Fire

Question 1

Types of fire

Answer 1

When dealing with a fire it is important to recognise its type, as the correct treatment of one type of fire may only increase the danger if applied to another type.
Class A fires involve solid materials usually of an organic nature,

e.g. cloth, wood, paper, furniture, plastics, rope, etc.
Class B fires involve flammable liquids or liquefiable solids. These may be sub-divided into those which will mix with water (miscible) such as alcohol and
those which are non-miscible such as petrol, oils, solvents, waxes and paints.
Class C fires involve gases or liquefied gases, e.g. methane, propane, butane, acetylene, etc.
Class D fires involve metals or powdered metals.
Class F fires involve high-temperature (over 360°C) cooking oils in galleys, industrial kitchens, restaurants, etc. Because of their high auto-ignition temperatures, they are difficult to extinguish with conventional extinguishers which do not cool sufficiently. Electrical Fires - Electricity itself does not burn. Any fire which is referred to as an electrical fire would actually be a Class A, B, C, D or F fire as described, but with the additional hazard of live electrical circuits. After the appropriate electrical circuits have been isolated the fire is treated as normal for its class.

Question 2

Causes of fire

Answer 2

It is doubtful if any fire is purely accidental. A few may be caused by circumstances beyond a person’s control, but most are the result of actions or inaction of crew members or others, including carelessness, irresponsible behaviour and failure to take proper precautions.
Common Causes of Fires on Board Include, but are Not Limited to:
• Smoking - the most common cause of shipboard fires. Many fail to appreciate the heat from a cigarette end and un-extinguished ash is sufficient to ignite many materials, including bedding, clothing, paper, wood and plastics. The importance of observing smoking restrictions and completely extinguishing and correctly disposing of smoking materials is paramount.
• Hot work — produces very high temperatures and sparks. Every vessel should have in operation an acceptable hot work permit system that is correctly monitored and adhered to.
• Galley activities - The galley area includes fuel lines, grease, hot fat, open flames, hot plates, electric fans, deep fat fryers and frequent concentrated activity.
• Machinery spaces - which may contain any or all of the following: electrical circuits, generators and motors, oils and fuels heated and under pressure, pipe lagging, high speed rotating machinery, oily waste, accumulations of oil in the bilges, etc.
• Electrical faults - old or poorly maintained equipment, frayed cables, overloaded circuits, non-intrinsically safe and non-explosion proof equipment in hazardous atmospheres, old and degraded gas tight seals, faulty electric motors, spares and replacement parts not suited to a marine environment, charging of batteries in a poorly ventilated compartment.
• Fuel oil systems and bunker operations - Fuel oils are carried in large quantities. Their reception on board requires transfer from shoreside fuel tanks via hoses, booms and couplings. On board fuel may be purified, pre-heated and piped under pressure prior to being burnt in the engine or boilers.
• Chemical reactions or spills - in cargo or ship’s stores. Precautions with respect to handling, stowing, segregating and transporting hazardous substances must be in accord with the relevant regulation and Codes of Practice. This applies to both cargoes and stores of chemicals used on board.
• Repair and refit operations - This may include hot work, shutdown of the fire detection and extinguishing systems, alternative or reduced power for ventilation and lighting, trailing cables, and the presence of large numbers of yard workers and contractors who may not be aware of nor comply with normal on board safe working practices.

Question 3

Fire Prevention

Answer 3

Fire prevention is a practical approach that is effective before any fire occurs and usually the least expensive option. Firefighting on board can be extremely difficult and possibly fatal. Good fire prevention practices greatly minimise the possibility of fire occurring. Fire prevention discipline should be a part of the every-day attitude of all personnel.
Some main areas of concern:
• Laundries and drying rooms.
• Wastepaper baskets not emptied.
• Galley exhaust ducts.
• Combustible material near heat sources.
• Clothes hanging over cookers or heaters
• Control of rubbish.
• Steel bins with lids for collecting oily waste.
• Store and use items such as cleaning fluids, paints, solvents, aerosols and other
highly flammable material as directed by the manufacturer. At the end of the
working day secure them in the designated stowage.
• Do not overload power points.

Question 4

F. I. R. E.

Answer 4

FIND, INFORM, RESTRICT, EXTINGUISH OR ESCAPE
3

Question 5

Breathing Apparatus

Answer 5

A breathing apparatus is any system designed to supply the user with a safe supply of fresh, breathable air in an otherwise hostile atmosphere. Equipment is produced to supply both air and oxygen to the user, but on board the ship we will only use compressed air equipment.

Positive Pressure Breathing Apparatus
Positive pressure breathing apparatus is designed so that the pressure inside the facemask is always above atmospheric pressure, even when the wearer is breathing in. The demand valve is set so that the pressure is always slightly above the pressure outside. When the wearer breathes in the demand valve allows further air to enter.

Advantages
Positive pressure systems are designed so that if there is damage to the facemask the system will automatically increase the flow of air so as to keep smoke and toxic vapours out of the mask.
All marine use sets are “first breath” positive pressure sets, this means that the set is in ‘standby’ condition before donning with the cylinder valve open, and when the mask is put on and the wearer takes his first breath the demand valve starts to work.

Monthly Checks with Manufacturer Instructions
• Check the harness for damage.
• Adjust the straps to their full extent ready for easy donning.
• Check the security of the cylinder.
• Open the cylinder valve and pressurize the set and listening. Allow a minute or
so for the pressure to settle. Ensure that the cylinder is more than 90% full.
• Close the cylinder valve and if the pressure drops.
• Check the spider on the mask is adjusted to the fullest extent and in good
condition.
• Turn cylinder on, fit facemask, check the inhalation and exhalation valves are
properly fitted and working.
• Check whistle.
• Check that the tally is clean and ready for use.

Question 6

Positive Pressure Breathing Apparatus

Answer 6

Positive pressure breathing apparatus is designed so that the pressure inside the facemask is always above atmospheric pressure, even when the wearer is breathing in. The demand valve is set so that the pressure is always slightly above the pressure outside. When the wearer breathes in the demand valve allows further air to enter.

Question 7

Advantages positive pressure system

Answer 7

Advantages
Positive pressure systems are designed so that if there is damage to the facemask the system will automatically increase the flow of air so as to keep smoke and toxic vapours out of the mask.
All marine use sets are “first breath” positive pressure sets, this means that the set is in ‘standby’ condition before donning with the cylinder valve open, and when the mask is put on and the wearer takes his first breath the demand valve starts to work.

Question 8

Starting Procedure BA

Answer 8

Starting Procedure
Apparatus leak test
• Switch off the demand valve.
• Open the cylinder valve slowly, close it and observe the gauge. It should not
fall more than 10 bar per minute. Don the apparatus
• Check all straps are in good condition, adjust the stars so the back plate fits snugly.
• With demand valve off, turn on the cylinder slowly. Check for positive pressure
• Put the mask on.
• Spread head harness and place over head.
• Place chin in facemask chin cup, tighten lower straps first then upper straps
(holding breath). Tighten centre strap if necessary.
• First breath will switch LDV to positive pressure mode, breathe normally.
• Lift mask seal off the face with 2 fingers, air pressure should flow out of the
mask.

• Allow mask to re-seal. Hold breath and check there is no leakage from exhale valve.
Check face mask for leakage and test the whistle
• Close cylinder valve and breathe gently to exhaust air from system.
• Observe gauge, whistle will alarm at between 60 bar to 50 bar.
• Continue breathing down the system. Once empty, hold breath for
approximately 3-5 seconds – the facemask should collapse and hold to face
indicating a positive seal. Check the actual pressure gauge
• Turn the cylinder on fully and the check the reading on the pressure gauge. Proceed to fire location
• Adjust your flash hood over the edges of the mask so that there is no skin showing and all the straps are tucked into place.
• Fit your helmet and put on your gloves.
• Check in at entry control, confirm name and this together with your pressure
and time of entry will be noted on your tally and left with E.C.O.
• Carryout the teams brief.

Question 9

Fire Control Plans

Answer 9

A fire control (general arrangement) plan(s) should be permanently exhibited for the guidance of the Master and crew of the vessel. The content of the plan(s) should adequately show and describe the principal fire prevention and protection equipment and materials. As far as practical, symbols used on the plans should comply with a recognised international standard. The fire control plan may be a combined Fire & Safety Plan, which should show the positions of stowage of the life-saving and fire appliances.
A duplicate set of the plan(s) should be permanently stored in a prominently marked weathertight enclosure readily accessible to assist non-vessel fire-fighting personnel who may board the vessel in a fire emergency.

Question 10

What would you see on the passerelle

Answer 10

A duplicate set of the plan(s) should be permanently stored in a prominently marked weathertight enclosure readily accessible to assist non-vessel fire- fighting personnel who may board the vessel in a fire emergency.

Question 11

Drills how often

Answer 11

Regulation 19 - Solas Extract
Emergency training and drills - This regulation applies to all ships.
Familiarity with safety installations and practice musters. Every crew member with assigned emergency duties shall be familiar with these duties before the voyage begins.
Drills shall, as far as practicable, be conducted as if there were an actual emergency. Every crew member shall participate in at least one abandoned ship drill and one fire drill every month. The drills of the crew shall take place within 24 hours of the ship leaving a port if more than 25% of the crew have not participated in abandon ship and fire drills on board that particular ship in the previous month.
When a ship enters service for the first time, after modification of a major character or when a new crew is engaged, these drills shall be held before sailing.

Question 12

Boundary Cooling

Answer 12

Boundary cooling of the ship structure is very important. Since ships are normally constructed with mild steel, a highly heat conductive construction material, the heat from the original fire is likely to travel through the construction and ignite other parts of the ship. Boundary cooling requires vast amounts of water applied to the decks and bulkheads surrounding the initial fire compartment. A compartment may have up to six boundaries to cool.

Question 13

Galley Fire

Answer 13

A ship’s galley will normally be equipped with the following extinguishing agents:
• Dry powder extinguishers for electric stoves.
• CO2 extinguishers.
• Fire blanket.
• Fixed Co2 drenching system.
• High fog.
Speedy and correct use of the above could reduce the risk of a major fire. Lack of thought in tackling the common chip pan fire could result in the whole of the galley area becoming engulfed in flames.

A clean galley area will reduce the risk of fire. Regular drills and the training of crews, especially catering personnel, in correct fire-fighting procedure will reduce the risk still further.

Question 14

• Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection: Large Ships) Regulations 1998

Answer 14

Fire is part of Solas Chapter II-2 Reg 2
Fire safety objectives
The fire safety objectives are to:
• Prevent the occurrence of fire and explosion;
• Reduce the risk to life caused by fire;
• Reduce the risk of damage caused by fire to the ship, its cargo and the environment;
• Contain, control and suppress fire and explosion in the compartment of origin; and
• Provide adequate and readily accessible means of escape for passengers and crew.
In order to achieve the fire safety objectives, set out above, the following functional requirements are embodied in the regulations as appropriate:
• Division of the ship into main vertical and horizontal zones by thermal and structural boundaries;
• Separation of accommodation spaces from the remainder of the ship by thermal and structural boundaries;
• Restricted use of combustible materials;
• Detection of any fire in the zone of origin;
• Containment and extinction of any fire in the space of origin;
• Protection of means of escape and access for fire fighting;
• Ready availability of fire-extinguishing appliances SOLAS
This is then enacted by the Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection: Large Ships) Regulations 1998 into British Law.

Question 15

How to Fight Fire

Answer 15

How to Fight Fire
You always need to listen to the question - the location and type of fire. However certain key points should always be done using the acronym.
FIRE:
Find the fire - Most yachts have a large supply of portable extinguishers to tackle any small fire immediately and, if not able to extinguish the fire, at least contain it.
Inform crew - You should raise the alarm, no matter what the size of the fire. This will allow back-up teams to equip themselves with more effective firefighting gear while the portable extinguishers are attempting containment of the fire. After raising the alarm, assess the type of fire and obtain the nearest extinguisher considered correct for tackling that type of fire. Approach the seat of the fire close to the deck, allowing for the fact that heat rises.
Restrict - Closing down all mechanical ventilation will help to stop the passage of heat and smoke throughout the ship. Watertight and fire doors must be closed for any emergency when the hull is threatened. Not only is the passage of heat and smoke restricted but subsequent casualties caused by the passage of fire or explosion can be greatly reduced. Close all doors.
Isolation of ‘live circuits’ is necessary because the dangers of water as an electrical conductor are well known, particularly when a strong jet of water is being brought into operation. Isolation of live circuits must be carried out before the fire is attacked with any water branch line, whether operating on jet or spray.
Surrounding the fire and attacking it, rather than operating from one side only, stops the fire being pushed from one region to another. It should not be forgotten that any fire has no less than six sides, and all six sides should be attacked whenever possible. This may only be in the form of boundary cooling of bulkheads, but the heat content and its effect are reduced.
Fuel cut offs must be initiated especially if engine room fire. Firefighters need to operate in teams of not less than two.
Reduction of speed is necessary because the speed of the vessel through the water will provide continuous draught for the fire. This will provide food for the fire, not the required starvation.
Extinguish
The engine room of any vessel must be considered an extremely high-risk area. When an assessment of an outbreak of fire within the machinery space is made, a minor oil spillage will probably be a localised outbreak capable of being tackled by portable equipment, whereas a larger fuel leak, say from a broken generator, may cause an extensive fire that can only be extinguished by use of a fixed system such as CO or foam.
Actions may consist of: Raise the alarm.
• Inform the bridge at the earliest opportunity.
• Close down all ventilation.
• Muster the crew.

• Investigate and tackle the fire immediately, if practicable.
• Continue to fight the fire until emergency party arrives at the scene.
• Watertight and fire doors should be closed as soon as possible for the safety of the
vessel. Engine room personnel should be well aware of emergency and tunnel escape
systems.
• Consider closing fuel cut offs.
• Rescue injured persons as soon as practicable.
• Establish supply of equipment - foam compound, etc.
• Attempt to contain the fire and extinguish by conventional means before use of fixed
smothering apparatus.
• Conventional means of fighting the fire should be continued until supplies of foam
compound are consumed or the available breathing air bottle supply runs out. Then, as
a last resort Co2 should be used.
• Rescue of casualties should be a matter of priority.
• First aid parties should be ready to treat any injury, especially burns. Regular drills
will ensure that personnel when attached to an emergency or stretcher party know how to recognise burns and apply burn dressings.

Question 16

Galley Fire

Answer 16

A ship’s galley will normally be equipped with the following extinguishing agents:
• Dry powder extinguishers for electric stoves.
• CO2 extinguishers.
• Wet Chemical extinguishers.
• Fire blanket.
• Fixed Co2 drenching system.
• High fog.
Speedy and correct use of the above could reduce the risk of a major fire. Lack of thought in tackling the common chip pan fire could result in the whole of the galley area becoming engulfed in flames.
A clean galley area will reduce the risk of fire. Regular drills and the training of crews, especially catering personnel, in correct fire-fighting procedure will reduce the risk still further.

Question 17

Paint Locker Fire

Answer 17

Paint Locker Fire
The problems concerning fires in paint rooms and other similar stores are usually related to one or more of the following:
• The location of the store, often towards the bow.

• The size of the store, which is often quite small, limiting access.
• The high risk of explosion.
• The possibility of excessive heat build-up.
• Risk of toxic overpowering fumes from the contents of the store.
Many fires in stores of this nature are caused by a combination of human error and spontaneous combustion.
Tackling the fire will be hampered by the plentiful supply of oxygen in the area, especially if the store is sited well forward. A fast heat build-up in a confined space can be expected, limiting the ability of fire-fighters to reach the seat of the fire. Breathing apparatus will be required to get in close, and the danger of chemical reaction with water as an extinguishing agent will be ever-present. Boundary cooling of other bulkheads, deckheads and decks must be of prime consideration and the use of fixed system.

Question 18

Fire equipment testing

Answer 18

Large yacht code states
Annex I2
Maintenance, testing and inspections shall be carried out based on the guidelines developed by the IMO and in a manner having due regard to ensuring the reliability of fire-fighting systems and appliances.

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.
Maintenance and testing
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.
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.

Record 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

I am only showing the maintenance you would do for a 2999gt super yacht with high fog and Co2 system in the Galley ducts etc.

Question 19

Weekly testing and inspections

Answer 19

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.
Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems
• verify all fixed fire-extinguishing system control panel indicators are functional by operating the lamp/indicator test switch; and
• verify all control/section valves are in the correct position.
Fire doors
Verify all fire door control panel indicators, if provided, are functional by operating the lamp/indicator switch.
Public address and general alarm systems
Verify all public address systems and general alarm systems are functioning properly.
Breathing apparatus
Examine all breathing apparatus and EEBD cylinder gauges to confirm they are in the correct pressure range.
Low-location lighting
Verify low-location lighting systems are functional by switching off normal lighting in selected locations.
Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems
• Verify all control panel indicators and alarms are functional;
• Visually inspect pump unit and its fittings; and
• Check the pump unit valve positions, if valves are not locked, as applicable.

Question 20

Monthly testing and inspections

Answer 20

Monthly inspections should be carried out to ensure that the indicated actions are taken for the specified equipment.
Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles
• Verify all fire hydrants, hose and nozzles are in place, properly arranged, and are in serviceable condition;
• Operate all fire pumps to confirm that they continue to supply adequate pressure; and;
• Emergency fire pump fuel supply adequate, and heating system in satisfactory
condition, if applicable.
Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems
Verify containers/cylinders fitted with pressure gauges are in the proper range and the installation free from leakage.
Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems
• Verify all control, pump unit and section valves are in the proper open or closed position;
• Verify sprinkler pressure tanks or other means have correct levels of water;
• Test automatic starting arrangements on all system pumps so designed;
• Verify all standby pressure and air/gas pressure gauges are within the proper pressure
ranges; and
• 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.)
Firefighter’s outfits
Verify lockers providing storage for fire-fighting equipment contain their full inventory and equipment is in serviceable condition.
Portable foam applicators
Verify all portable foam applicators are in place, properly arranged, and are in proper condition.
Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers
Verify all extinguishers are in place, properly arranged, and are in proper condition.
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.

Question 21

Quarterly testing and inspections

Answer 21

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

Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles
Verify international shore connection(s) is in serviceable condition.
Foam fire-extinguishing systems
Verify the proper quantity of foam concentrate is provided in the foam system storage tank.
Ventilation systems and fire dampers
Test all fire dampers for local operation.
Fire doors
Test all fire doors located in main vertical zone bulkheads for local operation.

Question 22

Annual testing and inspections

Answer 22

Annual inspections should be carried out to ensure that the indicated actions are taken for the specified equipment:
Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles
• Visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;
• Flow test all fire pumps for proper pressure and capacity. Test emergency fire pump
with isolation valves closed;
• Test all hydrant valves for proper operation;
• Pressure test a sample of fire hoses at the maximum fire main pressure, so that all fire
hoses are tested within five years;
• Verify all fire pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set;
• Examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and contamination; and
• Nozzle size/type correct, maintained and working.
Fixed Fire detection and fire alarm systems
• test all fire detection systems and fire detection systems used to automatically release fire-extinguishing systems for proper operation, as appropriate;
• Visually inspect all accessible detectors for evidence of tampering obstruction, etc., so that all detectors are inspected within one year; and
• Test emergency power supply switchover.
Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems
• Visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;
• Externally examine all high pressure cylinders for evidence of damage or corrosion;
• Check the hydrostatic test date of all storage containers;
• Functionally test all fixed system audible and visual alarms;
• Verify all control/section valves are in the correct position;
• Check the connections of all pilot release piping and tubing for tightness;
• Examine all flexible hoses in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations;
• Test all fuel shut-off controls connected to fire-protection systems for proper
operation;
• 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
• 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.
Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems
• Verify proper operation of all water mist, water-spray and sprinkler systems using the test valves for each section;
• Visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;
• Externally examine all high pressure cylinders for evidence of damage or corrosion;
• Check the hydrostatic test date of all high pressure cylinders;
• Functionally test all fixed system audible and visual alarms;
• Flow test all pumps for proper pressure and capacity;

• Test all antifreeze systems for adequate freeze protection;
• Test all system cross connections to other sources of water supply for proper
operation;
• Verify all pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set;
• Examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and contamination;
• Verify all control/section valves are in the correct position;
• 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;
• Test emergency power supply switchover, where applicable;
• 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;
• Check for any changes that may affect the system such as obstructions by ventilation ducts, pipes, etc.;
• 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
• Test a minimum of two automatic sprinklers or automatic water mist nozzles for proper operation.
Ventilation systems and fire dampers
• Test all fire dampers for remote operation;
• Verify galley exhaust ducts and filters are free of grease build-up; and
• Test all ventilation controls interconnected with fire-protection systems for proper
operation.
Fire doors
Test all remotely controlled fire doors for proper release.
Breathing apparatus
• Check breathing apparatus air recharging systems, if fitted, for air quality;
• Check all breathing apparatus face masks and air demand valves are in serviceable
condition; and
• Check EEBDs according to maker’s instructions.
Portable foam applicators
• Verify all portable foam applicators are set to the correct proportioning ratio for the foam concentrate supplied and the equipment is in proper order;
• 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;
• 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;

• 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
• The foam concentrates of any non-sealed portable containers and portable tanks.
Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers
• Perform periodical inspections in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions;
• Visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;
• Check the hydrostatic test date of each cylinder; and
• For dry powder extinguishers, invert extinguisher to ensure powder is agitated.
Galley and deep fat cooking fire-extinguishing systems
Check galley and deep fat cooking fire-extinguishing systems in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Question 23

Two-year testing and inspections

Answer 23

Two-year inspections should be carried out to ensure that the indicated actions are taken for the specified equipment.
Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems
• All high pressure extinguishing agents cylinders and pilot cylinders should be weighed or have their contents verified by other reliable means to confirm that the available charge in each is above 95 per cent of the nominal charge. Cylinders containing less than 95 per cent of the nominal charge should be refilled; and
• Blow dry compressed air or nitrogen through the discharge piping or otherwise confirm the pipe work and nozzles are clear of any obstructions. This may require the removal of nozzles, if applicable.

Question 24

Five-year service

Answer 24

At least once every five years, the following inspections should be carried out for the specified equipment.
Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems Perform internal inspection of all control valves.
Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems
• Perform internal inspection of all control/section valves; and
• Check condition of any batteries or renew in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations.
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.
Low-location lighting
Test the luminance of all systems in accordance with the procedures in resolution A.752(18).
Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers
Visually examine at least one extinguisher of each type manufactured in the same year and kept on board.

Question 25

10 Ten-year service

Answer 25

At least once every 10 years, the following inspections should be carried out for the specified equipment:
Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems
• Perform a hydrostatic test and internal examination of 10 per cent of the system’s extinguishing agent and pilot cylinders. If one or more cylinders fail, a total of 50 per cent of the onboard cylinders should be tested. If further cylinders fail, all cylinders
should be tested;
• Flexible hoses should be replaced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer
and not exceeding every 10 years; and
• If permitted by the Administration, visual inspection and NDT (non-destructive
testing) of halon cylinders may be performed in lieu of hydrostatic testing.
Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems
Perform a hydrostatic test and internal examination for gas and water pressure cylinders according to flag Administration guidelines.
Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers
All extinguishers together with propellant cartridges should be hydrostatically tested by specially trained persons in accordance with recognized standards or the manufacturer’s instructions.