Examine all heat detectors, the expellant gas container(s), the agent container(s), releasing devices, piping, hose assemblies, nozzles, signals all auxiliary equipment and the liquid level of all nonpressurized wet chemical containers.
Wet Chemical Systems, also known as kitchen hood fire suppression systems, are designed to protect commercial kitchens from fires that may occur due to cooking activities. These systems work by spraying a wet chemical agent on the fire source, which cools the flames and prevents re-ignition. Wet Chemical Systems are a crucial component of a commercial kitchen’s fire protection system, and it is essential to ensure that they are inspected regularly to ensure their effectiveness.
Annual Inspection:
As per MSC regulations, the Wet Chemical System must be inspected annually by a qualified and authorized surveyor. The annual inspection involves a visual examination of the system, its components, and its performance. The inspection includes:
- Check of System Components: The surveyor must check the system’s components, including the cylinder, discharge nozzles, and piping, to ensure that they are in good condition and functioning correctly.
- Check of Fire Suppression Agent: The surveyor must check the fire suppression agent to ensure that it has not expired and is at the correct level.
- Check of Control System: The surveyor must check the control system to ensure that it is functioning correctly and can activate the system in case of a fire emergency.
- Check of Manual Activation Device: The surveyor must check the manual activation device to ensure that it is working correctly and can activate the system in case of a fire emergency.
- Check of 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.
Five-Yearly Inspection:
In addition to the annual inspection, Wet Chemical Systems must also undergo a five-yearly inspection, as per MSC regulations. The five-yearly inspection is more detailed than the annual inspection and includes the following:
- Hydrostatic Testing: The surveyor must carry out a hydrostatic test on the cylinder to ensure that it can withstand the system’s operating pressure.
- Check of System Components: The surveyor must check the system’s components, including the cylinder, discharge nozzles, and piping, to ensure that they are in good condition and functioning correctly.
- Check of Fire Suppression Agent: The surveyor must check the fire suppression agent to ensure that it has not expired and is at the correct level.
- Check of Control System: The surveyor must check the control system to ensure that it is functioning correctly and can activate the system in case of a fire emergency.
- Check of Manual Activation Device: The surveyor must check the manual activation device to ensure that it is working correctly and can activate the system in case of a fire emergency.
- Discharge Test: The surveyor must conduct a discharge test to ensure that the system is functioning correctly and can discharge the fire suppression agent effectively.
- Check of Nozzles and Piping: The surveyor must check the nozzles and piping to ensure that they are not clogged or damaged.
- Check of 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 inspections are 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.
In conclusion, the annual and five-yearly inspections of Wet Chemical Systems are crucial for maintaining the safety of commercial kitchens. These inspections must be carried out in accordance with MSC regulations by qualified and authorized surveyors. By following these regulations, commercial kitchen owners can ensure that their Wet Chemical Systems are functioning correctly and can effectively suppress fires in case of an emergency.
