The Extinguishing Section of Euralarm has published a guidance document on the important aspects relating to the periodic inspection of cylinders used in fixed gaseous fire extinguishing systems and especially in respect to hydrostatic testing. The guidance note is intended to identify some critical areas that are often not fully understood and does not prescribe the full processes involved in the testing or the physical handling of the cylinders.
Transportable cylinders under the TPED, Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive, and ADR, European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, are required to go through periodic testing for re-certification. The new Euralarm document addresses the issues related to the importance of procedures for periodic testing and subsequent refilling the cylinders. The document guides the reader to avoid serious safety issues of hydrostatic testing.
The guidance note is meant for the testing of gas cylinders of seamless steel, seamless aluminium alloy and welded carbon steel according to respectively EN 1968:2002, EN 1802:2002 and EN 1803:2002. Aspects that are covered in the guidance note are moisture control, the reuse of cylinder valves and the recertification of cylinders. A useful checklist is part of the document and covers important steps to ensure that the safety of cylinders is maintained during periodic inspection processes and during the filling afterwards.
Copies of the Guidance document on periodic testing of transportable gas cylinders used for firefighting can be downloaded from the Euralarm website.
