9 Periodical inspections and maintenance
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.951(23) – Improved Guidelines for Marine Portable Fire Extinguishers – (Adopted on 5 December 2003) - Annex - Improved Guidelines for Marine Portable Fire Extinguishers - 9 Periodical inspections and maintenance

9 Periodical inspections and maintenance

  9.1 Extinguishers should be subject to periodical inspections in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and serviced at intervals not exceeding one year.

  • 9.1.1 At least one extinguisher of each type manufactured in the same year and kept on board a ship should be test discharged at five yearly intervals (as part of a fire drill).

  • 9.1.2 All extinguishers together with propellant cartridges should be hydraulically tested in accordance with the recognized standard or the manufacturer's instruction at intervals not exceeding ten years.

  • 9.1.3 Service and inspection should only be undertaken by, or under the supervision of, a person with demonstrable competence, based on the inspection guide in table 9.1.3.

  9.2 Records of inspections should be maintained. The records should show the date of inspection, the type of maintenance carried out and whether or not a pressure test was performed.

  9.3 Extinguishers should be provided with a visual indication of discharge.

  9.4 Instructions for recharging extinguishers should be supplied by the manufacturer and be available for use on board.

Table 9.1.3 Inspection guide

ANNUAL INSPECTION
Safety clip and indicating devices Check to see if the extinguisher may have been operated.
Pressure indicating device Where fitted, check to see that the pressure is within limits. Check that dust covers on pressure indicating devices and relief valves are in place.
External examination Inspect for corrosion, dents or damage which may affect the safe operation of the extinguisher.
Weight Weigh the extinguisher and check the mass compared to the fully charged extinguisher.
Hose and nozzle Check that hoses and nozzles are clear and undamaged.
Operating instructions Check that they are in place and legible.
INSPECTION AT RECHARGE
Water and foam charges Remove the charge to a clean container if to be reused and check if it is still suitable for further use. Check any charge container.
Powder charges Examine the powder for reuse. Ensure that it is free flowing and that there is no evidence of caking lumps or foreign bodies.
Gas cartridge Examine for damage and corrosion.
INSPECTION AT FIVE AND TEN YEAR INTERVALS
INSPECTION AFTER DISCHARGE TEST
Air passages and operating mechanism Prove clear passage by blowing through vent holes and vent devices in the cap. Check hose, nozzle strainer, discharge tube and breather valve, as applicable. Check the operating and discharge control. Clean and lubricate as required.
Operating mechanism Check that the safety pin is removable and that the lever is undamaged.
Gas cartridge Examine for damage and corrosion. Weigh the cartridge to ascertain that it is within prescribed limits.
O-rings washers and hose diaphragms Check O-rings and replace hose diaphragms if fitted.
Water and foam bodies Inspect the interior. Check for corrosion and lining deterioration. Check separate containers for leakage or damage.
Powder body Examine the body and check internally for corrosion and lining deterioration.
INSPECTION AFTER RECHARGE
Water and foam Replace the charge in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
Reassemble Reassemble the extinguisher in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
Maintenance label Fill in entry on maintenance label, including full weight.
Mounting of extinguishers Check the mounting bracket or stand.
Report Complete a report on the state of maintenance of the extinguisher.
Parent topic: Annex - Improved Guidelines for Marine Portable Fire Extinguishers
Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.