Advanced fire testing laboratory launched in South Africa

Ignis Fire Testing has launched an expanded laboratory and workshop near Cape Town and Stellenbosch, marking it as the largest privately-owned fire testing facility in Africa.

This facility aims to meet the increasing global demand for comprehensive fire safety testing services.

Under the leadership of Dirk Streicher, who has over 40 years of experience in civil engineering, the 1500-square-metre facility features an 18-metre-high roof and high-quality fire testing equipment.

It includes three custom-built furnaces, five reaction-to-fire tests, and a cone calorimeter, all designed and built by Ignis Fire Testing’s team in South Africa.

The facility also incorporates sustainability measures such as rainwater harvesting, solar power, and advanced air filtering systems.

Streicher said: “We saw the gap in the market for local and international fire testing.

“Where do you go if you have to test products or materials to adhere to fire safety standards? There are few local options.

“Even internationally, the testing demand is bigger than the supply, leading to major backlogs.

“It is also very expensive for South Africans to test abroad.”

Comprehensive range of fire safety tests

The new facility offers an extensive array of fire safety tests adhering to international standards, including ISO codes.

These capabilities include fire resistance tests for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing structures, a variety of reaction-to-fire classification tests, cone calorimetry confirmation testing, room corner and gas suppression tests, façade tests, and tests for supplementary fire equipment such as sprinklers.

The laboratory is equipped to evaluate various products, including lithium-ion batteries and solar panels, and can adapt to special requirements beyond standard procedures.

This extensive range ensures that Ignis Fire Testing can meet diverse client needs both locally and internationally.

Research and development collaboration

Ignis Fire Testing is also committed to advancing fire safety research and development through its partnership with Stellenbosch University’s Fire Engineering Research Unit (FireSUN), led by Prof. Richard Walls.

Dirk Streicher, who is an extraordinary faculty member at Stellenbosch University, collaborates closely with students and staff, providing access to the facility for research purposes.

This partnership supports post-graduate degrees and co-authored research papers, aiming to push the boundaries of fire safety engineering.

Prof. Walls commented: “It is exciting that a world-class fire test facility is opening in Cape Town to serve the continent and far beyond.”

Global impact and future prospects

The new facilities and research initiatives position Ignis Fire Testing among leading international laboratories.

The innovative technology, competitive pricing, and quick turnaround times are expected to attract global clients.

Ignis Fire Testing’s contributions to the global fire safety community are anticipated to be substantial, with the facility playing a key role in advancing fire safety standards worldwide.