In January this year South Africa introduced the new SANS 53501-1: Reaction to Fire Classification of Thermal Insulation Products, replacing SANS 428: Fire Performance Classification of Thermal Insulated Building Envelope Systems. This update forms a significant part of SANS 10400-T:2024 Edition 5, which governs fire protection in buildings.

Here’s what this change means for the construction and building industry.

Understanding the migration to the new standard

In South Africa, changes to building regulations typically involve a transition period to help the industry adapt to new standards. This migration to SANS 53501-1 is no different.

Projects designed after 1 January 2025: Any new building or construction designed from 1 January 2025 onward must adhere to the requirements of the new standard.

Projects designed before 31 December 2024: Any projects approved for construction before this date fall under the scope of SANS 428 outlined in SANS 10400-T Part T. These projects will continue under the older regulation, and their specifications cannot be retrospectively modified to align with the updated standards.

Businesses or project teams are encouraged to plan their projects carefully, considering the following factors:

• Original design stage and applicable standards.
• Implementation timelines and associated costs.
• Potential delays caused by adopting the new standards.

This phased approach ensures industry stakeholders have sufficient time – typically 6 to 12 months – to fully integrate and implement the new regulations.

Product migration example

As an example of compliance under the new standard, Starlite® was the first faced fibre roof insulation material in South Africa to achieve an A1 fire rating under SANS 428. Following the revision to SANS 10400-T:2024 Ed 5 Fire Protection and subsequent alignment with SANS 53501-1, Starlite underwent updated classification and achieved the following ratings:

• Starlite Foil Faced – A2-s1, d0
• Starlite White Faced – A2-s1, d0
• Starlite Black Faced – A2-s1, d0

Approved usage

Starlite is now certified for use in all single- and multi-level structures under SANS 10400-A Regulation A20: Classification & Designation of Occupancies. Approved occupancy classes include:

• Residential (A1)
• Industrial (B1, D1, D4)
• Educational (E1, E2, E3, E4)
• Healthcare facilities (H1, H2)
• Storage buildings (J1)

Expert advice for a smooth transition

For any enquiry or assistance that may be required regarding the above-mentioned or any other advice on all roof and general building insulation products in South Africa, contact the industry recognised experts, D&D Roof Insulations.