several types of fire extinguishers with description in different places (hospital, cafe, school)A few words about the maintenance of firefighting equipment

We often see fire extinguishing equipment in the form of popular fire extinguishers. And although the object such as the fire extinguisher is well known to us, knowledge about its maintenance is not necessarily the case. We encourage you to read our guide, which is a collection of the most important information on questions about the maintenance of fire extinguishing equipment.

 

Legal Basis

The legal aspect of the use of firefighting equipment is regulated by § 3 para. 2 and 3 of the Regulation of the Minister of the Interior of June 7, 2010 (Journal of Laws of June 22, 2010 No. 109, item 719) on fire protection of buildings, other structures and areas. What issues does the above-mentioned regulation address? The content of the legal act is mainly devoted to technical reviews. The regulation states that:

  • technical inspections and maintenance are to be carried out in accordance with the principles set out in the Polish Standards for fire-fighting devices and fire extinguishers,
  • information on technical inspections must be included in the technical documentation and user manuals,
  • inspections should be carried out at intervals and in accordance with the instructions set out by the manufacturer, however, at least once a year!

 

Mandatory inspections - fire extinguishers

There are devices that are subject to the so-called mandatory inspections. They include, among others:

portable and mobile fire extinguishers, fixed and semi-permanent fire extinguishing systems, internal hydrants and related installation components. emergency lighting installations and elements,

 

Fire extinguishers are the most popular among firefighting equipment. In most types of extinguishers, the rule is to replace the extinguishing agent once every 5 years. The pressure vessels of extinguishers with a volume greater than 5 dm3 are checked with the same frequency - they should be tested and verified by the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT). The exception are snow extinguishers - the validity of the inspection carried out by the Office may be up to 10 years. Additionally, the following fire extinguishers are tested:

  • with broken seals,
  • with signs of mechanical damage,
  • without a legible control with the validity period of the tests.

 

Detailed requirements - protocol and control

Each inspection and maintenance of fire-fighting equipment must be confirmed with an appropriate, legibly signed by the conservator protocol. The situation is the same in the case of the same fire extinguishers and fire hydrants, with the difference that these devices should receive an individual upgrade feature - the so-called indicator light(usually it is a sticker with the name of the company, name and signature of the maintenance technician, and the date of completion and expiration date of the inspection).