Annual & Two Yearly Inspections, Blow Tests, Testing of Control and Section Valves.
Fixed Dry Chemical Powder Systems are fire suppression systems that use dry chemical powder to extinguish fires. These systems are commonly used in machinery spaces, cargo holds, and other areas of ships where fires are likely to occur. To ensure the safety of the ship and its crew, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established regulations that require the annual and five-yearly inspections of Fixed Dry Chemical Powder Systems. In this article, we will discuss the requirements for these inspections as per MSC or IMO regulations.
Annual Inspection:
The annual inspection of Fixed Dry Chemical Powder Systems must be conducted by a qualified and authorized surveyor. The inspection must include the following:
- Visual Inspection: The surveyor must conduct a visual inspection of the entire system to ensure that there are no signs of damage or corrosion. They must also check the system for any signs of leakage.
- Extinguishing Agent: The surveyor must check the amount of extinguishing agent in the system to ensure that it is within the required limits. If the amount is not within the required limits, the system must be refilled with the appropriate amount of dry chemical powder.
- Pressure Gauges: The surveyor must check the pressure gauges of the system to ensure that they are within the required range. If the pressure gauges are not within the required range, the system must be recharged.
- Operating Devices: The surveyor must check the operating devices of the system to ensure that they are in good working condition and can be activated in case of a fire emergency.
- Discharge Nozzles: The surveyor must check the discharge nozzles of the system to ensure that they are not clogged or damaged.
- Control System: The surveyor must check the control system of the system to ensure that it is functioning correctly and can activate the system in case of a fire emergency.
- Instructions and Documentation: The surveyor must check the instructions and documentation related to the system 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 system.
Five Yearly Inspection:
The five-yearly inspection of Fixed Dry Chemical Powder Systems is a more detailed inspection that requires the system to be dismantled, cleaned, and reassembled. The inspection must be conducted by a qualified and authorized surveyor and must include the following:
- Dismantling: The surveyor must dismantle the system to inspect the internal components, including the piping, nozzles, valves, and other components.
- Cleaning: The surveyor must clean the system to remove any debris, corrosion, or other contaminants that may affect the operation of the system.
- Inspection: The surveyor must inspect the internal components of the system to ensure that they are not damaged or corroded. They must also check the condition of the piping, nozzles, valves, and other components.
- Reassembly: Once the inspection is completed, the surveyor must reassemble the system and conduct a functional test to ensure that the system is working correctly.
- Extinguishing Agent: The surveyor must check the amount of extinguishing agent in the system to ensure that it is within the required limits. If the amount is not within the required limits, the system must be refilled with the appropriate amount of dry chemical powder.
- Pressure Gauges: The surveyor must check the pressure gauges of the system to ensure that they are within the required range. If the pressure gauges are not within the required range, the system must be recharged.
- Operating Devices: The surveyor must check the operating devices of the system to ensure that they are in good working condition and can be activated in case of a fire emergency.
- Discharge Nozzles: The surveyor must check the discharge nozzles of the system to ensure that they are not clogged or damaged.
- Control System: The surveyor must check the control system of the system to ensure that it is functioning correctly and can activate the system in case of a fire emergency.
- Instructions and Documentation: The surveyor must check the instructions and documentation related to the system 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 system.
It is essential to note that the annual and five-yearly inspections of Fixed Dry Chemical Powder Systems are critical for ensuring the safety of the ship and its crew. These inspections help to identify any potential issues with the system and ensure that it is functioning correctly in case of a fire emergency. It is also important to ensure that the inspections are carried out by qualified and authorized surveyors who have the necessary expertise and experience to conduct these inspections accurately.
In conclusion, the annual and five-yearly inspections of Fixed Dry Chemical Powder Systems are essential to maintain the safety of the ship and its crew. These inspections must be conducted in accordance with MSC or IMO regulations and must be carried out by qualified and authorized surveyors. By following these regulations, ship owners can ensure that their Fixed Dry Chemical Powder Systems are functioning correctly and can effectively extinguish fires in case of an emergency.
