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2026/03/23: SOP Fire FightersDocument Number: FRETEAM01Version: 01Compiled By: Dean JacobsReview Date: 2027/03/231. PURPOSETo establish a structured procedure for the appointment, training, and responsibilities of Fire Fighters (Level 1) to ensure:<ul><li>Rapid response to fire emergencies </li><li>Protection of life, property, and assets </li><li>Compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 </li><li>Effective use of firefighting equipment </li></ul> 2. SCOPEThis procedure applies to:<ul><li>All appointed Fire Fighters (Level 1) </li><li>All departments within SPAR Health </li><li>All operational areas and facilities </li></ul>It covers:<ul><li>Fire emergency response </li><li>Use of firefighting equipment </li><li>Evacuation support </li><li>Fire prevention activities </li></ul> 3. LEGAL COMPLIANCEThis SOP complies with:<ul><li>Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 </li><li>General Safety Regulations </li><li>SANS 10400 (Fire Protection) </li><li>SANS 10139 (Fire Detection Systems) </li><li>SANS 1475 (Fire Extinguishers) </li></ul> 4. APPOINTMENT OF FIRE FIGHTERS<ul><li>Fire Fighters must be formally appointed in writing </li><li>Minimum recommended ratio: <ul><li>Based on risk assessment (typically 1 per department/area) </li></ul></li><li>Fire Fighters must: <ul><li>Be physically capable </li><li>Be available during shifts & after hours</li><li>Be trained in basic firefighting </li></ul></li></ul> 5. TRAINING REQUIREMENTSAll Fire Fighters (Level 1) must be trained in:<ul><li>Basic fire behaviour and fire triangle </li><li>Types/classes of fires (A, B, C, D, F) </li><li>Use of fire extinguishers </li><li>Hose reel operation </li><li>Emergency evacuation procedures </li></ul>Training must be:<ul><li>Conducted by a competent provider </li><li>Refreshed periodically (recommended) </li></ul> 6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIESFire Fighters (Level 1) are responsible for:<ul><li>Responding immediately to fire alarms </li><li>Attempting to extinguish small, controllable fires </li><li>Assisting with evacuation procedures </li><li>Directing employees and visitors to assembly points </li><li>Preventing panic and maintaining order </li><li>Reporting all incidents to the Safety Officer </li></ul>Important: Fire Fighters must not take unnecessary risks or fight large/uncontrolled fires.7. FIRE RESPONSE PROCEDUREIn the event of a fire:<ol><li>Raise the alarm immediately </li><li>Notify emergency services </li><li>Assess the situation </li><li>If safe to do so: <ul><li>Use appropriate fire extinguisher </li><li>Attack fire at the base </li></ul></li><li>If unsafe: <ul><li>Evacuate immediately </li><li>Assist others in evacuation </li></ul></li><li>Proceed to assembly point </li><li>Report to supervisor </li></ol> 8. FIRE PREVENTION DUTIESFire Fighters must:<ul><li>Participate in fire risk inspections </li><li>Identify fire hazards (blocked exits, faulty equipment, etc.) </li><li>Ensure fire equipment is accessible </li><li>Do monthly inspections on fire equipment using QR codes and submitting on Shefes</li></ul> 9. FIRE EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS<ul><li>Fire extinguishers must be: <ul><li>Checked monthly (QR code system) </li><li>Serviced as per SANS requirements </li></ul></li><li>Fire Fighters must: <ul><li>Ensure equipment is visible and accessible </li><li>Report missing or damaged equipment </li></ul></li></ul> 10. EVACUATION SUPPORTFire Fighters must:<ul><li>Assist in orderly evacuation </li><li>Ensure all areas are cleared (if safe) </li><li>Guide individuals to assembly points </li><li>Prevent re-entry into the building </li></ul> 11. COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL<ul><li>Maintain communication with: <ul><li>Maintenance Manager / Safety Officer </li><li>Emergency services </li><li>Supervisors  </li></ul></li><li>All incidents must be reported and documented </li></ul> 12. RECORD KEEPINGThe following must be maintained:<ul><li>Appointment records </li><li>Training certificates </li><li>Fire drill records </li><li>Inspection reports </li><li>Incident reports </li></ul> 13. LIMITATIONS OF AUTHORITYFire Fighters (Level 1):<ul><li>Are trained for incipient (early-stage) fires only </li><li>Must not: <ul><li>Enter smoke-filled areas without training/equipment </li><li>Attempt to fight large or hazardous fires </li><li>Endanger themselves or others </li></ul></li></ul> 14. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS<ul><li>Fire drills must be conducted regularly (at least Quarterly) </li><li>Fire Fighters must actively participate in drills </li><li>Emergency procedures must be clearly communicated </li></ul> 15. REVIEW AND REVISIONThis SOP must be reviewed:<ul><li>Annually  </li><li>After fire incidents </li><li>After changes in legislation or operations</li></ul>

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