C E R T A L E R T

ADVISORY       CAUTIONARY      NON-DIRECTIVE

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT Ken Gilliam, AAS-310 (407) 812.6331 Ext.134, ken.gilliam@faa.gov
DATE: 	10/22/2004	No. 04-12	
TO: 	Airport Operators, FAA Airport Certification Safety Inspectors	
TOPIC: 	Dry Chemical Systems Inspection and Maintenance

BACKGROUND

Fire suppression systems are mechanical devices and need periodic care. Both “inspection” and “maintenance” must be provided. These activities should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Inspection is necessary to provide reasonable assurance that the fire suppression system is fully charged and operable. Inspections should always be conducted at regular intervals.

Inspection is recommended daily and is usually performed by the assigned operator of the apparatus. This inspection includes but is not limited to the visual observation of the following items:
•	Extinguishing agent tank – dents or abrasions, rust spots, pits and corrosion deposits, paint peeling, fill opening threads nicked or cross threaded, corroded or worn seam welds evidencing discoloration or pin holes
•	Fill cap – abraded, cracked, corroded, or otherwise damaged
•	Dry chemical pick-up tube – obstructed
•	Nameplate – unreadable wording, loose, missing
•	Nitrogen cylinder – rust spots, pits, and corrosion deposits, dents or abrasions, paint peeling, cap threads nicked or cross threaded, corroded or worn, valve leakage suspected, corroded damaged or jammed valve hand-wheel or pull lever, missing deformed or broken gauge crystal or pointer, unreadable faded or corroded dial, gauge pointer below acceptable operating range
•	Hose reel – dents or abrasions, rust spots, pits, corrosion deposits, or peeling paint, reel binding or stiff operating or immovable, pressure leakage
•	Turret/Nozzle – in place and operable
•	Gauges and values – all should be in the proper position for operation of the system

Routine discharge of the system during the daily inspection is not recommended.  However, any time daily inspections gives rise to questions concerning the reliability of the system, it may be desirable to discharge the system. Also, the discharge of the system during training exercises and FAA certification inspections provide testing opportunities. If the maintenance records indicate that a system has been not been discharged within 6 months prior to a FAA certification inspection, the FAA airport certification inspector may, at his or her option, require the dispensing of the dry chemical to ensure the system is working properly.  
 
Maintenance is necessary to provide maximum assurance that the system will operate effectively and safely, and should be conducted at six-month intervals or earlier when indicated by an inspection. Maintenance is a very complex and detailed operation including discharge of the system and should be conducted with strict adherence to the manufacturer’s recommendation. The nitrogen cylinder regulators must be tested annually. Maintenance is often performed by contract with an outside firm. If fire department personnel have not been certified to perform the maintenance on a system, it is recommended that a contractor be used.

Should recharge of a system become necessary, the operator should follow the manufacturer’s recommendation found in the operator’s manual. Particular attention should be paid to the clean out of the hoses. Activating the nozzle, using short bursts of nitrogen, allows the nitrogen to build up pressure in the hoses making the clean out procedure more effective.

_____________OSB____________________                            10/22/2004
Benedict D. Castellano, Manager 					Date
Airport Safety and Certification (AAS-300)          

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