A Fixed CO 2 system is a fire Fighting system used to suppress emerged fire in specific locations on board a ship, usually in engine room or cargo holds.
As per IMO Regulations MSC.1/Circ.1318 Fixed CO 2 Systems are subject to Annual/Bi-annual inspections and in accordance with flag & manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions.
The available services for Fixed CO 2 Systems include:
- 1/2-Year Inspection
- 5-Year Inspection
- 10-Year Inspection
- Hydro Testing
- Internal Valve Inspections
- Discharge Hose and Loop Line Renewal
A fixed CO2 fire extinguishing system is an essential safety feature for any ship, as it can quickly extinguish fires and minimize the risk of serious damage or loss of life. It is a mandatory requirement for all ships to have a fixed CO2 system installed in certain areas of the vessel, such as the engine room and cargo hold. However, to ensure that the system is always ready to operate effectively in an emergency, regular inspections are required. In this article, we will discuss the requirements and procedures for the annual and five-yearly inspections of the fixed CO2 system, as per MSC regulations.
Annual Inspection:
The annual inspection of the fixed CO2 system is a crucial task that needs to be performed to ensure that the system is in good working condition and can be relied upon to work correctly in case of a fire emergency. The inspection must be carried out by a qualified and authorized surveyor who has the necessary knowledge and expertise to conduct the inspection.
During the annual inspection, the surveyor needs to check the following:
- CO2 Cylinders: The condition of the CO2 cylinders must be checked to ensure that they are not damaged, corroded, or have any other defects that could affect the performance of the CO2 system.
- Pressure of the CO2 Cylinders: The pressure of the CO2 cylinders must be checked to ensure that it is within the required range specified by the manufacturer.
- Release Valves: The condition of the release valves must be checked to ensure that they are functioning correctly and can release the CO2 gas in case of a fire emergency.
- Piping and Fittings: The condition of the piping and fittings must be checked to ensure that there are no leaks or damages that could affect the distribution of CO2 gas in case of a fire emergency.
- Alarm System: The operation of the alarm system must be checked to ensure that it is functioning correctly and can alert the crew in case of a fire emergency.
Once the inspection is completed, the surveyor must provide a detailed report that outlines the findings of the inspection, any repairs or replacements that need to be carried out, and any recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the CO2 system.
Five-Yearly Inspection:
The five-yearly inspection of the fixed CO2 system is a more comprehensive inspection that needs to be conducted to ensure that the system is in good working condition and can be relied upon to work correctly in case of a fire emergency. The inspection must be carried out by a qualified and authorized surveyor who has the necessary knowledge and expertise to conduct the inspection.
During the five-yearly inspection, the surveyor needs to check the following:
- CO2 Cylinders: The condition of the CO2 cylinders must be checked to ensure that they are not damaged, corroded, or have any other defects that could affect the performance of the CO2 system. The surveyor may need to remove the cylinders for further inspection.
- Pressure of the CO2 Cylinders: The pressure of the CO2 cylinders must be checked to ensure that it is within the required range specified by the manufacturer. The surveyor may need to empty the cylinders for inspection.
- Release Valves: The condition of the release valves must be checked to ensure that they are functioning correctly and can release the CO2 gas in case of a fire emergency. The surveyor may need to remove the valves for further inspection.
- Piping and Fittings: The condition of the piping and fittings must be checked to ensure that there are no leaks or damages that could affect the distribution of CO2 gas in case of a fire emergency. The surveyor may need to carry out pressure tests on the pipes and fittings.
- Alarm System: The operation of the alarm system must be checked
- Control System: The control system of the fixed CO2 system must be checked to ensure that it is functioning correctly and can activate the CO2 system in case of a fire emergency.
- Ventilation System: The ventilation system must be checked to ensure that it is functioning correctly and can remove the gas after the CO2 system is activated.
- Isolation Valves: The condition of the isolation valves must be checked to ensure that they are functioning correctly and can isolate the CO2 system if needed.
- Cabling: The condition of the cabling must be checked to ensure that it is not damaged and can support the operation of the CO2 system.
- Instructions and Documentation: The instructions and documentation related to the fixed CO2 system must be checked to ensure that they are up to date and reflect the current configuration of the system.
Once the inspection is completed, the surveyor must provide a detailed report that outlines the findings of the inspection, any repairs or replacements that need to be carried out, and any recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the CO2 system. The report must also include a list of all the equipment and components that have been inspected and any deficiencies or faults that have been identified.
Conclusion:
The annual and five-yearly inspections of the fixed CO2 system are critical tasks that need to be performed to ensure that the system is always ready to operate effectively in case of a fire emergency. The inspections must be carried out by qualified and authorized surveyors who have the necessary knowledge and expertise to conduct the inspections. The inspections must cover all the critical components of the fixed CO2 system, including the CO2 cylinders, pressure, release valves, piping and fittings, alarm system, control system, ventilation system, isolation valves, cabling, instructions, and documentation. The reports provided by the surveyors must include detailed information on any deficiencies or faults identified during the inspections, along with any repairs or replacements needed and recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the CO2 system. By conducting regular inspections and addressing any issues identified, ship owners can ensure that their fixed CO2 systems are always in good working condition and can be relied upon to protect the ship and its crew in case of a fire emergency.
