Fire extinguishers and auto system annual certification

[Irish Rover]

My insurance company are insisting on annual certification of the auto fire suppression systems in the engine compartments as well as certification of 5 separate hand held extinguishers - one for the salon galley and one for each of the cabins. Is this usual?

 

[Sticky Fingers]

It's relatively inexpensive, just had mine done and was about £150. I'd just have it done.

 

[Momac]

I have not heard this one before .
I guess it may be a requirement for boats that are coded for charter?
If that does not apply then maybe look elsewhere for insurance.

 

[Little Ricky]

Sounds like another reason to give insurance companies the "genuine" reason to not pay out on a claim, its not the money, its just more faff to remember.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

My policy requires that the fire fighting systems are ‘properly installed and maintained’ but doesn’t say if certification is mandatory. Seems to be risking an argument if I don’t do the certification.

 

[Irish Rover]

My policy requires that the fire fighting systems are ‘properly installed and maintained’ but doesn’t say if certification is mandatory. Seems to be risking an argument if I don’t do the certification.

They actually want a copy of the certificates before issuing the policy. Seemed reasonable last year when i went with them first but annual certification seems like overkill. The engine and portable cylinders were all in the green zone on the guages, yet the company insist on taking them to their workshop 80/90 Km away and returning next day.
I have no option but to go along with it. I was just curious if others have the same experience.

 

[philipdawsonladds]

Not in my experience. Hand held units aren't serviced - they cost so little it's not worth it - mine are certified for 10 years - I did ask about servicing and was told just buy new ones when the certification runs out - the engine bay unit does need inspection to ensure that the pressure has not dropped and that the weight has not changed - you can get an engineer to do this or do it yourself UNLESS you require a certificate. My company has not asked for this in 10 years.

 

[reallycoliholic]

I know it's illegal but I have three Halon extinguishers that I rescued from a skp at work years ago. They're all dated 2001 and the pressure has dropped a little to the bottom of the green gauge. Apart from dumping them, anything I can do to get them recharged?

 

[st599]

I know it's illegal but I have three Halon extinguishers that I rescued from a skp at work years ago. They're all dated 2001 and the pressure has dropped a little to the bottom of the green gauge. Apart from dumping them, anything I can do to get them recharged?

No, they're illegal to own and illegal to dump. There was a derogation for aircraft, but that's been removed too. Only MOD can now have one.

 

[IanCC]

Not in my experience. Hand held units aren't serviced - they cost so little it's not worth it - mine are certified for 10 years - I did ask about servicing and was told just buy new ones when the certification runs out - the engine bay unit does need inspection to ensure that the pressure has not dropped and that the weight has not changed - you can get an engineer to do this or do it yourself UNLESS you require a certificate. My company has not asked for this in 10 years.

But how do you dispose of the old ones?

 

[ylop]

But how do you dispose of the old ones?

I think you need to pay a specialist contractor to take away and safely dispose of any you have “just” found.