A fire can close a small business for good. Beyond the obvious risk to people, fire safety is also something inspectors, landlords, insurers and municipal fire officers check. This guide covers the fire safety basics every South African office, shop and small workplace should have in place.
Which laws apply?
- The OHS Act requires every employer to provide a safe workplace, and that includes fire safety.
- General Safety Regulations, regulation 13J (fire precautions and means of egress) requires escape routes and enough suitable, well-maintained firefighting equipment. These rules have taken over from the fire section of the old Environmental Regulations for Workplaces, which were repealed in 2026.
- Your municipality’s fire safety by-laws, enforced by the local fire department, cover things like flammable liquids, fire equipment and emergency routes.
- The National Building Regulations (SANS 10400-T) set fire protection requirements for buildings, and SANS 1475 covers servicing of fire extinguishers.
- On construction sites, regulation 29 of the Construction Regulations 2014 adds specific fire precautions.
1. Escape routes and exits
Regulation 13J requires workplaces to have escape routes that let people get out quickly and safely:
- At least two exits, as far apart as practicable, taking into account the size of the workplace and the number of people.
- Emergency escape doors that open outwards where practicable, and can be opened easily from the inside without a key.
- Passages, stairs and exits kept clear, with handrails on stairs, and no stock, boxes or furniture in the way.
- Clear exit signage and, where needed, emergency lighting for power failures and load-shedding.
2. Fire extinguishers and equipment
- Provide enough of the right type for the hazards: dry chemical powder for general use, CO2 near electrical equipment, and the right type for kitchens and flammable liquids.
- Mount them at strategic points, such as near exits and high-risk areas, at an easy-to-reach height, with signs above them. Your local fire department can advise on placement.
- Have them serviced annually by a SANS 1475-accredited company using registered technicians, and check that the service label is current.
- Do a quick monthly inspection: is it in place, unobstructed, pressure in the green, safety pin and seal intact? Record it on a checklist.
- Larger buildings may also need hose reels, hydrants, detection and alarms, depending on building approval and by-laws.
3. Prevent fires in the first place
- No overloaded multi-plugs or daisy-chained extension cords, and have damaged cables replaced.
- Keep electrical distribution boards closed, labelled and clear of storage.
- Store flammable liquids and gas cylinders correctly, in small quantities, away from ignition sources.
- Good housekeeping: no piles of paper or cardboard near heaters, lights or electrical equipment.
- Look after generators, inverters and lithium batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions, in a ventilated area.
- Have a designated smoking area away from buildings and stock.
4. Emergency plan and evacuation
- A written emergency and evacuation procedure, with a site plan showing exits and the assembly point
- Appointed fire marshals or evacuation wardens, and a person responsible for the roll call
- Emergency numbers displayed, including the local fire department
- Records of fire drills and of what you improved afterwards
Fire safety checklist for your safety file
- Fire risk assessment
- Emergency and evacuation procedure, and site plan
- Fire fighter / fire marshal appointments and training certificates
- Fire equipment register with service dates
- Monthly fire equipment inspection checklists
- Fire drill reports and attendance registers
Get your fire safety paperwork and training sorted. Our Office & Small Business Safety File includes the emergency and evacuation procedure, fire risk assessments, fire marshal appointments and inspection checklists. We also offer QCTO-accredited basic fire fighting training at your premises.
Frequently asked questions
How often must fire extinguishers be serviced?
Fire extinguishers should be serviced at least once a year by a SANS 1475-accredited service company, and checked visually every month by the business.
How many fire extinguishers does a small office need?
It depends on the size, layout and hazards of the premises. The law requires an adequate supply of suitable equipment at strategic points. Your fire risk assessment and the local fire department’s recommendations will guide the number and type.
Do we have to do fire drills?
A tested emergency plan is part of providing a safe workplace, and most standards, insurers and clients expect at least one evacuation drill a year, with a written report.
Who checks fire safety in my business?
Department of Employment and Labour inspectors check compliance with the OHS Act and its regulations, and municipal fire officers enforce the fire safety by-laws. Insurers often check as well.
Can an emergency exit door be locked?
Escape doors must be easy to open from the inside at all times while people are in the building. Security measures must not prevent people from getting out quickly in an emergency.
