Regulations on storage and maintenance of fire extinguishers

Dong Nam Fire Protection introduces to readers regulations on preservation and maintenance of fire extinguishers. In addition, we are a leading company in fire alarm systems with good quality products and services, including addressable fire alarm systems and automatic fire alarm systems.

CIRCULAR No.: 52/2014/TT-BCA MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY Regulations on management, preservation and maintenance fire prevention and fighting means Table of contents 2 STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES COMMON FIRE FIGHTING Article 15. Preservation and maintenance of fire extinguishers

1. Classification of fire extinguishers

a) Type 1: Pressure tank directly compressed with water, water with additives or foam;

b) Type 2: Direct pressure tank with powder fire extinguishing agent;

c) Type 3: A tank using a propellant bottle with a fire extinguishing agent that is water or water with additives;

d) Type 4: A tank using a propellant bottle with a powder fire extinguishing agent;

d) Type 5: Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher.

2. Storage and maintenance requirements

a) Check the seal and safety structure of the extinguisher to determine whether the fire extinguisher is used or not;

b) Attach a sign or label to the tank after preservation and maintenance;

c) Replace the safety pin and install a new seal.

3. Preserve and maintain regularly

a) For vessels of types 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; specifically:

- Check the outside of the tank body to determine whether there is rust. If the tank is not significantly rusted, it must be maintained for continued use; If the tank is heavily rusted or corroded, it must be discarded; - Weigh the fire extinguisher (with or without operating mechanism according to the manufacturer's instructions) or use a suitable method to check that the extinguisher contains the correct amount of extinguishing agent. Compare the mass with the recorded mass when the tank is first used;

- Check the nozzle and nozzle of the tank and clean them; If damaged, it must be replaced.

- Check pressure indicating devices. If the pressure drops by more than 10% or more compared to the maximum decrease according to the manufacturer's instructions, follow the manufacturer's instructions;

- Check the operating mechanism and discharge control (if installed) for fire extinguishers designed with removable operating mechanisms according to the manufacturer's instructions; b) For type 3 and type 4 cylinders

- Clean the inside and outside of the bottle; Check the inside and outside of the tank body to detect corrosion and damage. If the tank has little corrosion or negligible damage, it must be maintained for continued use; If the tank is heavily corroded, it must be discarded; - Open the fire extinguisher or remove the assembly heads to check the quality of the extinguisher;

- Check the outside of the propellant cylinder for corrosion and damage. If the propellant bottle is corroded and damaged, it must be replaced. Weigh the propellant bottle and check the mass against the mass recorded on the bottle. Propellant gas bottles with a volume of content less than the smallest recorded volume or bottles that are found to be leaking must be repaired, fully filled or replaced with a new bottle; - Recharge the fire extinguisher to the original level (type 3 extinguisher), compensating for lost water. For water with additives or foaming solutions, refill the tank according to the manufacturer's instructions. Check and clean the branch nozzle, filter screen and nozzle in the air release valve (if installed);

- Check the powder in the jar (type 4 jar), specifically: Stir the powder by shaking and turning the jar upside down. If there are signs of clumping or clumping that cannot be sprayed, all fire extinguishing powder must be replaced and the tank refilled with the manufacturer's fire extinguishing powder. Check, adjust and clean nozzles, nozzles, and spray pipes;

- Check gaskets, diaphragms and nozzles; Replace if damaged; - Reinstall the tank according to the manufacturer's instructions. c) For type 5 cylinders

- Check and clean nozzles and fire sprinklers; Replace if damaged; - Perform electrical conductivity test for fire hose set. 4. Preserve and maintain periodically After 5 years (from the date of manufacture), fire extinguishers of types 1, 2 and 3 must be maintained as follows:

a) Discharge the fire extinguisher completely. After spraying, the pressure gauge must indicate “0” pressure and the indicator (if equipped) must indicate the sprayed position;

b) Open the fire extinguisher and clean the inside of the extinguisher body; Detect corrosion and damage inside the tank body. If the tank has little corrosion or negligible damage, maintain it for continued use; If the tank is heavily corroded, it must be discarded;

c) Check and clean the nozzle, filter screen and nozzle, orifice, (or other venting mechanisms) in the cover or valve set and internal exhaust pipe;

d) Check the sealing ring and nozzle (if fitted) and replace if damaged;

d) Check the operating mechanism for movement;

e) Assemble and refill the fire extinguisher. Article 16. Preservation and maintenance of other common types of fire-fighting equipment 1. Preserve and maintain fire hoses a) Preserving and maintaining the faucet in the warehouse: The faucet must be kept on a shelf in a dry place, not near chemicals, gasoline, or oil; If left for a long time, the faucet must be rotated and the folds changed; b) Storage, maintenance, and arrangement on the vehicle: Hose placed on the fire truck in rolls must be placed in the correct compartment; Do not put other tools or means in the compartments; c) Preservation and maintenance after firefighting, firefighting practice - When deploying the hose, do not let it bend or have heavy objects blocking it. Do not spread the hose on sharp objects, burning objects, or places with acids or other corrosive substances; - When installing the nozzle into the nozzle of the vehicle, absolutely do not move the vehicle, do not drag or pull the nozzle near the nozzle; - When pumping water, do not increase or decrease the gas suddenly, do not increase the pressure beyond the working pressure of each type of faucet; - Dry before rolling the hose into storage or stacking it on the hose compartment of a fire truck; Do not place hoses that are still wet on the vehicle.

2. Preserving and maintaining fire hoses, fire hoses, connectors, three-pin, two-pin fire hoses, filter baskets, and fire ladders

a) Check the technical condition of the vehicle and clean it, arrange it on shelves, floors or in storage cabinets; Do not throw or knock when arranging or transporting;

b) Do not leave the vehicle near gasoline, oil, acids and corrosive chemicals or let grease stick to the vehicle;

c) Vehicles must be arranged according to type and quality to facilitate management, preservation, maintenance and fire fighting;

d) Do not place heavy objects on the vehicle or do not stack the vehicles too high on top of each other to avoid distortion or flattening.