Portable fire extinguishers and fire-fighting equipment
Annual inspection, recharging and pressure testing of portable and wheeled fire extinguishers, plus fire hoses, nozzles and firefighter's outfits.
Fire extinguishers are the first line of defence, and the equipment a port State control officer is most likely to pick up. A gauge showing empty, a broken seal or an out-of-date label is an easy deficiency, and just as easy to prevent.
We service on board where possible and in our workshop where necessary, and we keep enough spare extinguishers to replace those that have to go ashore.
Scope
Seals, pressure gauges, hoses, nozzles, condition of the extinguishing medium and weight of CO₂ extinguishers, with new service labels.
Discharge and recharging at the intervals set by the manufacturer and the flag state; spare charges are supplied as well.
Hydrostatic testing of shells when due, and condemning of extinguishers that fail the test.
Wheeled fire extinguishers, portable foam applicators and foam units.
Fire hoses are pressure-tested, couplings and nozzles are checked, and any shortfalls in the hose boxes are made up.
Suits, helmets, boots, gloves, lifelines, safety lamps and axes are checked against the FSS Code list; aluminised suits and fire blankets are included.
Intervals
| Equipment / task | Interval | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection of portable fire extinguishers | 12 months | Res. A.951(23), MSC.1/Circ.1432 |
| Discharge and recharging | As required by the manufacturer and the flag state | Res. A.951(23) |
| Hydrostatic test of shells | 10 years, or as required by the flag state | Res. A.951(23) |
What you receive
- Certificate listing every fire extinguisher by serial number, type and location
- New service label on every extinguisher
- Service report signed on board by the master or chief officer
- Photos and clear notes for every unit that fails inspection, together with a repair quotation
Applicable rules
- SOLAS II-2/10.3
- FSS Code chapters 3 and 4
- Res. A.951(23)
- MSC.1/Circ.1432