Plumbing Africa November 2018 | Page 61

DESIGN: DEAR MR PLUMBER 59 << Continued from page 57 Should we not make people more aware of the dangers of old electrical flex and extensions and multiple plugs? Perhaps a permanent notice on the multiplug that it is only to be used from one 15A plug? The fire hose reel is a ‘first aid tool’ for anybody to use in an emergency, but how many people know that it is dangerous to direct the water on or into an electrical installation? I believe we must concentrate more on how to prevent fires and leave the firefighting to the fire brigade who is thoroughly trained and equipped. Water is becoming a huge problem and the design and supply of water systems for fire protection and firefighting will have to be reviewed seriously. Fortunately, there are excellent engineers who are wrestling with these challenges and perhaps the future will look different. PA www.plumbingafrica.co.za In many large buildings, the escape routes are closed and locked and used as ‘storerooms’. Many old buildings are hazardous environments, waiting for disaster to strike. Is it not necessary perhaps to require an annual certificate of safety (CoS), which must include the electrical installation and gas installation? The fire hose reel is a ‘first aid tool’ for anybody to use in an emergency. November 2018 Volume 24 I Number 9