Abschnitt 6 - 6 Testing and inspection
Tests have the purpose of the timely detection and repair of damage as well as ensuring safe operation. Machine tools must be tested for safety
Prior to initial commissioning,
Recurrently,
After maintenance work which may affect safety,
with regard to correct assembly and safe function by competent persons. Information about tests on machine tools and protection devices and check lists are given in "Maschinen der Zerspanung" (BGI 5003). A supplementary inspection by competent persons is especially required after fires.
For the testing of working equipment, the precise proceedings for the identification of test type, test scope and test time limit and the qualification of the person to be appointed to carry out the test are described in the TRBS 1201. Requirements for the qualification of the competent person are given in TRBS 1203.
The employer must record the test results. The records shall be kept for an appropriate period of time but at least until the next test. The required mandatory tests with regard to fire and explosion hazards include:
Extinguishing systems in accordance with BGR 134 and BGI 888
Depending on the regulation, the following extinguishing systems tests are required with regard to safe functioning (asset protection) and personal protection:
Approval test
Depending the potential degree of hazards to personnel, an approval test must be carried out within 6 months of commissioning after installation or major alterations to the system. In addition, preparation of a test report detailing observance of the requirements or an approval protocol is required (see BGR 134 No. 6.2).
Routine tests
The correct functioning of the extinguishing system should be carried out at least once a year or as needed (e. g. after fire damage). In practice, the test is generally carried out within the framework of servicing and maintenance work by the installing company.
A test by independent third parties/experts (also replaces tests by competent persons) is required at least every 2 years. Tests by competent persons and by experts are possible every alternate year.
The results of the tests must be recorded in a test book or a test report and stored for at least 4 years.
The documents of the approval test must be stored over the whole operation period of the extinguishing system.
Ventilation systems in accordance with "Arbeitsplatzlüftung - Lufttechnische Maßnahmen" (BGR 121)
Ventilation systems must be tested for correct installation, functioning and assembly
Prior to initial commissioning,
At routine intervals, but at least once a year,
Following major alterations
by a competent person according to the company safety ordinance. The test results should be recorded in a test book or test report (see also §§ 3 and 10 of the BetrSichV).
Note:
The testing prior to initial commissioning (approval test) includes tests for completeness and proper function as well as a functional measurement in line with DIN EN 12599 "Ventilation for buildings - Test procedures and measuring methods for handing over installed ventilation and air conditioning systems: German version EN 12599:2000".
Testing at routine intervals comprises functional measurements along with the inspection of the individual system parts according to VDMA 24176 "Inspektion von lufttechnischen und anderen technischen Ausrüstungen in Gebäuden".
Major changes are, for example
Exchange of non-equivalent system components,
Modifications to air gaps, measuring components and line ducting,
Extension or down-sizing of the system.