Circular 17/2021/TT-BCA on preservation, maintenance of means of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage

CIRCULAR

On management, preservation and maintenance of means of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage

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Pursuant to the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting dated June 29, 2001 and the Law on Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting dated November 22, 2013;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 83/2017/ND-CP July 18, 2017 on rescue and salvage activities of fire brigades;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 01/2018/ND-CP dated August 06, 2018, on defining the 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, detailing a number of articles and measures to implement the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting and the Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting;

At the proposal of The Director of the Fire-fighting, Rescue and Salvage Police Department;

The Minister of Public Security promulgates a Circular detailing management, preservation and maintenance of means of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of regulation

This Circular prescribes the principles, contents, dossiers, statistical and reporting regimes and responsibilities of related agencies, organizations and facilities in the management, preservation and maintenance of means of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage.

Article 2. Subjects of application

This Circular applies to:

1. Local police authorities, commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers and People’s policemen (hereinafter referred to as officers) shall responsible for management, preservation, maintenance of means of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage.

2. Agencies, organizations and facilities relevant to the management, preservation and maintenance of means of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage.

Article 3. Principles of management, preservation and maintenance of means of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage

1. Comply with the provisions of this Circular and relevant laws.

2. Means of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage shall be managed, preserved and maintained in a safe, economical and efficient manner, ensuring readiness for fire-fighting, rescue and salvage.

3. The procedures for management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention, fighting, rescue and salvage means shall be appropriately developed on the basis of the manufacturer's requirements and characteristics in operation and use (topography, territorial zoning, climate, technical requirements).

Article 4. Interpretation of terms

In this Circular, the terms below are construed as follows:

1. Means of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage mean the equipment specified in Appendix VI attached to the Government’s Decree No. 136/2020/ND-CP dated November 24, 2020, detailing a number of articles and measures to implement the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting and the Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting (hereinafter referred to as the Decree No. 136/2020/ND-CP).

2. Management of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means include planning, organization, instruction and inspection of the use, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention, fighting, rescue and salvage means performed by competent agencies or persons to maintain the best quality of the means, ensuring readiness for fire-fighting, rescue and salvage.

3. Preservation of means of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means protection of the means to avoid damage and loss.

4. Maintenance of means of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage is a mandatory job that has to be conducted after every time the means are used to maintain the good technical condition of the means.

Article 5. Appendices

To promulgate together with this Circular the following Appendices:

1. Appendix I: Preservation and maintenance of motorized fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means.

2. Appendix II: Preservation and maintenance of common fire-fighting means.

3. Appendix III: Preservation and maintenance of clothes and personal protective equipment.

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

5. Appendix V: Preservation and maintenance of manual breaking means and tools.

6. Appendix VI: Preservation and maintenance of communication equipment and tools.

7. Appendix VII: Preservation and maintenance of fire alarm and fire-fighting systems; emergency lights systems; extinguishing; fireproof materials.

8. Appendix VIII: Sample logbook to monitor operation of motorized fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means.

Chapter II

MANAGEMENT, PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION AND FIGHTING, RESCUE AND SALVAGE MEANS

Article 6. Locations for management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means

1. Locations for management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means are warehouses, wharves, yards, ship locks, ports, offices of agencies or other locations decided by competent persons and satisfy the requirements as prescribed in Clauses 2 and 3 of this Article.

2. Houses, warehouses and yards for fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means must ensure security and order, have lighting systems, and be equipped with common fire prevention and fighting means and equipment and satisfy the following requirements:

a) Houses and warehouses for fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means must be construction works with a roof and surrounding walls, that are dry, ventilated and clean;

b) Outdoor yards for fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means must be covered with roofs or have measures to protect from rain and sun.

3. Wharves, ship locks and ports for fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means must ensure security and order, entry and exit regulations and regulations on environmental protection, fire prevention and fighting. In addition to satisfying the above requirements, inland waterway wharves must have anchoring equipment, entry, exit, arrangement and anchoring regulations.

4. Fire engines, special-use vehicles for fire-fighting, rescue and salvage, and fire-fighting pumps shall be arranged indoors. Fire-fighting, rescue ships, boats and canoes shall be arranged at wharves and yards to ensure their operation. Other fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means shall be arranged at places satisfying the requirements specified in Clauses 2 and 3 of this Article or in compartments of fire engines, special-use vehicles and must be safely managed, ensuring readiness for fire-fighting, rescue and salvage.

5. Fire engines, special-use vehicles for fire-fighting, rescue and salvage, fire pumps and other fire-fighting, rescue and salvage mean equipment that has not been used shall be stored in warehouses or places satisfying requirements of management and preservation according to regulations by category.

Article 7. Regular preservation and maintenance

1. The regular preservation and maintenance shall be performed daily or before, during and after each use of fire prevention and fighting and rescue and salvage means and performed by the persons assigned to manage the means.

2. Specific contents of preservation and maintenance of fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means shall comply with the provisions of Appendixes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII attached to this Circular.

3. Persons assigned to manage fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means shall fully record in logbooks upon completion of preservation and maintenance process according to Form No. 01, Form No. 02 and Form No. 03 in Appendix VIII attached to this Circular.

Article 8. Periodic preservation and maintenance

1. Periodic maintenance shall be carried out monthly, quarterly and annually at places where the fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means are managed or at maintenance facilities according to the manufacturer's regulations and performed by mechanics, technicians and trained people;

2. Preservation and maintenance contents: Examination of general technical conditions of means, organization of a detailed assessment of the means’ quality; application of the manufacturer's regulations on maintenance and repair levels and the actual situation at the facility to have a plan for preservation and maintenance suitable for each type of fire-fighting, rescue and salvage mean.

3. After being periodically preserved and maintained, fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means shall be fully assessed, certified and recorded in logbooks by persons assigned to manage the means according to Forms No. 01, No. 02, No. 03 specified in Appendix VIII attached to this Circular.

Article 9. Dossiers of managing fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means

1. A dossier of managing fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means must comprise:

a) Logbook of operation of fire engines, special-use vehicles for fire-fighting, rescue and salvage, fire-fighting ships, boats and canoes according to Form No. 01, fire-fighting pumps according to Form No. 02, and other motorized vehicles according to Form No. 03 specified in Appendix VIII attached to this Circular;

b) Statistics and reports on the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means of the agencies, organizations or facilities.

2. Management dossiers of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means shall be prepared and retained by heads of agencies, organizations or facilities, and revised in case of changes.

Article 10. Statistics and reports on management, preservation, maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means

1. At the end of November every year, agencies, organizations and facilities equipped with fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means shall be responsible for working out and reporting to competent agencies on the management, preservation, maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means according to the following contents:

a) Real situation of management, preservation, maintenance (quantity, quality, types, contents of preservation and maintenance of equipped fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means);

b) Results of implementation of inspection and examination recommendations by competent agencies (if any);

c) Proposed and recommended solutions to improve the efficiency of the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means.

2. Agencies, organizations and facilities shall promptly report to competent authorities if equipped fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means are damaged as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article.

3. Reporting order and report-receiving agencies

a) Heads of agencies or organizations directly managing facilities on the list specified in Appendix IV attached to the Decree No. 136/2020/ND-CP, civil-guard force shall report to the People's Committees of the communes, wards or townships (hereinafter referred to as commune-level People's Committees), that directly manage such facilities, of the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means;

b) Fire and Rescue Police forces under police forces of districts, towns or provincial cities (hereinafter referred to as district-level police forces) and commune-level People's Committees shall report to district-level police forces of the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means within the scope of management;

c) Agencies or organizations directly managing grassroots fire brigades and specialized fire brigades shall report to district-level police forces or fire and provincial-level Fire and Rescue Police Divisions according to their management decentralization regarding the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage under their management;

d) Fire and Rescue Police forces, regional Fire and Rescue Police forces and fire-fighting, rescue and salvage police forces on river under Fire and Rescue Police Divisions shall report to the provincial-level Fire and Rescue Police Divisions on the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage under their management;

dd) Fire and Rescue Police divisions and district-level police forces shall report to the provincial-level police forces, that directly manage them, on the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage under their management;

e) Provincial-level police forces shall report to the Fire and Rescue Police Department on the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage under their management.

Article 11. Development and management of procedures for periodic maintenance and preservation of fire prevention fighting, rescue and salvage means

1. Agencies and organizations managing fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means shall develop appropriate procedures for preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means based on technical features, manufacturer's regulations, and other practical conditions.

2. The steps in the procedures for periodic maintenance and preservation shall be performed by mechanics and technicians with appropriate qualifications.

Article 12. Responsibilities of police agencies in management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means

1. The Fire and Rescue Police Department shall:

a) Guide the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means
nationwide;

b) Direct, monitor and inspect the process of management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means according to regulations;

c) Study to improve, repair, and trial produce fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means; compile technical documents guiding the use, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means;

d) Inspect and handle violations according to the competence or propose competent agencies to handle violations in the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means;

dd) Settle complaints and denunciations in the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means according to law.

2. Provincial-level police forces shall:

a) Direct, monitor and inspect the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means under the management;

b) Approve plans and organize professional training courses for officers and soldiers engaged in the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means;

c) Formulate statistics and report to superior agencies on the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means under the management;

d) Inspect and handle violations according to the competence or propose competent agencies to handle violations in the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means;

dd) Settle complaints and denunciations in the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means according to law;

e) Ensure expense for the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means under the management.

3. Provincial-level and district-level Fire and Rescue Police Divisions shall:

a) Directly manage, preserve and maintain the equipped fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means;

b) Assign officers to manage, preserve and maintain fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means under their management;

c) Formulate statistics and report to provincial-level Police forces on the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means under the management;

4. Heads of local police forces shall be responsible for organizing the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means as prescribed in Clauses 1, 2 and 3 of this Article.

Article 13. Responsibilities of heads of agencies, organizations and facilities in management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means

1. Organize, direct and inspect the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means under the management.

2. Organize and manage dossiers on management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means according to the guidance of competent agencies.

3. Organize for cadres, employees and workers in agencies, organizations and facilities to learn and use the equipped fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means.

4. Assign people to manage, preserve and maintain fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means.

5. Formulate statistics and report to superior management agencies and competent authorities on the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means.

6. Inspect and handle violations or request competent agencies to handle violations in the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means.

7. Ensure adequate funding for the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means.

Article 14. Responsibilities of persons assigned to manage fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means

1. Manage, preserve and maintain fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means according to the manufacturers’ regulations and instructions of competent authorities.

2. Frequently inspect the places for preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means under their management; promptly detect lost or damaged means or unsafe places for preservation and maintenance to report to agencies, organizations or facilities for handling and remedial measures.

3. Formulate statistics and report to heads of agencies, organizations and facilities on the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means.

Chapter III

IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION

Article 15. Effect

1. This Circular takes effect on March 22, 2021, and replaces the Minister of Public Security’s Circular No. 52/2014/TT-BCA dated October 28, 2014, on management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting means.

2. In case any legal normative documents or provisions of legal normative or standards referred to in this Circular are amended, supplemented or replaced, the new ones shall prevail.

Article 16. Implementation responsibility

1. The Directors of the Fire and Rescue Police Departments shall direct, examine and urge the implementation of this Circular.

2. Heads of units directly under the Ministry of Public Security, Directors of Police Departments of provinces and centrally-run cities and relevant agencies, organizations, facilities and individuals shall be responsible for the implementation of this Circular.

3. Heads of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, Government-attached agencies, People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities shall, within the scope of their functions, duties and powers, cooperate with the Ministry of Public Security in, managing and inspecting the management, preservation and maintenance of fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage means by agencies, organizations and facilities under their management.

Any difficulties arising in the course of implementation of this Circular should be reported to the Ministry of Public Security (via the Fire and Rescue Police Department) for timely guidance./.

APPENDIX I

PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF MOTORIZED FIRE-FIGHTING, RESCUE AND SALVAGE MEANS

(Attached to the Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BCA dated February 05, 2021 of the Minister of Public Security)

I. Daily preservation of motorized fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means

1. Fire engines, special-use vehicles for fire-fighting, rescue and salvage

a) Visual inspection:

- Rear-view mirror and windshield systems;

- Fuel level, replenish fuel in the tank in case of necessity (the tank must always be full or at least 4/5 of the capacity);

- Leakage of lubricating oil for engines, transmission, power take-off box and coolant, hydraulic oil of the cabin lifting system (if any);

- Level of lubricating oil for engines, power take-off box, coolant for engine, washer fluid, power steering fluid, clutch fluid, brake booster oil, hydraulic fluid of specialized systems (if any);

- Lubricating grease for propeller shafts and transmission shafts for specialized systems;

- Conditions of the chassis, leaf springs, shock absorbers, strut bars/sway bars, etc. if there is any distortion or damage and the vehicles are required to be suspended from operation for repairing;

- Tire condition;

- Operation of compartment pull doors, equipment lifting and lowering mechanisms;

- Condition of ladders, equipment on the vehicle roof;

- Oil-primed vacuum pump (for priming pumps, vane pumps that use oil for lubrication and sealing or plunger pumps); check the vacuum pump priming water tank for the priming pump which is a water ring pump);

- Water intake pipes are not bent, punctured, installed gently, sealed and have enough gaskets and connectors.

- Water tank and foaming agent for fire-fighting, ensuring that the tank is not deformed or leaked. The water tank and foaming agent tank are always full of capacity, ensuring clean water and foaming agents are not mixed with other liquids;

- Means and tools for fire-fighting, rescue and salvage that are equipped with vehicles and pumps such as nozzles, hoses, 3-way manifolds, ladders, etc., must meet technical and design requirements.

b) Operational inspection:

- If the lights and clocks of the dashboard are on normally, start the engine; if the warning lights are blinking, the cause must be found for handling;

- After starting the engine at non-loading capacity from 01 minute to 03 minutes, let the engine run at different rotations per minute (without sudden acceleration); observe the readings of gauges indicating lubricating oil pressure, fuel, coolant temperature, compressed air pressure, meter or battery charge indicator light, other warning lights. If detecting any strange noises or when the meter or indicator light shows a danger signal, the engine must be turned off immediately and reported to technical divisions for inspection and repair;

- Operational status of traffic lights, horns and priority signal transmitters. If any damage is detected, it must be reported to technical divisions for inspection and repair;

- Condition of electrical conductors and battery terminals;

- Operation conditions of switches, sensors, control valves, etc. belonging to the control system of specialized means on vehicles;

- The clutch system must ensure that there is no strange sound when shifting gears;

- Operation conditions of the levers controlling specialized equipment, throttle wires, etc.;

- The tightness of brake systems through observation of vapors or oil pressure gauges and indicator lights; drain the steam tank (if any);

- Operation conditions of stop and park brake (handbrake);

- Operate vehicles forward, reverse and brake to assess the effectiveness of the brake system;

- Operation of power steering system, steering wheel looseness and the heaviness when steering;

- During the operation of the power take-off (PTO), the power transmission system to the centrifugal pump, if the power take-off has strange sound, leaks lubricating oil, the transmission shaft to the centrifugal pump is shaken, it is required to stop using and find the cause and remedy;

- The operation of water pump systems, specifically: Check the tightness of sprinkler valve, foaming valve, air valve, meters and indicator lights; check grease for sealing and lubricating pump shafts (if any) and rotating actuators;

- Tightness of fire-fighting pumps (close all valves and suction apparatus, create a vacuum in pumps to achieve maximum vacuum, suction duration must not exceed 30 seconds). Stop vacuuming, observe vacuum meters, if within 02 minutes the clockwise does not decrease to more than 01 bar (corresponding to 0.1 bar), it means that the pump is tight; if the clockwise returns faster, it means the pump is open, the cause must be found and corrected;

- Operation ability of vacuum priming pumps by performing vacuum operation, if the pump has a vacuum pressure value lower than -0.6 bar (6/10 readings on the low-pressure gauge) maintenance and repair must be carried out;

- Operation conditions of the fire-fighting system using compressed air foam technology (if any): Check the tightness of the air compressor supplying compressed air to the compressed air foam technology fire-fighting system, check operation conditions of the valves and control switches of the system;

- Hydraulic mechanisms lifting, lowering, rotating, winch, hoisting mechanism, ladder out, into ladder, ladder basket mechanism; lifting and lowering mechanism of light tower; generators, safety devices, etc. If damage or problems are detected, it is necessary to request technical divisions to coordinate in coordinate in inspection and remedy;

- On a daily basis, start engine for 15 minutes. When the ambient temperature of the day is lower than 10°C, start engine twice a day and carry out the inspection steps as prescribed (may move vehicles to consume the same amount of fuel to start the engine in the place).

2. Ships, boats, canoes used for fire-fighting, rescue and salvage

a) Visual inspection:

- Fuel, lubrication and cooling systems;

- Condition of battery and electrical conductors;

- Containers of foaming agent for fire-fighting, ensuring that the containers are not deformed, leaking foaming agent;

- If the inflatable boat hull is peeled, punctured or deeply worn, it must be discontinued and repaired.

b) Operational inspection:

- Technical conditions of engine of ships, boats, canoes;

- Steering system, navigation equipment, signal lights, horns and number of attached equipment;

- Fire-fighting water pump system equipped with ships, boats and canoes; examine pipes, hoses and nozzles;

- On a daily basis, start engine of ships, boats, canoes for15 minutes to check technical conditions. When the ambient temperature during the day is lower than 10°C, start the engine twice a day.

3. Fire-fighting pumps

a) Visual inspection:

- All bolt heads and screws;

- Level of fuel and lubricating oil must be sufficient, clean, and leak-free;

- Condition of battery and electrical conductors;

- Conditions of transmission components of vacuum water priming pumps;

- Water intake pipes are not bent, punctured, installed gently, sealed and have enough gaskets and connectors.

b) Operational inspection:

- Operation conditions of pump engines (start pump engines, start engine at non-loading capacity from 02 minutes to 03 minutes);

- Operation conditions of fire-fighting pumps at areas with water sources, deploying suction pipes. Close discharge apparatus. Start engines (using electric starting systems or rope starters), when the engine starts, accelerate and pump water. Observe vacuum meters and water pressure meters (if there is no water within 30 seconds, the machine must be turned off and checked, repaired, restored to the tightness of the pump before continuing to operate). When the water flows through 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, always maintain water pressure not lower than 4 bar to ensure pump cooling (for water-cooled pumps);

- On a daily basis, start engines for 03 minutes maximum (without pumping water) or 15 minutes maximum (with pumping water). When the ambient temperature during the day is lower than 10°C, start the engine twice a day, check technical conditions and maintain it according to the manufacturer's regulations. Do not adjust governor levers lest pump engine be damaged when using. For fire-fighting pumps with an engine overheat warning switch, the switch must always be left in the “ON” position.

4. Other motorized fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means: Air compressors; sawing, cutting, drilling, chiseling, hammering, winch, scissors, ball, jack and lifting (with motor) tools; vegetation cutting machines, grass cutting machines; smoke blowers, smoke extractors; power generators; motored fire extinguishers and air blast equipment

a) Visual inspection:

- Engine ventilation, ignition cables and carburetors;

- If the surface of the machine parts is cracked or leaking oil, the machine must be stopped and repaired;

- Connectors; check the quality of air pipes, hydraulic oil pipes and joints;

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

- Level of hydraulic oil, fuel in containers, mix fuel according to the ratio recommended by manufacturers.

b) Operational inspection:

- Starting systems, switches and clocks, indicator lights;

- On a daily basis, start engines in 5 minutes; for air compressors, start 2 times per week, each time for 5 minutes.

II Daily maintenance of motorized fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means

1. Fire engines, special-use vehicles for fire-fighting, rescue and salvage

a) Clean vehicles, arrange tem neatly, check the number of fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means according to regulations.

b) Clean cabins, cushions, seats, tires, bodywork, undercarriage, fire pump compartments, equipment control compartments, compartments for fighting, rescue and salvage means.

c) Clean the windshield, wiper brush, rear-view mirror, lights and warning lights.

d) Clean the surface of machine parts, fire-fighting pump system and suction valves, discharge valves, cooling valves, etc.

dd) Add engine coolant, lubricating oils and hydraulic oils if lacking.

e) Tighten the electrical conductors and battery terminals.

g) Inflate the tires to the standard pressure; remove hard objects stuck in the tire gaps. If the tire surface is cracked, deeply scratched, or blistered, the tire must be replaced.

h) Tighten the connection points with screws (if loosened), lubricate the locking joints, if there is rust, clean the surface and paint it with anti-rust paint.

2. Ships, boats, canoes for fire-fighting, rescue and salvage

a) Clean engine parts, deck and fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means on ships, boats and canoes.

b) Clean the surface of machine parts, fire pump system and suction valves, discharge valves, cooling valves, etc.

c) Clean and tighten battery terminals.

d) For inflatable boats stored on land:

- Store boats in a cool, dry place, avoid direct exposure to sunlight and potentially corrosive chemicals; if store boats outdoors, measures must be taken to protect the boats from rain and sun;

- Use soap and water to clean hulls. Clean hulls with clean water when there are stubborn stains that can be cleaned with detergents;

- Clean air valves, crossbars; frequently check the inflatable, fully charge inflators (for electric inflators).

3. Fire-fighting pumps

b) Clean the surface of machine parts, fire pump system and suction valves, discharge valves, cooling valves, etc.

b) Fasten all parts, connections, details, electrical wires.

c) Fasten batteries to brackets, fasten battery terminals, recharge batteries immediately after each use (for batteries not charged directly from engines).

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

4. Other motorized fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means

a) Clean machine parts; rusted surfaces must be cleaned and painted with anti-rust paint.

b) Add engine oil if lacking or replace it if the oil is too dirty, diluted or mixed with water.

c) Add hydraulic oil of hydraulic machines if lacking.

d) Adjust tension of toothed belts.

dd) Fasten bolt heads.

5. At the end of the preservation and maintenance, officers, soldiers and persons assigned to preserve and maintain must fully record the work contents in logbooks. If any part of means is lost or damaged, it must be reported to direct management heads for timely handling.

III. Preservation and maintenance of fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means after being used for training, practicing plans or going on fire-fighting, rescue and salvage missions

1. Inspection

Carry out daily inspection of motorized fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means.

2. Preservation and maintenance

a) Open all suction, discharge valves and blowdown valves to discharge all standing water in fire-fighting pumps.

b) Refill fire extinguishing agents to tank of fire engines.

c) Clutch, brakes, transmission, power take-off box, steering wheel, propeller shafts, front axles, rear axles, tire surfaces, tire pressure, etc.

d) Condition of the outside of the vehicle, tightening screws, wheel bolts, etc.

dd) Level of lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, coolant, fuel ensuring no leakage; refill oil, water and fuel according to prescribed standards.

e) Tension of fan belt, air compressor fan belt, conditions of batteries, lights and horns.

g) Technical conditions of nozzles, hoses, suction hoses, water filters, ladders, respirators, etc., and clean the fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means, arrange the means in the correct positions in vehicle compartments.

h) Clean the outside of vehicles, under vehicles; clean pumps, engines, cabins, lights, etc.

i) Clean and dry fire hoses and other fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means.

3. In case the motorized fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means use salt water, dirty water or foaming agent for fire-fighting, the means and fire-fighting pumps shall be cleaned and washed with clean water.

4. In case fire-fighting, rescue and salvage means operate in epidemic areas or with toxic or radioactive substances, the means must be disinfected and detoxified according to regulations.

5. For other types of motorized means, it is necessary to clean the machine parts, check the hydraulic and pneumatic oil pipes, refill fuel and lubricating oil if lacking; inspect and replace consumables according to the manufacturer's regulations.

APPENDIX II

PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF COMMON FIRE-FIGHTING MEANS

(Attached to the Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BCA dated February 05, 2021 of the Minister of Public Security)

I. Preservation and maintenance of portable and wheeled fire extinguishers

Vietnamese National Standard TCVN 7435-2:2004 (ISO 11602-2:2000) - Fire protection- Portable and wheeled fire extinguishers - Part 2: Inspection and maintenance

II Preservation and maintenance of common fire-fighting means

1. Preservation and maintenance of hoses and suction hoses

a) Preserving in warehouse: Hoses and suction hoses must be placed on a shelf in a dry place, not in direct contact with the warehouse wall, not stacked and loaded with heavy objects, but only left to stand one by one to avoid direct sunlight, not near corrosive chemicals, acids, gasoline, oil; on a quarterly basis, unroll the reel and roll in the opposite direction.

b) Preserving and arranging on vehicles: Hoses placed on fire engines in rolls must be placed in correct vehicle compartments, and suction hoses must be in the correct position.

c) Preservation and maintenance before, during and after serving training, practicing plans or going on fire-fighting, rescue salvage missions:

- Hoses and suction hoses must not be bent or blocked by heavy objects, do not drag hoses and suction hoses on the ground, do not spread hoses on sharp objects, burning objects, places with corrosive chemicals, acids, gasoline, oil;

- Wash and dry hoses before rolling it into the warehouse or putting it on vehicle compartments of fire engines; do not stack damp reels on fire engines;

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

2. Preservation and maintenance of fire steering, couplings, 3-way manifolds, 2-way manifolds, ejectors, fire ladders, etc.

a) Preserving in warehouse: Fire steering, couplings, 3-way manifolds, 2-way manifolds shall be kept on a dry shelf; fire ladders shall lean on in a clean, dry, easy-to-access location; do not place heavy objects on means or stack the means too high on top of each other; do not place near gasoline, oil, acids or corrosive chemicals.

b) Preserving and arranging on vehicles: Fire steering, couplings, 3-way manifolds, 2-way manifolds shall be placed in correct vehicle compartments; fire-fighting ladder shall be placed in correct location.

c) Preservation and maintenance before, during and after serving training, practicing plans or going on fire-fighting, rescue salvage missions: Clean fire steering, couplings, 3-way manifolds, 2-way manifolds and fire ladders before keeping in storage or stacking in fire engine compartments as prescribed by the law.

3. Preservation and maintenance of water poles and fire hydrants

a) Preservation and maintenance in warehouse: Water poles, fire hydrants shall be kept in a dry place, not near gasoline, oil, acids or corrosive chemicals. Periodically, once a year, check water valves and grease if necessary.

b) Preservation and maintenance of installed water poles and fire hydrants: Periodically, once every 6 months, check water valves and grease if necessary; check examine caps of fire hydrants to ensure they can be removed and attached with ease and replace them if missing; check rubber washers in water supply apparatus of fire hydrants and replace if the rubber has aged; newly paint water poles, fire hydrants if old layers have been worn off./.

APPENDIX III

PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHES
(Issued together with the Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BCA dated February 05, 2021 of the Minister of Public Security)

I. Daily preservation and maintenance of personal protection equipment and clothes

1. Examination of personal protective equipment and clothes

a) Check pants, shirts, helmets, boots, gloves, shoes, belts, glasses, firefighter masks; pants, shirts, helmets, boots, gloves, thermal insulating shoes; dielectric boots and gloves; chemical resistant coveralls; radiation protection coveralls to ensure that they are not torn or punctured; fire helmets are not cracked, broken and their chinstraps are not damaged; face shields of thermal insulating coveralls, chemical resistant coveralls, radiation protection coveralls are not cracked.

b) Check facepiece respirators, air-purifying respirators, self-contained breathing apparatus used in fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage to ensure that there is no any leakage during the use, their rubber straps are not aged, broken. Check the amount of gas in the tank, and the tightness of the valve and the cover.

2. Preservation and maintenance of daily personal protection equipment and clothes

a) Clean pants, shirts, helmets, boots, gloves, shoes, belts, glasses, firefighter masks; pants, shirts, helmets, boots, gloves, thermal insulating shoes; dielectric boots and gloves; chemical resistant coveralls; radiation protection coveralls by wiping them with a soft cloth dipped in warm water and arrange them neatly in the designated place. For thermal insulating pants, shirts, chemical resistant coveralls and radiation protection coveralls must not be folded to avoid folds that cause peeling and damage to clothes. They must be hung in a dry, airy place, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight.

b) Clean lights for personal lighting, check and fully charge them, arrange them neatly in the designated place.

c) Clean facepiece respirators, air-purifying respirators, self-contained breathing apparatus used in fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage. The gas in the tank must be filled to a pressure of at least 80% of the maximum working pressure of the gas cylinder before it is put into preservation.

II. Preservation and maintenance after being used for training, practicing plans or going on fire-fighting, rescue salvage missions

1. Both the inside and outside of pants, shirts, helmets, boots, gloves, shoes, belts, glasses must be cleaned. Such things must be dried and preserved in a cool and airy place.

2. Clean dielectric boots and gloves; pants, shirts, helmets, boots, gloves, thermal insulating shoes by wiping them with a soft cloth dipped in warm water. For thermal insulating pants, shirts, chemical resistant coveralls and radiation protection coveralls must not be folded to avoid folds that cause peeling and damage to clothes. They must be hung in a dry, airy place, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight.

3. Facepiece respirators, air-purifying respirators, self-contained breathing apparatus used in fire prevention and fighting, rescue and salvage must be cleaned after the use. Wash with warm water and clean under running water, wipe them with a soft cloth and dry them; remove the gas tanks and fill the gas tanks for adequate pressure; examine the back plate, straps, valves, buckles, joints, air supply valve and full facepiece assembly prior to preservation.

4. Chemical resistant coveralls; radiation protection coveralls must be disinfected and sterilized after use. After the disinfection and sterilization, they must be cleaned inside and outside; dried and preserved in a cool and airy place, avoiding the direct sunlight. Clothes must be hung on a shelf or in a closet to avoid folds./.

APPENDIX IV

PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF RESCUE MEANS
(Issued together with the Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BCA dated February 05, 2021 of the Minister of Public Security)

I. Daily preservation and maintenance of equipment

1. Examination of equipment

a) Examine life detectors:

- Battery capacity of devices (they must be always fully charged);

- Working ability of camera, control screen, microphone and headset.

b) Examine water rescue equipment:

- Wetsuits, ensuring all parts of the breathing apparatus without any leakage during the use; rubber band and hose without cracks, punctures; the adequate attached equipment in good working order;

- Capacity of battery or accumulator (they must be always fully charged) of electrical devices such as diving flashlights, underwater scooters, underwater communication devices, etc.;

- The working ability of the electric engine in the underwater scooters, ensuring that the engine operates smoothly, and their rubber seals are intact;

- Technical condition of life jackets, ensuring that the outer fabric is not rotten, torn, the buckles on the jackets are in good working order;

- Rescue rope launchers; lifebuoy launchers for water rescue, ensure adequate gas pressure in the compressed air tank, good working of launchers’ parts, no damage or gas leakage.

c) Examine high angle rescue equipment, rescue ropes, rescue harnesses:

- Connectors and seams of the rescue harnesses by using thread to ensure that the thread is not broken;

- The rescue rope coils must not be frayed or broken; if they do not ensure the safety, they must be discarded.

2. Preservation and maintenance of equipment

a) Preserve and maintain life detectors:

- Clean the whole equipment;

- Fully charge the equipment;

- Keep the life detectors in a dry and airy place, do not place them near gas, oil, acids and corrosive substances, avoid the grease on them, avoid the direct sunlight;

- Operate and test equipment once a week.

b) Preserve and maintain water rescue equipment:

- Clean the whole equipment;

- Fully charge the equipment;

- Keep the equipment in a dry and airy place, do not place them near gas, oil, acids and corrosive substances, avoid the grease on them, avoid the direct sunlight;

- Operate and test equipment once a week.

c) Preserve and maintain high angle rescue equipment, rescue ropes, rescue harnesses:

- Clean the whole equipment; check periodically pulley and coupling to add lubricating oil;

- Keep the equipment neatly in a clean, dry and airy place, do not place them near gas, oil, acids and corrosive substances, avoid the grease on them, avoid the direct sunlight;

- Operate and test equipment once a week;

- Every 6 months, the load test must be taken at the maximum load according to the manufacturer’s specifications for life jackets, rescue harnesses, rescue ropes, pulleys, carabiners.

d) Preserve and maintain air rescue cushions:

-  Clean the whole cushions;

- Keep the cushions in a dry and airy place, do not place them near gas, oil, acids and corrosive substances, avoid the grease on them, avoid the direct sunlight;

- Do not keep the air rescue cushions in a place with a temperature higher than 40°C and a place with direct sunlight;

- Periodically after 2 years of use, the quality of the cushions must be tested by dropping a right circular cylinder of weight 80 kg with a surface area of 0.2 m² at the maximum allowable height on the cushions; retry at least 3 times.

dd) Preserve and maintain other popular rescue means:

- Avoid the direct exposure to sunlight; if they are placed outdoors, they must be covered to avoid rain and sun;

- Do not place them near gas, oil, acids and corrosive substances, avoid the grease on them.

II. Preservation and maintenance of equipment after being used for rescue and salvage, practice of rescue and salvage

1. Preservation and maintenance of life detectors

a) Clean the whole equipment.

b) Fully charge the equipment.

c) Keep the equipment in a dry and airy place, do not place them near gas, oil, acids and corrosive substances, avoid the grease on them, avoid the direct sunlight.

2. Preservation and maintenance of water rescue equipment

a) Clean the whole equipment, keep them dry.

b) Check and fully charge the equipment.

c) Keep the equipment in a dry and airy place, do not place them near gas, oil, acids and corrosive substances, avoid the grease on them, avoid the direct sunlight.

d) Operate and test equipment once a week.

3. Preservation and maintenance of high angle rescue equipment, rescue ropes, rescue harnesses

a) Clean the whole equipment.

b) Keep the equipment neatly in a clean, dry and airy place, do not place them near gas, oil, acids and corrosive substances, avoid the grease on them, avoid the direct sunlight.

4. Preservation and maintenance of air rescue cushions

a) Clean the whole cushions and attached equipment.

- Fold the cushions according to the technical process and keep them in a dry and airy place, do not place them near gas, oil, acids and corrosive substances, avoid the grease on them, avoid the direct sunlight.

5. Preservation and maintenance of other popular rescue means

a) Clean the whole equipment.

b) Escape chutes must be folded according to the technical process and preserved in a place with a temperature lower than 40°C.

c) Keep the equipment neatly in a clean, dry and airy place, do not place them near gas, oil, acids and corrosive substances, avoid the grease on them, avoid the direct sunlight./.

APPENDIX V

PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF MANUAL BREAKING MEANS AND TOOLS
(Issued together with the Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BCA dated February 05, 2021 of the Minister of Public Security)

I. Regular preservation and maintenance

Regular preservation and maintenance of manual breaking means and tools shall comply with the Vietnam National Standard TCVN 3890:2009 and the following contents:

1. Arrange and clean means and tools.

2. Preserve on shelves, pallets or in cabinets; not toss them upon arrangement, transportation.

3. Do not place them near gas, oil, acids and corrosive substances.

II. Preservation and maintenance after fire-fighting, practice of fire-fighting, rescue and salvage

1. Clean the whole means and tools.

2. Check the details of the means and tools to ensure that they are good for use.

3. Keep the equipment neatly in a clean, dry and airy place, do not place them near gas, oil, acids and corrosive substances, avoid the direct sunlight./

APPENDIX VI

PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS
(Issued together with the Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BCA dated February 05, 2021 of the Minister of Public Security)

I. Regular preservation and maintenance

1. For walkie talkies

a) Use a soft cloth to clean machines’ parts such as the body, antenna, channel switch, volume control knob, function buttons.

b) Remove the battery from the walkie talkies and clean the battery contacts and terminals with a soft cloth.

c) Check the contact status of the battery with the charging dock to ensure normal charging.

d) After cleaning the machines, install the antenna, insert the battery into the machines and press the power switch to make the machines work.

2. For two-way radios of 25 - 50w installed on vehicles

a) Use a soft cloth to clean machines’ parts such as the body, channel switch, volume control knob, function buttons.

b) Check the power connector at battery terminals, ensure its good contact.

c) Check the antenna, do not let it touch the vehicles’ shell.

d) Check the operation of the transfer switch and battery for the two-way radios, ensuring stable power supply.

3. For information equipment cabinets

a) Clean inside and outside the cabinets.

b) Check the power supply sockets for the cabinets; If the contact is not stable, they must be replaced with other ones.

4. For command desks, command tents, commander armbands of fire-fighting and rescue and rescue

a) Clean command desks, command tents, commander armbands of fire-fighting and rescue and rescue after use.

b) Always arrange neatly command desks, command tents, commander armbands of fire-fighting and rescue and rescue.

II. Preservation and maintenance after being used for training, practicing plans or going on fire-fighting, rescue and salvage missions

1. Turn off walkie talkies.

2. Remove battery, antenna and headset from the walkie talkies and clean them with a soft cloth.

3. Clean the walkie talkies’ body and battery contacts; charge the battery./.