such locking device shall be of a type which unlocks
automatically when any of the fire detection equipment or electrical fire-protection equipment of
the building is activated activated or when there is a mains power failure.

4.19.10 A door fitted with a locking device specified in 4.19.9 shall be clearly indicated on the fire
plan or general plan.

4.19.11 An exit door from any occupancy class A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5 shall be provided with an
approved panic bar, and at no time during the use of such occupancy by the public shall such
door be locked, obscured, obstructed, covered or hidden.

4.19.12 Security gates used to secure escape doors shall be provided with facilities to lock them
in the open position whilst such premises are occupied.

4.20 Dimensions of components of escape routes

4.20.1 The width of an exit door or escape door from a room that has a population of not more
than 25 persons shall be not less than 800 mm.

4.20.2 The width of an escape route shall not decrease in the direction of emergency travel,
provided that in the case of a lobby, foyer or vestibule that is wider than required for such route,
the exit doors there from shall have a width of not less than that required for an escape route.

4.20.3 The travel distance shall be measured along the centre line of the shortest natural
unobstructed path of travel within a room and along any escape route, and where such route is
via a ramp or staircase, the measurement shall be along the plan centre line of such ramp or
staircase.

4.20.4 An escape route shall be provided throughout its length with a clear vertical headroom of
2 m and in any lobby, foyer or vestibule the minimum room height shall be not less than 2,4 m.

4.21 Width of escape routes

4.21.1 The population of any room or storey or portion thereof shall be the actual number of
persons in such room, storey or portion thereof during normal use, or where the actual population
is not known, the population shall be calculated from the criteria given in Regulation A21 in
SANS 10400-A: 2005. Where more than one escape route discharges to a common component
the width of such common component, and any following components situated along the direction
of exit shall be calculated by taking into account the population discharging into such common
component; provided that in the case of a stairway, only the population of the most heavily
populated storey served thereby shall be deemed to discharge into such stairway.

4.21.2 In any building the width of an escape route to be provided in respect of any room, storey
or portion thereof shall be not less than that given in table 10 for the population concerned:
provided that

a) no individual escape route shall be designed for a population of more than 190 persons; and

b) where there are two or more emergency routes one such route shall be discounted in
determining the widths required for the remainder.

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Table 10 – Width of escape routes

1 2
Maximum number of Minimum width
persons mm
50 1 000
120 1 100
130 1 200
140 1 300
150 1 400
160 1 500
170 1 600
180 1 700
190 1 800

4.21.3 The aggregate width of escape routes shall be so distributed that the minimum widths of
individual routes serving any room, storey or portion thereof shall be as nearly equal to each
other as is practicable.
NOTE Annex C provides guidance on the application of the requirements of 4.19 to 4.21.

4.22 Basements
In a building not classified as D4 or H4, any storey below the ground storey shall be served by not
fewer than two separate emergency route stairways, provided that where such storey is used for
the parking of motor vehicles, one such emergency route stairway may be replaced by a motor
vehicle ramp in accordance with SANS 10400-D subject to the requirements in 4.19.5.

4.23 Stairways and other changes of level along escape routes

4.23.1 The storeys of a duplex dwelling unit may be served by a single stairway within such
dwelling unit, provided that such dwelling unit shall have access to an escape route as required
by this part of SANS 10400.

4.23.2 At any storey level the entrance to a stairway that forms part of an emergency route shall
be not closer than 5 m to the entrance to any other such stairway.

4.23.3 A stairway that forms part of an emergency route shall discharge into a corridor or foyer
forming part of such emergency route or into a street, public place or approved open space.

4.23.4 A stairway that forms part of an emergency route from any storey above ground level
shall not have direct access to a basement.

4.23.5 No escalator shall form part of any emergency route.

4.23.6 Where a stairway forms part of an emergency route such stairway shall, throughout its
length, be provided with a handrail on each side.

4.23.7 Notwithstanding the requirements for minimum width given in SANS 10400-M, the width of
a stairway that forms part of an emergency route shall be not less than that given in table 10 for
the population concerned and such width shall be not more than 1,8 m, provided that any handrail
may project into such width by an amount of not more than 100 mm.

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4.23.8 The distance between any change in floor level and the centre line of a doorway in an
emergency route or between two changes of floor level in such route shall be not less than 1,5 m
(see figure 4).

Figure 4 – Position of doors in relation to change in level

4.23.9 No spiral staircase as given in SANS 10400-M, shall form part of any escape route unless
the narrowest part of going of such staircase is greater than 250 mm.

4.23.10 The rise and tread of any step forming part of an escape route shall comply with the
requirements given SANS 10400-M and, in addition, such step shall have solid treads and risers:
provided that, in the case of any occupancy classified as D4 or in the case of any external
stairway specified in 4.27 such risers may be omitted.

4.23.11 Any change in the level of the floor of an escape route other than by a stairway between
storeys shall be effected by means of a ramp or steps: provided that

a) the ramp shall have a slope not exceeding 1 in 8, and

b) in the case of steps, not fewer than three steps shall be provided.

4.24 Ventilation of stairways in an emergency route

An enclosed stairway which is not pressurized which is a component of any emergency route in
any building that does not exceed 30 m in height, shall be

a) provided with a window or other opening not less than 1 m² in area for natural ventilation to the
outside of the building at each storey level, or

b) naturally ventilated by means of a roof ventilator having an effective area of not less than 25 %
of the plan area of the stairwell and such ventilator shall be permanently open, with equal
effective areas of inlet air vents provided at the bottom of such stair.

4.25 Pressurization of emergency routes and components

Pressurization of emergency routes and components shall comply with the requirements of
BS 5588-4.

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4.26 Openings in floors

4.26.1 In any building not classified as H4, any opening, including an opening occupied by a
stairway or escalator that does not form part of an escape route, shall not connect more than

a) two storeys if such building is not protected by a sprinkler system, or

b) four storeys if such building is protected by a sprinkler system that is designed, installed and
maintained in accordance with SANS 10287.

4.26.2 At any landing of such stairway or escalator system a sign shall be displayed indicating the
direction to at least one of the escape routes.

4.27 External stairways and passages

4.27.1 No external stairway shall be permitted to be a component of an emergency route of any
building which exceeds 18 m in height unless such stairway is, subject to the requirements
contained in 4.24, partially enclosed throughout its length.

NOTE In a high building people using a completely open external staircase will feel insecure and some might
experience vertigo. This could lead to panic and disrupt evacuation of such building in case of fire or other
emergency. It is therefore regarded as essential that any external staircase to a building more than 18 m in height
should be provided with some form of enclosing walls or screens, particularly where these will provide some visual
barrier at the ends of each flight of stairs and at any landing outside an access door. The height and extent of such
walls or screens will depend upon the dimensions and layout of the stairs, the sight-line in each case and the
degree to which it might be desired to provide additional protection against wind, rain etc.

4.27.2 No window, door or other unprotected opening in any facade of a building shall be closer
than 3 m to an access door or an open stairway that forms part of an escape route, unless such
opening is protected by a door or fire shutter having a stability rating of 30 min when tested in
accordance with SANS 1253, provided that

a) this requirement shall not apply to a window not exceeding 0,3 m² in area, serving any room
containing a WC pan or any bathroom, cloakroom or kitchen, and

b) a solid timber door of not less than 40 mm in thickness shall be deemed to comply with the
requirement for a stability rating of 30 min.

4.28 Lobbies, foyers and vestibules

4.28.1 Where a lobby, foyer or vestibule (hereinafter referred to as a "lobby") is a component of
one or more escape routes such lobby shall have the combined width of all escape routes
discharging into it or be 33 % wider than the width calculated on the basis of the population which
is to pass through it, whichever is the greater.

4.28.2 Any display in such lobby shall only be by means of a fixed board or fixed display case
which shall not protrude more than 150 mm into such lobby and no other object shall be permitted
to be placed in such lobby. Glass used for such display case shall be safety glass.

4.28.3 No trading or business activity shall be carried out in a lobby except from a fixed area
prescribed by the local authority.

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4.28.4 Where a lobby forms part of an emergency route it shall comply with the requirements of
4.19.

4.28.5 Where a lobby forms the ground level exit discharge of an escape route, the maximum fire
load contained in such lobby shall not exceed 5 kg /m2.

4.29 Markings and signposting

4.29.1 A building that has escape routes shall be clearly marked and signposted to indicate the
direction to be travelled in the case of any emergency.

4.29.2 Any marks or signs referred to 4.29.1 shall comply with the requirements given in table 11
in respect of size versus viewing distance but may deviate from these values subject to any
directive issued by the local authority.

Table 11 – Signage

Size Viewing distance

mm m
125 x 125 Less than 10
190 x 190 10 to 20
290 x 290 20 to 30
Larger than 290 More than 30

4.29.3 The exit door of a room which has a population of less than 25 persons shall not be
required to be so marked. Where a room has more than one exit door, any door used for normal
exit from such room shall not be required to be so marked.

4.29.4 Any mark or sign shall comply with the requirements given in SANS 1186-1; provided,
that in the case of any occupancy classification A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5 an illuminated symbolic
safety sign shall be displayed over any exit doors.

4.29.5 When any building is occupied, any mark or sign referred to 4.29.1 shall be illuminated to
an intensity of not less than 50 lux. In the case of occupancies classified as A1, A2, E1, E2, or E3
in any building normally occupied during the hours of darkness, such marks or signs shall, in the
event of the failure of the normal mains supply, be so illuminated for not less than the time
required for the structural stability requirements as given in table 6. The emergency power supply
to the lighting of such marks or signs shall be protected against the effects of fire for a period of
not less than the time required for the structural stability requirements given in table 6.

4.29.6 The local authority may, where deemed necessary for the safety of occupants, require
the provision of signs prohibiting exit.

NOTE The signs given in SANS 1186-1 indicate direction of travel and thus have certain limitations in regard to
where they, logically, can be used. In any escape route the "running man" sign is satisfactory when used on the
walls of the corridor but could be misleading when used on a surface at 90 ° to the escape route. Where for
information purposes it is essential to use it in this way it is suggested that such sign should be closely followed
by confirmatory signs placed on the walls in the direction of travel, in positions where they can be easily seen in
conjunction with the original sign. In the opposite case, where it is desired to indicate a change in the direction of
travel, the sign should be placed across rather than along the direction of travel. Where such a sign is used to
indicate the access door to an emergency route it is suggested that the confirmatory signs take the form of two of
the "running man" symbols facing each other and placed on the access door.

4.30 Provision of emergency lighting

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4.30.1 An emergency route shall be provided with artificial lighting and at any time when the
building containing such route is occupied there shall be a minimum luminance of 50 lux on a
horizontal plane 100 mm above the floor.

4.30.2 In any building that has emergency routes a number of emergency light sources shall be
installed along the emergency routes. The light sources shall be connected to an approved
emergency power supply that is

a) independent of the mains supply, and

b) capable, in the event of any failure of the lighting specified in 4.30.1, of providing power
supply to such emergency light sources for not less than the periods given in table 6.

4.30.3 Such emergency lighting sources shall comply with SANS 10114-2.

4.30.4 An escape route in a basement or in any occupancy classified as A1, A2, A3, A4, C1, C2,
E2, E3, F1, F3 or H1, shall be provided with emergency lighting specified in 4.30.2; provided that,
in any occupancy classified as A3 that has a population of less than 50 persons, such escape
route shall not be required to be provided with such lighting.

4.31 Fire detection and alarm systems

4.31.1 Any building containing an occupancy classified

a) F1, with a floor area of more than 500 m²; or

b) H1, H2, E2 or E3, irrespective of height or floor area,

shall be equipped with a fire detection system and alarm system that is designed, installed and
maintained in accordance with SANS 10139.

4.31.2 All occupied areas within a building which exceeds 30 m in building height or contains
any storey exceeding 5 000 m² in floor area, other than a building contemplated in 4.31.1, shall
be equipped with a fire detection system and manually activated fire alarm system and an
emergency evacuation communication system that is designed, installed and maintained in
accordance with SANS 10139. Control panels shall be located in the building’s control room or as
directed by the local authority.

4.31.3 Any occupancy classified as A1, A2, C1, C2 or F1 shall have a manually activated audible
alarm system that is designed, installed and maintained in accordance with SANS 10139.

4.32 Provision and maintenance of fire-fighting equipment, installations

and fire protection systems
4.32.1 Any fire-fighting equipment, installations and fire protection systems in any building shall
be so installed and maintained as to be ready for its purpose at all times.

4.32.2 The disposition of such fire-fighting equipment shall be clearly visible at all times or shall
be indicated by symbolic signs which shall be visible at all times and comply with the
requirements contained in SANS 1186-1.

4.32.3 Such fire equipment shall be so installed that it facilitates maintenance. Where
compartments are created to house this equipment, they should not impede maintenance.

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4.33 Water reticulation for fire-fighting purposes

4.33.1 Any rational design of a fire installation shall make provision for water to be supplied in the
quantity and at the pressure and rate of flow required by SANS 10400-W.

4.33.2 Where such fire installation is not the subject of a rational design, it shall comply with the
requirements contained in SANS 10400-W.

4.34 Hose reels

4.34.1 Hose reels for the purposes of fire fighting shall be installed in any building of two or more
storeys in height or in any single-storey building of more than 250 m² in floor area at a rate of one
hose reel for every 500 m² or part thereof of floor area in any storey; provided that such hose
reels shall not be required in any building classified H4 or in any dwelling unit in an occupancy
classified as H3 where each unit is provided with independent access to ground level.

4.34.2 Any hose reel installed in such building shall comply with requirements contained in
SANS 543 and maintained in accordance with the requirements as given in SANS 1475-2.

4.34.3 Any hose reel so installed shall be positioned to ensure that the end of the hose will reach
any point in the area to be protected.

4.34.4 Any hose reel installed in any building shall bear, in a prominent position on the reel disc
facing the user, a certification mark from an accredited certification body.

4.34.5 Where no water supply is available, two 9 kg or equivalent fire extinguishers that comply
with the requirements in 4.37 shall be provided in place of each required hose reel.

4.35 Hydrants
4.35.1 Hydrants in positions subject to direction by the local authority shall be provided in

a) any building exceeding 12 m in height, and

b) any building (excluding buildings classified as H4) of a height and of a total floor area
exceeding 1000 m².

4.35.2 Any hydrant required in terms of 4.35.1 shall be provided at the rate of not less than one
per 1000 m² or part thereof of total floor area and not less than one per storey located in the
firemen’s lift lobby of such building or occupancy, as the case may be, and shall be distributed in
such a manner that the fire hose referred in 4.35.3 will reach to every part of the relevant area.

4.35.3 Any hydrant shall, where required by the local authority, be provided with an appropriate
fire hose of 24 m or 30 m in length, together with couplings and a 16 mm internal diameter
nozzle, all of which shall comply with the requirements in SANS 1128-2. Such hose and nozzle
shall, when positioned in the open air or in any factory building, be suitably housed in a cupboard,
provided that this requirement shall not apply in any occupancy classified as J4.

4.35.4 In any industrial park, permanent amusement park or exhibition ground, shopping centre
or group housing, cluster housing, or town house complex there shall be installed ground or

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raised hydrants so placed that no point in such amusement park or exhibition ground or shopping
centre or in any building in such housing complex shall be at a distance greater than 90 m from
any hydrant.

4.35.5 Any hydrant required in terms of this rule shall comply with the requirements contained in
SANS 1128-1.

4.36 Automatic sprinkler and other fixed extinguishing systems

4.36.1 In addition to the requirements in 4.4, 4.26.1(b) and 4.42, a fixed automatic fire-fighting
system that is designed, installed and maintained in accordance with SANS 306-4, SANS 10287,
or SANS 14520-1, as appropriate, shall be provided

a) in any building that exceeds 30 m in height except where such building is exclusively of an
occupancy classified as G1 or H3 where the division size is not greater than 500 m², and

b) in any basement storey which exceeds 500 m² in floor area.

4.36.2 Where a building is required to have a sprinkler system, any concealed space such as a
floor void, ceiling void or roof void, which has a total height that exceeds 800 mm and a total area
of compartment of more than 100 m² above any ceiling or a total area of compartment of more
than 500 m² below any raised floor shall be equipped with a sprinkler system.

NOTE Cognizance should be taken with regard to the interaction of different systems for example smoke
control, artificial ventilation, air conditioning and detection system.

4.37 Portable fire extinguishers

4.37.1 A building that contains an occupancy given in table 12 and table 13 shall, for the relevant
occupancy and floor area, be provided with portable fire extinguishers, in approved un-obstructed
positions.

4.37.2 A local authority may specify the type of portable fire extinguisher to be provided and may
require that a number of fire extinguishers shall be installed in excess of the number indicated in
table 12, if in its opinion, any particular hazards or risks warrant such increase.

4.37.3 An approved portable fire extinguisher installed in a building shall comply with the
requirements contained in SANS 1151 or SANS 1910, and shall be installed, maintained and
serviced in accordance with SANS 1475-1 and SANS 10105-1.

4.37.4 Such portable fire extinguisher shall bear a certification mark from an accredited
certification body.

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Table 12 – Provision of portable fire extinguishers

1 2 3
Number of portable fire Minimum charge mass
extinguishers requireda
Waterb Foamb Carbonb Dry chemicalb
Class of dioxide powder
occupancy
A1 1/200 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
A2 1/200 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
A3 1/200 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
A4 1/400 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
A5 1/400 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
B1 1/100 9L 9L 10 kg 9 kg
B2 1/200 9L 9L 10 kg 9 kg
B3 1/400 9L 9L 10 kg 9 kg
C1 1/200 9L 9L 10 kg 9 kg
C2 1/200 9L 9L 10 kg 9 kg
D1 1/100 9L 9L 10 kg 9 kg
D2 1/100 9L 9L 10 kg 9 kg
D3 1/200 9L 9L 10 kg 9 kg
D4 1/400 9L 9L 10 kg 9 kg
E1 1/200 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
E2 1/200 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
E3 1/200 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
F1 1/200 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
F2 1/200 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
F3 1/200 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
G1 1/200 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
H1 1/200 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
H2 1/200 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
H3 1/400 9L 9L 5 kg 4,5 kg
J1 1/100 9L 9L 10 kg 9 kg
J2 1/100 9L 9L 10 kg 9 kg
J3 1/400 9L 9L 10 kg 9 kg
J4 1/400 9L 9L 10 kg 9 kg
a
The owner shall install by extinguisher charge mass. If the required size of extinguisher required is to be
1 x 9 kg powder extinguisher per 200 m2 as with C2 occupancy, the owner of the building may install 2 x 4,5 kg
extinguishers of the same type per 200 m2.
b
Use table 13 for required minimum performance ratings

Table 13 – Required minimum performance ratings

1 2 3 4 5
Type of Reference Capacity or Approximate range Minimum
extinguisher standards charge mass ± 10 % performance rating
m
Water SANS 1910 9L 6 13A
Foam SANS 1573 or 9L 6 8A/34B
SANS 1910
1 kg 1,5 3A/ 34B
Dry chemical powder SANS 1910 1,5 kg 1,5 3A/ 34B
(all purpose) 2,5 kg 2 5A/ 55B

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4,5 kg 6 17A/ 89B

9 kg 8 12A/ 144B
Carbon dioxide SANS 1567 2 kg 3 21B
5 kg 34B
4.38 Mobile fire extinguishers
4.38.1 A fire extinguisher that exceeds the capacities prescribed in SANS 1910 or
SANS 1151 as relevant, and that is fitted with wheels for transportation shall be deemed to be a
mobile fire extinguisher. Transportable rechargeable fire extinguishers shall comply with the
requirements of SANS 1571.

4.38.2 An approved mobile fire extinguisher may replace half the required portable fire
extinguishers as given in table 12 and table 13, provided that

a) the capacity of any mobile fire extinguisher shall be at least equal to the combined capacity of
the number of portable fire extinguishers it replaces,

b) it contains the same extinguishing medium as required for such portable extinguishers,

c) it replaces such portable extinguishers only on the floor and within the division concerned,

d) the floor area to be served by it does not exceed 500 % of the area given in table 12 or
1000 m², whichever is the lesser,

e) the extinguishing medium complies with the appropriate requirements of SANS 1151 or
SANS 1910, as relevant, and

f) such mobile fire extinguisher is kept in a readily accessible position.

4.39 Fire stopping of inaccessible concealed spaces

4.39.1 Where there is an inaccessible concealed space with a maximum dimension of more than
5 m in an building, such space shall

a) be fire stopped whether it contains combustible material or not,

b) where it is within any non-combustible building element, be fire stopped not less than every
5 m measured horizontally or vertically, provided that this requirement shall not apply to the
cavity of a masonry cavity wall, and

c) where it is within a combustible element, be fire stopped not less than every 3 m measured in
both directions.

4.39.2 The void under an access floor shall not be connected to any space in another division
unless such connecting opening is protected by a fire door, fire shutter or fire damper having the
same fire resistance as the division-separating element. Any void below a raised access floor
shall be divided by fire stops into areas of not more than 500 m² or shall be protected by a fixed
automatic fire-fighting system. Any such void used as an artificial ventilation plenum shall comply
with the requirements in 4.43.5.
NOTE An inaccessible concealed space could be any space in a building to which there is no ready access. It
could, for instance, include the space above a false ceiling or under a false floor or that behind panelling fixed to a
wall. Since, by definition, the space is concealed, any fire starting in such space or reaching such space from
elsewhere could spread rapidly without anyone being aware of it before it is fully developed. It is for this reason

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that it is important that fire stops should be provided at regular intervals in both the vertical and horizontal
directions to prevent such spread.

4.40 Protection in service shafts

4.40.1 The walls of an internal service shaft shall have a fire resistance of not less than the
requirements for structural stability given in table 6, subject to a maximum requirement of
120 min.

4.40.2 Where a vertical service shaft provided in a building is not separated from the floors it
serves by a separating element and such shaft does not contain any combustible material, it shall
be fire stopped at the level of every second storey above the bottom of such shaft. Such fire stop
shall have a fire resistance of not less than the requirements for structural stability given in table
6, subject to a maximum requirement of 120 min.

4.40.3 Where such a shaft is so provided and it contains any combustible material it shall be fire
stopped at the level of every storey above the bottom of such shaft.

4.40.4 Where a vertical service shaft is used for ventilation or contains non-combustible
plumbing or drainage services or is a non-combustible rubbish chute, no fire stop shall be
required within such shaft.

4.40.5 Where a service shaft passes through any separating element and such element is
required to have a fire resistance, such shaft shall be fire stopped where it passes through such
element. The fire resistance rating of the fire stop shall be equivalent to that of the separating
element.

4.40.6 Where a service penetrates a separating element, such separating element shall be fire
stopped with an approved system of the same rating of the element it passes through.

NOTE The proposed system should have a technical report for the intended application, installation
instructions and certification on completion.

4.41 Services in structural or separating elements

4.41.1 A service pipe, conduit, duct, sleeve, cable or other equipment recessed into any structural
or separating element which is required to have a fire resistance shall be set into such element in
such a manner that such fire resistance is not reduced to below the required fire resistance.

4.41.2 A service that penetrates through any wall or floor where such wall or floor is required to
have a fire resistance shall be sealed in such a manner that fire shall not penetrate such wall or
floor.

4.42 Smoke control

4.42.1 Notwithstanding the requirements of SANS 10400-O, any room or series of connecting
rooms of which the floor area is more than 500 m 2 and which is not separated with separating
elements, shall be provided with

a) a system of mechanical or natural smoke ventilation designed in accordance with

BS 7346-1; or

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b) in the case of a single storey building or room that has a floor area of up to 2 500 m 2, and that
is not fitted with a sprinkler protection system, roof ventilators or openable windows or panels to
permit smoke ventilation and such roof ventilators or openable windows or panels shall

1) have an aggregate area of not less than 3 % of the floor area of such room or, in the
case of any single storey building where such room has an occupancy classified as D2
or D3, not less than 1,5 % of the floor of such room,

2) be located in the roof or in the upper third of the walls, as the case may be, and be
distributed in such a way that smoke will be evenly extracted from all parts of the room,

3) be designed to open automatically when activated by heat or smoke detectors, and

4) be designed to maintain a clear layer of 2,5 m above the floor of the highest occupied
level. This clear layer shall be maintained for the designed evacuation period or 600 s,
whichever is the longer period;

provided that where such room is so situated that neither the roof space nor an external wall of
the building form part of such room, such room shall be equipped with a system of mechanical
smoke ventilation. Such mechanical ventilation shall be designed to provide a clear layer of 2,5 m
above the floor of the highest occupied level.

4.42.2 Where openable panels are provided on any building elevation for the purposes of smoke
ventilation, the position of such panels shall be suitably marked on the outside of the building to
permit easy identification by the fire services.

4.42.3 In any smoke ventilation or heat ventilation system, the applicable equipment shall comply
with the requirements of EN 12101-1, EN 12101-2 or EN 12101-3.

4.42.4 Cognizance shall be taken with regard to the interaction between the sprinkler system and
detection system.

4.43 Air-conditioning and artificial ventilation systems

4.43.1 An air-conditioning system or artificial ventilation system in a building shall be so
designed to prevent the distribution of products of combustion in the event of a fire in such
building.

4.43.2 An air shaft or duct used for air-conditioning or artificial ventilation, including any internal
or external insulation thereto and any flexible joint, shall be constructed of non-combustible
material in accordance with SANS 10177-5, provided that

a) combustible flexible connections may be used where the length of such connection
does not exceed 1,5 m and such connection does not pass through any wall or floor which is
required to have a specified fire resistance, and

b) combustible flexible joints not more than 200 mm in length can be used in any plant room
where such plant room is equipped with a smoke detection system, designed and installed
in accordance with SANS 10139.

4.43.3 A fire damper, which shall comply with the requirements of SANS 193, shall be provided
in an air duct in any position where such duct passes through a required division or occupancy
separating element or any element required for the enclosure of an emergency route or passes
into any duct.

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4.43.4 Any such fire damper shall

a) close automatically upon the operation of a sensing device activated by the presence of smoke
or heat in the air duct,

b) be provided with access, the position of which shall be clearly marked, for inspection,
maintenance and resetting of the mechanism

c) be so installed as to remain in position at the protected opening even if the air duct distorts
during a fire,

d) be provided with an overriding fusible or resetable link, and

e) have the same fire resistance rating as the elements of construction through which it
passes.

4.43.5 A plenum, the supports of which shall be non-combustible, excluding return air intakes,
that forms part of an air-conditioning system or artificial-ventilation system, shall be constructed of
non-combustible material or material which has been evaluated in accordance with
SANS 10177-5; provided that, where the sum of the areas of all air supply and return air intake
grilles in such plenum is not more than 5 % of the area of surface of such plenum exposed to the
room below and no individual grille has an overall area of more than 0,09 m², such grilles may be
of combustible material.

4.43.6 In any plenum system the fire stops, as described in 4.12.6 and 4.13.3, shall be non-
combustible and shall seal or close automatically upon the operation of sensing devices, or be
activated when the temperature of the air in such space reaches 15 °C above its design
temperature or 45 °C, whichever is the lesser.

4.43.7 No plenum system shall be used for storage or for the accommodation of people.

4.43.8 Where the air-conditioning system or ventilation system constitutes the whole, or part of a
smoke control system, the installation shall comply with the requirements for smoke control as
contained in 4.42.

4.44 Lift shafts

4.44.1 Any building of more than four storeys above or below the level of escape doors shall have
at least one lift, accessible from all the floors.

a) any lift or bank of lifts shall be provided with a lift lobby at every level of discharge
which shall be free of combustible material;
b) such lobby shall be divided from the remainder of the floor area by means of walls
having a fire resistance of not less than 30 min and any door in such walls shall be
of an automatic or self-closing type which shall have all edges fitted with flexible
seals to prevent the passage of smoke and air when in the closed position and
which shall have, when tested in accordance with SANS 1253, a stability and
integrity of not less than 30 min.4.44.2 In a building of more than 10 m in height, where
a lift or bank of lifts is not provided
with a lobby as covered in 4.44.3, the lift doors shall be fire rated with a stability and integrity
rating of not less than 120 min and shall be sealed against the ingress of smoke for a
minimum of 30 min.

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A lift or bank of lifts shall have doors which shall have all edges fitted with flexible seals to
prevent the passage of smoke and air when in the closed position and which shall have, when
tested in accordance with SANS 1253, the stability and integrity of not less than 30 min,
excepting that this shall be 60 min where, in terms of table 6, a 120 min separation is
required.

4.44.3 b) such lobby shall be divided from the remainder of the floor area by means
of walls having a fire resistance of not less than 30 min and any door in such walls
shall be of an automatic or self-closing type which shall have all edges fitted with
flexible seals to prevent the passage of smoke and air when in the closed position
and which shall have, when tested in accordance with SANS 1253, a stability and
integrity of not less than 30 [Link] a building of more than three storeys, where the lift
or bank of lifts is not in
compliance with 4.44.2, such lift or bank of lifts shall be provided with a lobby which shall have
a stability and integrity rating of not less than 30 min and be arranged to prevent the exit
of smoke into the lift shaft(s) for a minimum of 30 min. The doors to such lobby shall have self-
closing mechanisms to automatically close such doors after being opened. If double doors are
used a selector mechanism shall be installed to ensure the correct meshing of any rebate on the
meeting styles.

4.44.4 A lift shaft shall have a fire resistance of not less than the requirements for structural
stability given in table 6, subject to a maximum requirement of 120 min, and shall be so designed
that not more than four lifts are accommodated in any one subdivision of such shaft and when the
lift motor is housed in a lift motor room, the lift motor room shall be similarly separated.

4.44.5 4.45.4 Where, on any storey of a building a lift in a bank of lifts discharges into a division
different from that into which the other lifts discharge, such lift shall be accommodated in a
separate shaft or be provided with fire rated doors or a fire rated lobby as contemplated in 4.44.2
and 4.43.3, respectively.

4.45 Lift
4.45.1 No decorative finish or floor covering of lifts shall have a fire index of more than 2 when
tested in accordance with SANS 10177-3 or SANS 10177-4.

4.45.2 In any building the controls of any lift shall be so designed that, in the event of fire, such lift
shall be brought automatically to the main entrance storey without stopping and shall remain
there with its doors open.

4.45.3 The requirements of 4.45.2 shall not apply to any building with an occupancy classification
of H3 and that is less than 30 m in height, and where each dwelling unit’s exit door fronts onto a
common passage that is open to atmosphere and freely ventilated, or to any building classified as
H4.

4.46 Firemen's lift

4.46.1 In a building that exceeds 30 m in height or more than 12,5 m below level of escape at
least one firemen's lift shall be provided to serve all storeys.

4.46.2 The firemen's lift shall be in a separate shaft and be controlled by a separate plant room
that has a fire resistance of not less than 120 min and shall have on each storey, a lobby
separated from any other lobby or space by walls and doors which shall have a fire resistance of
not less than 120 min. If double doors are used these shall be provided with a mechanism to
ensure correct sequencing of the door leaves to mesh the rebates. The firemen’s lift shall be

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provided with a pressurization system to the lobby and the lift’s shaft to exclude smoke as
described in 4.42.1.(a) and 4.42.3

4.46.3 The firemen's lift shall

a) have internal dimensions of not less than 1 100 mm wide by 2 100 mm deep and have a clear
door width of not less than 800 mm,

b) be clearly identified as a firemen's lift on every storey,

c) be capable of being stopped at any storey and have access to all such storeys,

d) be kept available for use at all times,

e) be subject to independent control during an emergency,

f) continue to be workable during an emergency when all other lifts have been brought to the
main entrance storey as described in 4.45,
g) be provided with a source of emergency power which will enable such lift to operate together
with its lights and extract fan for not less than 120 min in the event of failure of the mains
supply;
and
h) h) be provided with means of oral communication to a control point or to a control room
where such a room is provided,

i) have doors that open into the lobby and be provided with door closers that are designed to
facilitate entrance by a person seated in a wheelchair, and

j
) be designed and equipped in such a way that provision is made for the lift to be lowered , by
alternative means, in a controlled manner to ground in the event of a failure of emergency
power.

4.47 Stretcher lift

4.47.1In aA building provided with a lift in terms of clause 4.44, at least one such lift shall have
internal dimensions of 1 100 mm wide by 2 100 mm deep and the entrance to the lift shall be not
less than 800 mm in width.

4.47.2 Where such building exceeds 30 m in height the power supply to the motor operating such
stretcher lift shall be protected against the effects of fire for at least 120 min and. be designed and
equipped in such a way that provision is made for the lift to be lowered, by alternative means, in a
controlled manner to ground in the event of a power failure.

4.48 Stage and backstage areas

4.48.1 The requirements contained in this subruleclause shall apply to any stage or backstage
area, including any area beneath a stage that communicates directly with such stage, in a theatre
or other occupancy in which plays, operas or other productions necessitating the use of scenery
take place.

4.48.2 Subject to 4.48.3, any area referred to 4.48.1 shall be separated from a dressing room,
auditorium, workshops, stores or any other area within the occupancy, by walls and floors which
shall have a fire resistance of not less than 120 min, and any opening, other than the proscenium

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opening, in such wall or floor shall be protected by a class B fire door or fire shutter. No dressing
room shall be at a level lower than the first basement storey.

4.48.3 A proscenium opening shall be protected by a fire curtain which shall be

a) of non-combustible material with a fire resistance of not less than 120 min,

b) constructed to slide freely in non-combustible guide rails, with a fire resistance of not less than
120 min,

c) so arranged that, when fully closed, it overlaps the proscenium wall, on the stage side, by not
less than 450 mm at each side of such opening and 600 mm at the top and is closed at the
bottom onto the stage floor which, if of combustible material, shall be not more than 38 mm
thick over a non-combustible slab or wall,

d) so arranged that in the case of a fire it will descend automatically and close such opening,

e) so arranged and controlled that it can descend completely within 30 s and be so regulated that
the time taken for the last 2,5 m of its descent shall not be less than 5 s, and

f) capable of being both manually activated and remotely operated by rate of rise heat detection
of between 8 °C and 10 °C per minute designed, installed and maintained in accordance with
SANS 10139.

4.48.4 In the case of a stage typical of that in any school (often a part of a multi-purpose room,
gymnasium or cafeteria), church hall, community centre or other similar places,

a) with a stage area of less than 200 m2;

b) with a room height less than 10 m;

c) with all adjacent areas such as storerooms, dressing rooms, workshops and scene
docks separated from the stage area by 1-h fire resistant rated assembly; and

d) with combustible hangings limited to a single main curtain, borders, legs, and a single
backdrop which is not vertically retractable;

a heavy woollen or non-combustible fibre cloth curtain treated and maintained in accordance with
4.48.6 f) may be substituted for fire curtain describe in 4.48.3.

4.48.5 Any area contemplated in 4.48.1 shall comply with the following requirements:

a) any structure and any wall, partition, horizontal slab, roofing and ceiling material therein shall
be of non-combustible material;

b) any fitted decorative material therein shall be non-combustible; and

c) any stage floor may be of timber where the supports of such timber floor are supported by non-
combustible floor slab.

4.48.6 In an area referred to 4.48.1 the following means of fire protection shall be provided:

a) An automatic sprinkler system, and an automatic drencher system designed, installed and
maintained in accordance with SANS 10287 shall be provided to the stage side of the fire
curtain. Such sprinklers shall be provided throughout the stage and in dressing rooms,

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workshops, storerooms, and other accessory spaces contiguous to such stage and the
drencher shall protect the fire curtain.

b) Exhibition halls, arenas, and coliseums shall be sprinkler protected throughout. The sprinkler
system shall be designed, installed and maintained in accordance with SANS 10287.
Additionally, smoke detection system designed, installed and maintained in accordance with
SANS 10139 shall be provided in the assembly seating area.

Exceptions:

1) stages as defined in 4.48.4; and

2) under-stage areas less than 1,2 m in clear height and used exclusively for the storage of
chairs or tables with a fire resistance of not less than 60 min.

c) A means shall be provided to maintain the smoke level at not less than 2,5 m above the
highest level of the assembly seating or above the top of the proscenium opening where the
proscenium wall is provided. The system shall be activated independently by each of the
following:

1) automatic activation by the sprinkler system in the stage area; or

2) activation by a manually operated switch at an approved location.

The emergency ventilation shall be connected to both normal and standby power. The
power wiring and ducts of the fan(s) shall be located and protected to assure a minimum of
20 min of operation in the event of activation.

Two or more roof vents shall be located near the centre of and above the highest part of
the stage area. They shall be raised above the roof and provide a net free roof vent area
equal to 5 % of the stage area. Roof vents shall be constructed to open automatically by
approved heat activated devices. Supplemental means shall be provided for manual
operation of the roof ventilators from the stage floor.

Ventilation shall be provided in all areas not separated from the stage area by a 60-min
fire resistance rated assembly where the stage area exceeds 200 m 2 but is less than 10 m
in height.

Means and procedures for periodic testing and maintenance of this equipment shall be
included in the operation manual of the building.

d) where the mechanical ventilation system is designed to fail in the operating position (open) no
emergency power will be required.

e) a direct communication with the local authority’s fire services.

f) manual alarms, designed, installed and maintained in accordance with SANS 10139 in the
backstage area in an easily accessible positions.

g) curtains, drapes and similar decorative materials used on stages shall be constructed of flame
retardant materials or treated with an approved flame retardant solution or process. Flame
retardant treatments shall be renewed to maintain their effect in accordance with the
manufacturers, documentation or at least once every five years.

4.48.7 Any dressing room area shall have direct access to an emergency route.

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4.49 Seating arrangements in auditoria or halls and on grandstands (Start

of next meeting, 20 October 2003)
4.49.1 In an auditorium or hall or on a grandstand containing a seating,

a) The seating and a aisles serving such seating shall be so arranged as to allow unobstructed
movement to the escape routes from such auditorium, hall or grandstand, and

b) Notwithstanding the requirements contained in 4.16, no seat shall be more than 21 m

from a feeder route, access door to an emergency route or an escape door as measured along
the route which a person occupying such seat might be expected to travel.

4.49.2 On a grandstand or in an auditorium or hall not used for more than one purpose all
seating shall be fixed to the building, provided that seating need not be so fixed in any auditorium
or hall, or a box therein, which accommodates not more than 25 persons.

4.49.3 Notwithstanding the requirements given in 4.20,

a) Clearance between rows of seats means the distance as measured between plumblinesplumb
lines from
the rearmost part of any seat to the nearest part, including armrests if any, of the seat behind it,
provided that, in the case of gravity-operated automatic tip-up seats, such distance may be
measured with the seats in the tipped-up position;

b) Where individual seats are not provided every 450 mm of seating shall be deemed to be a
seat;

c) The clearance between rows of seats in an auditorium or hall shall be not less than

1) 300 mm where a person is not required to pass more than 14 seats to leave the row,

2) 400 mm where a person is required to pass more than 14 seats but not more than 24
seats to leave the row, or

3) 500 mm where any person is required to pass more than 24 seats to leave the row; and

d) The clearance between rows of seats in outdoor grandstands, where backrests are provided to
the seats, shall be not less than

1) 300 mm where a person is required to pass not more than 20 seats to leave the row,

2) 400 mm where a person is required to pass more than 20 seats but not more than 40
seats to leave the row, or

3) 500 mm where a person is required to pass more than 40 seats to leave the row and
where backrests are not so provided, or on terraced seating, the minimum distance from
the front edge of any seat to the front edge of the seat immediately in front or behind such
seat shall not be less than 675 mm.

4.49.4 An aisle in an auditorium, hall or grandstand shall have a clear width of not less than 1,1
m or such greater width as required for an emergency route in terms of 4.21 for the population
served. The surface of the floor of any steps in such aisle shall be rendered suitably slip resistant

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and shall at all times be maintained in such slip-resistant condition. A cross-aisle shall discharge
at both ends directly into an emergency route.

4.49.5 The gradient of such aisle which is not level shall not exceed 1 in 8 and a stepped aisle
shall not exceed an overall gradient of 1 in 3. Steps along an aisle shall be the full width of such
aisle and shall be illuminated to a level of not less than 2 lux at tread level when normal lighting
has been lowered. The steps shall have uniform tread widths and risers so designed as to reduce
the likelihood of any person stumbling.

4.49.6 Where an aisle crosses parallel to the rows of seats and the floor level of such aisle is
higher than the adjacent floor level of any row of seats, the edge of the aisle shall be provided
with railings not less than 800 mm in height above the floor level of the aisle immediately behind
such row. Where the floor level of any row of seats is higher than the floor level of an adjacent
cross-aisle the edge of the floor level of such row shall likewise be provided, at the relevant
clearance given in 4.49.3, with railings in front of all such seats. The railings shall be not less than
800 mm in height above floor level of such row of seats.

4.49.7 An exit door from any auditorium or hall shall be provided with approved panic bolts, and
at no time during occupancy of such auditorium or hall by the public shall such door be locked,
obscured, obstructed, covered or hidden.

4.49.8 The floor covering in an auditorium or hall shall be securely fixed and maintained in a
safe condition.

4.49.9 An approved standby system for uninterrupted emergency lighting independent of the
normal mains supply shall be provided in any theatre complex or an individual auditorium, hall or
grandstand where the total number of seats exceeds 240 or the floor area exceeds 240 m², in
order to afford a level of illumination of not less than 2 lux to enable persons to leave all parts of
such theatre complex, auditorium, hall or grandstand in the event of failure of the normal mains
supply. This requirement shall not apply in the case of any hall contemplated in the provision of
4.48.4.

4.49.10 The power supply to such emergency lighting shall be safeguarded against the effects of
a fire for at least 30 min.

4.50 Parking garages

The floor of any occupancy classified as J4 shall be of non-combustible material and shall be not
less than 10 mm lower than the threshold of any door leading to any adjoining occupancy.

4.51 Operating theatres and intensive, high or critical care units

Where a suite of rooms in an building is used for the purposes of operating theatres, maternity
delivery rooms or intensive, high or critical care units, such area shall comply with the following
requirements:

a) The walls, floor and roof separating such suite from any other suite or from any other part of
the building shall have a fire resistance of not less than 120 min.

b) There shall be not fewer than two means of exit from such suite.

c) Such suite shall be provided with an approved emergency power supply independent of the
normal mains supply and capable of operating for not less than 120 min in the event of failure of
the mains supply.

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d) A lift used for the transport of patients from such suite shall be provided with an approved
emergency power supply independent of the normal mains supply and capable of operating for
not less than 120 min in the event of failure of the mains supply.

e) At any level below the level of the suite the lift referred to in (d), shall have a lobby with a fire
resistance rating at least equal to that of the suite.

4.52 Installation of liquid fuel dispensing pumps and tanks

4.52.1 No liquid fuel dispensing pump or storage tank shall be situated less than 3,5 m from any
lateral boundary or street boundary of any site except where there is a boundary wall and such
wall has a fire resistance of 120 min, is not less than 1,8 m in height and extends not less than
2 m on each side of such pump. No part of such tank shall be within 500 mm of any building
except in the case of a tank covered by [Link]. No such tank shall be situated within 500 mm of
any other tank except where each tank is located in its own concrete-lined pit.

4.52.2 No part of a building, other than a canopy or similar protection to which the occupants of
such building do not have access, shall be erected over such dispenser or tank except where

a) the underside of such part is at least 3,5 m above ground level,

b) such part has a fire resistance of at least 240 min and extends at least 2 m in every direction
beyond the sides of the dispenser or tank concerned, and

c) the floor below such dispenser, where such dispenser is erected over a basement storey, has
a fire resistance of at least 240 min and extends at least 2 m in every direction beyond the
sides of the dispenser or tank concerned.

4.52.3 A liquid fuel dispenser that might be approached by a vehicle, shall be erected on a
raised plinth not less than 150 mm above the surrounding ground level. Such plinth shall extend
not less than 300 mm beyond the perimeter of the base of such dispenser.

4.52.4 Such tank and associated equipment shall be constructed and installed in accordance
with SANS 10089-3 and SANS 10131: Part III.

4.52.5 The filler pipe of any fuel tank shall be positioned in a masonry-lined or concrete-lined
chamber not less than 300 mm deep and such pipe shall be clearly identified to indicate its
purpose.

4.52.6 No fuel tank shall have more than one filler pipe, one ventilating pipe and one dipping
hole pipe, and such filler pipe and dipping hole pipe shall extend to as near to the bottom of the
tank as is practicable.

4.53 Installation of other tanks

4.53.1 General

[Link] Where on any site liquid petroleum gas is stored in bulk in any vessel which has a water
capacity in excess of 500 L, the design, erection and protection of such storage facilities shall be
in accordance with SANS 10087-3.

[Link] Where any small container is being filled with liquid petroleum gas on any site, a)the
location, design and control of the area on such site in which such filling is carried out shall be in

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accordance with SANS 10087-3 and SANS 10087-7. with Section 3;

b) the filling equipment shall be in accordance with Section 4;
c) the filling of containers shall be in accordance with Section 7;
d) the storage facilities for such gas shall be in accordance with Section 8;
e) bulk vehicle discharge of such gas shall be in accordance with Section 8;
of

[Link] 4.54.3 In the case of a tank installed in any building and intended to contain diesel fuel,
such installation shall be in accordance with SANS 10131: Part II. Such tank shall not be installed
on any storey above the ground storey of a building.

4.53.2 Warehousing of dangerous goods

Dangerous goods shall be warehoused in accordance with SANS 10263.

4.53.3 No Smoking Dangerous goods signages

[Link] Signage for dangerous goods shall be in accordance with the requirements of
SANS 10263. "No smoking" signs shall be prominently displayed in any division, occupancy,
room or any other part of a building where flammable substances are present, and on the outside
of any door leading thereto (see also 4.29).

[Link] "No smoking" signs shall be in accordance with the requirements contained in SANS
1186.

4.54 Access to buildings for fire-fighting and rescue purposes

4.54.1 No building shall be erected on a site unless such site is provided with approved access
for the purposes of fire fighting and rescue from such building by the fire services of the local
authority.

4.54.2 Any building shall be provided with suitable approved access to its interior for rescue and
fire- fighting purposes by such services.
and be provided, in terms of rule 4.42, with a means of smoke ventilation from each storey.
4.54.3 The requirements in 4.54.2 shall not apply to any portion of a building which is to be used
for the purposes of a normally unoccupied strong room, record room, or security vault or
computer room.

4.54.4 Any escape door shall be clearly identified from the exterior of the building.

4.54.5 The number of each storey shall be indicated inside an emergency route on any access
door.

4.55 Presumed fire resistance of building materials and components

4.55.1 The building materials and components covered by tables 14, 15, 16 and 17 shall be
deemed to comply with the performance requirements under fire conditions, provided that such
materials and components conform to the relevant detailed descriptions given in the tables.
Where materials are not listed, a currently valid test report to an internationally accepted test
method or to the relevant part of SANS 10177 shall be provided.

4.55.2 A monolithic un-reinforced concrete element or concrete masonry constructed of solid

concrete masonry units in accordance with the requirements in SANS 10145 shall be considered
to be a solid concrete unit and shall be deemed to have the fire resistance given in table 15.

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4.55.3 Only building materials, components and methods of construction for which sufficient test
data are available are listed in tables 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. The tables will, where necessary, be
updated when new evidence on performance becomes available. The fact that a material or
method of construction is not mentioned in this part of SANS 10400 should not be construed to
mean that such material or method cannot be used, but it shall mean that the fire resistance shall
be ascertained by test or be assessed for a particular application.

Table 14 – Fire resistance of structural walls

1 2 3 4 5 6
Fire resistance
min
Construction and materials 240 min 120 min 90 min 60 min 30 min
Minimum thickness, excluding plaster
mm
Solid construction:
Bricks of clay
Unplastered .......... 190 110 90 90 90
Plastered ............... 150 90 90 90 90

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NOTE 1 For concrete masonry construction, refer to SANS 10145.

NOTE 2 It is important to note that the values given in tables 14 and 15 refer to the thickness of masonry units of
sizes commonly available and do not include any allowance for plaster. Therefore in column 2 of tables 14 and 15,
it will be seen that a wall made of units of 190 mm thickness in the unplastered condition will give a fire resistance
of 240 min. The next lower size has a thickness of 150 mm but this is not adequate on its own to give a fire
resistance of 240 min. However, when the wall is plastered on both sides (with a normal plaster thickness of at
least 12 mm), it is possible to attain resistance of 240 min. Similarly, with reference to column 3 of each table, units
of 110 mm thickness will give a resistance of 120 min or more, but units of thickness 90 mm will not provide this
resistance. When plastered, however, the 90 mm units are capable of providing a fire resistance of 120 min. For
the lower values of fire resistance, there is no advantage in plastering the wall as the unplastered unit is capable of
providing the required resistance.

NOTE 3 Plaster is a CEM 1 portland cement (see SANS 50197-1) plaster not less than 12 mm thick applied to both
faces of a wall

Table 15 –Fire resistance of non-structural walls and partitions

1 2 3 4 5 6
Fire resistance
min
Construction and materials
240 min 120 min 90 min 60 min 30 min
Minimum thickness, excluding plaster
mm
Solid construction:
Bricks of clay
Unplastered………. 190 110 90 90 75
Plastered…………… 150 90 90 75 75
Solid concrete units: 150 90 75 75 75

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Class 1 aggregates
Unplastered………..
Class 2 aggregates 150 90 75 75
Unplastered………. 215
NOTE 1 For concrete masonry construction using hollow masonry units, refer to SANS 10145

NOTE 2 It is important to note that the values given in tables 14 and 15 refer to the thickness of masonry units of
sizes commonly available and do not include any allowance for plaster. Therefore in column 2 of tables 14 and
15, it will be seen that a wall made of units of 190 mm thickness in the unplastered condition will give a fire
resistance of 240 min. The next lower size has a thickness of 150 mm but this is not adequate on its own to give
a fire resistance of 240 min. However, when the wall is plastered on both sides (with a normal plaster thickness
of at least 12 mm), it is possible to attain resistance of 240 min. Similarly, with reference to column 3 of each
table, units of 110 mm thickness will give a resistance of 120 min or more, but units of thickness 90 mm will not
provide this resistance. When plastered, however, the 90 mm units are capable of providing a fire resistance of
120 min. For the lower values of fire resistance, there is no advantage in plastering the wall as the unplastered
unit is capable of providing the required resistance.

Table 16 – Fire resistance of hollow stud construction of steel and timber studs

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
a
Cladding thickness
mm
9,0 or 12,0 or 2 x 9,0 or 9,0 + 12,0 or 2 x 12,0 or 12,0b or
Type of 9,5 12,5 2 x 9,5 9,5 + 12,5 2 x 12,5 12,5b
Stud
Type of wall stud spacing Size of stud Fire resistance
mm mm min

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Gypsum 50 x 30 – 30 60 60 60 -
plasterboard Steel 400 63,5 x 30 – 30 60 60 60 60
Non-structural
50 x 30 – 30 – – 60 –
58 x 30 – 30 – – 60 –
600 63,5 x 30 – 20 – – – –
Timber 600 75 x 38 – – 30 – 30 –
Gypsum Timber 400 114 x 38 – – 30 – 30 –
plasterboard
Structural 600 114 x 38 – – – – 30 30
Fibre-cement 58 x 30 20 30 – – – –
boards Steel 400 63,5 x 30 30 – – – – –
(unpressed)
58 x 30 20 20 – – – –
Non-structural
600 63,5 x 30 30 – – – – –
Timber 400 75 x 38 30 30 – – – –
600 75 x 38 – 30 – 30 – –
NOTE 1 Screw spacing for each layer of cladding should not exceed 220 mm.
NOTE 2 Joints of such layers should be staggered.
NOTE 3 Boards should be horizontal.
NOTE 4 Cavity should be filled with mineral wool.
NOTE 5 A dash indicates that a combination has not been tested.
a
Same thickness or combination of thickness - face and reverse side.
b
Glass fibre reinforced gypsum boards.

Table 17 – Fire resistance of structural steel columns

(Mass of steel not less than 45 kg/m)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Fire resistance
Construction and materials min
240 180 120 90 60 30
Minimum thickness of protection
mm

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A. Solid protectiona
1. Reinforced concrete strength of not less than 25 Mpa with natural aggregates –
a) concrete not assumed to be structural ...................... ....................... 50 38 25 25 25 25
b) concrete assumed to be structural .................................................... 75 50 50 50 50 50
2. Solid bricks of clay or sand-lime .......................................................... 75 50 50 50 50 50
3. Solid blocks of foamed slag or pumice concrete reinforced in every second
horizontal joint ............................................................................ 62 62 50 50 50 50
4. Sprayed vermiculite-cement or perlite-cement ...................................... – – 38 32 20 12,5

B. Hollow protectionc
1. Solid bricks of clay or sand-lime reinforced in every fourth horizontal joint,
unplastered ................................................................................... 100 75 50 50 50 50
2. Solid blocks of foamed slag or pumice concrete reinforced b in every second
horizontal joint ............................................................................ 75 62 50 50 50 50
3. Metal lath with gypsum or cement-lime plaster of thickness ................... – – 45 30 20 12,5
4. a) Metal lath with vermiculite-gypsum or perlite-gypsum plaster of
thickness ..................................................... ........................................ 85 65 38 25 18 12,5
b) metal lath spaced 25 mm from flanges with vermiculite-gypsum or perlite–
gypsum plaster of thickness .......................................................... 65 45 25 18 12,5 12,5
5. Gypsum plasterboard with 1,6 mm wire binding at 100 mm pitch–
a) 9,5 mm plasterboard with vermiculite-gypsum plaster of
thickness ............................................................................................. – – 16 12,5 10 7
b) 19 mm plasterboard with vermiculite-gypsum plaster of
thickness ............................................................................................. 32d 19 10 10 7 7
6. Metal lath with sprayed fibre-cement of thickness ................................. 85 65 38 25 12,5 10
7. Vermiculite-cement or perlite-cement slabs of 4:1 mix reinforced with wire mesh
adequately fixed to the column and finished with plaster skim.
Slabs of thickness .................................................................................. – – 25 25 25 25
a
Solid protection means a casing which is bedded close up to the steel without intervening cavities and with all joints in that
casing made full and solid.
b
Where reinforcement is required it shall consist of steel binding wire not less than 2,3 mm in thickness, or a steel mesh
weighing not less than 0,48 kg/m². In concrete protection the spacing of that reinforcement shall not exceed 150 mm in any
direction.
c
Hollow protection means that there is a void between the protective material and the steel. All hollow protection to columns
shall be effectively sealed at each floor level.
d
Light mesh reinforcement is required 12,5 mm to 19 mm below the surface.

Table 18 – Fire resistance of structural steel beams

(Mass of steel not less than 30 kg/m)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Construction and materials Fire resistance
min

240 180 120 90 60 30

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Minimum thickness of protection

mm
a
A. Solid protection
1. Reinforced concrete strength not less than 25 MPa with natural aggregates
a) concrete not assumed to be structural ...................... ....................... 63 50 25 25 25 25
b) concrete assumed to be structural .................................................... 75 50 50 50 50 25
2. Sprayed fibre-cement (density of 140 kg/m3 to 240 kg/m3)......................... 44c 32c 19 19 10 10
3. Sprayed vermiculite-cement or perlite-cement .................. – – 38 32 20 12,5
B. Hollow protectionb
1. Metal lath
a) with cement-lime plaster of thickness ...................... – – 38c 25 19 12,5
b) with gypsum plaster of thickness ........................... – – 22 19 16 12,5
c) with vermiculite-gypsum or perlite-gypsum plaster of thickness……………..
2. Metal lath with sprayed fibre-cement (density of 140 kg/m3 to 240 kg/m3) 32c 19 12,5 12,5 12,5 12,5
of thickness ................................
85 65 38 25 12,5 10
NOTE The use of asbestos is prohibited in the Republic of South Africa.
a
Solid protection means a casing which is bedded close up to the steel without intervening cavities and with all joints in that
casing made full and solid.
b
Hollow protection means that there is a void between the protective material and the steel. All hollow protection to columns
shall be effectively sealed at each floor level.
c
Light mesh reinforcement is required 12,5 mm to 19 mm below the surface.

4.55.4 Where concrete structural elements and components are constructed in accordance with
the relevant requirements contained in SANS 10100-1, such elements and components may be
presumed to have fire resistance related to such construction as given in the tables of SANS
10100-1.

4.56 Non-combustible building materials

4.56.1 General

The building materials listed in 4.56.2 singly or in combination with each other shall comply with
the requirements for non-combustibility as prescribed in SANS 10177-5. Any addition of organic
or other combustible material might render the listed material combustible in terms of
SANS 10177-5. Materials not listed are presumed to be combustible except where proved
otherwise when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-5.

4.56.2 Non-combustible building materials

The following is a list of non-combustible building materials:

a) aluminium (extrusions or castings);

b) fibre-cement (excluding products containing asbestos);
c) fibre-cement products with less than 7,5 % combustible additives;
d) brass;
e) bricks (burnt clay, lime/sand, cement/sand);
f) cement, for example, CEM 1 portland cement (see SANS 50197-1) or CEM 2 portland-
composite cement (see SANS 50197-1), blastfurnace, etc.;
g) clay (burnt or unburnt);
h) concrete;
i) furnace slag;
j) glass;
k) glass fibres (spun, woven or wool, with less than 5 % resin content);

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l) gypsum (with less than 7,5 % paper or other combustibles);

m) lime;
o) metals (other than the alkaline metals);
p) mineral wool (with less than 5 % resin content);
q) mortar (lime, cement, gypsum);
r) perlite;
s) porcelain;
t) pumice;
u) sand;
v) steel (cast or rolled);
w) natural, stone; and
x) vermiculite.

NOTE 1 The metals listed may only be considered to be non-combustible when in their solid form and not when in
the form of a powder, shavings, etc.

NOTE 2 The percentages given are by mass.

NOTE 3 Non-combustible material does not imply a fire resistance.

4.56.3 Surface fire index of materials

Samples of finishing materials to be used on vertical and overhead horizontal surfaces shall be
tested in accordance with subsections 5.1 to 5.4 of SANS 10177-3 and the values obtained from
such test shall be used to calculate the class in accordance with the limiting values given in table
19. For a given class of material the requirements given in columns 2, 3, 4 and 5 of table 19 shall
be individually complied with.

Table 19 – Classification of finishing materials

1 2 3 4 5
Maximum values
Class Spread of flame Heat contributed Smoke emitted Surface fire
index index index index
1 0,1 0,1 0,2 0,1
2 0,7 0,8 1,0 0,6
3 1,5 1,7 2,0 1,2
4 3,5 3,8 4,0 2,9
5 5,5 5,8 6,0 4,5

4.56.4 Fire index of floor coverings

Samples of coverings shall be tested in accordance with subsections 6.1 to 6.4 of SANS 10177-4
and the values obtained from such test shall be used to calculate the class in accordance with the
limiting values given in table 20, and for a given class of floor covering the requirements given in
columns 2, 3, 4 and 5 of table 20 shall be individually complied with.

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Table 20 – Classification of floor coverings

1 2 3 4 5
Maximum values
Spread of flame Heat contributed Smoke emitted Surface fire
Class index index index index
1 0,2 0,2 0,15 0,1
2 1,0 0,9 1,9 0,7
3 2,1 2,1 2,1 1,7
4 3,9 3,9 3,9 3,3
5 5,0 5,0 5,0 4,5

ATRIUM BUILDINGS AND SHOPPING MALLS:

In application of regulation T1 to unusual buildings the accent on and importance of the different requirements may vary
but there are two relatively common types of buildings that may require special consideration in view of the unique
problems they present in the provision of fire protection measures. Atrium buildings and shopping malls are not
adequately covered by the deemed-to-satisfy rules and should in most cases be the subject of a rational design. It is
not possible, within the limitations of this commentary, to cover all the problems which may be encountered but certain
parameters should be taken into account in any design.

In any atrium building special problems of life-safety are created in that smoke, hot gases and even flames may travel
from one or more rooms into the atrium and thence affect areas which would not be affected in the absence of an atrium.
If escape routes can be entirely segregated from the atrium the increase in hazard to life-safety due to the atrium may
not be serious but this segregation normally is difficult to achieve.

The major danger in any fire is that of smoke and hot gases accumulating in the atrium and spreading throughout the
building since in most cases the atrium is open to rooms on each floor or, at best, separated from them by glass walls. It is
therefore essential to provide a properly designed smoke control system but unfortunately little guidance on the subject
exists.

Much will depend upon whether the atrium area is used only as a transit area or whether it serves some other functional
purpose. Design will also be influenced by whether the atrium is open to surrounding areas or not. The use of fire-
resistant glass to close the atrium may be considered but this will not be effective if the glass shatters due to heat effects,
if the glazing seals are poor or if a fire should occur on the atrium floor.

The methods of smoke control that may be considered include direct ventilation of the rooms around the atrium,
throughflow ventilation of the atrium space, depressurization ventilation of the atrium space and hybrid ventilation of the
atrium space.

The direct ventilation of rooms may be achieved by either a dedicated smoke exhaust system or by adapting the normal
ventilation system. Where a room is open to the atrium it must be provided with a downstand barrier to create a reservoir
within the room or a powerful exhaust intake must be provided at the boundary to prevent hot smoke and gases from
entering the atrium. Where the room is separated from the atrium an inlet air supply must be provided which can be via
roof vents and through the atrium.

Throughflow ventilation of the atrium is the most common system but is restricted in use because the smoke layer rust
be above the highest open level. This puts a restriction on the height of atrium which can be used of between 2 and 5
storeys. Depressurization ventilation is used in closed atria or those in which rooms are separated from the atrium by
fire-resistant glass. Its use presumes a knowledge of the temperature of the gas layers and of the rate of heat loss to the
atrium facade. The hybrid ventilation technique employs throughflow ventilation to create a distinct smoke layer and the
depressurization concept to raise the building's neutral pressure plane to a level high enough to protect smoke sensitive
storeys.

It should be noted that whatever method of smoke control is adopted, the most difficult part of any rational design is the
assumed fire size on which the design is based and the justification for the assumption made.

In the case of a shopping mall the main problems are smoke control and control of the spread of any fire combined with
safe means of escape for occupants. Since the width of a mall is normally restricted by economic considerations the
possibility of fire spreading across the mall is a problem and full compartmentation is usually not possible. Sprinkler
protection, particularly in concealed spaces, will slow the spread of fire and limit the quantity of smoke but does little
directly for life protection.

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Smoke control can often be achieved by natural ventilation methods but it is important that adequate smoke reservoirs be
created. In this context it is imperative that a smoke-free zone at least 2,1 m high be maintained to allow people to
escape. Where smoke and hot gases are exhausted from a building these must be replaced by fresh air but the
interaction between air inlets (such as doors) and the smoke reservoir can be a matter for concern. If the smoke base in
the reservoir is not sufficiently far above the inlet, turbulence at the air-smoke interface will cause smoke to mix with the
incoming air and thus be carried through the mall.

Escape from a mall should be reasonably safe provided that no point is further than the usually accepted figure of 45 m
from an escape door. Where higher portions of the building are approached through the mall every effort should be made
to provide entirely separate escape routes which will lead directly from such portions of the building to the open air without
going through the mall.

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Annex A
(normative)

National Building Regulations – Part T: Fire Protection

Part T consists of the following:
T1 General requirement
T2 Offences

T1 General requirement
(1) Any building shall be so designed, constructed and equipped that in case of fire –

(a) the protection of occupants or users therein is ensured and that provision is made for
the safe evacuation of such occupants or users;

(b) the spread and intensity of such fire within such building and the spread of fire to any
other building will be minimized;

(c) sufficient stability will be retained to ensure that such building will not endanger any
other building: Provided that in the case of any multi-storey building no major failure of
the structural system shall occur;

(d) the generation and spread of smoke will be minimized or controlled to the greatest
extent reasonably practicable; and

(e) adequate means of access and equipment for detecting, fighting, controlling and
extinguishing such fire is provided.

(2) The requirements of subregulation (1) shall be deemed to be satisfied where the design,
construction and equipment of any building –

(a) is the subject of an acceptable rational design prepared by a professional engineer or

other approved competent person; or

(b) complies with SANS 10400-T: Provided that where any local authority is of the
opinion that such compliance would not comply with all the requirements of subregulation
(1), such local authority shall, in writing, notify the owner of the building of its reasons for
its opinion and may require the owner to submit for approval a rational design as
contemplated in paragraph (a).

T2. Offences
(1) Any owner of any building who fails to –

(a) provide sufficient fire extinguishers to satisfy the requirements of subregulation T1(1)
(e), or who installs fire extinguishers that do not comply with the relevant SABS (SANS)
specification (standard), or who fails to ensure that such fire extinguishers are installed,
maintained and serviced in accordance with SANS 10105-1; or

(b) maintain any other provision made to satisfy the requirements of subregulation T1(1)
(e), shall be guilty of an offence.

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(2) Any person who causes or permits any escape route to be rendered less effective or to
be obstructed in any way which may hinder or prevent the escape of any person from a
building in the case of fire or any other emergency shall be guilty of an offence.

Annex B
(normative)

Requirements for rRational designs

Rational designs shall comply with the requirements of BS 7974.

BS 7974 is an engineering process description only. It does not place restrictions on the
performance based process of justified reasoning and calculation. Any relevant standards or
technical documents can be used during the process.

Figures B.1, B.2 and B.3 taken from BS 7974: 2001 are included here as a basic guideline and
should by no means be seen as a definitive representation of the content of this part of SANS
10400.

Regulation T1(2) determines that either the deemed-to-satisfy rules are complied with or a
rational design be submitted.

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Figure B.1 – Basic fire safety engineering process

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Figure B.2 – Illustration of likely interactions between sub-systems

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Figure B.3 – Example of time line comparison between fire development and
evacuation/damage to property

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Annex C
(informative)

Application of some of the requirements of this part of SANS 10400

C.1 Requirements for safety distances

C.1.1 Radiant heat from a fire can cause the spread of fire from one building to another. This
danger can be reduced by the provision of sufficient distances between buildings. It should be
noted, however, that the term "safety distance" is in all cases related to a single building and its
distance from some boundary. The distance required between buildings is always the sum of the
two such "safety distances" although one or both such distances could be zero.

The degree to which fire in any building is a danger to any other building is influenced by the
behaviour of the external walls and whether or not they contain windows or other openings. Type
FR wall does not limit the exterior cladding and either combustible or non-combustible cladding
could be used. The fact that this type of wall has the required fire resistance is sufficient to ensure
that, provided that such walls contain no openings, radiant heat from a fire in any building that has
such walls will not present a danger to any other building provided that such walls also contain no
openings and that a fire will be contained for long enough to enable any necessary action to be
taken.

C.1.2 A type F wall does not have full fire resistance but because the requirements for stability
and integrity are complied with and only non-combustible cladding is allowed, any fire will be
contained for long enough to enable the same safety distances that would be required for a type
FR wall to be safely used under most circumstances. The fact that insulation requirements are not
complied with could mean that radiant heat effects are somewhat greater than would be expected
from a type FR wall. This is not generally regarded as significant in terms of safety distance,
except insofar as there are limitations placed on the minimum distance permitted between a type
F wall with no windows or other openings and a lateral boundary or another division or building.

C.1.3 For the purposes of this part of SANS 10400, a type N wall is regarded as providing no
protection against the spread of fire to any other building. In terms of safety distance this type of
wall should therefore be regarded as the equivalent of a window or an opening.

C.1.4 When a fire occurs in a building, radiant heat is emitted through windows or other openings
and, similarly, enters buildings mainly through windows or openings. The distance between two
walls both of which have the required fire resistance and no openings is therefore not restricted in
any way.

C.1.5 The introduction of openings of any kind, or the use of type F walls or type N walls, will lead
to an increase of radiant heat outside any burning building and, in adjacent buildings, to an
increased danger of ignition of the contents of such building. The danger of spread of fire to other
buildings is thus enhanced. The safety distances given in table 2 are calculated on the basis that
at the relevant distance any wall having the required fire resistance, and containing no openings
can withstand the effects of radiant heat. At this distance, however, the degree of radiant heat will
still be sufficient to constitute a danger to an adjacent building if it is able to penetrate such
building through windows or other openings.

C.1.6 In relation to the lateral boundaries of a site, this means that a safety distance, as given in
table 2, should be allowed between any building and such boundaries since a building (with a type
FR wall) could be permitted on the boundary of the adjoining site. In the case of two buildings on
the same site, each building requires its own safety distance from a notional being "boundary" line
between them. This distance may be zero for either building where the building has type FR walls
with no openings. However, where either or both buildings have openings or type F walls or type

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N walls a danger due to radiant heat can occur. Hence, one or both buildings, as the case may be,
will require a safety distance from such notional line between the two buildings.

C.1.7 Danger due to the effects of radiant heat will occur within a zone outside a window or other
opening. This zone can be assumed to be bounded by cut-off lines at approximately 45 ° to the wall,
extending out from such wall to a "safety distance" where the degree of heat no longer constitutes a
threat to any other building, provided that such building has type FR walls with no openings.
Radiant heat diminishes in approximately inverse ratio to the square of the distance from the source
and the safety distance given in table 2 in this part of SAS 10400 are calculated on this basis. The
danger zone, shown in figure C.1, would thus be an area designated by points C, D, E, F, G and H
where - CE = safety distance = HF.

The danger caused by radiant heat entering a building through windows or other openings can be
assumed to occur in a similar zone, calculated in terms of the safety distance required for the
occupancy concerned.

Figure C.1 – Danger zone

C.1.8 In the case where there is, on the same site, a second building with windows opposite or
nearly opposite those in the first building, any danger zone related to the one building would be
assumed to extend to a notional boundary situated at a distance equal to the required safety
distance from that building. Another similar zone would exist between the second building and some
notional boundary situated at an approximate safety distance from the second building. Where the
two buildings are parallel to one another it could be possible to locate the buildings (or parts of the
buildings) and position the windows in each building in such a way that the two notional boundaries
coincide in a single line as shown in figure C.2. This would represent the minimum spacing between
the two buildings. It should be noted that this notional boundary is not necessarily a straight line as
its position will depend upon the relative position of windows in the two buildings.

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Figure C.2 – Safety distance for type FR wall

C.1.9 In order to determine from a plan whether the layout of buildings and the safety distances
provided are satisfactory, the following procedure should be adopted.

From table 2 in this part of SANS 10400 read off the safety distance required for the type of
occupancy and the window area of the building in question. Bear in mind that the figures in table 2
may be modified in terms of the provisions of 4.2.6, 4.2.8 and 4.2.9. Using this distance as a radius,
draw a sector of a circle from any point on a window such as 1 in the building shown in figure C.3.

Repeat for other windows such as 2, 3 and 4. Draw the line AB which is tangent to these circles.

Figure C.3 – Window area safety distance

Bear in mind that the danger area is bounded by lines at 45° to the plane of the wall, as shown in
figure C.1. The regulations will be complied with if no boundary line or wall of any other building lies
in the zone between line AB and the building shown. In figure C.3, therefore, the wall of any building
or boundary positioned on line EF would be acceptable but the wall of any building or any boundary
on line CD would not. Note that where line EF represents the wall of another building the required
minimum distance between lines AB and EF would be determined by the type of wall used in such
building and the size of any openings in the wall.

C.1.10 In the building shown in figure C.4 the two portions of the building may be considered
separately for safety distance. The example given is acceptable in terms of distance from the
boundary. Safety distance from portion B of the building would control the siting of the building in
relation to the boundary even though B is further than A from the boundary.

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Figure C.4 – Combined danger zone and window area safety distance

C.1.11 Figures C.5, C.6 and C.7 show certain common situations, but it is not possible to illustrate
all cases which might occur. In general it may be said that, as long as no possible circle of radius
equal to the required safety distance, drawn from any point on any window or other opening,
intersects any boundary, wall of a building or any circle drawn from any opening in another building
or in another division of the same building, the layout is acceptable. Although the figures show the
general rule it should not be forgotten that this is qualified by the provisions of 4.2.5 which allows
certain exemptions from the rule subject to the limiting values given for the distance between
windows and the included angle between such walls.

Where two buildings both have windows, draw sectors of circles of the required radius from the
windows in facing walls as shown in figures C.5, C.6 and C.7. None of the circles drawn from one
building may intersect any circle drawn from the other.

C.1.12 Where a garage on the same site as a building classified as H4 is situated very close to a
lateral boundary of the site any fire in such garage might give rise to some danger due to radiant
heat from the door opening. It should be noted, however, that in terms of 4.2.10 (d) (2) the area of
opening to be considered is rarely likely to be more than about 5 m². In order to test whether the
distance to the boundary is adequate, the usual method of drawing a circle (of radius equal to the
required safety distance) from a point on the side of the door nearest to the boundary should be
applied. If the garage is found to be too close to the boundary the necessary protection can be
obtained by extending the side wall as shown in figure C.8. The required length of extension can be
determined by adjusting the position of the centre of the circle so that the 45° line intersects the arc
of the circle on the boundary line and touches the end of the wall.

Garages in any domestic occupancy represent a low fire load and it is therefore regarded as
reasonable to treat any garage which is a component of an H3 occupancy in the same way as one
on the site of an H4 occupancy provided that such garage is not large enough to fall within the
description of a parking garage (occupancy J4). Garages attached to individual dwelling units in a
town-house complex should thus be considered as if each dwelling unit was an H4 occupancy.

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Figure C.5 – Intersecting window safety distance (acceptable)

Figure C.6 – Intersecting window safety distance (unacceptable) – Type 1

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Figure C.7 – Intersecting window safety distance (unacceptable) – Type 2

Figure C.8 – Protection of opening in a garage

C.2 Provisions of escape routes

C.2.1 In terms of 4.16.1, all buildings shall be provided with one or more escape routes that can be
used in case of fire or other emergencies. The two most important aspects are that the route
should, at all points, be wide enough to allow the population using such route to move rapidly along
it and it should not, at any time, be obstructed in any way.

C.2.2 The width of any escape route within a dwelling house (occupancy H4) or within an individual
dwelling unit in an occupancy H3 is not critical because of the small population involved and the fact
that the layout of the dwelling unit can be assumed to be well-known to the occupants. In the case
of any occupancy H3 where two or more dwelling units open on to a part of the escape route which
serves all of them, such common part of the route should comply with all the requirements
(including width) for escape routes (see 4.16).

C.2.3 The length of any escape route in an H3 occupancy could be controversial. The travel
distance is always measured from the furthest point in any room in the dwelling unit to the nearest

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escape door or access door but it is important to note that there could be certain special
circumstances that should be considered. In any dwelling unit at ground level, whether an H4
occupancy or part of an H3 occupancy, any "exit" door from the dwelling unit that leads to an
approved open space may be regarded as an escape door and the travel distance measured
accordingly. In the case of a dwelling unit at first floor level, such dwelling unit may be regarded as
an independent unit where it is provided with its own individual stairway leading to the ground
outside the building and does not share any part of the escape route with any other dwelling unit.
However, because an escape door should, by definition, be at ground level, the travel distance
should be measured to an imaginary "escape door" at the foot of the stairway.

Where the travel distance, measured from the furthest point in any room to an escape door, is less
than 45 m, there are no requirements (other than dimensions) for an escape route and in many
cases it will suffice to provide a single escape route. Where the travel distance is more than 45 m
or in a building of more than three storeys in height, it becomes necessary to provide emergency
routes, and hence feeder routes, as part of the escape routes and in all cases it will be necessary to
provide at least two escape routes.

C.2.4 A common path of travel is where, although there can only be one exit door to a room or small
building, all the possible routes use the one exit point. If a corridor forms part of such a layout this is
termed a common path of travel corridor. Such layouts should not be confused with a dead-end
corridor. An easy distinction between the two is that one can move directly out of a common path of
travel whereas one has to retrace one’s steps in order to exit a dead end, thereby doubling the
distance to be travelled.

C.2.5 To be fully effective, feeder routes and emergency routes should supply at least the degree of
protection envisaged in the deemed-to-satisfy provisions given in this part of SANS 10400. This is
particularly important in the case of emergency routes which have to perform the dual function of
protection during evacuation of the building and during subsequent fire-fighting operations.

The essence of any escape route that requires the incorporation of emergency routes is that there
should be at least two possible directions of escape. Where the exit from a room leads into a dead-
end corridor this is not possible and it becomes necessary to reduce to the absolute minimum the
distance to be travelled before either a feeder route or an access door into an emergency route is
reached. In this case, account should be taken of the travel distance both in the room in question
and along the dead-end corridor. This is of consequence both in itself and as part of the total travel
distance to a safe area.

C.2.6 In order to determine what provision is required for escape routes, proceed as follows:

(a) Check the travel distance from the furthest point in a room, measured along the escape route, to
the nearest escape door.

Where this distance is less than 45 m or in any building of not more than three storeys in height
no emergency routes (and hence no feeder routes) are required. With the exception of those
cases covered in 4.16.2(b), only one escape route need be provided, but this should be
dimensionally adequate for the population to be served.

Where the travel distance, measured in accordance with (a) above, is more than 45 m,
emergency routes should form part of the two or more escape routes that should be provided
and these emergency routes should be as far apart as possible, subject to the limitation that the
travel distance to the nearest access door to an emergency route should be not more than 45 m.

(b) Calculate the total population of each floor of the building. Note that in an occupancy classified
as H3, the population within an individual dwelling unit is not, in itself, of concern as the
population figure required is used only in connection with the common part of the escape route
and not that part which is provided within each such dwelling unit.

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(c) Using the population figure calculated in terms of (b) above, calculate the number and width of
the necessary escape routes bearing in mind that

1) the widths of all routes should be approximately equal,

2) because fire might prevent the use of a particular emergency route, one such route is
always discounted in determining the widths required for the remaining emergency
routes, and

3) in the case of a stairway only the population of the most heavily populated storey need
be taken into account in the calculation of width.

C.3 Escape routes

C.3.1 The provisions given for the siting and dimensioning of escape routes apply essentially to
individual occupancies in a building. Where there are unusual circumstances such as might arise in
shopping malls and sport stadiums, the same general principles will apply but much of the detail
might have to be adapted to suit the particular situation.

C.3.2 In any design for fire protection measures in a shopping mall, for instance, population
calculations in accordance with these provisions can only be based on the population calculated for
individual shops. The total figure arrived at in this way will bear little relation to reality and should be
modified by some "diversity factor" to allow for the number of shops. A further allowance will have to
be made for the degree of compartmentatilization, if any, in the mall and the proportion of the
population likely to be inside shops at any given time.

It is not unusual for the larger shops in a shopping mall to have escape routes independent of those
provided for the remainder of the mall. In the case of the smaller shops, service corridors may
double as escape routes but the main promenade in the mall will inevitably also be used for escape
purposes although it could never comply with the requirements for an emergency route. However, in
many cases the mall is wide and the fire load in any individual small shop will not be very large.
Where adequate fire protection measures have been installed it could be possible to confine any
fire to the shop in which it originated.

The number of factors involved is thus very large and is further influenced by the presence, or lack,
of adequate smoke control measures and a fixed means of automatic fire-extinguishment such as a
sprinkler system. In such cases it is essential to consider from the onset the means of escape and
to ensure that it is possible to evacuate the mall in the shortest possible time, preferably in a fully
protected environment.

C.3.3 Large grandstands in sports stadium suffer from all the usual problems associated with large
crowds but, in addition, might present difficulties which are unique to this type of structure. In a
panic situation people might climb over the rows of seats and escape routes are often not as clearly
defined as they would be within a building. The resultant lack of orderly flow might lead to choking
of access doors to emergency routes or of exits from the grandstand. However, it would rarely be
the case that simultaneous evacuation from all parts of the stadium would be necessary and it may
be possible to consider alternative means of escape such as allowing movement of part of the
population to other stands or onto the playing field. As in the case of shopping malls it is impossible
to lay down rigid rules for the provision of escape routes and all possibilities should be taken into
account in order to ensure the safety of those using any grandstand.

C.4 Atrium buildings and shopping malls

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Atrium buildings and shopping malls are not adequately covered by the deemed-to-satisfy
provisions and should, in most cases, be the subject of a rational design.

Bibliography

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BS 5588-6, Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings – Part 6: Code of
practice of assembly.

 Standards South Africa

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