Terminology changes and compliance with the authorized prototype
One of the main novelties concerns the terminology changes related to the classification of fire extinguishers and the requirements for conformity to the authorised prototype. The circular clarifies that fire extinguishers marketed must conform to the prototype approved by the competent authority. This conformity must be certified by means of a “Declaration of Conformity”which certifies that each produced specimen complies with the performance and specifications of the initial prototype. This measure aims to ensure maximum safety and consistency between devices placed on the market.
Classification of water-based fire extinguishers
Another central point of the new circular concerns the Reclassification of water-based fire extinguishers. The regulation introduces greater precision in the classification of these devices, in particular with regard to the type of pressurization and the composition of the extinguishing medium. For example, pressurized water-based extinguishers with fluorine free additives have been distinguished in more detail than in the previous edition.
Fire extinguisher surveillance and maintenance
The circular clearly defines the responsibilities and methods of surveillance and maintenance of fire extinguishers. The surveillance, which can be carried out by staff without specific technical skillsis primarily visual in nature and must be organized by the person responsible for safety. However, it is preferable that this activity be entrusted to internal personnel, in order to ensure greater familiarity with the fire-fighting devices.
As for maintenance, this must be carried out by Qualified techniciansas required by the Ministerial Decree of 1/9/2021. The standard establishes maximum intervals for the different maintenance phases: initial check, periodic check, scheduled revision and testing. The frequency of these interventions is determined by the level of risk present in the environment and by the manufacturer’s indications in the use and maintenance manual.
Frequency of inspection and testing operations
A relevant aspect introduced by the circular concerns theextension of the maximum periodicity for the inspection and testing of fire extinguishers. Depending on the type of extinguisher and the extinguishing medium used, the standard provides for different maximum intervals. This allows for more targeted and safe management of fire-fighting tools.
Spare parts management
The circular emphasizes the importance of compliance with spare parts to the standards of the original prototype. Each component, including the extinguishing agent, must be identified with the same commercial name as the certified prototype. In case of difficulty in finding compliant components, the extinguisher could be declared out of service, as required by the provisions of the standard.
Environmental impact and waste disposal
Another important aspect highlighted by the circular concerns the waste management resulting from maintenance operations on fire extinguishers. Disused fire extinguishers, as well as their components and materials, must be treated as special waste and disposed of in accordance with current environmental regulations, in particular the Legislative Decree 152/2006. Laboratories and companies involved in the maintenance of fire extinguishers are required to strictly comply with these provisions to ensure correct disposal and reduce environmental impact.
Maintenance documentation and log
Finally, the circular reiterates the importance of correct documentation maintenance operations. The maintenance technician is responsible for filling out the maintenance card, the intervention document and updating the register. The responsible personin turn, must maintain an accurate register of the interventions carried out, noting all the operations carried out and the documents issued by the technicians. This guarantees the traceability of the interventions and facilitates any checks by the competent authorities.
