Inspection and service of fire-rated cabinets
To store flammable liquids indoors, you need a fire-rated cabinet that meets the strict requirements of EN 14470. To ensure that the fire-rated cabinet also meets these requirements in the long term, regular inspection and service are required, including a functional test of the fire protection components. Read below to find out how a professional service for fire-rated cabinets is carried out and which certificates a specialist must have.
Fire protection requirements according to EN 14470-1
EN 14470-1 regulates the construction requirements and test conditions for fire-rated safety cabinets for storing flammable liquids in the workplace. These are the strict requirements for fire protection:
- Proven fire resistance over a minimum period of time (e.g. 90 minutes)
- Avoidance of explosive atmospheres by means of a technical air discharge system
- In the event of fire, the cabinet door must close automatically and completely from any position within a maximum of 20 seconds
- Automatic closing of supply and exhaust air openings from 70 (+/-10) °C
- Shelves must be able to support the maximum load specified by the manufacturer, even during a fire
- The sump must be fully operational even after a fire has occurred
Authorised testing of fire-protection equipment
Cabinets for storing flammable liquids should be comprehensively checked at least once a year for functionality and reliability. Safety inspections, especially of electrical installations and fire and explosion protection equipment, may only be carried out by competent persons with the appropriate qualifications , e.g. a manufacturer's certificate.
The basis for a uniformly high standard in all services is the attainment of a Safety Certificate Constructor (SCC) qualification. With their electrical training, our service technicians are able to carry out switching and electrical installation work professionally and safely. In addition, they are experts in handling hazardous materials and know exactly how to store and handle them correctly. Our technicians take part in regular in-house training and external advanced training so that they are always up to date with the latest knowledge.
UK Legislation
The following relevant legislation applies in the UK:
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 General duties of employers to their employees
(1) It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of an employer’s duty under the preceding subsection, the matters to which that duty extends include in particular—
(a) The provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health.
Care of Substance Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 – COSHH
Regulation 9 states that in the case of plant and equipment, including engineering controls and PPE that it is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, good repair and in a clean condition…In addition, employers must ensure that whoever carries out maintenance examinations and tests are competent to do so. People carrying out examinations and test on control measures of which safety cabinets are, must have adequate knowledge, training and expertise in methods and techniques.
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 – DSEAR
DSEAR refers to maintenance throughout the regulations. The employer, having carried out all the required assessment and subsequent implementation work, should continue to ensure that the control measures they have created are maintained both in terms of hard-ware (plant etc) and software.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 – PUWER
PUWER requires that equipment provided for use at work is safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected. In order to ensure work equipment does not deteriorate to the extent that it may put people at risk, employers, the relevant self-employed and others in control of work equipment are required by PUWER to keep it maintained in an efficient state, in efficient order and in good repair‘.
Remember:
Safety inspections of electrical installations, especially ATEX compliant ones, in explosive atmospheres must be carried out by a qualified electrician with knowledge and qualifications!
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN DURING THE INSPECTION OF FIRE-RATED CABINETS
Maintenance of fire-rated cabinets is carried out in a holistic process according to the following maintenance steps in accordance with legal regulations. Each recommended inspection criterion is carried out conscientiously and professionally and documented in writing.
Functional test and visual inspection
Service specialists check the safety cabinet for damage inside and outside. In this way, they are able to detect irregularities in the operating mode. In addition, the sump trays, ventilation slots and pipe passages must be checked for possible contamination. It is important to observe the maximum load on the shelves, which must not be exceeded. This must be guaranteed by the ordering party.
Security checks
Service technicians pay particular attention to the careful inspection of the closing mechanisms of fire doors and dampers. These must always function flawlessly, because in the event of damage, both the doors and the supply and exhaust openings must be able to close automatically to prevent further damage.
Fire protection testing
Here, the sealing systems on the safety cabinet are checked. In the event of an emergency, they must be properly sealed so that no toxic gases or flames escape. Conversely, no air should enter the cabinet so that a fire cannot spread.
Ventilation testing
The technical ventilation is overhauled and the air filter contained therein is replaced with a new one. Only a regular change of the air filter always guarantees a good air exchange in the fire cabinet, so that the escaping gases from hazardous materials in the air can be purified. Failure to change the air filter can cause gases to mix, which in the worst case scenario can lead to a fire or explosion. In addition, the functioning of the monitoring electronics and control technology is checked.
Legal security checks
Compliance with the legal sump capacity is an important factor in the safety of the enclosure and is checked accordingly by the technician. Regulatory markings are also checked as part of the legal safety check.
Documentation
Documentation is coordinated specifically for each type of enclosure by issuing an inspection package and creating an electronic inspection protocol (PDF). You are thus on the safe side during inspections and in the event of damage. Only regular maintenance of fire safety cabinets extends the manufacturer's warranty and makes a significant contribution to protecting your employees and maintaining the value of your equipment. In this way, you increase your productivity and avoid subsequent financial costs.
COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF FIREPROOF CABINETS
Make the most of the professional maintenance service from DENIOS. Our service technicians have all the necessary certifications to professionally carry out functional tests and maintenance work on fire-rated cabinets. We will provide you with a test report and an inspection sticker for your records.
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The specialist information on this page has been compiled carefully and to the best of our knowledge and belief. Nevertheless, DENIOS Ltd cannot assume any warranty or liability of any kind, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, for the topicality, completeness and correctness either towards the reader or towards third parties. The use of the information and content for your own or third party purposes is therefore at your own risk. In any case, please observe the locally and currently applicable legislation.