MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1
25 May 2021
REVISED GUIDELINES FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTIONS OF
FIXED CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its eighty-sixth session (27 May to 5 June 2009),having considered the proposal by the Sub-Committee on Fire Protection, at its fifty-third session, approved Guidelines for the maintenance and inspections of fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems (MSC.1/Circ.1318).
2 In order to address the need to clarify the hydrostatic testing regime for high-pressureMCO2 cylinders and to align the relevant requirements in the Guidelines with those in the Revised guidelines for the maintenance and inspection of fire protection systems and appliances (MSC.1/Circ.1432), the Committee, at its 103rd session (5 to 14 May 2021), approved amendments to the above-mentioned Guidelines, prepared by the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment, at its seventh session, with a view to dissemination as MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1. The text of the Revised guidelines for the maintenance and inspections of fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems is set out in the annex.
3 Member Governments are invited to apply the annexed Revised guidelines when inspecting fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems on board all ships and bring them to the attention of ship designers, shipowners, equipment manufacturers, and other parties concerned.
4 This circular supersedes MSC.1/Circ.1318
General
These Revised guidelines provide the minimum recommended level of maintenance and inspections for fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems on all ships and are intended to demonstrate that the system is kept in good working order as specified in SOLAS regulation II-2/14.2.1.2. These Revised guidelines are intended to supplement the
fire-extinguishing system manufacturer's approved maintenance instructions. Certain maintenance procedures and inspections may be performed by competent crewmembers, while others should be performed by persons specially trained in the maintenance of such
systems. The onboard maintenance plan should indicate which parts of the recommended inspections and maintenance should be completed by trained personnel.
2 Safety
Whenever carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems are subjected to inspection or maintenance, strict safety precautions should be followed to prevent the possibility that individuals performing or witnessing the activities are placed at risk. Prior to performing any work, a safety plan should be developed to account for all personnel and establish an effective communications system between the inspection personnel and the on-duty crew. Measures to avoid accidental discharges such as locking or removing the operating arms from directional
valves, or shutting and locking the system block valve should be taken as the initial procedure for the protection of personnel performing any maintenance or inspections. All personnel should be notified of the impending activities before work is begun.
3 Maintenance and inspection plan Fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems should be kept in good working order and
readily available for immediate use. Maintenance and inspections should be carried out in accordance with the ship's maintenance plan having due regard to ensuring the reliability of the system. The onboard maintenance plan should be included in the ship's safety management system and should be based on the system manufacturer's recommendations
including:
.1 maintenance and inspection procedures and instructions;
.2 required schedules for periodic maintenance and inspections;
.3 listing of recommended spare parts; and
.4 records of inspections and maintenance, including corrective actions taken
to maintain the system in operable condition.
