Fire Water Source Technical Inspection

Fire Water Source Technical Inspection

Water availability is critical when extinguishing a fire. As large amounts of water may be needed for firefighting, fire water sources must be in good condition, accessible and ready for use.

Tondi Tulekaitse carries out technical inspections and testing of fire water sources to assess their compliance with applicable requirements and their usability during rescue operations.

Who is responsible for maintaining a fire water source?

The maintenance of a fire water source is the responsibility of the holder of the fire water source, unless maintenance has been agreed or arranged otherwise.

Regular inspection helps ensure that the fire water source is in working order, properly marked and accessible to rescue vehicles.

How often should a fire water source be inspected?

Fire water sources must be tested for maintenance purposes at the following intervals:

• at least once every three years for a fire water source located on a pressurised water supply;

• at least once every two years for a fire water source located on an unpressurised water supply, and for a location where the fire water source is pressurised using rescue equipment.

What is assessed during the inspection?

During fire water source testing, the water flow rate is measured and the following aspects are assessed:

• water quantity;

• pressure resistance;

• the functioning of anti-freezing measures;

• compliance with access requirements for the fire water source;

• the accuracy of the information displayed on the sign.

Why is fire water source inspection important?

If a fire water source is not in working order or cannot be accessed, it may hinder fast and effective rescue operations during a fire.

Regular inspection helps prevent situations where a fire water source does not meet the requirements, the information is inaccurate or rescue vehicles cannot use the fire water source when needed.

Legal basis

Regulation No. 10 of the Minister of the Interior of 01.03.2021, “Requirements, Conditions and Procedure for the Construction, Testing, Use, Maintenance, Marking and Information Exchange of Fire Water Sources”, sets out the requirements for the maintenance and testing of fire water sources.