Etex and Shatterprufe® Set New Fire Safety Standards with Groundbreaking Fire Escape Tunnel in South Africa

Project description

Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa – In 2021, Etex, a global leader in lightweight and sustainable construction solutions, and its division Siniat, which specialises in fire-resistant building materials, successfully completed a fire escape tunnel at Shatterprufe®’s manufacturing facility in Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the country’s fire safety standards, solidifying Etex and Siniat’s roles as leading innovators in fire-resistant construction solutions. Shatterprufe®, a leading auto glass manufacturer known for its advanced technology and high-quality production, partnered with Etex to create a fire escape system that meets local fire safety regulations while offering top-level protection for its 1,500 employees. With a production capacity of over 1.2 million windscreens annually, employee safety was a top priority.

The Tunnel Vision: A New Fire Safety Milestone

This project represents a significant advancement in fire safety for South Africa. The fire escape tunnel is an innovative solution, specifically designed to address the fire safety challenges of modern manufacturing facilities. By incorporating advanced fire-resistant technologies and rigorous testing methods, this project sets a new benchmark for fire safety, not just in South Africa, but potentially for industrial facilities worldwide. The tunnel’s cutting-edge design and adherence to national building regulations elevate safety standards, providing an enhanced level of protection for workers in high-risk environments.

A Bold Challenge, A Bold Solution

The mandate from Shatterprufe® was clear: create a fire escape passage within the facility that would allow the safe evacuation of up to 50 employees, complying with fire evacuation legislation that mandates individuals must have access to an escape door within 45 meters of their workstation. The fire passage had to meet the stringent requirements of the National Building Regulations and ensure that it would withstand the rigors of a real fire emergency. As a pioneer in fire-resistant construction, Etex rose to the challenge by specifying the use of their Siniat FireCheck plasterboard system. This advanced solution, known for its superior fire resistance, was tested under intense conditions, including a simulated fire scenario conducted through the "sandbag test." The test demonstrated that the Siniat FireCheck system was able to withstand a 20kg weight lift without cracking, proving its ability to meet both technical and safety requirements. This outcome exceeded the expectations of the Fire Chief, making Etex the preferred partner for the project. Innovative Design and Unmatched Expertise Etex’s involvement was not just about providing high-quality products; it was also about bringing unparalleled technical expertise to the table. The 40-meter-long fire escape passage was a unique design challenge that required precise planning and innovative solutions to meet the specific safety standards. The team at Etex worked closely with Shatterprufe® and DenDonix to ensure that every detail of the design and construction met regulatory and safety requirements.

A Historic Milestone for South Africa

The completion of this project marks a historic achievement in fire safety for South Africa. The fire escape tunnel has been officially approved by both the City Council and the Fire Chief, setting a new standard for fire safety in industrial facilities across the country. This successful implementation not only establishes a benchmark for future specifications but also demonstrates the power of collaboration between industry leaders like Shatterprufe® and Etex.