Fire Protection Water Tanks

Fab Tanks Africa offers ASIB Approved fire water tank options for businesses within the fire industry

Fire protection water tanks store water which is pumped directly into a sprinkler system in the case of a fire outbreak. It’s an extremely valuable source of water that’s needed to protect people in warehouses, industrial businesses and residential developments. In fact, a durable fire water tank is a requirement of insurance companies that a business is obliged to install a fire protection water tank.

The cost of a fire can be devastating, not only to building infrastructure but also where there are deaths as a result of an out-of-control fire.

We at Fab Tanks are leading suppliers in water tanks for multiple purposes. Take a look at our other tanks such as top circular tanks and mining industrial tanks on our website today.

Fire protection water tanks save lives and properties because they’re often the first line of defense before firefighters arrive at the scene of a fire. They provide business owners and homeowners with peace of mind that a fire will not destroy a property or cost people their lives.

A galvanized fire water tank is a dedicated source of water which is essential particularly in drought-stricken areas or in cities and towns where municipal water is scarce or unreliable. They are often buried underground but are easy to get to if and when a fire breaks out.

What you need to know before buying and installing a fire protection tank system

The worst-case scenario in a firefighting situation is running out of water before the fire has been put out completely or the firefighters arrive. This is often the case in areas burdened by drought, inadequate boreholes and poor or non-existent municipal water supply. Our products ensure there is a good supply of water when it’s needed most.

Positioning of a fire water storage tank is important. Most modular fire protection tank systems are buried underground but this depends on the type of material it’s made from; namely, plastic/polyethylene tanks or galvanized steel tanks.

Polyethylene tanks are a more affordable option for a tank but they’re not made to be fully submerged underground. The pressure inserted on them underground can result in them cracking, splitting and leaking. Galvanised steel tanks are more suitable if you plan to bury your fire water tank underground because they are naturally able to withstand more extreme hydrolysis pressure.

Galvanised steel water tanks are more fire-resistant compared to polyethylene tanks which is more flammable. The risk is that an out-of-control, sweeping fire could melt the tank which would make useless in a critical firefighting situation.

Fire water tanks are usually fitted with pumps to extract the water but a better option is to install it as a gravity-fed tank because a bad fire can cause electrical shorts and outages and you might find that you can switch on and operate the pump in this situation. Gravity-fed fire water tanks are only an option if you’re able to elevate the tank high off the ground.

Fire tanks need to be kept full at all times. You don’t want to find that there is too little water in the tank when you need it most. Therefore, it’s important to insure you have an adequate supply of water on the property which is usually a well-functioning borehole.

A vortex inhibitor plays a vital role in ensuring the high volume of water is fast flowing. It prevents air from being drawn into the pump or gravity-fed system which dramatically reduces the flow. Vortex inhibitors are fitted to the outlet pipe of the water pump system.

Depending on the size of the property, you might consider installing more than one fire water tank. In this case, more than one 10-kilolitre tank can be installed in different locations. However, there should be no need to install a separate fire protection water system because fire water tanks are designed to integrate flawlessly with your primary water tank.

 What does the Fire Protection Act say about fire water tanks?

In South Africa, there are very strict regulations that govern fire safety and protection against outbreaks of fire in the residential, industrial, commercial and agricultural sectors. This legislation is covered under SANS 10400: Part T – Fire Protection Act.

Essentially, it addresses the requirement that all buildings must be designed, constructed and fully equipped in the event of a fire, where:

1. the occupants or people using the building will be protected, including persons with disabilities

2. the spread and intensity of any fire within buildings, and the spread of fire to any other buildings, will be minimised

3. 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

4. the generation and spread of smoke will be minimized or controlled to the greatest extent reasonably practicable

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

Speak to us for more information on the best fire water tank solutions and we can help you customise one for your needs. Fab Tanks Africa supplies fire water tanks that are produced using galvanised panels that are corrosion resistant and durable. Tanks can be customised to your site specifications and assembled easily and cost-effectively on site.