Commercial Vessel Safety
Notice to Industry
Number: 34
Date of Issue: 7 January 2012
Six Monthly Servicing of Fire Extinguisher on Commercial Vessels
This Notice to Industry is to clarify the requirements for the six monthly servicing of fire
extinguishers to meet the intent of the WA Marine (Lifesaving Appliances, Fire appliances
and Miscellaneous Equipment) Regulations in relation to the incorporation of NSCV PART
C4 – Fire Safety. This notice to Industry is for new vessels built or existing vessels
extensively modified after 1 October 2008, and unmodified existing commercial vessels
subject to USL Code Section 11 - Fire Appliances before 1 October 2008.
The solution set out below for operators to fulfil their obligations will minimise impact on the
vessel operator and ensure compliance requirements are met for both USL and NSCV
surveyed vessels.
Six monthly inspections
For the Six monthly visual checks of fire extinguishers indicated in the AS 1851 Maintenance
of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment section 15 tables, in accordance with clause 13.8
– Competence of NSCV Part C4 - Fire Safety (Extract below), the department will accept the
six monthly inspection being carried out by a member of the vessel crew, who has a current
Certificate of Competency (Deck or Engineering).
Extract form National Standard for Commercial Vessels Part C Section 4 – Fire Safety
Section 13
13.8 COMPETENCE
Only competent persons or organisations shall undertake the servicing of fire safety
equipment. Competence shall be relevant to the particular type of equipment.
Competent persons or organisations shall be one of the following:—
a)
Accredited or licensed by an appropriate Authority or fire administration
within the jurisdiction;
b)
The manufacturer, an agent of the manufacturer or a service station
approved by the manufacturer; or
c)
Accredited or licensed by a Classification Society.
NOTE: Subclause a) above provides that members of the vessel‘s crew may undertake
servicing functions specified in AS 1851 to the extent that those functions fall within the
crewmember‘s level of competence.
The six monthly requirements for the inspection of fire extinguishers are found in AS 1851
Inspection, Test, Preventative maintenance, survey and records schedules (relevant tables
from Section 15 of AS 1851 attached for information).
Marine House, 1 Essex Street, Fremantle, Western Australia, 6160
GPO Box C102, Perth WA 6839
Tel: 1300 723 226 Fax: (08) 9435 7803
www.transport.wa.gov.au
ABN 27 285 64 3255
Notice to Industry No: 34
Page 2
The attached AS 1851 schedules have been annotated (in Blue) to indicate the elements of
inspection that are required for the six monthly fire extinguisher inspection.
The six monthly inspection of fire extinguishers by a crew member (suitably qualified with a
current Certificate of Competency either Deck or Engineering) should be recorded in the
vessel log/record book with the date of the inspection and the name and qualification of the
crew member who undertook the inspection as evidence of compliance when so as
requested.
If a Vessel Record book/Log book is not required by survey, retention of signed, dated and
completed Inspection, Test and Preventive maintenance records (Attachment 1 2 and 3)
should be retained as evidence of compliance when so requested.
Alternately, the owner/operator of a vessel has the choice to engage a third party service
provider for servicing fire appliances at the six month inspection, who will supply a service
certificate stating compliance for with six monthly AS1851 requirements. The
owner/operator should retain this service document and produce as evidence of compliance
when so requested.
During the period of currency for the Certificate of Survey for a commercial vessel, an
Inspector and/or Authorised officer may in the course of their duties have occasion to
conduct safety equipment checks and the like on a vessel to ascertain the status and
condition of equipment/appliances. If the owner cannot satisfy the department that the
equipment’s and or appliances have not been serviced or maintained as required, then the
vessel may be detained and/or operator liable to penalty or prosecution.
The onus is upon the owner to ensure that they maintain the equipment in accordance with
statutory obligations.
12 Monthly (Yearly) service and inspection
For the required AS 1851 12 month (yearly) fire appliance inspection, testing, maintenance,
and survey which coincides with in most cases the annual survey of the commercial vessel,
Department Marine Surveyors accept a service certificate from an third party service provider
stating that the fire extinguishers/equipment on the commercial vessel in question is serviced
IAW AS1851 yearly requirements, with Marine Surveyors additionally visually verifying fire
extinguishers via attached tags in accordance with legislated scheduled survey requirements
and intervals.
The following fire extinguishers are referred to as ‘All Extinguisher Types’ in Tables 15.4.1,
15.4.2, and 15.4.3. of Section 15 of AS 1851
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Water (soda acid) type.
Water (gas container) type.
Water (stored pressure) type.
Wet chemical type.
Foam (chemical) type.
Foam (gas container) type.
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
Attachments:
1.
Table 15.4.1 Inspection and records
2.
Table 15.4.2 Test and records
3.
Table 15.4.3 Preventive maintenance and records
Foam (stored pressure type).
Power (gas container) type.
Powder (stored pressure) type.
Carbon dioxide type.
Vaporizing liquid type.
Attachment 1 to NTI 34
15.4.1 Inspection and records
Inspection of fire extinguishers shall be carried out in accordance with Table 15.4.1.
TABLE 15.4.1
INSPECTION AND RECORDS SCHEDULE—FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Accessibility
Action required & pass/fail requirement
CHECK that the extinguisher is conspicuous, readily
accessible and in its assigned location.
Five-yearly
1.1
Item
Yearly
Item
No.
Records
Six-monthly
Frequency
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
Result
Pass/fail
Comments
All extinguisher types
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
Anti-tamper
device
Exterior and
operating
instructions
Maintenance
record tag or
label
External
damage
CHECK that the anti-tamper device is intact.
All extinguisher types
CHECK that the extinguisher is clean and the
operating instructions are legible.
All extinguisher types
CHECK that the maintenance record tag or label is
firmly attached to the extinguisher.
All extinguisher types
CHECK that the extinguisher, including any
attachments, is not damaged (see AS 2337.1).
All extinguisher types
1.6
External
corrosion
CHECK that the exterior of the extinguisher is not
pitted, or otherwise damaged, by corrosion (see
Clause 15.2.5 and AS 2337.1).
All extinguisher types
1.7
Outlet hose
assembly
CHECK that the outlet hose is securely fitted, the
nozzle is securely attached, the assembly is free from
obstruction, and the hose shows no cracking or
other signs of damage or deterioration.
All extinguisher types
1.8
Pressure
indicator
Where fitted, CHECK that the pressure indicator is
legible, registering within the operable range, and is
operating correctly.
All extinguisher types
DETERMINE that the threads on operating head or
cap are not damaged, vent(s) is not blocked, and any
strainer or expansion device is unobstructed. For
heads with no screw threads, determine that security
locking device is undamaged and operational.
1.9
Operating
head or cap
(a) Water (soda acid), water (gas container), water
with additive (stored pressure) foam (chemical), foam
(gas container), foam (stored pressure), powder (gas
container).
(b) Water (stored pressure), wet chemical, powder (stored
pressure), carbon dioxide, vaporizing liquid.
Page 3
TABLE 15.4.1 (continued)
Action required & pass/fail requirement
Five-yearly
Item
Yearly
Item No.
Records
Six-monthly
Frequency
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
√
—
……...
Result
Pass/fail
Comments
CHECK that the location sign is visible.
1.10
Signage
All extinguisher types
1.11
Support
bracket
CHECK that the appropriate support bracket is
securely attached to wall or other suitable feature.
All extinguisher types
1.12
Discharge
nozzle
CHECK that the appropriate discharge nozzle is fitted
and is not blocked or damaged.
All extinguisher types
1.13
1.14
Discharge
nozzle and
control valve
Carriage
assembly
CHECK that the discharge nozzle is not blocked and
the control valve is functional.
All wheeled extinguishers
CHECK that the carriage assembly is functional and
free from corrosion.
All wheeled extinguishers
Page 4
Attachment 2 to NTI 34
15.4.2 Test and records
Testing of fire extinguishers shall be carried out in accordance with Table 15.4.2.
TABLE 15.4.2
TEST AND RECORDS SCHEDULE—FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Contents
Action required & pass/fail requirement
WEIGH the extinguisher to determine that it is fully
charged.
Five-yearly
2.1
Item
Yearly
Item No.
Records
Six-monthly
Frequency
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
—
……...
—
……...
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
Result
Pass/fail
Comments
All extinguisher types
2.2
Compressed
gas container
DETERMINE that the compressed gas container is the
correct size and type, in good condition, fully charged,
and subjected to maintenance in accordance with AS
2030.1.
All gas container type extinguishers
DETERMINE that the extinguisher functions in
accordance with the operating instructions and that
the discharge is satisfactory.
2.3
Discharge
RECHARGE in accordance with Table 15.4.3 Item 3.3.
(a) Water (soda acid), foam (chemical), foam (stored
pressure).
(b) Water (gas container), water (stored pressure), wet
chemical, foam (gas container), powder (gas container),
powder (stored pressure), carbon dioxide, vaporizing
liquid.
√
(c) Water with additive (stored pressure)
(a) DETERMINE, where possible and without
discharging any contents, that the actuating device is
free of corrosion, moves freely and is undamaged.
√
(i) Foam (stored pressure).
(ii) Water (stored pressure), wet chemical, powder (stored
pressure), carbon dioxide, vaporizing liquid.
2.4
Actuating
device
(b) DETERMINE that the actuating device is free of
corrosion, moves freely, and is undamaged; any
cutting edge is sharp; and all sealing gaskets are in
good condition.
√
√
√
(i) Water (soda acid), water (gas container), foam
(chemical), foam (gas container), foam (stored pressure)
powder, (gas container).
(ii) Water (stored pressure), wet chemical, powder (stored
pressure), carbon dioxide, vaporizing liquid.
Page 5
TABLE 15.4.2 (continued)
Action required & pass/fail requirement
(a) DETERMINE that the acid bottle/inner container,
lead stopper and cage/carrier are undamaged; lead
stopper moves freely; and strainer is clear.
Five-yearly
Item
Yearly
Item No.
Records
Six-monthly
Frequency
√
√
√
—
……...
√
√
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
√
√
—
……...
√
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
Result
Pass/fail
Comments
Water (soda acid), foam (chemical)
(b) DETERMINE that the internal discharge tube,
strainer and expansion device (where fitted) provide
clear passage and are securely attached.
Water (gas container), foam (gas container)
(c) DETERMINE that the internal discharge tube,
strainer and anti-overfill tube (where fitted) provide
clear passage and are securely attached, and the
anti-overfill device is undamaged.
2.5
Internal
components
(i) Water (stored pressure), wet chemical
(ii) Water with additive (stored pressure), foam (stored
pressure)
(d) DETERMINE that the internal discharge tube, or
the gas inlet tube or ports, provide clear passage
and are correctly installed, and that powder is freeflowing
Powder (gas container)
(e) DETERMINE that the internal discharge tube
provides clear passage, is securely attached, and
there is no evidence of moisture or foreign matter in
the cylinder.
Powder (stored pressure), carbon dioxide, vaporizing
liquid
DETERMINE that the interior of cylinder is clean, is not
pitted by corrosion (see AS 2337.1), and any internal
lining is in good condition.
2.6
Internal
condition
- Portable
extinguishers
(a) Water (soda acid), water (gas container), water
with additive (stored pressure), foam (chemical), foam
(gas container), foam (stored pressure), powder (gas
container).
√
(b) Water (stored pressure), wet chemical, powder (stored
pressure), carbon dioxide (see note below), vaporizing
liquid.
For carbon dioxide extinguishers, this examination is
to be in accordance with AS 2030.1, and is only to be
performed by an approved gas cylinder test station
(see AS 2337.1 and MP 48).
Page 6
TABLE 15.4.2 (continued)
Action required & pass/fail requirement
(a) DETERMINE that the interior of cylinder is clean, is
not pitted by corrosion, and any internal lining is in
good condition.
2.7
Internal
condition
- Wheeled
extinguishers
Five-yearly
Item
Records
Yearly
Item No.
Six-monthly
Frequency
√
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
√
—
……...
Result
Pass/fail
Comments
Water (gas container), foam (gas container), foam (stored
pressure)
(b) EXAMINE the interior of the cylinder in accordance
with the internal examination requirements of AS
2030.1 at an approved gas cylinder test station (see AS
2337.1 and MP 48).
All wheeled extinguishers
DETERMINE that the operating head or cap seal is in
good condition.
2.8
Seals
√
(a) Water (soda acid), water (gas container), water with
additive (stored pressure), foam (chemical), foam (gas
container), foam (stored pressure), powder (gas container).
(b) Water (stored pressure), wet chemical, powder (stored
pressure), carbon dioxide, vaporizing liquid.
DETERMINE if there are any leaks at the joints
and seals that were renewed or disturbed during
recharging.
2.9
Leak detection
√
(a) Water with additive (stored pressure), foam (stored
pressure)
(b) Water (stored pressure), wet chemical, powder (stored
pressure), carbon dioxide, vaporizing liquid
2.10
Tyres
DETERMINE that pneumatic tyres, where fitted, are
pressurised to the recommended pressure.
√
√
All wheeled extinguishers
Page 7
Attachment 3 to NTI 34
15.4.3 Preventive maintenance and records
Preventive maintenance of fire extinguishers shall be carried out in accordance with Table 15.4.3.
TABLE 15.4.3
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND RECORDS SCHEDULE—FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Action required & pass/fail requirement
Records
Five-yearly
Item
Yearly
Item No.
Six-monthly
Frequency
Task completed
Yes/No
Comments
(a) SUBJECT the extinguisher body to a hydrostatic pressure
test of 1.5 times the working pressure, the marked periodic
test pressure, or 2 MPa, whichever is the greatest (see also
note below).
3.1
Pressure test
- Portable fire
extinguishers
Water (gas container), water (stored pressure), wet chemical, foam
(gas container), foam (stored pressure), powder (gas container),
powder (stored pressure), carbon dioxide (see note below),
vaporizing liquid.
√
……...
√
……...
√
√
……...
*
*
*
……...
√
√
√
……...
√
……...
√
……...
Carbon dioxide type extinguishers are to be tested in
accordance with the requirements of AS 2030.1, and the
testing is only to be performed by an Approved Gas Cylinder
Test Station (see AS 2337.1 and MP 48).
(b) SUBJECT the complete extinguisher, or the extinguisher
body and operating head or cap individually, to a hydrostatic
pressure test of 2 MPa
Water (soda acid), foam (chemical)
3.2
Pressure test
- Wheeled
extinguishers
SUBJECT the extinguisher body to a hydrostatic pressure
test, in accordance with the requirements of AS 2030.1, at an
Approved Gas Cylinder Test Station (see AS 2337.1 and MP 48).
All wheeled extinguishers
RECHARGE the extinguisher with fresh extinguishing agent in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
(a) Water (soda acid), water with additive (stored pressure) foam
(chemical), foam (gas container), foam (stored pressure).
3.3
Extinguishing
agent replacement
(b) Water (stored pressure, without additive) wet chemical, foam
(gas container, with sealed foam liquid container), powder (gas
container), powder (stored pressure), carbon dioxide, vaporizing
liquid, see Clause 15.2.12.
Upon completion of recharging stored pressure type
extinguishers, perform a leak test as per Item 2.9 of Table
15.4.2.
3.4
Powde - Portable
extinguishers
INVERT the extinguisher and ensure that the powder remains
free flowing.
Powder (stored pressure), powder (gas container)
3.5
Seals and gaskets
RENEW all seals and gaskets fitted to the actuating device,
operating head, or cap.
All extinguisher types
LUBRICATE wheel bearings.
3.6
Wheels
√
√
All wheeled extinguishers
* Frequency as specified by the manufacturer.
Page 8