New AFEX Whitepaper Underscores Importance of Maintenance for Fire Suppression Systems

Raleigh, NC, USA, June 21, 2022 – AFEX Fire Suppression Systems, specialists in designing and manufacturing fire protection systems for heavy-duty mobile equipment, has published a new whitepaper for industrial equipment owners and operators entitled, “Ensuring Fire Suppression System Performance Through Routine Maintenance”. The whitepaper stresses the importance of implementing and enforcing a consistent fire suppression system maintenance plan with the goal of ensuring optimum performance. The publication also outlines key maintenance recommendations as outlined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and system manufacturers.

Maximizing Fire Suppression System Efficiency with Regular Upkeep

Heavy-duty mobile equipment, like dozers and haul trucks, operate under harsh conditions. As a result, the vehicle components are exposed to extremely high temperatures, aggressive vibrations, and excess dust and debris. It’s evident that maintenance is critical to keeping these machines operating efficiently.

The whitepaper opens by explaining that the fire suppression systems installed on mobile equipment are also impacted by the same harsh conditions. For example, consistently high temperatures may cause premature damage to hosing, or an abundance of on-site debris may clog distribution nozzles. Routine inspections and maintenance will uncover this excess wear-and-tear before it can turn into a serious problem.

The publication also reveals the importance of system inspections after non-fire suppression system-related repairs or maintenance is performed. If a technician were to move a system component to access an air filter, for example, and fail to reinstall that component properly, the results could be disastrous. In the event of a fire, the suppression system could activate when it shouldn’t, or worse, fail to activate when it should.

Four System Inspection and Maintenance Recommendations

The whitepaper continues by outlining four key recommendations for a solid fire suppression system maintenance plan, as well as the importance of documentation for visibility and accountability. The four recommendations include

1. Pre-shift inspections to uncover immediate issues prior to a long shift
2. Monthly inspections to identify any corrective action to be taken
3. Semiannual inspections by certified service technicians
4. Regular interval testing and/or replacement for certain system components

The publication concludes with a discussion around the factors that influence system maintenance costs, including machine size, operating hours, and environmental factors.

For more information, download the free whitepaper, “Ensuring Fire Suppression System Performance Through Routine Maintenance” on the AFEX website at: https://www.afexsystems.com/ensuring-fire-suppression-system-performance-through-routine-maintenance/

For More Information:

Amy Coulter
Marketing Manager
AFEX Fire Suppression Systems
marketing@afexsystems.com