Fire Extinguishing Gas Cylinders - Look after them and they will look after you

Fire suppression systems are vital for protecting lives and property from the devastating effects of fires. In the UK, maintaining and replacing gaseous fire suppression cylinders is not only a best practice but also a regulatory requirement. This blog explores the importance of these activities, focusing on the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) guidelines for hydrostatic testing and the latest guidance from the Fire Industry Association (FIA) updated in 2024.

Ensuring system reliability

Fire suppression systems must be reliable to effectively detect and extinguish fires. Over time, fire extinguishing agent cylinders can develop leaks, lose pressure, or suffer from wear and tear, which can compromise the system’s reliability. Regular maintenance, including inspections and testing, ensures that all components are in optimal working condition. This proactive approach helps identify and rectify potential issues before they lead to system failure.
 

Prevent false discharges and delayed activation

Damaged or poorly maintained cylinders can lead to false discharges or delayed activation of the fire suppression system. A false discharge can cause unnecessary downtime and damage to equipment, while delayed activation can allow a fire to grow, causing more extensive damage. Regular maintenance helps prevent these issues by ensuring that cylinders and other components are functioning correctly and are free from damage.
 

Compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)

The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) is a key regulatory framework in the UK, governing the design, manufacture, and conformity assessment of pressure equipment. According to the PED, hydrostatic testing of fire suppression cylinders must be carried out every ten years. This testing involves filling the cylinder with water and pressurising it to check for leaks and structural integrity. Adhering to this guideline ensures that cylinders can withstand the pressures they will encounter during a fire event, thereby maintaining the system’s effectiveness.
 

Latest guidance from the Fire Industry Association (FIA)

In 2024, the Fire Industry Association (FIA) released updated guidance on maintaining and replacing fire suppression cylinders. This guidance emphasises the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. The FIA’s recommendations include:

• Regular Inspections: Conducting visual inspections of cylinders to check for signs of damage or wear.
• Hydrostatic Testing: Ensuring hydrostatic tests are performed every ten years as per PED guidelines.
• Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed records of all inspections, tests, and maintenance activities to demonstrate compliance and facilitate future audits.
    

By following these guidelines, businesses can ensure their fire suppression systems remain effective and compliant with UK regulations.
  

Cylinders requiring 10 year testing 

The directive applies to all fixed extinguishing agent containers, including but not limited to:

• HFC-227ea (FM-200)
• FK 5-1-12 (Novec 1230)
• HFC-23 (FE-13)
• HFC-125 (FE-25)
• IG-541 (INERGEN)
• IG01 (Argon)
• IG55 (ARGONITE)
• IG100 (Nitrogen)
• CO2

These containers must be inspected, re-tested, and certified prior to the 10th anniversary of their manufacture or most recent test.
 

Benefits of testing your cylinders

Testing your fire suppression cylinders offers several important benefits:

• Early Detection of Issues: Regular testing helps identify potential problems such as leaks, corrosion, or pressure loss before they become critical.
• Ensuring Compliance: Testing ensures that your cylinders meet the required safety standards and regulations, avoiding potential legal issues.
• Maintaining System Integrity: By verifying the structural integrity of the cylinders, testing ensures that they can withstand the pressures they will encounter during a fire event.
• Optimising Performance: Regular testing ensures that the cylinders are functioning at their best, providing optimal protection in the event of a fire.
• Extending System Lifespan: Regular maintenance and timely replacement of fire suppression cylinders can significantly extend the lifespan of the entire system.
• Potential Cost Savings By addressing minor issues during routine inspections, you can prevent them from escalating into major problems that require costly repairs or complete system replacement.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your cylinders have been tested and are in good condition provides confidence that your fire suppression system will perform effectively if it is ever needed.
         

How to test your cylinders?

There are two options available to ensure your fire suppression cylinders remain compliant with the Pressure Equipment Directive.

• The cylinders can be collected from your premises, tested and - if they pass the hydrostatic testing - returned to site.
• Alternatively, the cylinders can be swapped for cylinders that have already undergone the hydrostatic testing procedure.

Replacing cylinders with compliant containers offers a number of significant advantages to offsite testing.
  

Key benefits of replacing cylinders in favour of offsite testing:

Replacing cylinders rather than getting them taken away to test has a number of benefits in terms of both operational and safety standpoints. These benefits include:

• Uninterrupted Protection: Unless the site possesses spare compliant gas cylinders, the removal of cylinders from the protected building for testing purposes will leave the site unprotected until the cylinders are returned and reconnected.
• Regulatory Compliance: Replacing cylinders in accordance with PED guidelines and FIA recommendations ensures compliance with current safety standards and regulations, thereby avoiding potential legal issues.
• Enhanced Safety: Newer cylinders are less likely to have defects or wear and tear, ensuring optimal performance during a fire emergency.
• Improved Efficiency: Modern cylinders incorporate advanced technologies and materials that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of a fire suppression system.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: Newer cylinders typically require less maintenance and are less prone to issues, thereby reducing overall maintenance costs.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your fire suppression system is equipped with new, reliable cylinders provides peace of mind that your property and occupants are well-protected.
    

Conclusion

Maintaining and replacing fire suppression cylinders is crucial for ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of fire suppression systems in the UK. By adhering to the PED guidelines for hydrostatic testing and following the latest FIA guidance, businesses can ensure their systems are always ready to perform when needed.

Regular maintenance, compliance with safety standards, and timely replacement of cylinders are essential practices that contribute to the safety and protection of people and property.

For more information on how we can help you to keep your gas cylinders compliant and in optimal condition, please contact our gaseous fire suppression specialists using the form below.