Ensuring Compliance: AS 1851-2012 in Fire Water Tank Inspections 

Introduction 

AS 1851-2012 is the Australian Standard for the routine servicing of fire protection systems and equipment. It provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire water tanks. 

Compliance with AS 1851-2012 is essential for businesses in Australia, as it helps to ensure that fire water tanks are in good condition and capable of performing their intended function in the event of a fire. 

This blog post will discuss the key requirements of AS 1851-2012 for fire water tank inspections. 

General requirements 

AS 1851-2012 sets out a number of general requirements for fire water tank inspections, including: 

  • Frequency of inspections: Fire water tanks must be inspected at least once a year by a qualified fire protection technician. 
  • Scope of inspections: Inspections must cover all aspects of the fire water tank system, including the tank itself, the pumps, the valves, and the pipework. 
  • Documentation: Records of all inspections must be kept for a minimum of five years. 

Specific requirements 

In addition to the general requirements, AS 1851-2012 also sets out a number of specific requirements for fire water tank inspections. These requirements vary depending on the type of fire water tank system. 

Above-ground fire water tanks 

Above-ground fire water tanks must be inspected for the following: 

  • Structural integrity: The tank must be inspected for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, and corrosion. 
  • Lining: The tank lining must be inspected for any signs of damage, such as tears and punctures. 
  • Pumps and valves: The pumps and valves must be inspected for proper operation. 
  • Pipework: The pipework must be inspected for any signs of damage, such as leaks and corrosion. 

Underground fire water tanks 

Underground fire water tanks must be inspected for the following: 

  • Access: The tank access points must be inspected to ensure that they are clear and accessible. 
  • Structural integrity: The tank must be inspected for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, and corrosion. 
  • Lining: The tank lining must be inspected for any signs of damage, such as tears and punctures. 
  • Pumps and valves: The pumps and valves must be inspected for proper operation. 
  • Pipework: The pipework must be inspected for any signs of damage, such as leaks and corrosion. 

How to ensure compliance with AS 1851-2012 

The best way to ensure compliance with AS 1851-2012 is to have your fire water tank inspected by a qualified fire protection technician. These technicians have the training and experience to identify any potential problems with your fire water tank system and recommend corrective action. 

Here are some tips for ensuring that your fire water tank inspection is compliant with AS 1851-2012: 

  • Make sure that the inspector is qualified and experienced. 
  • Provide the inspector with all relevant documentation, such as the tank’s maintenance records and the results of any previous inspections. 
  • Be prepared to answer any questions that the inspector may have about the tank and its operation. 
  • Follow the inspector’s recommendations for corrective action promptly. 

Benefits of complying with AS 1851-2012 

There are a number of benefits to complying with AS 1851-2012 for fire water tank inspections, including: 

  • Reduced risk of fire: Fire water tanks that are properly maintained and inspected are less likely to fail in the event of a fire. This can help to reduce the risk of fires occurring and spreading. 
  • Improved fire safety: A properly maintained fire water tank system can help to improve fire safety in your business by providing firefighters with a reliable source of water to fight fires. 
  • Reduced risk of legal penalties: Businesses that fail to comply with AS 1851-2012 may be subject to fines and other penalties. 
  • Reduced insurance premiums: Many insurance companies offer discounts to businesses that comply with AS 1851-2012. 
  • Improved employee morale: Employees feel safer knowing that their workplace has a properly maintained fire water tank system in place. 
  • Enhanced customer confidence: Customers are more likely to do business with a company that takes fire safety seriously. 

Conclusion 

Compliance with AS 1851-2012 is essential for businesses in Australia to ensure that their fire water tanks are in good condition and capable of performing their intended function in the event of a fire. 

By complying with AS 1851-2012, businesses can reduce the risk of fires occurring, improve fire safety, reduce the risk of legal penalties, and enhance customer confidence. 

Raven Engineering Group is a leading provider of fire protection services in Australia. We offer a wide range of services, including fire water tank design, installation, maintenance, and inspection. Our team of qualified fire protection technicians can help you to comply with AS 1851-2012 and ensure that your fire water tank system is properly maintained and inspected. 

Contact us today to learn more about our fire water tank services and how we can help you to safeguard your business from fire. 

Additional benefits of complying with AS 1851-2012 

In addition to the benefits listed above, complying with AS 1851-2012 can also help to: 

  • Extend the lifespan of your fire water tank: Proper maintenance and inspection can help to identify and address potential problems early on, which can help to extend the lifespan of your fire water tank. 
  • Reduce the cost of repairs and maintenance: By identifying and addressing problems early on, businesses can avoid the need for more expensive repairs and maintenance down the road. 
  • Demonstrate your commitment to fire safety: Complying with AS 1851-2012 demonstrates your commitment to fire safety to your employees, customers, and the community. 

Why choose Raven Engineering Group for your fire water tank inspection needs? 

Raven Engineering Group is a leading provider of fire protection services in Australia. We have a team of qualified and experienced fire protection technicians who can help you to ensure that your fire water tank system is in good condition and compliant with AS 1851-2012. 

We offer a comprehensive range of fire water tank inspection services, including: 

  • Visual inspection: Our technicians will visually inspect your fire water tank for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, and corrosion. 
  • Internal inspection: If necessary, our technicians can also conduct an internal inspection of your fire water tank to check for any signs of damage or buildup of sediment. 
  • Leak testing: We will test your fire water tank for leaks to ensure that it is watertight. 
  • Functional testing: We will test the pumps and valves in your fire water tank system to ensure that they are operating properly. 

We also offer a range of additional fire protection services, such as fire water tank design, installation, and maintenance. 

Contact us today to learn more about our fire water tank inspection services and how we can help you to safeguard your business from fire. 

Contact Raven Tanks 

Raven Tanks is your trusted partner for top-tier tank solutions. If you have inquiries, need to schedule an inspection, or want to explore our range of services, we’re here to help. 

Contact Information: 

Get in touch with our team via phone or email to discuss your tank-related needs. Visit our website to discover the breadth of our services and how we can assist you. 

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