9 Five-year service
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1432 – Revised Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection Systems and Appliances – (31 May 2012) - Annex – Revised Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection Systems and Appliances - 9 Five-year service

9 Five-year service

 At least once every five years, the following inspections should be carried out for the specified equipment.

  9.1 Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems

 Perform internal inspection of all control valves.

  9.2 Foam fire-extinguishing systems

  • .1 perform internal inspection of all control valves;

  • .2 flush all high expansion foam system piping with fresh water, drain and purge with air;

  • .3 check all nozzles to prove they are clear of debris; and

  • .4 test all foam proportioners or other foam mixing devices to confirm that the mixing ratio tolerance is within +30 to -10% of the nominal mixing ratio defined by the system approval.

  9.3 Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems

  • .1 flush all ro-ro deck deluge system piping with water, drain and purge with air;

  • .2 perform internal inspection of all control/section valves; water quality testing should be conducted in all corresponding piping sections, if not previously tested as outlined in paragraph 7.5.18 within the last five years;

  • .3 check condition of any batteries, or renew in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations; and

  • .4 for each section where the water is refilled after being drained or flushed, water quality should meet manufacturer's guidelines. Testing of the renewed water quality should be conducted and recorded as a new baseline reference to assist future water quality monitoring for each corresponding section.

  9.4 Breathing apparatus

 Perform hydrostatic testing of all steel self-contained breathing apparatus cylinders. Aluminium and composite cylinders should be tested to the satisfaction of the Administration.

  9.5 Low-location lighting

 Test the luminance of all systems in accordance with the procedures in resolution A.752(18).

  9.6 Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers

 Visually examine at least one extinguisher of each type manufactured in the same year and kept on board.


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