In a bid to ensure continued safety, Johnson Controls is reminding the industry of the essential need for hydrostatic testing of gaseous fire-fighting containers every ten years – a statutory requirement under the ADR European Agreement, concerning the carriage of dangerous goods by road.
Fire suppression and detection systems require regular inspections to ensure they function properly in emergencies. The ADR, in conjunction with EN 1968 and EN 1803 requires that all containers used in fixed fire-fighting systems must undergo a full hydrostatic test every ten years. In addition, if a system discharges and the containers are more than ten years old they must be tested before they can be refilled. If the testing date has passed, this could potentially invalidate business insurance.
Hydrostatic testing provides a way of assessing the structural integrity of a compressed gas container. The process involves decanting the gases or liquids found in containers and pressure testing the container. This verifies the containers’ integrity, ensuring no critical faults that could render the container unsafe.
To help ensure fire suppression systems remain compliant with the latest regulations, Johnson Controls is offering a full Hydrostatic Test Service (H-Testing) for FM-200 and SAPPHIRE® gas containers that have been in service for ten years.
In addition, Johnson Controls offers a Hydrostatic Service Exchange, where containers ready for inspection are removed from site, and immediately replaced with alternate approved containers, this means continued protection is maintained while reducing unwanted and costly downtime.
All exchange containers go through a comprehensive maintenance and inspection process, including the complete refurbishment or replacement of containers and valves, relabeling and repainting, controlled decanting or discharge of agent and the supply of fully certificated agent.
Alan Elder, Fellow, Engineered Systems at Johnson Controls added: “With downtime, a key concern for all businesses, our hassle-free Hydrostatic Service Exchange means fire protection can be maintained with little impact on the day-to-day running of a business.”
“We know it’s easy to forget to check the maintenance date on fire-fighting containers, but we urge everyone to take the time to read the stamp on each container to check when system testing is due. Not only does this help ensure the safety of the equipment but going beyond the scheduled testing dates may actually be illegal.
For more information on Johnson Controls’ hydrostatic testing services, visit: www.johnsoncontrols.com
