About the FPASA
The Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa (FPASA) was established in 1973 to provide a specialized fire safety management technical and training service to industry, commerce and society at large with the key objective of contributing to the reduction of life and property loss as a result of fire.
Over the years the Association has developed a range of membership options and technical, training and fire safety management consulting services that are recognized for their quality, professionalism and value.
Today the role of the FPASA covers Education, Training, Information, Advice and Consultancy which includes insurer specific projects and representation.
About the Technical Division and Insurer Services
The Associations Technical Department provides fire specific consulting services through two main work streams, namely, fire safety management consulting services and insurer specific projects.
Utilizing a team of qualified professionals, with national and international fire safety consulting experience, we presently offer a range of insurer specific projects and representation activities specifically tailored to help reduce potential insurer fire losses.
Supported by our extensive technical library which provides access to local and international standards, codes and best practice, we are able to offer a comprehensive service aimed specifically at improving fire safety legislation, legal compliance, codes/standards and best practice regarding fire safety management, manual intervention in the workplace and professional fire service preparedness.
To ensure that participating insurers have suitable input regarding the insurer services offered, the FPASA recently formed an Insurer Project Advisory Committee (IPAC) which provides input, guidance and monitoring of insurer projects and research work conducted.
Insurer specific services offered
Fire brigade classification project
Fire brigades are reviewed, classified and monitored through performance indicators based on SANS 10090. Re-auditing takes place every three to five years depending on the size and type of brigade and the result of performance outcomes.
The review process involves site visits to brigades to establish their level of preparedness and service delivery capability using SANS 10090 as the benchmark.
A risk-based approach is used. Brigades that have used other standards and models are recognized in terms of their ability to meet the targets in SANS 10090.
Summaries of the assessment processes, with particular attention to the key deficiencies and challenges experienced by the fire service, are shared with the assessed service. Outcomes are for the use of each service to determine areas of improvement.
FPASA welcomes any opportunities to collaborate on projects of this nature. For further information contact Marius at
National fire loss statistics
Working with local authority fire brigades, insurers and other relevant sources, the FPASA collects and processes relevant data to collate National Fire Loss statistics on an annual basis.
The National fire loss and other statistical studies are disseminated through the Association’s journal ‘Fire Protection’.
Research projects
Projects are undertaken to provide clarity, guidance, advice and information on topics deemed to be of interest to insurers.
Meaningful research projects undertaken in the past include the:
- development of an evaluation document and classification system for fire brigades on which the present SANS 10090 is based.
- drafting of guidance documents for insurers regarding the understanding of SANS 428 and the Euroclass system for construction products used in building finishes.
The scope of research projects undertaken has recently been extended to include an independent review of large loss fires in South Africa and the lessons to be learnt.
Research project outcomes are shared with qualifying insurers through the Associations document series ‘Fire Point: Reports on FPASA research projects of interest to insurers’.
Insurer specific technical enquiries and requests for information are also undertaken by the FPASA library.
Representation
Insurer representation regarding legal compliance/legislation, codes/standards, best practice and fire safety and risk management in business are achieved by participation on suitable forums including:
- various SABS Technical Committees, Sub-Committees and Working Groups.
- the Fire Brigades Board.
- SAQCC (Fire).
- relevant training/qualifications Standards Generating Bodies.
- collaboration with relevant government departments such as the Department of Labour and Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Insurer services funding
All insurer projects and representation activities are funded from a subsidy received from stakeholder members as determined annually by the Associations Board of Directors.
As a result, with the exception of the national fire loss statistics and certain SABS representation activities, the circulation of all other insurer project reports, updates and fire brigade classification information is restricted to stakeholder members only.
For any further information about the insurer project and representation services offered or to enquire about becoming a stakeholder member of the FPASA, please contact:
Telephone: 011 397 1618/19
E-mail:
105 Springbok Road, Bartlett, Boksburg
