Fire Protection System Maintenance

QD Fire Maintenance provides a tier-one solution for the testing and maintenance of fire protection systems. We bridge the gap between complex statutory requirements and seamless operational continuity.

The Regulatory Framework: ASIB and SANS Compliance

In South Africa, fire protection is governed by a strict hierarchy of standards. Adherence to SANS 10400-T and SANS 10287 is mandatory, yet the industry benchmark for excellence is defined by the Automatic Sprinkler Inspection Bureau (ASIB). QD Fire maintains the highest degree of ASIB certification - ASIB Supervising Installer. We also provide fire protection system maintenance in accordance with NFPA and FM.

Operating under the ASIB 12th Edition rules, QD Fire ensures that every fire protection system under our care meets the stringent criteria required for an ASIB Clearance Certificate. For large to medium scale industrial and commercial businesses, this certificate is more than a formality; it is a critical instrument for:

• Insurance Validity: Ensuring that property and business interruption claims are not repudiated due to "failure to maintain."

• Director Liability: Demonstrating due diligence under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.

• Asset Valuation: Maintaining the long-term capital value of industrial and commercial real estate.

QD+: Leaders in Fire Protection System Maintenance

QD+ is our response to the need for a more agile, transparent, and professional service model in fire protection maintenance.

The Subscription Advantage

• Operational Flexibility: Our "cancel anytime" policy shifts the power back to the client, ensuring that our team remains accountable for high-performance delivery month after month.

• 24/7 Priority Response: QD+ subscribers receive immediate technical assistance for system faults, minimising the risk of accidental water damage or prolonged system downtime.

Technical Excellence - QD Fire Protocol

Our maintenance methodology is rooted in precision and documented verification. We operate across Gauteng as well as the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape, deploying specialised technicians to execute complex service schedules.

1. Weekly System Checks

As dictated by the ASIB standard, weekly inspections are the frontline of fire safety. Every QD Fire inspection culminates in a detailed digital report featuring photographic evidence and time-stamped data. This creates a forensic audit trail that satisfies all insurance adjusters.

The following is checked and recorded by QD Fire:

• Any signs of leakage from the system.

• All water and air pressure gauge readings on installations, trunk mains and pressure tanks.

• All water levels in elevated private reservoirs, water storage tanks (including pump priming water tanks) and pressure tanks.

• The correct position of all main stop valves.

• The incoming town main feed valves to the suction tank are checked to ensure they are in the correct position.

• The main suction line isolating valves feeding the pumps are checked to ensure they are in the correct position.

• We check all main control and isolating valves are in their correct operative positions.

• We check the electrical supply on the voltmeters.

• We check the isolators on the pump house distribution board.

• We check the auto-start arrangement by reducing the water pressure on the starting device for each pump, thus simulating the condition of automatic starting. When the pump starts, we record the starting (cut in) pressure, and check that this is correct.

• On the diesel fire pumps, we check the oil pressure gauges, and the flow of cooling water through open circuit cooling systems.

• We run the jockey pump under supervision for a minimum of 30-seconds, or for the time recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is longer.

• After the auto-start test, we check the fuel and engine lubricating oil levels in diesel engines.

• We check the battery built in hydrometer colour against the colour chart on the battery casing.

• We then run the fire pump engine under supervision for a minimum of 30 minutes, or for the time recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is longer.

• We then run the electric motor under supervision for a minimum of 10 minutes, or for the time recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is longer.

• Each alarm valve in the ICV is checked for any leakage or damage, after which we run each water motor alarm gong for 30 seconds.

These are just some of the general checks completed by QD Fire on a weekly basis, further checks are completed in accordance with a site by site review.

2. ICV Overhauls

The Installation Control Valve (ICV) is the central intelligence of a sprinkler installation. Over a three-year cycle, internal components are subject to wear and tear. In accordance with the latest ASIB 12th edition standard, Wet Type Alarm Valves require an overhaul every three years. All Dry type / Deluge Alarm valves will require an overhaul annually. Our major overhauls involve stripping, cleaning, replacing gaskets and recalibrating these valves to ensure compliance and correct operation in the event of a fire. QD Fire provides an identification name and date tag stating when we completed the last overhaul which we attach to each alarm valve serviced within the ICV chamber.

3. Fire Pump Services

A suppression system is only as effective as its water supply. We conduct annual services of diesel and electric fire pumps to ensure compliance with the latest ASIB 12th edition standard. After the service we complete performance testing on both the electric and diesel fire pumps, verifying that the flow rate meets the original design specification of the system. QD Fire provides an identification name and date tag stating when we completed the last overhaul which we attach to the engine of each fire pump.

4. Fire Water Storage Tanks

Fire water storage tanks are inspected every three years. QD Fire completes examinations for corrosion both internally and externally. The fire water storage tanks are drained, cleaning and the internal fabric bladder is refurbished if required.

5. Pressure Gauges

All pressure gauges on the fire protection system are tested and calibrated every three years. All faulty pressure gauges are replaced immediately if found damaged.

Trust QD Fire for Your Fire Protection System's maintenance

With more than 30 years in the fire protection industry, QD Fire has the expertise to ensure your fire protection system is always in perfect working order.

By partnering with QD Fire, you are engaging a team that understands the intersection of engineering excellence and corporate governance. We invite you to experience a more professional, transparent approach to fire safety.

Secure your assets today. Our regional head offices in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Gqeberha are always available to assist You with a comprehensive assessment and review of Your Fire Protection System.