TESTING FIRE DETECTORS ONBOARD SHIPS

To test your household fire detector, simply press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. Fire detectors onboard differ in design and are constructed to detect the slightest changes in the protected areas. These changes may be the presence of an abnormal heat energy, smoke, flame and/or combustible gases. The smoke and heat detector are the most commonly fitted detectors onboard ships.

Testing of fire detectors is usually done once a week. The Planned maintenance System if installed, indicates the date in which these tests are to be carried out.

A ship is partitioned into specially outlined zones. This zones are called fire zones. The number of fire zones depends on the size of the vessel. Most vessels have ten fire zones. Each fire zone has a specific number of heat and smoke detector. Fire zones makes testing easier and accurate. The respective fire zones are visible on the ship’s Fire alarm control panel. An example of a fire zone is the bridge area, it could be named zone A, galley; Zone B and so on.

In this article, I will walk you through the practice of testing smoke and heat detectors onboard your vessel.

The procedures for testing a detector includes:

1. Inform the bridge before carrying out the Fire detector test. The bridge watch keeper will in turn; announce to all crew onboard of the intentions to test the detectors.
2. Testing of detectors may be done at any time. Although, I advise to carry out such test at midday- lunch time. This is the transition time between watch duties. Before and beyond such period of time, Watch keepers may be sleeping when such alarms are tested. This can lead to confusion and restlessness.
3. Ensure to familiarize yourself with the signs and symbols for the various fire detectors.
4. Prepare the testing instruments. Solo testers has become a notable instrument for smoke detection. In the absence of the solo tester kit, get a smoke detector spray and a gentle heat source for testing heat sensitive detectors.
5. Wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). You may need to look up and climb heights during testing as some detector are beyond reach. Nose mask may be required to prevent you from breathing the solo spray. Do not attempt to climb heights without a safety harness or a ladder supported from the base.
6. To test; (a)Smoke detector: Hold the handle and use the suction of the solo tester to fully cover the detector head. This is done to prevent the smoke solo spray from escaping. Once the detector head is covered, screw in the spray holder gently. As you screw in the spray holder, this releases the spray from the can. The smoke detector sounds a continuous alarm once it has detected the smoke. A red light will be seen from the detector’s indicator lamp before the alarm is heard. The alarm becomes visible on the fire control panel which is usually located at the wheelhouse/bridge. In the absence of a solo tester, apply smoke to the detector head. The alarm will be activated and the indicator lamp will be lighted.(b)Heat detector: The solo tester’s battery baton is used as the heat source. The baton is inserted into the solo tester. Hold the handle and use the suction of the solo tester to fully cover the detector head. Press the Red button (this releases heat energy from the baton into the suction of the tester) and wait for 7-8 seconds. The indicator lamp on the heat detector lights up and the fire alarm is rung by the ship’s bell. Ensure to charge the detector tester baton. Without proper charge, it will not give the sufficient heat needed to energize the heat detectors sensing coil. Without a solo tester, a hair dryer or any other gentle heat source can be used to test the heat detectors. When using alternative methods, ensure the heat source is placed 5-8 inches away from the heat detector to prevent damage to the detector.
7. Ensure to have a watch keeper on the bridge/wheelhouse on standby. He/she will be responsible for acknowledging the continuous ringing alarm from the alarm control panel. If left unattended to, the alarm can be discomforting.
8. After the conducting the detector test on all fire zones in your ship, inform the bridge. The bridge watch keeper may then inform the ship’s crew of the conclusion of the detector test. This information will eliminate all doubts should incase an unstimulated fire is detected.
9. Ensure to properly stow the solo tester kits in a clean environment. It should not be allowed to come in contact with water or dust while in storage.
10. Ensure to charge the solo detector’s battery baton to ensure efficient output during future usage.

The video below is a simple illustration of smoke detector test.