Effective protection of people, animals and property in the event of a fire can only be guaranteed if the extinguishing system provided for this purpose has no defects and is functioning properly. However, to counteract possible defects and malfunctions, regular maintenance and servicing of extinguishing systems by a specialist company is absolutely essential.
Legal basis for the maintenance of extinguishing systems
One of the highest legal interests in Germany is protection against life-threatening hazards. Accordingly, the requirements for the owners or operators to set up a corresponding stationary extinguishing system are also high. Compliance with the respective maintenance and servicing intervals of the extinguishing system by a suitable specialist company are also part of this. Here, the extinguishing systems are to be properly inspected, as well as checked for their functionality and repaired if necessary. The regulations for the maintenance of extinguishing systems are laid down in writing in the state building codes, as well as in several laws and regulations of the DIN, the VdS and the CEA 4001.
Obligation to provide evidence for the maintenance of fire extinguishing systems
In any case, the system operator must be able to prove that he has fulfilled his obligation to monitor and carry out the maintenance and servicing intervals of his extinguishing system. The proofs (maintenance protocols) are issued to the operator by the inspecting specialist company following the maintenance of the extinguishing system. This protocol is especially important in case of a possible damage. At first glance, the court always assumes that the operator has violated his duty of supervision. However, if the operator can prove that he has fulfilled his duty by means of a maintenance protocol, he cannot be accused of a breach of his monitoring duty. It is also important that all procedures of the operator and the respective specialist personnel are recorded in the so-called operating log of the respective extinguishing system.
However, if the operator of the extinguishing system does not comply with his monitoring obligation, this can have serious consequences for him. Failure to comply with the monitoring obligation is therefore classified as intentional or even, depending on the extent of the possible damage, as grossly negligent behavior. If someone is injured as a result of such an incident, the operator must assume full liability towards the injured party. Furthermore, the operator faces a fine of up to €500,000.
But which maintenance intervals apply to which extinguishing systems?
For this purpose, it is necessary to divide the many different types of extinguishing systems of preventive fire protection into groups. This is due to the fact that there are different maintenance intervals for the various extinguishing systems.
One divides into:
Water extinguishing systems
Among the most common water extinguishing systems are the sprinkler systems (SPA for short). These include, for example, the sprinkler system, wet or dry, also known as the wet alarm valve station (NAV) or dry alarm valve station (TAV), the water spray extinguishing system and water mist extinguishing system.
The following maintenance intervals result:
- Sprinkler system (TAV): semi-annual maintenance.
- Sprinkler system (NAV): annual maintenance
- Water spray extinguishing system: annual maintenance
- Water mist extinguishing system: annual maintenance
In principle, these water extinguishing systems are maintained at least annually, at best semi-annually, by a specialized company and, if necessary, repaired.
Gas extinguishing systems
Gas extinguishing systems are divided into 2 groups: the inert gases and the chemical extinguishing gases. The inert gases are further subdivided into liquefied inert gases and non-liquefied inert gases. The group of liquefied gases includes the CO2 extinguishing system (carbon dioxide), which has an oxygen-displacing effect. The group of non-liquefied inert gases includes the argon, nitrogen, inergen and argonite extinguishing systems. Gas extinguishing systems with chemical extinguishing gases are the FM200, as well as the NOVEC 1230 extinguishing systems.
In general, maintenance of gas extinguishing systems is required at least once a year. In addition, the control unit of the respective gas extinguishing system should also be checked and serviced by a specialist company at least every six months.
Kitchen extinguishing systems
A distinction is made between the so-called concept extinguishing system (e.g. extinguishing agent Fettex), the KS2000 extinguishing system, and the Ansul extinguishing system, which is specifically designed to protect kitchen equipment, e.g. grills and deep fryers.
Kitchen extinguishing systems generally require semi-annual maintenance. The exception to the above extinguishing systems is the KS2000 extinguishing system with an annual maintenance interval.
Conclusion - maintenance of extinguishing systems
In general, it can be summarized that the intervals for the maintenance of extinguishing systems are regulated by the DIN and VdS ordinances, the fire protection regulations, by experts and, if necessary, also by the fire department. However, the exact maintenance intervals of the different extinguishing systems in preventive fire protection cannot be given as a general rule.
Each extinguishing system is individual and is adapted to the individual needs of the customer by the specialist company setting it up. It is therefore advisable to consult an expert contact person at the installer company. This person can advise the operator on the maintenance and servicing of the extinguishing systems. In this way, the operator of the fire extinguishing system is on the safe side and can make an appointment for professional maintenance and servicing of his extinguishing systems in good time and thus prevent serious incidents.
CWS takes over the maintenance of your fire extinguishing systems
CWS Fire Safety is active throughout Germany as a full-service provider in preventive fire protection.
Our experts are also happy to take over the maintenance of your extinguishing systems, whether sprinkler systems, CO2 extinguishing systems or Ansul extinguishing systems. Contact the CWS experts in your area for a non-binding offer.