Panama Fire Department mandates gas airtightness testing

The Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de la República de Panamá has issued a reminder regarding the mandatory legal requirement for gas airtightness testing (prueba de hermeticidad) in buildings and housing projects. This measure is essential to ensure the safety of residents in apartments and residential complexes.

Building administrators hold the legal responsibility to hire qualified and trained personnel to conduct these technical evaluations. Once the tests are completed, a detailed report must be submitted to the Fire Department for verification. Fire Department personnel will then conduct on-site inspections of any areas identified in the report as having defects to prevent risks to life and property.

According to current regulations, specifically Resolution JTIA 060 of 2016 and 004 of 2017 (NFPA 54/58), airtightness tests for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) systems must be performed every three years in horizontal properties. The Fire Department clarified that while they verify the reports and inspect defects, they are not responsible for the actual gasification process, which is handled by the building administration and their contracted gas company.