Testing and servicing fire suppression equipment on marine vessels can save lives and protect the environment

Whether on dry-land or on the water, fire suppression systems act as an effective way of reducing the risk of damage to property or individuals by fire. Compliance managers, owners and operators must ensure that all fire suppression systems are functioning and meet government regulations for their operation. Failure to do so can often result in harsh penalties and serious liability breaches.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and state-wide marine rescue and safety organisations are continually encouraging vessel owners and operators – both private and commercial – to ensure fixed fire suppression systems and/or portable extinguishers are regularly serviced and maintained by licensed fire technicians.

Vessel owners and operators should avoid unnecessary risks by putting off routine testing and maintenance of fixed fire suppression systems and portable extinguishers as these are life and asset safety-critical devices and it is vital they function properly in the event of a fire hazard. While some vessel owners and operators may view this maintenance as an unnecessary expense because they consider the risk of a fire incident to be low, they may not realise that their fire suppression system gas cylinder and/or portable extinguisher has a higher chance of misfunctioning or discharging the longer it goes untested or serviced. In some cases, this lack of attention can result in the fire suppression system or portable extinguisher not operating at all.

According to technicians from Australia’s leading marine and on shore fire systems provider, Wormald, generally find that private vessel owners don’t act until something goes wrong. Vessel owners and operators should aim to have their fire suppression system serviced every 12 months, and portable extinguishers every six months. These are the recommended timeframes as stated in Australian Standard 1851 – Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment and by the AMSA.

Wormald also recommends that vessel owners and operators have fixed fire suppression systems and portable extinguishers pressure tested every five years to ensure there are no leaks to the gas cylinder and that it will work correctly if required.

If your vessel needs fire protection check-ups or compliance assessments to meet safety standards and help protect the loss of vessel and life, contact Wormald who specialise in fire protection across the marine and boating industry.

For more information about Wormald Technology solutions, contact 1300 300 825 or visit www.wormaldtechnology.com.au.

MEDIA NOTE:

For further information, contact Kim Viney or John Wanna, Write Away Communication

Ph: 02 9978 1400 / 0430 302 822

Email: kim_viney@writeaway.com.au or john_wanna@writeaway.com.au