Student accommodation in South Africa operates under a specific set of fire safety and occupational health obligations. Whether you manage a private hostel, a student residence, or a converted property near a university campus, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) and local municipal fire by-laws require you to maintain a compliant fire safety environment year-round.
This guide covers the specific safety equipment and signage products required in South African student accommodation — what they are, where they go, and where to buy them.
For the full compliance checklist covering inspections, procedures and documentation, see our article: Student Accommodation Fire Safety Compliance: A Complete Checklist
Required Safety Equipment by Area
| Area | Required Equipment | Relevant Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance / Corridors | Photoluminescent exit signs, DCP fire extinguisher, fire extinguisher location sign, no smoking sign | SANS 10400-T, OHS Act, Municipal Fire By-laws |
| Kitchen | CO2 fire extinguisher, fire blanket with location sign, no smoking sign | SANS 10400-T, OHS Act |
| Bathrooms | Wet floor warning sign, no smoking sign, first aid sign (where applicable) | SANS 1186, OHS Act |
| Bedrooms | Smoke detector (one per room), emergency exit directional sign | Municipal Fire By-laws, SANS 10400-T |
| Stairwells | Photoluminescent exit signs (at least one per floor), directional arrows, DCP fire extinguisher | SANS 10400-T, SANS 1186 |
| Common Areas | Assembly point sign, DCP fire extinguisher, emergency exit signs, no smoking signs | SANS 1186, OHS Act, Municipal Fire By-laws |
Fire Extinguishers
Every student residence requires fire extinguishers in accessible locations on each floor and in common areas. The correct type depends on the risk area:
DCP extinguishers (dry chemical powder):
- Suitable for general common areas, hallways, lounges, and storage rooms
- Covers Class A, B, and C fires
- Available in 1kg, 2.5kg, 4.5kg and 9kg
CO2 extinguishers (carbon dioxide):
- Required in kitchen areas where electrical appliances are present
- Leaves no damaging residue — safe around appliances and electronics
- Available in 2kg and 5kg
Placement rule: Extinguishers must be within 30 metres of any point in the building, visible, unobstructed, and mounted at the correct height (handle between 0.9m and 1.5m from floor level for standard extinguishers).
Fire Blankets
Fire blankets are essential in student kitchen areas. A fire blanket is used to smother small fires — most commonly a pan fire or a burning piece of clothing — and to wrap around a person whose clothing is alight.
Required in:
- Every kitchen or cooking area in student accommodation
- Common room areas where cooking appliances are present
Fire blankets must be in a clearly marked red pouch, mounted in an accessible location near (but not immediately above) the stove. A fire blanket location sign must be displayed above it.
Photoluminescent Exit Signs
Exit signs are the most commonly missing compliance item in student accommodation buildings. During a fire, smoke reduces visibility significantly — and during load shedding, emergency lighting may not function reliably.
Photoluminescent exit signs store ambient light and glow green for up to 8 hours in darkness with no power required.
Required locations in student accommodation:
- Above every emergency exit door
- At every corridor junction on the evacuation route (directional arrows)
- In stairwells — at least one per floor, indicating exit direction
- At the final exit door on each evacuation route
The SANS 10400-T standard requires photoluminescent exit signs in all buildings over four storeys and in any enclosed stairwell or corridor where emergency lighting cannot be guaranteed.
Assembly Point Sign
Every student residence must have a designated emergency assembly point — the area where all occupants gather after evacuating. This point must be:
- Outside the building and away from potential fire or hazard
- Clearly signed with a SANS 1186 assembly point sign (green, person with upward arrows)
- Communicated to all tenants in the emergency evacuation procedure
Fire Hose Reel and Backing Board
Larger student accommodation buildings (typically those over two storeys or above 500m² floor area) require a fire hose reel installed on each floor. The hose reel must:
- Be in a visible, unobstructed location
- Have a red fire hose reel backing board
- Have an overhead fire hose reel location sign (SANS 1186 red rectangle)
- Be tested and serviced annually
Smoke Detectors
While not supplied by Dimple Safety, smoke detectors are required in every bedroom and in common areas under most South African municipal fire by-laws for student accommodation. The local authority’s Fire Department typically inspects for:
- One smoke detector per bedroom
- Interconnected or individually audible alarms
- Battery backup on all units
Annual battery replacement is the landlord’s responsibility.
Mandatory Safety Signs for Student Accommodation Buildings
In addition to fire equipment signs, a compliant student residence requires:
- No smoking signs (prohibition) in all indoor common areas
- Emergency exit directional signs at all corridor junctions
- Assembly point designation at the external gathering point
- Fire extinguisher location signs above every extinguisher
- Fire blanket location signs in kitchen areas
- Do not use lift in fire (if a lift is present)
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety equipment is legally required in student accommodation in South Africa?▼
Under the OHS Act and municipal fire by-laws, student accommodation in South Africa must have fire extinguishers (DCP and CO2), fire blankets, photoluminescent exit signs, smoke detectors in every bedroom, an assembly point sign, and relevant safety signage throughout the building. The specific requirements are governed by SANS 10400-T and your local authority’s fire by-laws, which may impose additional obligations depending on the building’s size and occupant numbers.
How many fire extinguishers does a 10-room student house need?▼
As a general guideline under SANS 10400-T, at least one extinguisher must be accessible within 30 metres of any point in the building. A 10-room student house typically requires a minimum of one DCP extinguisher per floor in corridors, one CO2 extinguisher in the kitchen, and additional units in common areas if the floor plan exceeds 30 metres in any direction. A fire risk assessment or a compliance supplier like Dimple Safety can confirm the exact number for your specific layout.
Does student accommodation need a fire evacuation plan?▼
Yes. The OHS Act and most South African municipal fire by-laws require that any building housing multiple occupants must have a documented fire evacuation procedure. This plan must identify assembly points, escape routes, and the responsibilities of a designated fire warden. For NSFAS-accredited and university-affiliated properties, the accreditation body may require the evacuation plan to be displayed in the building and updated annually.
What happens to a landlord who doesn’t have compliant safety equipment in student accommodation?▼
Non-compliant landlords face enforcement action from their local municipality’s Fire Department, which can include a formal notice of non-compliance, a fine, or a prohibition order preventing occupation of the building. In the event of a fire causing injury or death, the landlord may face civil liability claims and criminal charges under the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act. Insurance claims can also be denied if the property was not compliant at the time of the incident.
Are NSFAS-accredited properties required to have safety signs?▼
Yes. NSFAS accreditation requirements for student accommodation include fire safety compliance as part of the structural and safety criteria. Properties must demonstrate compliance with the OHS Act and local fire by-laws, which includes the provision of correct safety signage, fire extinguishers, and emergency evacuation equipment. Failure to meet these requirements can result in loss of NSFAS accreditation.
Can I buy a full compliance kit for student accommodation from one supplier?▼
Yes. Dimple Safety supplies compliance packs for student accommodation that are configured to your building size and include fire extinguishers, photoluminescent exit signs, fire blankets, assembly point signs, and all associated location signage. This makes it easier to manage procurement and ensures all products are correctly specified. Request a quote at dimplesafety.co.za or call 011 493 3000.
Does Dimple Safety supply safety equipment packages for student accommodation?▼
Yes. Dimple Safety supplies student accommodation compliance packs from its Booysens, Johannesburg warehouse, configured for the size and layout of your property. Packs include DCP and CO2 fire extinguishers, photoluminescent exit signs with directional arrows, fire blankets with location signs, assembly point signs, and backing boards. Same-day collection is available and delivery is offered across Johannesburg and nationally.
Compliance Packs from Dimple Safety
Dimple Safety supplies student accommodation fire safety compliance packs for Johannesburg-area landlords and property managers. A pack is configured to your building size and includes:
- Fire extinguishers (DCP and CO2, sized for your floor plan)
- Photoluminescent exit signs and directional arrows
- Assembly point sign
- Fire blanket with signage
- Fire equipment location signs and backing boards
Request a quote at dimplesafety.co.za or call 011 493 3000. We supply from our Booysens, Johannesburg warehouse with same-day collection or delivery.
