CIRCULAR

MANAGEMENT, PRESERVATION, MAINTENANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION, FIREFIGHTING AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT

Pursuant to the Law on Fire Prevention and Firefighting dated June 29, 2001 and the Law dated November 22, 2013 on Amendments to the Law on the Law on Fire Prevention and Firefighting;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 83/2017/ND-CP dated July 18, 2017 on rescue operations by fire departments

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 01/2018/ND-CP dated August 06, 2018 on functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Public Security;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 136/2020/ND-CP dated November 24, 2020 elaborating the Law on Fire Prevention and Firefighting and the Law on Amendments to the Law on the Law on Fire Prevention and Firefighting;

At the request of Director of Central Department of Fire safety, Firefighting, and Rescue;

The Minister of Public Security promulgates a Circular on management, preservation, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment.

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GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope

This Circular provides for rules, details, documents, statistics production and reporting, responsibilities of relevant authorities, organizations and facilities for management, preservation, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment.

Article 2. Regulated entities

This Circular applies:

1. Local police authorities, commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, police officers (hereinafter referred to as “officers”) responsible for management, preservation, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment.

2. Authorities, organizations and facilities relevant to the management, preservation, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment.

Article 3. Rules for management, preservation, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment

1. Comply with regulations of this Circular and relevant laws.

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3. The procedures for management, preservation, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment shall be developed according to requirements of manufacturers and practical use (terrain, geographical area, climate, specifications).

Article 4. Definitions

For the purpose of this Circular, the terms below are construed as follows:

1. Fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment is specified in Appendix VI of the Government’s Decree No. 136/2020/ND-CP dated November 24, 2020 elaborating the Law on Fire Prevention and Firefighting and the Law on Amendments to the Law on the Law on Fire Prevention and Firefighting (hereinafter referred to as “Decree No. 136/2020/ND-CP");

2. Management of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment include planning, organization, provision of instructions and inspection of the use, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment by competent authorities and persons in order to maintain the best quality of the equipment and its preparedness for firefighting and rescue operations.

3. Preservation of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment means protection of the equipment from damage and loss.

4. Maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment includes mandatory tasks that have to be performed after every time the equipment is used in order to keep the in good condition.

Article 5. Appendices

The following Appendices are enclosed with this Circular:

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2. Appendix II: Preservation and maintenance of common firefighting equipment.

3. Appendix III. Preservation and management of personal protective equipment and clothing.

4. Appendix IV: Preservation and maintenance of rescue equipment.

5. Appendix V: Preservation and maintenance of manual dismantling equipment.

6. Appendix VI: Preservation and maintenance of communications equipment.

7. Appendix VII. Preservation and maintenance of fire alarm and fire fighting systems; emergency lighting system; fire retardants; flameproof materials.

8. Appendix VIII: Model log of operation of fire and rescue vehicles.

Chapter II

MANAGEMENT, PRESERVATION, MAINTENANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION, FIREFIGHTING AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT

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1. Locations for management of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment are warehouses, yards, harbors, docks, ports, Premises of organizations or other locations that are decided by competent persons and satisfy the requirements specified in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of this Article.

2. Houses, warehouses and depots for preservation of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment shall ensure security and order, have lighting system, have common fire prevention and firefighting equipment and satisfy the following requirements:

a) Houses and warehouses for preservation of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment are construction works that have roofs and walls, are dry, airy and clean;

b) Yards for preservation of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment are that are outdoors preservation locations shall have roofs or be protected from sun and rain.

3. Harbors, docks, ports for preservation of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment shall ensure security and order, have entry and exit regulations, environmental protection and fire safety regulations. Inland wharves shall also have anchoring equipment, entry, exit, arrangement and anchoring regulations.

4. Fire engines, rescue vehicles and firefighting pumps shall be placed at indoor locations. Fireboats and rescue boats in harbors and docks shall be placed in locations that ensure their operation. Other fire and rescue equipment shall be placed in locations that satisfy the requirements specified in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of this Article or inside the fire engines or specialized vehicles; ensure safety and preparedness for firefighting and rescue operations.

5. Fire engines, rescue vehicles and firefighting pumps, other fire and rescue equipment that have not been used shall be stored in warehouses or at dedicated locations that satisfy requirements for management and preservation by category.

Article 7. Regular maintenance and preservation

1. Maintenance shall be carried out daily or before, during and after the fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment is used by the persons responsible for management of this equipment (hereinafter referred to as “equipment managers”).

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3. Equipment managers shall record the regular maintenance and preservation process into logbooks of the preservation and maintenance process according to Form No. 01, Form No. 02 and Form No. 03 in Appendix VIII hereof.

Article 8. Periodic maintenance and preservation

1. Periodic maintenance shall be carried out monthly, quarterly and annually where the fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment is managed or at maintenance facilities according to manufacturers’ instructions and by mechanics, technicians or trained personnel;

2. Preservation and maintenance contents: Inspect the overall condition of the equipment; organize detailed evaluation of the equipment quality; develop preservation and maintenance plans that are suitable for each type of equipment according to the manufacturers’ regulations on maintenance and repair and actual situations.

Article 9. Fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment management documents

1. Fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment management documents include:

a) Logbooks of operation of fire engines, rescue vehicles and fireboats according to Form No. 01, Form No. 02, other motor vehicles according to Form No. 03 in Appendix VIII hereof;

b) Statistics and reports on management, preservation, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment by authorities, organizations and facilities.

2. Fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment management documents shall be prepared and retained by heads of authorities, organizations and facilities, and revised in case of changes.

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1. In November every year, the authorities, organizations and facilities that have fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment shall produce statistics and submit reports to competent authorities on the management, preservation, maintenance of their fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment with the following contents:

a) Quantity, quality, category, details about management, preservation, maintenance of existing fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment;

b) Result of implementation of inspecting authorities’ recommendations (if any);

c) Proposed solutions to improve effectiveness of management, preservation, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment.

2. Competent authorities shall be promptly informed of any damage to fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article.

3. Reporting procedures and receiving authorities

a) Heads of supervisory authorities or organizations of the facilities on the list in Appendix IV of Decree No. 136/2020/ND-CP, militia units shall submit reports to the People’s Committees of communes on management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment;

b) District-level fire departments and the People’s Committees of communes shall submit reports to district-level police authorities on management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment under their management;

c) Supervisory authorities and organizations of intramural firefighting teams and professional firefighting teams shall submit reports to district-level police authorities or provincial fire departments on management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment under their management;

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dd) Provincial fire departments and district-level police authorities shall submit reports to provincial police authorities on management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment under their management;

e) Provincial police authorities shall submit reports to Central Department of Fire safety, Firefighting, and Rescue on management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment under their management.

Article 11. Formulation and management of procedures for periodic maintenance and preservation of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment

1. Authorities and organizations assigned to manage fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment shall formulate appropriate procedures for periodic maintenance and preservation of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment according to its functionality, specifications and actual conditions.

2. The steps in the periodic maintenance and preservation procedures shall be performed by qualified technicians and mechanics.

Article 12. Responsibility of polices authorities for management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment

1. Central Department of Fire safety, Firefighting, and Rescues shall:

a) Provide nationwide guidelines for management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment;

b) Direct, monitor and inspect the process of management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment as per regulations;

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d) Carry out inspections and take actions or request competent authorities to take actions against violations against regulations on management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment;

dd) Settle complaints and denunciations relevant to management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment as prescribed by law.

2. Provincial police authorities shall:

a) Direct, monitor and inspect the process of management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment under their management;

b) Consider approving plans and organize provision of training for officers responsible for management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment;

c) Prepare statistics and submit reports to superior authorities on management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment under their management;

d) Carry out inspections and take actions or request competent authorities to take actions against violations against regulations on management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment;

dd) Settle complaints and denunciations relevant to management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment as prescribed by law;

e) Ensure adequate funding for management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment under their management.

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a) Directly carry out management, storage, maintenance of their fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment;

b) Assign officers responsible for management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment under their management;

c) Prepare statistics and submit reports to provincial police authorities on management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment under their management.

4. Heads of police units and local authorities shall organize the management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment in accordance with Clauses 1, 2 and 3 of this Article.

Article 13. Responsibility of heads of authorities, organizations and facilities for management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment

1. Organize, direct and inspect the process of management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment under their management.

2. Organize the preparation and management of documents about fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment as instructed by competent authorities.

3. Train their personnel to use their maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment.

4. Assign personnel responsible for management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment.

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6. Carry out inspections and take actions or request competent authorities to take actions against violations against regulations on management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment.

Article 14. Responsibility of the persons assigned to carry out management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment

1. Carry out management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment in accordance with instructions of the manufacturers and competent authorities.

2. Frequently inspect the locations of management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment under their management; promptly inform their organizations of any loss or damage or threat to safety of the equipment.

3. Prepare statistics and submit reports to the heads of the authorities, organizations or facilities on management, preservation, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment.

Chapter III

ORGANIZATION OF IMPLEMENTATION

Article 15. Effect

1. This Circular comes into force from March 22, 2021 and replaces Circular No. 52/2014/TT-BCA dated October 28, 2014 of the Minister of Public Security on management, storage, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment.

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Article 16. Responsibility for implementation

1. The Director of Central Department of Fire safety, Firefighting, and Rescues shall direct, inspect and supervise the implementation of this Circular.

2. Head of units of the Ministry of Public Security, Directors of provincial police authorities, relevant authorities, organizations, facilities and individuals are responsible for the implementation of this Circular.

3. Heads of Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, Governmental agencies, the People’s Committees of provinces shall, within the scope of their functions, duties and entitlements, cooperate with the Ministry of Public Security in managing and inspecting the management, preservation, maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment by the authorities, organizations and facilities under their management.

Any difficulties that arise during the implementation of this Circular should be reported to the Ministry of Public Security (via Central Department of Fire safety, Firefighting, and Rescue) for timely instructions./.

MINISTER




General To Lam

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PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR FIREFIGHTING AND RESCUE VEHICLES
(Attached to Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BCA dated February 5, 2021 of Minister of Public Security)

I. Daily preservation of motor firefighting and rescue vehicles

1. Fire engines and specialized vehicles for firefighting and rescue

a) Visual inspection:

- Rear-view mirrors, windshields;

- Fuel level, refuel if necessary (fuel container must be filled to at least 4/5 of container’s volume at all time); 

- Leak of engine, gearbox, power take off (PTO) lubricants, coolants and hydraulic fluid of cabin lifting system (if any);

- Level of engine lubricants, POT lubricants, engine coolants, glass cleaner liquid, power steering fluid, clutch fluid, servo-brake fluid, hydraulic fluid of specialized systems (if any);

- Lubricating greases for driveshaft and transmission shafts of specialized systems;

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- Tire conditions;

- Operation of sliding doors of compartments, and mechanisms that lift and lower equipment;

- Conditions of ladders and equipment positioned on a vehicle’s roof;

- Oil for vacuum priming pumps (for rotary vane priming pumps using oil for lubricating and sealing or piston pumps); examine water tank for liquid ring vacuum pumps;

- Suction pipes are not bent, punctured, equipped with tight washers and couplings;

- Water tanks for firefighting, foaming agent tanks for firefighting must not deform or leak. Water tanks and foaming agent tanks must be full at all time and containing clean water and foaming agents respectively which must not be mixed with other liquid;

- Fire prevention, firefighting and rescue equipment and devices attached to vehicles and pumps namely nozzles, hoses, 3-way manifolds, ladders, etc. must satisfy technical and design requirements.

b) Operational inspection:

- Once lights and gauges on dashboards signal normal, start engines; if warning lights are blinking, look for causes;

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- Operation conditions of lights, horns and sirens.  If damage is found, report to technical divisions for inspection and repair;

- Conditions of electrical wires and battery terminals;

- Operation conditions of switches, sensors, valves, etc. belonging to control schemes of specialized equipment installed on vehicles;

- Clutch systems must guarantee no strange sound is produced when changing gear;

- Operation conditions of levers of specialized equipment, accelerator cable, etc.;

- Airtightness of brake systems via monitoring gas or oil pressure gauges and lights; discharge water in steam containers (if any);

- Operation conditions of handbrakes;

- Operate vehicles forward, in reverse and apply brake to assess effectiveness of brake systems;

- Operation capacity of power steering systems, excessive play in steering wheel, heavy steering;

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- Operation of water pump systems, to be specific: Examine tightness of water discharge valves, foaming agent release valves, gas valves, gauges, lights; examine greases for sealing and lubricating pump shafts (if any) and rotating mechanisms;

- Tightness of firefighting pumps (seal all valves and suction apparatus, create a vacuum in pumps to achieve maximum vacuum, suction duration must not exceed 30 seconds).     Cease vacuum suction, monitor vacuum gauges; a pump is considered tight if its needle does not reduce more than 0.1 bar; a pump is considered exposed if its needle declines further, in that case, find causes for remediation;  

- Operation capacity of vacuum priming pumps by performing vacuum suction, any vacuum reading that is lower than -0.6 bar shall require maintenance and repair of vacuum priming pumps;

- Operation conditions of firefighting systems that utilize compressed air foam (if any): Examine tightness of air compressors providing compressed air for firefighting systems that utilize compressed air foam, examine operation conditions of operational valves and switches; 

- Hydraulic mechanisms for lifting, lowering, rotating, towing, releasing ladders, retracting ladders; mechanisms for lifting, lowering, rotating lighting structures; power generators, safety mechanisms, etc.  Any damage or incident if found shall require cooperation with technical divisions in inspecting and repairing;

- On a daily basis, start engine once for 15 minutes. When ambient temperature is lower than 10^oC, start engine twice per day to perform inspection as per the law (may move vehicles to consume the same amount of fuel as starting engine in one place). 

2. Firefighting and rescue boats, vessels and canoes

a) Visual inspection:

- Fuel, lubrication, cooling systems;

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- Containers of firefighting foaming agents: containers must not deform or leak foaming agents;

- Inflatable boats: cease operation and adopt remediation in case edges are peeled off, boats are punctured or eroded.

b) Operational inspection:

- Technical conditions of ship, boat, canoe engines;

- Operating systems, homing devices, lights, sirens, attached equipment;

- Firefighting pumps equipped on ships, boats and canoes; examine pipes, hoses and nozzles;

- On a daily basis, start engines once for 15 minutes.  When ambient temperature drops below 10^oC, start engine twice per day.

3. Fire pumps

a) Visual inspection:

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- Adequate and clean fuel, lubricants without leak;

- Electrical wires and batteries;

- Conditions of transmission components of vacuum priming pumps;

- Suction pipes are not bent, punctured, equipped with tight washers and couplings;

b) Operational inspection:

- Operation conditions of pump engines (Start pump engines, start engine at non-loading capacity from 2 minutes to 3 minutes);

- Operation conditions of fire pumps in areas with water sources, deploy suction pipes. Seal discharge apparatus. Start engines (using electric ignition or rope start), once the engine starts, accelerate and pump water. Monitor vacuum gauges and water pressure gauges (if water fails to be pumped within 30 seconds, turn off the engines, examine and restore tightness of pumps). When water is seen flowing through vacuum pumps in continuous stream while water pressure reading goes from 2 bar to 3 bar, turn off vacuum pumps, accelerate gradually and open water release apparatus. During pump operation, maintain water pressure no lower than 4 bars to keep pumps cool (for water cooling pumps);

- On a daily basis, start engine once for 3 minutes (without pumping water) or 15 minutes (with pumping water).  When ambient temperature drops below 10^oC, start engine twice per day, inspect technical conditions and perform maintenance according to manufacturers’ regulations. During use, do not adjust governor levers lest pump engine be damaged. For fire pumps installed with engine temperature warning switches, keep the switch on at all time.

4. Other motor fire prevention, firefighting and rescue facilities: Shoulder-mounted and/or motorized air compressors; sawing, cutting, drilling, chiseling, towing, pulling, lifting devices (utilizing engines); vegetation cutting machines, grass cutting machines; smoke blowers, smoke extractors; power generators; fire extinguishers

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- Ventilation of engines, ignition cables and carburetors;

- Surface of machine components: if crack or oil leak occurs, cease operation and develop remediation measures;

- Connectors, examine quality of air ducts, hydraulic fluid ducts, joints;

- Depreciation materials such as air filters, oil for compressors (in air compressors), drive belts, saw blades, cutting blades, drill bits, etc.;

- Level of hydraulic fluid and fuel in containers, mix fuel using ratio recommended by manufacturers.

b) Operational inspection:

- Ignition system, switches, gauges, lights;

- On a daily basis, start engines for 5 minutes; for air compressors, start twice a week for 5 minutes each time.

II. Daily maintenance of motor firefighting and rescue vehicles

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a) Clean and arrange vehicles in an orderly fashion, examine quantity of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue facilities as per the law.

b) Clean cabins, cushions, seats, tires, bodywork, undercarriage, fire pump compartments, equipment control compartments, fire prevention, firefighting and rescue facility compartment.

c) Clean windshields, windshield wipers, rear-view mirrors, lights and signals. 

d) Clean surface of machinery components, fire pumps, suction valves, discharge valves, cooling valves, etc.

dd) Refill engine coolant, lubricants and hydraulic fluid if necessary.

e) Tighten electrical wires and battery terminals.

g) Inflate the tires to standard pressure; remove solid debris lodged between the grooves. If tire surface shows cracks, deep scratches or bulges, replace the tires.

h) Fasten joints with bolts and screws (if said joints are loosened), lubricate joints, clean surface and apply rust-resistant paint if necessary.

2. Firefighting and rescue boats, vessels and canoes

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b) Clean surface of machinery components, fire pumps, suction valves, discharge valves, cooling valves, etc.

c) Clean and fasten battery terminals.

d) For inflatable boats stored on land;

- Store in cool, airy places and away from direct sunlight and corrosive chemicals; if boats are stored outdoors, adopt measures to protect from weathering;

- Use soap and water to clean the hulls. May employ cleaning agents and clean hulls again with fresh water in case of tough stains;

- Clean valves and barriers; regularly examine air pumps, and charge air pumps (for boats with electric air pumps).

3. Fire pumps

a) Clean surface of machinery components, fire pumps, suction valves, discharge valves, cooling valves, etc.

b) Fasten components, joints, items and electrical wires.

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d) Refill lubricants for vacuum pumps (if any) adequately after use.

4. Other motor fire prevention, firefighting and rescue facilities

a) Clean machinery components, clean and apply rust-resistant paint on rusted surfaces.

b) Refill engine oil if necessary.

c) Refill hydraulic fluid in hydraulic machines if necessary.

d) Adjust tension of toothed belts.

dd) Fasten bolt heads.

5. At the end of each preservation or maintenance session, officers or individuals assigned to preserve, maintain shall adequately record in logs of operation.  If parts of facilities are missing or damaged, report to direct superiors for timely solution.

III. Preservation and maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue facilities that have served training, practice measures or firefighting, rescue missions

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Perform daily inspection of fire prevention, firefighting and rescue facilities.

2. Preservation and maintenance

a) Open all suction valves, discharge valves and blowdown valves to release water stagnated in fire pumps.

b) Refill fire retardants in containers of fire engines.

c) Clutch, brakes, gearbox, POT, steering wheel, driveshaft, front axles, rear axles, tire surfaces, tire pressure, etc.  

d) Exterior conditions of vehicles, fasten bolts, screws, etc.

dd) Ensure adequate level of lubricants, hydraulic fluid, coolant and fuel to prevent leak; add extra oil, water, fuel as per the law.

e) Tension of toothed belts of fans, air compressors, conditions of batteries, lights, and sirens.

g) Conditions of nozzles, hoses, suction hoses, water filters, ladders, respirators, etc., clean fire prevention, firefighting and rescue facilities and arrange them accordingly. 

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i) Clean and dry fire hoses and other fire prevention, firefighting and rescue facilities.

3. In case motor firefighting facilities that utilize saltwater, dirty water or foaming agents, clean the facilities and fire pumps with fresh water.

4. Fire fighting and rescue facilities serving in areas contaminated with diseases, toxic substances or radioactive substances must be sterilized and decontaminated as per the law.

5. For other motor vehicles, clean machinery components, examine pipes carrying hydraulic fluid, compressed air and refill fuel, lubricants if necessary; examine and replace depreciation materials according to manufacturers’ regulations./.

ANNEX II

PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF COMMON FIREFIGHTING FACILITIES
(Attached to Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BCA dated February 5, 2021 of Minister of Public Security)

I. Preservation and maintenance of handheld and trolley fire extinguishers

Adopt TCVN 7435-2:2004 (ISO 11602-2:2000) Fire prevention, firefighting – Handheld and trolley fire extinguishers – Part 2: Inspection and maintenance.

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1. Preserve and maintain hoses, suction hoses

a) When preserving in storage: Hoses and suction hoses must be hung on dry shelves without making contact with walls, must not be stacked into piles or weighted by heavy objects but rather rolled into individual reels and stored away from direct sunlight, corrosive substances, acid, gasoline, oil; on a quarterly basis, unroll the reel and roll in the opposite direction.

b) When preserving and arranging on vehicles: Hoses rolled into reels must be stored in appropriate compartments and suction hoses must be stored in appropriate places.

c) When preserving, maintaining before, during and after training, practice or firefighting, rescue missions:

- Fire hoses and suction hoses must not be folded, weighted by heavy objects on top, dragged on the ground, topped with sharp objects, burning objects or placed in areas with corrosive substances, acid, gasoline, oil;

- Clean and dry fire hoses before rolling them and keeping in storage or stacking on storage compartments of fire engines; do not stack damp reels on fire engines;

- Do not move vehicles when a fire hose or suction hose is connected to discharge or suction apparatus of fire engines; do not accelerate or decelerate abruptly when a fire pump is operating; do not increase pressure beyond operational pressure of fire hoses.

2. Preserve and maintain fire nozzles, couplings, 3-way manifolds, 2-way manifolds, ejectors, ladders, etc.  

a) When preserving in storage: Fire nozzles, couplings, 3-way manifolds and 2-way manifolds must be placed on dry racks; ladders must be placed in clean, dry and accessible locations; do not place heavy objects on top of facilities, do not stack facilities too high, do not place near gasoline, oil, acid or corrosive substances.

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c) When preserving and maintaining before, during and after training, practice or firefighting, rescue mission: Clean fire nozzles, couplings, 3-way manifolds, 2-way manifolds and ladders before keeping in storage or stacking in fire engine compartments as per the law. 

3. Preserve and maintain fire hydrants

a) When preserving and maintaining in storage: Fire hydrants must be stored in dry places away from gasoline, oil, acid or corrosive substances. Once a month, examine water valves and grease if necessary.

b) When preserving and maintaining installed fire hydrants: Once every 6 months, examine hydrant valves and grease if necessary; examine caps of fire hydrants to ensure they can be removed and attached with ease and replace them if missing; examine rubber washers in water supply apparatus of fire hydrants and replace if the rubber has aged; apply new protective paints of fire hydrants if old layers have been worn off./.   

ANNEX III

PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING
(Attached to Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BCA dated February 5, 2021 of Minister of Public Security)

I. Daily preservation and maintenance of personal protective equipment and clothing

1. Examine personal protective equipment and clothing

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b) Respirators, gas masks, personal respiratory protective equipment for firefighting and rescue must be airtight and not leaking during use, and rubber straps thereof are not aged or broken. Examine air level in containers and airtightness of valves and full-face cloth masks. 

2. Preserve and maintain personal protective equipment and clothing

a) Clean clothes, heads, boots, gloves, belts, glasses and face masks for firefighting; thermal-insulated clothes, hats, boots, gloves and shoes; electrical-insulated boots and gloves; chemical-resistant suits; radiation suits by using soft towels soaked in lukewarm water and place them in appropriate places.    Thermal-insulated clothes, chemical-resistant clothes and radiation suits must not be folded to avoid damage and must be hung in dry, airy places and away from direct sunlight.

b) Clean personal lights, fully charge and put in appropriate places. 

c) Clean respirators, gas masks and personal respiratory protective equipment for firefighting and rescue. Air pressure must be at 80% of maximum pressure or higher before storing.

II. Preservation and maintenance after training, practice or firefighting, rescue missions

1. Clothes, hats, boots, gloves, shoes, belts and glasses must be cleaned inside and outside, dried and preserved in dry and airy places.

2. Electrical-insulated boots and gloves; thermal-insulated clothes, hats, gloves, boots and shoes must be cleaned by soft towels soaked in lukewarm water after use.  Thermal-insulated clothes, chemical-resistant clothes and radiation suits must not be folded to avoid damage and must be hung in dry, airy places and away from direct sunlight.

3. Respirators, gas masks and personal respiratory protective equipment for firefighting and rescue must be cleaned after use. Clean with warm running water, wipe with soft towels and dry by hanging or dryers; air canisters must be removed and refilled with adequate pressure; examine brackets, straps, valves, locks couplings, breathing valves and cover before preserving.  

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ANNEX IV

PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF RESCUE EQUIPMENT
(Attached to Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BCA dated February 5, 2021 of Minister of Public Security)

I. Daily equipment preservation and maintenance

1. Equipment inspection

a) Inspect victim detectors:

- Battery capacity must be fully charged at all time;

- Working capacity of camera, monitors, micros and headphones.

b) Inspect water rescue equipment:

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- Batteries or rechargeable batteries of devices that consume electricity such as underwater flashlights, diver propulsion devices, underwater communication devices, etc. must be fully charged at all time;

- Working capacity of electrical engines of diver propulsion devices must guarantee smooth operation with sealing rubber washers intact;

- Technical conditions of life jackets: external cloth must not be worn off, damaged, or torn and locks are functional;

- Rescue rope launching guns; lifebuoy launching guns must have adequate pressure in canisters of compressed gas, function properly and not be damaged or leaking gas. 

c) Inspect high elevation rescue equipment, life-saving rope and rescue harnesses; 

- Seams and joints connected by fabric of life jackets and rescue harnesses must not be snap;

- Life-saving reels must not be worn off, torn off and must be removed if fail to guarantee safety.

2. Equipment preservation and maintenance

a) Preserve and maintain victim detectors:

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- Fully charge devices;

- Store victim detectors in dry areas, away from gasoline, oil, acid, corrosive substances and grease, and away from direct sunlight;

- Once a week, inspect equipment operation.

b) Preserve and maintain water rescue equipment:

- Clean devices thoroughly;

- Fully charge devices;

- Store devices in dry areas, away from gasoline, oil, acid, corrosive substances and grease, and away from direct sunlight;

- Once a week, inspect equipment operation.

c) Preserve and maintain high elevation rescue equipment, life-saving rope and rescue harnesses: 

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- Store devices in clean, dry areas, away from gasoline, oil, acid, corrosive substances and grease, and away from direct sunlight;

- Once a week, inspect equipment operation;

- Once every 6 months, inspect load-bearing capacity at the highest load according to technical specifications of manufacturers for life jackets, rescue harnesses, life-saving ropes and carabiners.

d) Preserve and maintain air cushions:

- Clean equipment thoroughly;

- Store cushions in clean, dry areas, away from gasoline, oil, acid, corrosive substances and grease, and away from direct sunlight;

- Do not store air cushions in places with temperature higher than 40^oC or under direct sunlight;

- Once every 2 years from the date on which an air cushion is brought into use, inspect the cushion quality by releasing an 80kg cylinder with 0.2 m² of surface area from the maximum height down to the cushion and repeat the test at least 3 times.

dd) Preserve and maintain other common rescue equipment:

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- Do not leave equipment close to gasoline, acid, corrosive substances or grease.

II. Equipment preservation and maintenance after rescue missions or training

1. Preserve and maintain victim detectors:

a) Clean devices thoroughly.

b) Fully charge devices.

c) Store devices in dry areas, away from gasoline, oil, acid, corrosive substances and grease, and away from direct sunlight;

2. Preserve and maintain water rescue equipment

a) Thoroughly clean equipment and keep it dry.

b) Fully charge equipment.

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d) Once a week, inspect equipment operation.

3. Preserve and maintain high elevation rescue equipment, life-saving rope and rescue harnesses 

a) Clean equipment thoroughly.

b) Store devices in clean, dry areas, away from gasoline, oil, acid, corrosive substances and grease, and away from direct sunlight.

4. Preserve and maintain air cushions

a) Thoroughly clean cushions and attachments.

b) Fold cushions according to technical procedures, store cushions in clean, dry areas, away from gasoline, oil, acid, corrosive substances and grease, and away from direct sunlight.

5. Preserve and maintain other common rescue equipment

a) Clean equipment thoroughly.

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c) Store devices in clean, dry areas, away from gasoline, oil, acid, corrosive substances and grease, and away from direct sunlight./.

ANNEX V

PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF MANUAL DISMANTLING EQUIPMENT
(Attached to Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BCA dated February 5, 2021 of Minister of Public Security)

I. Regular preservation and maintenance

Regular preservation and maintenance of manual dismantling equipment shall conform to TCVN 3890:2009 and following regulations:

1. Arrange and clean equipment.

2. Preserve on shelves, racks or closets; do not throw when arranging, transporting.

3. Do not leave near gasoline, oil, acid or corrosive substances.

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1. Thoroughly clean equipment.

2. Examine equipment components.

3. Store devices in clean, dry areas, away from gasoline, oil, acid, corrosive substances, and away from direct sunlight./.

ANNEX VI

PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
(Attached to Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BCA dated February 5, 2021 of Minister of Public Security)

I. Regular preservation and maintenance

1. For handheld transceivers

a) Use soft cloth to clean equipment components such as body, antennas, channel knobs, volume knobs, function keys.

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c) Inspect contact of batteries with charging terminals to ensure normal charging activity.

d) After cleaning equipment, install antennas, batteries and turn on the equipment.

2. For 25 – 50w transceivers installed on vehicles

a) Use soft cloth to clean equipment components such as body, antennas, channel knobs, volume knobs, function keys.

b) Ensure adequate contact at terminals connecting with batteries.

c) Prevent antennas from touching vehicle body.

d) Inspect transfer switches and batteries to ensure stable power supply.

3. For closets storing communication equipment

a) Thoroughly clean closets.

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4. For firefighting and rescue commanding tables, tents and ribbons

a) Thoroughly clean after use.

b) Keep firefighting and rescue commanding tables, tents and ribbons in order and clean.

II. Preservation and maintenance after training, practice or firefighting, rescue missions

1. Turn off handheld transceivers.

2. Remove batteries, antennas and headphones from equipment and clean with soft, clean towel.

3. Clean equipment body and contact points with batteries; place batteries in the transceivers./.

ANNEX VII

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I. Preservation and maintenance of fire alarm system

1. Equipment within fire alarm systems (fire control panels, fire alarms, pre-emptive alarm devices, modules, fire sirens, fire signals, fire alarm buttons, fire alarm and emergency egress sound system) after installing must be tested for quality control and shall only be brought into use once they are proven to fully conform to design requirements and relevant standards.

2. Equipment within fire alarm systems that is brought into use must be inspected at least once per year to assess quality and functioning capacity of said equipment.

3. Regular maintenance shall be implemented depending on environment conditions of places where the equipment is stalled and according to manufacturers’ guidelines; at least once every 2 years, perform a thorough maintenance session for the whole system.

Inspection, preservation and maintenance of equipment within fire alarm systems (fire control panels, fire alarms, pre-emptive alarm devices, modules, fire sirens, fire signals, fire alarm buttons, fire alarm and emergency egress sound system) must conform to manufacturers’ guidelines, TCVN 5738:2001 and TCVN 3890:2009.

II. Preservation and maintenance of equipment within fire-extinguishing systems using gas, aerosol, water, powder, foam

1. Following equipment upon being installed must be tested for quality control and shall only be brought into use once the systems are proven to satisfy design requirements and following relevant standards: equipment within firefighting systems utilizing gas, aerosol, water, powder, foam (fire control panels; alarms, sirens, lights, warnings on discharge of fire retardants; alarm valves, deluge valves, supervisory valves, selector valves, pressure switches, flow switches; non-metal tubes in automatic water supply for firefighting, soft tubes for fire nozzles; fire hydrants, discharge apparatus of fire retardants; canisters and equipment containing gas, aerosol, powder, and foam).    

2. Once equipment within utilize firefighting systems that utilize gas, aerosol, powder and foam is brought into use, such equipment must be inspected and maintained at least once per year to assess quality and functioning capacity.

3. Inspection, preservation and maintenance of equipment within firefighting systems that utilize gas, aerosol, water, powder or foam must conform to manufacturers’ guidelines and specialized standards (TCVN 6101:1996, TCVN 6305:1997, TCVN 71611:2002, TCVN 7336:2003, TCVN 7161:2009 and other relevant standards).

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1. Egress lights and emergency lights upon being installed must be tested for quality control and shall only be brought into use when the systems thereof have been proven to satisfy design requirements and relevant standards.

2. Egress lights and emergency lights upon being brought into use must be inspected and maintained once per year in order to assess quality and functioning capacity of system equipment.

3. Inspection, preservation and maintenance of egress lights and emergency lights must conform to TCVN 3890:2009 and manufacturers’ guidelines.

IV. Preservation of fire retardants

Inspection and preservation of fire retardants shall conform to manufacturers’ guidelines.

V. Preservation of fire proof materials or substances; fire rated materials, doors; fire rated glasses, fire walls; fire rated curtains

Inspection and preservation of fire proof materials or substances; fire rated materials, doors; fire rated glasses, fire walls; fire rated curtains shall conform to manufacturers’ guidelines and relevant specialized standards./.