ZSCA regulates fire extinguishers

…to ensure safety of users and property

By FIRE NATION extinguishers REPORTER are now being regulated to Compulsory ensure safety Standards of the end-user, Agency the (ZSCA) Zambia has said. ZSCA public relations officer Lee Haamunji yesterday said in an interview that fire extinguishers were among the 60 products that ZCSA regulated, adding that it was essentially important that all handlers and users of fire extinguishers adhered to the safety standards of the product.

Mr. Haamunji said his organisation paid particular attention to fire extinguishers because they were extremely important as they were the most used for protection against fire and was first in the line of defence and often contained or extinguished fire with much ease, thereby preventing costly damage. “This means that most fire extinguishers that are used in buildings and houses will be able to offer the required safety to users and this will prevent their properties from being damaged. The types of fire extinguishers that ZCSA is regulating includes portable fire extinguishers and portable non-refillable fire extinguishers,” Mr Haamunji said.

He said the agency would work with other state institutions such as the Lusaka City Council (LCC) in ensuring that the safety of the product was assured to end users.

“These often overlooked devices can be a key component towards keeping you safe during a fire emergency situation. Business owners sometimes view fire extinguishers as red cans simply hanging on the wall and used to manage their business. But these red cans serve a very useful purpose.

“The country has witnessed unprecedented breaks of fire in the recent past burning both public properties and private hence, the need to ensure that safety at all levels is enhanced,” he said.