It’s time we talk.

Across the fire safety engineering world in SA, a subtle but critical problem is emerging – and it is about to become very public as the current SABS review unfolds.

• Engineers are signing Form 3 (Certificate of Completion – SANS 10400-A) inadvertently referencing fire protection system compliance to EN standards – particularly EN 12101, without supporting verified certificates in place.
• SANS 10400-T fire protection requirements make passing reference to international standards, including EN 12101 – but do not enforce them in a traceable, certifiable manner unless explicitly evidenced.
• Many products installed today are promoted as “EN compliant”, but lack valid EN Declaration of Performance (DoP) or test traceability.

This is not a minor paperwork issue.

If you sign Form 3 and the system does not truly comply, your Professional Practice Insurance (PPI) could not cover you if there is a failure – especially if it can be shown that the language you used in the certificate was misleading.

Zoom-in: SANS 10400-T and EN 12101 references

Let’s be clear: the current Form 3 (SANS 10400-A) does not explicitly mention or require EN standards.

However, in practice, an “EN by association” culture has developed in the fire protection industry:

↳ SANS 10400-T makes reference to certain EN standards, including parts of EN 12101, as informative or supportive material, not as mandatory compliance in all cases.

↳ Suppliers and tender documents frequently reference “EN compliant” language, often without the supporting EN Declaration of Performance (DoP) or traceable certification.

↳ Engineers are increasingly signing Form 3 using boilerplate phrases such as “complies to EN”, “aligned with EN standards”, or similar – without verifying the evidence chain.

↳ Clients are often led to believe they are receiving fully EN-certified systems – when, in fact, Form 3 may not and cannot lawfully certify EN compliance without full traceability.

This is where the professional risk lies: signing a document that implies a level of compliance not proven in evidence, and not explicitly required by Form 3 or SANS 10400-A.

Why this matters

• Insurance scrutiny post-incident will demand proof of EN compliance if referenced.
• If not documented, your PPI may not defend your position.
• This is both a professional risk and a safety risk: vague references cannot save lives.

Market trends we are seeing

❌ Suppliers claiming “EN compliance” without producing valid EN DoPs or test evidence

❌ Tenders using “EN compliant” language without validation clauses

❌ Engineers signing Form 3with boilerplate wording implying EN compliance – without supporting evidence

What must change

As the SABS Review forces reflection on our standards integrity, now is the time for engineers to:

✅ Push back on vague references: ask for the actual EN certificates and DoPs

✅ Be clear in your Form 3 wording: do not sign what you cannot substantiate

✅ Educate clients: “EN compliant” is not EN certifiedunless fully evidenced

✅ Protect your professional standing: your name and your PPI are on the line

An industry-wide alliance. A path forward

IC Colt (Pty) Ltd, as certified partner to Colt International in Sub-Saharan Africa, is proud to be one of the founding supporters of an industry fire standards alliance now forming to promote:

✔️ Verifiable, transparent compliance across all fire protection systems

✔️ Clear reference tools for engineers and consultants

✔️ Independent technical guidance on EN vs SANSreferences

✔️ Open collaboration across all credible market players, past and present, who wish to raise standards

“This is not about competition – it is about professional honour, safety, and engineering excellence.”

We will contribute international best practice insight and support the alliance’s education efforts, and we openly invite all responsible parties to engage.

Moving forward

• In the coming months we will publish further thought leadership and practical guidance to help engineers navigate this complex space with integrity.
• We will also advocate for clearer guidance and language in industry practice, so that references to EN Standards in tender documents and project specifications do not inadvertently create false compliance assumptions in Form 3 certification processes.

Lives depend on us getting this right.

👉 Join the conversation.

👉 Engage with the alliance.

👉 Let’s elevate fire safety in Southern Africa. Together.