Safety in facilities where fire protection devices are installed depends largely on the correctness and reliability of their operation. In order to maintain the highest possible level of readiness of devices, it is necessary to regularly check their condition. The issues of inspections and maintenance are specified in the Regulation of the Minister of Interior and Administration of June 7, 2010 on fire protection of buildings, other buildings and areas. According to the above-mentioned regulation, the building owner or its manager is obliged to carry out technical inspections and maintenance activities at least once a year.
How often should you review?
The technical condition of the buildings put into use should not raise any doubts. Only regular inspection of the installations in which a given facility is equipped can help detect any irregularities. Devices included in fire protection systems installed in the building should be checked particularly rigorously. In accordance with applicable regulations, fire-fighting devices and hand-held fire-fighting equipment are subject to periodic technical inspections in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines, but at least once a year (Regulation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, Journal of Laws of 2010, No. 109, item 719 - §3 point 3). It is worth mentioning that §3 point 2 of the above-mentioned the regulation specifies the method of carrying out technical inspections and maintenance activities "(...) in accordance with the principles and in the manner specified in the Polish Standards for fire-fighting devices and fire extinguishers, in the technical and operational documentation and in the operating manuals developed by their manufacturers." This means that they should be subject to technical inspections at least once a year, including: devices included in voice warning systems, fire alarm systems, internal and external hydrants, smoke removal devices, smoke curtains and doors, fire protection switches. For example, during the inspection of hydrants, [1] the following are checked: location, marking, instructions, mounting and operation. Additionally, the test includes measuring the minimum water intake efficiency at the nozzle outlet, which is a kind of standard for the maintenance of internal hydrants.
Who can perform fire protection inspections?
Regular inspections and maintenance are aimed at verifying the proper operation and technical condition of devices and fire protection systems. Due to the importance of such a project in general safety, all activities should be carried out by specialists. These people should have the necessary authorizations in the discussed area. It is recommended that the selected entity has appropriate qualifications and experience enabling a reliable assessment of fire protection devices. There are also companies on the market that offer comprehensive fire protection services both in residential buildings and larger facilities. Such companies are able not only to install fire protection systems in buildings, but also to carry out their subsequent maintenance and inspection. The services provided often include all fire protection equipment installed on the premises. It is also worth checking the fire alarm systems (FAS) available on https://w2.com.pl/en/product-category/for-fire-alarm-systems/.
How to check if the fire protection system is operational?
The above part of the entry specifies how often inspections should be performed and who can perform them. The following section will briefly describe what an installation inspection actually looks like and what activities are performed during it. As a rule, the initial inspection of the technical condition includes a visual inspection of the devices [2]. This is to check whether the devices have not been mechanically damaged and whether all their components are present and properly installed. The next step is to carry out functional tests, i.e. checking whether the devices operate properly and meet the assumed technical parameters. Then, maintenance activities are ordered, e.g. replacing worn out elements or replenishing the extinguishing agent in the fire extinguishers. The last stage includes preparing an inspection report, which includes the date and place of the inspection, names and types of devices, the result of the inspection/check, maintenance activities performed, and irregularities found. It is worth remembering that the owner or manager of the building is obliged to commission an inspection within a period not exceeding the periods specified in the regulation. The inspection should take place regularly according to an established schedule [3].
What do regular fire protection inspections ensure?
Periodic inspections and maintenance of fire protection equipment certainly bring many benefits. Properly functioning and marked devices ensure a high level of safety for building users and minimize the risk of fire occurrence and spread. A properly designed, constructed and maintained fire protection system is able to save property and human life, which is the most important value. Additionally, documented inspection activities allow us to meet legal requirements in this area.
[1] https://fireproof24.pl/uslugi-ppoz-i-bhp/przeglady-urzadzen-bezpieczenstwa-pozarowego/przeglady-hydrantow-wewnetrznych-oraz-zewnetrznych/ (dostęp 11.12.2024)
[2] https://jared.pl/przeglad-rzadzen-przeciwpozarowych-w-obiektach-kirdy-co-ile-kto-wykonuje/ (dostęp 11.12.2024)
[3] https://polpatron.pl/pl/aktualnosci/przeglady-przeciwpozarowe-kiedy-powinno-sie-je-wykonac/ (dostęp 11.12.2024)
