Australian Standards
Fire water tanks play a vital role in fire protection systems. In Australia, fire water tanks are required to comply with Australian Standard (AS) 1851-2012: Routine servicing of fire protection systems and equipment. This standard sets out the minimum requirements for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire water tanks.
Fire water tank inspection protocols
The following are the key fire water tank inspection protocols outlined in AS 1851-2012:
- Visual inspection: The fire water tank should be visually inspected for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, and corrosion. The inspector should also check for the presence of any dirt, debris, or algae.
- Internal inspection: If necessary, the inspector may conduct an internal inspection of the fire water tank to check for any signs of damage or buildup of sediment.
- Leak testing: The fire water tank should be tested for leaks to ensure that it is watertight.
- Functional testing: The pumps and valves in the fire water tank system should be tested to ensure that they are operating properly.
Frequency of fire water tank inspections
The frequency of fire water tank inspections depends on the type of tank and the environment in which it is located. For example, fire water tanks in corrosive environments may need to be inspected more frequently than fire water tanks in non-corrosive environments.
The following table provides a general guide to the frequency of fire water tank inspections:
| Type of tank | Environment | Frequency of inspection |
| Above-ground steel tank | Non-corrosive | Every 5 years |
| Above-ground steel tank | Corrosive | Every 3 years |
| Underground concrete tank | Non-corrosive | Every 10 years |
| Underground concrete tank | Corrosive | Every 5 years |
Who should perform fire water tank inspections?
Fire water tank inspections should be performed 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.
How to prepare for a fire water tank inspection
There are a few things you can do to prepare for a fire water tank inspection:
- Ensure that the fire water tank is full of water.
- Remove any dirt, debris, or algae from the fire water tank and the surrounding area.
- Make sure that all of the pumps and valves are accessible.
- Gather any relevant documentation, such as the fire water tank maintenance log and the fire water tank commissioning report.
Benefits of complying with fire water tank inspection protocols
Complying with fire water tank inspection protocols offers a number of benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of fire: A properly maintained fire water tank can help to reduce the risk of fire by ensuring that there is always a reliable source of water available for firefighters to use.
- Improved fire safety: A properly maintained fire water tank can help to improve fire safety by providing firefighters with the water they need to extinguish fires quickly and effectively.
- Compliance with legal requirements: In many Australian states and territories, it is a legal requirement for businesses to maintain their fire water tanks in accordance with Australian Standards.
- Reduced insurance costs: Many insurance companies offer discounts to businesses that maintain their fire water tanks in accordance with Australian Standards.
- Extended lifespan of the fire water tank: Proper maintenance can help to extend the lifespan of your fire water tank, saving you money on replacement costs down the road.
Conclusion
Fire water tank inspections are an essential part of maintaining a safe and effective fire protection system. By complying with fire water tank inspection protocols, businesses and organizations can help to reduce the risk of fire, improve fire safety, comply with legal requirements, reduce insurance costs, and extend the lifespan of their fire water tanks.
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 ensure that your fire water tank is in good condition and complies with Australian Standards.
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:
- Phone: 1800 770 899
- Email: info@australianfiretanks.com.au
- Website: Australian Fire Tanks
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.
