MSC.1/Circ.1432

31 May 2012

 

REVISED GUIDELINES FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES

 

1          The Maritime Safety Committee, at its ninetieth session (16 to 25 May 2012), having considered a proposal by the Sub-Committee on Fire Protection, at its fifty-fifth session, and recognizing the need to include maintenance and inspection guidelines for the latest advancements in fire-protection systems and appliances, approved the Revised Guidelines for the maintenance and inspection of fire protection systems and appliances, as set out in the annex.

 

2          Member Governments are invited to apply the annexed Guidelines when performing maintenance, testing and inspections in accordance with SOLAS regulation II-2/14.2.2.1 on or after 31 May 2013 and bring the annexed Guidelines to the attention of shipowners, shipmasters, ships' officers and crew and all other parties concerned.

 

3          This circular supersedes MSC/Circ.850.

 

ANNEX

 

REVISED GUIDELINES FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES

 

1          Application

 

These Guidelines apply to all ships and provide the minimum recommended level of maintenance and inspections for fire protection systems and appliances. This information may be used as a basis for the ship's onboard maintenance plan required by SOLAS regulation II-2/14. These Guidelines do not address maintenance and inspection of fixed carbon dioxide systems or portable fire extinguishers. Refer to the comprehensive instructions provided in the Guidelines for the maintenance and inspections of fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems (MSC.1/Circ.1318) for fixed carbon dioxide systems, and in the Improved Guidelines for marine portable fire extinguishers (resolution A.951(23)) for portable fire extinguishers.

 

2          Operational readiness

 

All fire protection systems and appliances should at all times be in good order and readily available for immediate use while the ship is in service. If a fire protection system is undergoing maintenance, testing or repair, then suitable arrangements should be made to ensure safety is not diminished through the provision of alternate fixed or portable fire protection equipment or other measures. The onboard maintenance plan should include provisions for this purpose.

 

3          Maintenance and testing

 

3.1       Onboard maintenance and inspections should be carried out in accordance with the ship's maintenance plan, which should include the minimum elements listed in sections 4 to 10 of these Guidelines.

 

3.2       Certain maintenance procedures and inspections may be performed by competent crew members who have completed an advanced fire-fighting training course, while others should be performed by persons specially trained in the maintenance of such systems. The onboard maintenance plan should indicate which parts of the recommended inspections and maintenance are to be completed by trained personnel.

 

3.3       Inspections should be carried out by the crew to ensure that the indicated weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, two-year, five-year and ten-year actions are taken for the specified equipment, if provided. Records of the inspections should be carried on board the ship, or may be computer-based. In cases where the inspections and maintenance are carried out by trained service technicians other than the ship's crew, inspection reports should be provided at the completion of the testing.

 

3.4       In addition to the onboard maintenance and inspections stated in these Guidelines, manufacturer's maintenance and inspection guidelines should be followed.

 

3.5       Where particular arrangements create practical difficulties, alternative testing and maintenance procedures should be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

 

4          Weekly testing and inspections

 

4.1       Fixed fire detection and alarm systems

 

Verify all fire detection and fire alarm control panel indicators are functional by operating the lamp/indicator test switch.

 

4.2       Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems

 

.1       verify all fixed fire-extinguishing system control panel indicators are functional by operating the lamp/indicator test switch; and

 

.2       verify all control/section valves are in the correct position.

 

4.3       Fire doors

 

Verify all fire door control panel indicators, if provided, are functional by operating the lamp/indicator switch.

 

4.4       Public address and general alarm systems

 

Verify all public address systems and general alarm systems are functioning properly.

 

4.5       Breathing apparatus

 

Examine all breathing apparatus and EEBD cylinder gauges to confirm they are in the correct pressure range.

 

4.6       Low-location lighting

 

Verify low-location lighting systems are functional by switching off normal lighting in selected locations.

 

4.7       Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems

 

.1       verify all control panel indicators and alarms are functional;

 

.2       visually inspect pump unit and its fittings; and

 

.3       check the pump unit valve positions, if valves are not locked, as applicable.

 

5          Monthly testing and inspections

 

Monthly inspections should be carried out to ensure that the indicated actions are taken for the specified equipment.

 

5.1       Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles

 

.1       verify all fire hydrants, hose and nozzles are in place, properly arranged, and are in serviceable condition;

 

.2       operate all fire pumps to confirm that they continue to supply adequate pressure; and

 

.3       emergency fire pump fuel supply adequate, and heating system in satisfactory condition, if applicable.

 

5.2       Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems

 

Verify containers/cylinders fitted with pressure gauges are in the proper range and the installation free from leakage.

 

5.3       Foam fire-extinguishing systems

 

Verify all control and section valves are in the proper open or closed position, and all pressure gauges are in the proper range.

 

5.4       Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems

 

.1       verify all control, pump unit and section valves are in the proper open or closed position;

 

.2       verify sprinkler pressure tanks or other means have correct levels of water;

 

.3       test automatic starting arrangements on all system pumps so designed;

 

.4       verify all standby pressure and air/gas pressure gauges are within the proper pressure ranges; and

 

.5       test a selected sample of system section valves for flow and proper initiation of alarms.

          (Note – The valves selected for testing should be chosen to ensure that all valves are tested within a one-year period.)

 

5.5       Firefighter's outfits

 

Verify lockers providing storage for fire-fighting equipment contain their full inventory and equipment is in serviceable condition.

 

5.6       Fixed dry chemical powder systems

 

Verify all control and section valves are in the proper open or closed position, and all pressure gauges are in the proper range.

 

5.7       Fixed aerosol extinguishing systems

 

.1       verify all electrical connections and/or manual operating stations are properly arranged, and are in proper condition; and

 

.2       verify the actuation system/control panel circuits are within manufacturer's specifications.

 

5.8       Portable foam applicators

 

Verify all portable foam applicators are in place, properly arranged, and are in proper condition.

 

5.9       Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers

 

Verify all extinguishers are in place, properly arranged, and are in proper condition.

 

5.10     Fixed fire detection and alarm systems

 

Test a sample of detectors and manual call points so that all devices have been tested within five years. For very large systems the sample size should be determined by the Administration.

 

6          Quarterly testing and inspections

 

Quarterly inspections should be carried out to ensure that the indicated actions are taken for the specified equipment:

 

6.1       Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles

 

Verify international shore connection(s) is in serviceable condition.

 

6.2       Foam fire-extinguishing systems

 

Verify the proper quantity of foam concentrate is provided in the foam system storage tank.

 

6.3       Ventilation systems and fire dampers

 

Test all fire dampers for local operation.

 

6.4       Fire doors

 

Test all fire doors located in main vertical zone bulkheads for local operation.

 

7          Annual testing and inspections

 

Annual inspections should be carried out to ensure that the indicated actions are taken for the specified equipment:

 

7.1       Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles

 

.1       visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;

 

.2       flow test all fire pumps for proper pressure and capacity. Test emergency fire pump with isolation valves closed;

 

.3       test all hydrant valves for proper operation;

 

.4       pressure test a sample of fire hoses at the maximum fire main pressure, so that all fire hoses are tested within five years;

 

.5       verify all fire pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set;

 

.6       examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and contamination; and

 

.7       nozzle size/type correct, maintained and working.

 

7.2       Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems

 

.1       test all fire detection systems and fire detection systems used to automatically release fire-extinguishing systems for proper operation, as appropriate;

 

.2       visually inspect all accessible detectors for evidence of tampering obstruction, etc., so that all detectors are inspected within one year; and

 

.3       test emergency power supply switchover.

 

7.3       Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems

 

.1       visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;

 

.2       externally examine all high pressure cylinders for evidence of damage or corrosion;

 

.3       check the hydrostatic test date of all storage containers;

 

.4       functionally test all fixed system audible and visual alarms;

 

.5       verify all control/section valves are in the correct position;

 

.6       check the connections of all pilot release piping and tubing for tightness;

 

.7       examine all flexible hoses in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations;

 

.8       test all fuel shut-off controls connected to fire-protection systems for proper operation;

 

.9       the boundaries of the protected space should be visually inspected to confirm that no modifications have been made to the enclosure that have created uncloseable openings that would render the system ineffective; and

 

.10     if cylinders are installed inside the protected space, verify the integrity of the double release lines inside the protected space, and check low pressure or circuit integrity monitors on release cabinet, as applicable.

 

7.4       Foam fire-extinguishing systems

 

.1       visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;

 

.2       functionally test all fixed system audible alarms;

 

.3       flow test all water supply and foam pumps for proper pressure and capacity, and confirm flow at the required pressure in each section (Ensure all piping is thoroughly flushed with fresh water after service.);

 

.4       test all system cross connections to other sources of water supply for proper operation;

 

.5       verify all pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set;

 

.6       examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and contamination;

 

.7       verify all control/section valves are in the correct position;

 

.8       blow dry compressed air or nitrogen through the discharge piping or otherwise confirm the pipework and nozzles of high expansion foam systems are clear of any obstructions, debris and contamination. This may require the removal of nozzles, if applicable;

 

.9       take samples from all foam concentrates carried on board and subject them to the periodical control tests in MSC.1/Circ.1312, for low expansion foam, or MSC/Circ.670 for high expansion foam.

          (Note: Except for non-alcohol resistant foam, the first test need not be conducted until 3 years after being supplied to the ship.); and

 

.10     test all fuel shut-off controls connected to fire-protection systems for proper operation.

 

7.5       Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems

 

.1       verify proper operation of all water mist, water-spray and sprinkler systems using the test valves for each section;

.2       visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;

.3       externally examine all high pressure cylinders for evidence of damage or corrosion;

.4       check the hydrostatic test date of all high pressure cylinders;

.5       functionally test all fixed system audible and visual alarms;

.6       flow test all pumps for proper pressure and capacity;

.7       test all antifreeze systems for adequate freeze protection;

.8       test all system cross connections to other sources of water supply for proper operation;

.9       verify all pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set;

.10     examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and contamination;

.11     verify all control/section valves are in the correct position;

.12     blow dry compressed air or nitrogen through the discharge piping of dry pipe systems, or otherwise confirm the pipework and nozzles are clear of any obstructions. This may require the removal of nozzles, if applicable;

.13     test emergency power supply switchover, where applicable; 

.14     visually inspect all sprinklers focusing in areas where sprinklers are subject to aggressive atmosphere (like saunas, spas, kitchen areas) and subject to physical damage (like luggage handling areas, gyms, play rooms, etc.) so that all sprinklers are inspected within one year;

.15     check for any changes that may affect the system such as obstructions by ventilation ducts, pipes, etc.;

.16     test a minimum of one section in each open head water mist system by flowing water through the nozzles. The sections tested should be chosen so that all sections are tested within a five-year period; and

.17     test a minimum of two automatic sprinklers or automatic water mist nozzles for proper operation.

 

7.6       Ventilation systems and fire dampers

 

.1       test all fire dampers for remote operation;

 

.2       verify galley exhaust ducts and filters are free of grease build-up; and

 

.3       test all ventilation controls interconnected with fire-protection systems for proper operation.

 

7.7       Fire doors

 

Test all remotely controlled fire doors for proper release.

 

7.8       Breathing apparatus

 

.1       check breathing apparatus air recharging systems, if fitted, for air quality;

 

.2       check all breathing apparatus face masks and air demand valves are in serviceable condition; and

 

.3       check EEBDs according to maker's instructions.

 

7.9       Fixed dry chemical powder systems

 

.1       visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;

 

.2       verify the pressure regulators are in proper order and within calibration; and

 

.3       agitate the dry chemical powder charge with nitrogen in accordance with system manufacturer's instructions.

(Note: Due to the powder's affinity for moisture, any nitrogen gas introduced for agitation must be moisture free.)

 

7.10     Fixed aerosol extinguishing systems

 

Verify condensed or dispersed aerosol generators have not exceeded their mandatory replacement date. Pneumatic or electric actuators should be demonstrated working, as far as practicable.

 

7.11     Portable foam applicators

 

.1       verify all portable foam applicators are set to the correct proportioning ratio for the foam concentrate supplied and the equipment is in proper order;

 

.2       verify all portable containers or portable tanks containing foam concentrate remain factory sealed, and the manufacturer's recommended service life interval has not been exceeded;

 

.3       portable containers or portable tanks containing foam concentrate, excluding protein based concentrates, less than 10 years old, that remain factory sealed can normally be accepted without the periodical foam control tests required in MSC.1/Circ.1312 being carried out;

 

.4       protein based foam concentrate portable containers and portable tanks should be thoroughly checked and, if more than five years old, the foam concentrate should be subjected to the periodical foam control tests required in MSC.1/Circ.1312, or renewed; and

 

.5       the foam concentrates of any non-sealed portable containers and portable tanks, and portable containers and portable tanks where production data is not documented, should be subjected to the periodical foam control tests required in MSC.1/Circ.1312.

 

7.12     Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers

 

.1       perform periodical inspections in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;