LOSS PREVENTION
OUR SERVICES
- Hazardous Area Classification
- Plant Inspection in Hazardous (Classified) Areas
- Investigation of Accidents and Hazardous Events
- Emergency Planning
- Process Plant and Manufacturing Complex Layout Studies
- Evaluation and Specification of Firefighting and Protection Systems
- Firefighting Systems Inspection
- Evaluation and Specification of Secondary Containment
- Relief Systems Specification
- Explosion Protection Systems Specification
Firefighting Systems Inspection
Although major accidents are usually preceded by multiple minor occurrences, it is virtually impossible to predict when a fire will occur. Therefore, it is crucial that the firefighting system is inspected, tested and effectively maintained to be sure that it will be available the whole time.
Firefighting systems, as any other equipment, deteriorate with time. They are also vulnerable to external influences such as corrosive environments, adulteration, accidental damage and misuse. Furthermore, given that firefighting is a non-frequent maneuver, equipment should be inspected and tested regularly to demonstrate their reliability and operability. It is much better to detect an unsatisfactory condition before an emergency than discover it during the emergency. The frequency of inspections depends on several factors and may vary depending on the type of equipment or device. Normally, the following frequencies for some equipment and fittings are adopted:
a- Block valves: all block valves should be sealed at open position. All valves should be visually inspected once a month to verify that they are open and not obstructed. They should be opened and closed manually every 6 months, and lubricated if necessary;
b- Firewater pumps: all firewater pumps should be started once a week by pressure drop and run for 5 minutes before they are put again on automatic mode. All pumps should be tested once a year with measurement of total flow rate and pressure. The results should be filed.
c- Portable fire extinguishers: all fire extinguishers should be visually verified once a month to confirm whether they are charged, in the right place and not obstructed. They must be submitted to maintenance by means of a specialized company once a year;
d -Hydrants: all hydrants should undergo a visual check once a month to ensure their accessibility and good conditions. The conditions of hoses and nozzles should be verified at the same occasion. All hydrants should be tested with water once a year.