I had been wanting to post the following tips on completion of the Fire Safety course which I attended in March. In case something is left out or if there are any errors, please feel free to tell me so that the post can be amended.
TIPS FOR CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF HYDRANT SYSTEMS
1. AMC contractor should check the system viz : hydrant lines, valves, rubber parts, greasing and oiling, and operation of pumps and water pressure at least once a month.
2. Routine maintenance as well as defects noticed should be recorded in a register which serves as a check for certification of the contractor’s bills as well as a reminder for getting defects rectified.
3. Sufficient spares should be maintained like rubber gaskets, gland packing and branch pipe nozzles.
4. Complete cleaning of hose reels, hydrant valves, hydrant boxes and oiling of moving parts and threaded parts.
5. Checking of female couplings, lugs and cap nuts.
6. Every hose box should have two hoses and one branch pipe.
7. Canvas hoses should conform to specifications (ISI mark). Rubber hoses are now available (Fire Safe brand).
8. In case of wet risers the jockey pump should get activated when the pressure falls to 6.5 kg/cm2.
9. Check gland packing and coupling guard in the main pump and the jockey pump.
10. The main pump should be in auto start – manual off mode so that it will start when more valves are opened in a fire condition.
11. Main pump and the jockey pump should maintain a pressure of 7 kg/cm2.
12. A terrace pump is put when there is only one pump (main) available.
13. Check in the pump house whether the pump is on ‘manual’ or ‘auto’ mode.
14. A hydrant system consists of piping, pumps, water tank, hydrants, hose reels, valves and risers.
TIPS FOR CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
1. In a new extinguisher check fitment items and tightness of various components.
2. All rubber washers (under the cap) should be changed annually.
3. Check movement of spring loaded plunger (it should not make a scratchy/squeaky sound – otherwise greasing should be done).
4. Check ‘snifter’ valve (this works on low pressure and caters for expansion of air inside the water type extinguisher especially when it is placed in open areas).
5. Check the vent holes in the cap for clogging.
6. CO2 Gas Cartridge. The dimensions are given on the neck. Up to 10% loss in weight is acceptable otherwise it should be refilled. The cartridge should be discarded after 20 years of use (year of manufacturing is given on the neck) unless it passes the hydraulic pressure test.
7. In case of extinguishers which have been subjected to hydraulic pressure test – insist on the certificate issued by the testing authority.
8. At least 10% of spares for Fire Extinguishers should be kept in stock.
9. In case of Mechanical Foam extinguishers 540 ml foam concentrate is to be mixed in 9 litres of water and poured into the extinguisher.
10. In case of Dry Chemical Powder extinguishers which are suitable for class ‘B’ and ‘C’ fires the powder content is either Sodium Bicarbonate or Potassium Bicarbonate. In case of ABC powder type (DCP which is suitable for class A, B or C fire) the content is Mono Ammonium Phosphate which is an excellent extinguishing agent.
11. In refilling DCP extinguishers only a single brand and type of powder should be used so as to avoid a chemical reaction.
12. In CO2 extinguishers relevant data is given on the neck of the cylinder viz : cylinder number, year of manufacture etc. Tally the cylinder number with the explosive certificate. Under IS specifications only wheel type valve mechanism cylinders are manufactured rather than the squeeze grip type which are used in other countries.
13. Pressure test can be done within the premises in case a cage is available. Pressure at 20 kg/cm2 has to be maintained for two minutes (as per IS specifications).
14. In case of CO2 extinguishers, pressure test has to be carried out every time they are refilled (ask for the test certificate).
15. Of all the fire extinguishers due for hydraulic pressure test if the failure rate is more than 10% then all should be subjected to the test.
16. Fire extinguishers should be installed at least 1000 mm above the floor away from entry/exit points.
17. For ordinary or low hazard areas one Fire Extinguisher per 600 sq mtrs should be installed. For special or high hazard areas every 100 sq mtrs area should have two extinguishers.
18. ABC type extinguishers can be installed everywhere.
19. For storage tank fires or transformer/generator fire high velocity spray emulsifier is ideal.
1. In a new extinguisher check fitment items and tightness of various components.
2. All rubber washers (under the cap) should be changed annually.
3. Check movement of spring loaded plunger (it should not make a scratchy/squeaky sound – otherwise greasing should be done).
4. Check ‘snifter’ valve (this works on low pressure and caters for expansion of air inside the water type extinguisher especially when it is placed in open areas).
5. Check the vent holes in the cap for clogging.
6. CO2 Gas Cartridge. The dimensions are given on the neck. Up to 10% loss in weight is acceptable otherwise it should be refilled. The cartridge should be discarded after 20 years of use (year of manufacturing is given on the neck) unless it passes the hydraulic pressure test.
7. In case of extinguishers which have been subjected to hydraulic pressure test – insist on the certificate issued by the testing authority.
8. At least 10% of spares for Fire Extinguishers should be kept in stock.
9. In case of Mechanical Foam extinguishers 540 ml foam concentrate is to be mixed in 9 litres of water and poured into the extinguisher.
10. In case of Dry Chemical Powder extinguishers which are suitable for class ‘B’ and ‘C’ fires the powder content is either Sodium Bicarbonate or Potassium Bicarbonate. In case of ABC powder type (DCP which is suitable for class A, B or C fire) the content is Mono Ammonium Phosphate which is an excellent extinguishing agent.
11. In refilling DCP extinguishers only a single brand and type of powder should be used so as to avoid a chemical reaction.
12. In CO2 extinguishers relevant data is given on the neck of the cylinder viz : cylinder number, year of manufacture etc. Tally the cylinder number with the explosive certificate. Under IS specifications only wheel type valve mechanism cylinders are manufactured rather than the squeeze grip type which are used in other countries.
13. Pressure test can be done within the premises in case a cage is available. Pressure at 20 kg/cm2 has to be maintained for two minutes (as per IS specifications).
14. In case of CO2 extinguishers, pressure test has to be carried out every time they are refilled (ask for the test certificate).
15. Of all the fire extinguishers due for hydraulic pressure test if the failure rate is more than 10% then all should be subjected to the test.
16. Fire extinguishers should be installed at least 1000 mm above the floor away from entry/exit points.
17. For ordinary or low hazard areas one Fire Extinguisher per 600 sq mtrs should be installed. For special or high hazard areas every 100 sq mtrs area should have two extinguishers.
18. ABC type extinguishers can be installed everywhere.
19. For storage tank fires or transformer/generator fire high velocity spray emulsifier is ideal.
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