One of the biggest investments a company can make is compliance. One of the biggest mistakes a company can make is assuming compliance. Many miners are looking to do the right thing and meet the legislated requirements for fire systems. Many fire companies provide a suitable level of compliant servicing, and some don’t. The question is, how does a mine determine if they are receiving OEM parts at each service? Do you know what foam has been put in your fire system?
Fire Suppression – Which one do I choose?
Fire Suppression – Australian Made
There are some simple indicators to assist you in a basic audit.
- Generally, the OEM gauges will have the OEM name.
- Check the gauges on the cylinders, and the actuators are clearly branded and are of the same brand.
- Alarm panels, in most cases, are branded to the cylinder sticker.
- Your fire company should be able to provide you with the owner’s manual (and maintenance manual) for each system they service for you.
- Ask the fire technician to explain if this is a compliant system and how it meets compliance – look for confidence and ease of explanation.
- Ask to see the foam (or powder) to be used for the round of servicing they’re about to undertake – generally, the foams are branded, or the owner’s manual will provide detail.
The wrong nozzle can be life-threatening.
If the incorrect nozzles or foam are used on a system, the system does not comply with any standard. Foam is no longer just foam. The new fluorine-free foams can vary greatly; degraded performance through the wrong nozzle can be life-threatening.
There are non-genuine aftermarket parts available for service and maintenance of some of the more popular fire systems – don’t be caught unaware of what is on your machine.
United Safety can assist in the identification of aftermarket and non-genuine parts. Contact our team today to learn more.
For more information contact Kieran McHatton via email info@ussc.com.au, phone 1800 424 889 or visit the website www.ussc.com.au.
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