VERSION DATE

BH-FS7 REV 00 2012.03

LIFEBOAT RELEASE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL

The manual gives an overall introduction about BH-FS7 release and retrieval
system, the aim of which is to be convenient for operation and maintenance.
It is not to be regarded as a warranty for which we assume legal responsibility.
Users should operate and maintain the system according to the requirements of the
manual.
The BH-FS7 release and retrieval system may be subject to improvements by the
manufacturer in the future without prior notice.

BOATBUILDING YARD,
QINGDAO BEIHAI SHIPBUILDING
HEAVY INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
TEL: 86-532-86756816/17/18/19
FAX: 86-532-86756800
 Table of Contents

1. CAUTION--IMPORTANT -------------------------------------------------2

2. INTRODUCTION ---------------------------------------------------------2

3. RELEASE SYSTEM COMPONENT PARTS ---------------------4

3.1 RELEASE HOOK ---------------------------------------------------------4

3.2 CENTRAL HOOK RELEASE MECHANISM ---------------------6

3.3 HYDROSTATIC UNIT ----------------------------------------------- 7

4. OPERATION INSTRUCTION --------------------------------------8

4.1 NORMAL (OFF LOAD) HOOK RELEASE -----------------------8

4.2 EMERGENCY (ON LOAD) RELEASE ------------------------------9

4.3 RESETTING THE HOOKS ------------------------------------------9

5 MAINTENANCE ------------------------------------------------------- 11

5.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF MAINTENANBLE PARTS ----11

5.2 WEEKLY MAINTENANCE -------------------------------------------11

5.3 MONTHLY MAINTENANCE -------------------------------------------15

5.4 ANNUAL MAINTENANCE OF THE HYDROSTAT---------------17

6. LUBRICATION PROCEDURES ---------------------------------- 18

1
1. CAUTION---IMPORTANT

IMPORTANT NOTICE
The information and statements herein are believed to be correct and reliable.
Users should read and understand this manual before operating this release
and retrieval system. This release and retrieval system, when installed as
original equipment in new construction by QINGDAO BEIHAI, has been
checked for proper operation. If this system is purchased separately or
installed by anyone else, verification to determine the suitability for their own
particular purpose and testing is the responsibility of the purchaser.

CAUTION
Before the release and retrieval system is operated or any maintenance is
attempted, this manual should be read and understood by all persons involved.
This manual should then remain accessible at all times for future reference.
Pendant Lug must be attached prior to any work being done on any part of the
release and retrieval system.
If there is any doubt concerning the correct functioning of the release system
when the instructions of this manual have been covered, then QINGDAO
BEIHAI must be contacted before the system is put into service.
QINGDAO BEIHAI accepts no responsibility if the instructions of this manual
are not followed by any operator or repairman.
2. INTRODUCTION
The BH-FS7 lifeboat release and retrieval system is for davit-launched
lifeboats complying with the requirements of the MSC.48(66) LSA Code and
it’s amendment MSC.218(82). The tests of which have been carried out
according to MSC.81(70) “Testing of Life-saving Appliance” and it’s
amendment MSC.226(82).

The lifeboat has two Hook assembly (1)(Figure 1), one forward and one aft,
both of which are connected by Operating cables (4)(7) (Figure 1) to the
Operating mechanism (2) (Figure 1). Mounted at the helmsman’s position and
located on the steering console, the Operating mechanism is arranged and
adjusted so that the two Hook assembly will release and locked simultaneously
in the operating procedure.
Two means of release procedure are supplied for every lifeboat. Normal
release(Off-load release) and Emergency release (On-load release).
The Operating mechanism is protected by a hydrostatic interlock. When the
boat is afloat, the interlock is disengaged, so the operaton of the Operating
mechanism will be allowed, it’s the normal release operation. When the boat
out of water or water pressure is low, the interlocked will engage , so the

2
 Operating mechanism will cannot be opeated.
In the unlikely event of a malfunction of this interlock, or during an on-load
release test, or during emergency situation when the boat cannot be lower
down, Emergency release will work. The interlock may be manually overridden
by the helmsman.(For the detail operation, please refer to 4.2)
Testing for on-load release is to be carried out only from a height when the keel
of the lifeboat is touching the waterline. And launching from any greater height
is only to be carried out in extreme emergency after careful consideration of all
the dangers (Which may include injury to occupants and loss of life) by the
person in charge of the lifeboat. And suitable warning to hold tight and secure
is given to the occupants by the helmsman.

The QINGDAO BEIHAI hook manufacturing company

carries no responsibility or liability for damage to boat or
persons for emergency free-fall release of the lifeboat.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION：SWL FOR SINGLE HOOK ASSEMBLY 7 TONE

3. RELEASE SYSTEM COMPONENT PARTS
Each set of BH-FS7 Lifeboat release and retrieval system comprises the followings:
NAME NUMBER
HOOK ASSEMBLY 2
FORE OPERATING CABLE 1
OPERATING MECHANISM 1
Aft. OPERATING CABLE 1
HYDROSTATIC DEVICE AND CABLE 1
COPPER PIPE 1
HYDROSTATIC INTAKE 1
INSTRUCTION LABELS 1
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL 1

The typical arrangement is shown below in figure 1

3
 Figure 1: TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT OF BH-FS7 RELEASE GEAR SYSTEM
1. HOOK ASSEMBLY 6. COPPER PIPE
2. OPERATING MECHANISM 7. FORE OPERATING CABLE
3. HYDROSTATIC OPERATING CABLE 8. HYDROSTATIC INTAKE
4. AFT. OPERATING CABLE 9. STOP COCK
5. HYDROSTATIC DEVICE

3.1. HOOK ASSEMBLY

3.1.1. General arrangement of BH-FS7 hook assembly is shown as below:

4
 6

5
4
3
7 2

10 1
12
13

11 14

9
8

Figure 2: HOOK ASSEMBLY

1. PROTECTIVE COVER 8. OPERATING CABLE
2. CAM RELEASE PIN ( SEE FIGURE 3) 9. CABLE CLAMP
3. OPERATING LEVER 10. DECK PLATE
4. GUARD PLATE 11. SIDE PLATES
5. HOOK 12. COVER
6. PENDANT LUG 13. RE-LOCKING LEVER
7. AMPLIFYING ARM 14. POSITION BLOCK

3.1.2. HOOK LOCKING / RELEASING

Each of the two hooks is kept locked in the lifting position by their own
Amplifying Arm, which has to be in flat contact with the tail of the hook, and
each of the two amplifying arm is locked by their own cam release pin, which
has to be in flat contact with the locking surface of the amplifying arm.

5
By pulling the release handle, the cable drives the cam release pin to the
"OPENED" position so that the Amplifying Arm and the hook can rotate and the
fall can be released.
This is shown in the following figure 3 and figure 4:

FALLS LOAD
HOOK

CAM RELEASE PIN

FLAT TO FLAT
CONTACT

42.5°
77.5
°
FLAT TO FLAT
CONTACT

AMPLIFYING ARM POSITION BLOCK

LOCKED CONDITION OPENED CONDITION

Figure 3: HOOK LOCKED / OPEN CONDITION

6
 Figure 4: DETAILS OF CAM RELEASE PIN/AMPLIFYING ARM/HOOK SETTINGS

3.2. OPERATING MECHASIUM

The color of the release handle is different with its surrounding to prevent
operate by accident.

In the diagram below the right hand view illustrates the ‘open’ position, the
hooks have been unlocked and the falls released.
Note the position of item 2 – Interlock plate raised clear of the gear wheel and
also the position of Item 4 – Indicator, it indicate the position of the interlock.
Note also that Item 3 – Knob is connected direct to Item 2 for manual lifting of
the Interlock in an emergency. Item 3 is normally covered by a clear plastic
cover so that it can be clearly seen.

7
 Locked Position

9 10 7
Locked
A 2 6

3
VIEW A
5
4

8
 Released Position

7 10

A
Unlocked 2 6

3
VIEW A
5
4

Figure 5: OPERATING MECHANISM

1. HYDROSTATIC OPERATING CABLE 6. DRIVING ARM

2. HYDROSTATIC LOCKING LEVER 7. OPERATING HANDLE
3. KNOB 8. OPERATING CABLE
4. LOCKING INDICATOR 9. LOCKING PIN
5. KNOB COVER 10. POSITION PIN UNIT

3.3. HYDROSTATIC UNIT

The hydrostatic locking lever (See item 2 figure 5) in the operating mechanism
is driven by hydrostatic unit. As the boat is launched and enter the water, The

9
 compressed air in the hydrostatic intake will push the piston plate in the
hydrostatic device ( See figure 6 below) through the copper pipe. The piston
plate will push the hydrostatic locking lever against spring to “OPEN” position
through the hydrostatic operating cable.
When the boat is lifted out of water, the spring force will push the piston plate
and the hydrostatic operating cable back down to the lowest position, the
locking lever come back to the locking position and the release handle is
locked again.

Figure6: HYDROSTATIC UNIT

1.HYDROSTATIC 6.COPPER PIPE

2.DIAPHRAGM 7.VENTCOCK (N/A LR)
3.PISTON PLATE 8.HYDROSTATIC INTAKE
4.SPRING 9.HYDROSTATIC OPERATING CABLE
5.PIPE CONNECTOR

4. OPERATION INSTRUCTION

10
 Never lift the lifeboat without ensuring complete
closure of the release hook. In complete closure
may cause the lifeboat drop and result in death .

Before releasing, remove the locking pins from the Release Unit,
and then carry out the release operation. Reinsert the locking
pins after the release hook has been completely reset and the
release handle has been returned to the locked position.

4.1. NORMAL (OFF LOAD) HOOK RELEASE ( BY HELMSMAN)

NORMAL RELEASE PROCEDURE:
a. Ensure boat is waterborne.
b. Check the Locking Indicator A and make sure the indicator is full of green
color. (Hydrostatic lock has been relieved)
c. Pull the Locking Pin G out from the Release Handle E.
d. Pull the Release Handle E fully to position F to activate releasing, the both
hooks will be opened simultaneously and the lifeboat may be driven away
immediately.

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 E
F

G H I

NO

A B C D
A: Locking Indicator B: Protective Cover
C:Handle D: Knob
E:Release Handle (Locked Position)
F:Release Handle (Opened Position)
G:Locking Pin H:Button
I: Position Pin No.06

Figure7: OPERATING PARTS ON RELEASE UNIT

4.2. EMERGENCY (ON LOAD) RELEASE (BY HELMSMAN)

THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS

WILL DROP THE BOAT!

If boat cannot reach the water, carefully make the decision for this release.
a. Ensure boat is waterborne, if not, this process will release from any height,

12
 and may cause injury or death.
b. Shout warning to occupants to hold tightly.
c. Pull the Locking Pin G out from the Release Handle E.
d. Break the Protective Cover B by pull the Handle C.
e. Turn the Knob D with left hand and ensure the Locking Indicator A is full of
green color, then pull release handle E to position F by right hand to
activate rleasing. (Please refer to Figure 7)

4.3. RESETTING THE HOOK AEEMBLY

After the boat has been launched and as soon as clear from the
ship, the hooks should be re-set ready for lifting upon return. Do
not leave this until later, there will not be the time necessary to
carefully check and double check.

a. Inspect the tail of each amplify arm for damage or wear, check that they
rotate easily and smoothly. (If problems are found, inform ship that it
may not safe to lift the boat, rectify the problem immediately).
b. Return hooks to their locked position and hold them there. Check that hook
is in the correct position. When satisfied the crewman calls out to the
helmsman “READY TO LOCK FORWARD (AFT) HOOK. And there is also a
instruction label at the hook position.
c. When the Helmsman has received confirmation that both hooks are ‘ready
to lock’ he pulls out Position Pin I (Figure 7) and at the same time returns
the Release Handle to its Locked position E. (Figure 7). And the helmsman
should check the hooks have been rightly locked by ensuring the edges of
the hook and the housing are in the same plane from inside the boat. (see
figure 8)
d. Crewmen at the hooks rotate the Re-locking lever fully.
e. Crewmen at the hooks check that the Cam Release Pin is in the correct
locked position by confirming the tail of hook is in smooth contact with the
cam release pin. They report to the Helmsman “AFT (FORWARD) HOOK
LOCKED”.
f. Helmsman inserts the Locking Pin G (Figure 7).

13
 Pendant Lug

Hook in correct locked position

Edges are in the same plane
Relocking Lever

Rotate fully

Figure 8: DIAGRAM SHOWING HOOK & CAM POSITION INDICATORS

4.4. BOAT HOISTING

a. Confirm the Hooks has been locked fully as described in 4.3.
b. Helmsman gives signal to hoist the boat slowly and continuously.
c. Helmsman signals to stop hoisting when the boat is just clear above water.
d. Helmsman checks that Knob D is turned back to locked position (Locking
Indicator A is full of red color) and crewman observe between hook side
plates to see flat to flat contact between each hook tail andcam pin. (The
boat should not be lifted further if the above is not all satisfactory but
lowered back in water for investigation).
e. Helmsman signals to hoist boat to stowing position and ensure after
stowing that winch load remains on the hooks at all times the boat remains
stowed so that no gap can develop between respective hook tails and cam
pins.

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5.0. MAINTENANCE

Do not attampt any work and /or physical checks,

other than visual inspection while the lifeboat is still
supported by the davit fall wires and the main lifting
hooks. Transfer the boat weight to the Pendant Lug.
Ignore this waring may cause injury and even death.

Any maintenance or work which has to

be carried out on the BH-FS7 release
and retrieval system must be done with
the boat free of the davit falls – the hooks Pendant Lug

must not be connected to the falls. This

is normally achieved by the use of
the MAINTENANCE PENDANTS which
areattached to the maintenance lug. This
transfers the load off the main lifting
hooks.

Any work or maintenance must

be carried out by skilled safety
officers or qualified persons.

5.1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF MAINTAINABLE PARTS

The BH-FS7 on-load quick release suspension gear is designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements. All parts are made of stainless steel, and
the operating cables are made of corrosion-resistant materials and are of the
sealed type requiring no periodic lubrication.
5.2. WEEKLY MAINTENANCE
Make a close visual inspection with special attention paid to the following
5.2.1. The Hook Assemblies
a. Check that the fall rings or links are fully engaged in the throat of the hook

15
 with the guard plate closed correctly.
b. Check that the hooks are fully closed, i.e. that the cam release pin is in
"FLAT" contact with the tail of the amplifying arm and the hook is in contact
with the amplifying arm. (See Figure 4).
c. Check that the protective covers are in place.
d. Check for any damage, corrosion, dirt, excessive salt deposits or foreign
bodies likely to impair the operation of the equipment and correct as
necessary.
5.2.2. The Operating mechanism (Refer to figure 7)
a. Check that the Release Handle is in the fully locked position (see figure 7
position E).
Indicator
b. Check that Locking Pin (A) is fitted.
c. Check that the hydrostatic locking lever
is in the locked position. Release handle

5.2.3. Instruction Labels

NO.01
NO.02
NO.03
NO.05
NO.06

NO.08

BHFS10

C
B

NO.07
C
B

NO.04 NO.04
NO.09 NO.09

BL

Figure 9: ARRANGEMENT POSITION OF LABEL

16
 About the operation of the system, instruction labels are supplied at the
operating place with detail word description, figures and color distinction.
a. Check that all instruction labels are in place (see Figure9 and below
contents):
b. Detail of all instruction labels are shown as follows

NORMAL HOOK RELEASE

(BY HELMSMAN)
1. Check the Locking Indicator A and make sure the
indicator is full of green color.
(Hydrostatic lock has been relieved)
2. Pull the Locking Pin G out from the Release
Handle E.
3. Pull the Release Handle E fully to position F to
activate releasing. No.01

DANGER DANGER
EMERGENCY BOAT RELEASE
(BY HELMSMAN)
1. Carefully take decision for emergency release.
2. Shout warning to occupants to hold tightly.
3. Pull the Locking Pin G out from the Release Handle E.
4. Break the Protective Cover B by pull the Handle C.
5. Turn the Knob D with left hand and ensure the
Locking Indicator A is full of green color, then pull
release handle E to position F by right hand to
activate rleasing.
No.02

RESETTING THE RELEASE HANDLE

(BY HELMSMAN)
1. Pull the Position Pin H outwards.
2. Pull the release handle from Position F to Position E
with right hand.
3. Reinstall the Locking Pin G.
No.03

17
 RESETTING OF HOOK
(BY HELMSMAN)
1. Rotate tail of hook to the fully closed position by one
hand so that tail moves back as far as possible.
2. Make sure that the release handle has been reset
correctly by the helmsman as described in label No.3.
3. Rotate the Re-locking lever fully by the other hand.
4. Try to rotate the tail of the hook to opened position
and confirm that this can not be done as tail of the
hook is being stopped by flat to flat contact with the
cam pin.
Confirm this by a second try. Look between the side
plates to observe the locking status.
No.04

DANGER
BOAT HOISTING AND STOWING
1. Helmsman receives confirmation that both hooks are
reset correctly as shown in label No.4.
2. Helmsman checks that release handle is in locked
position E and locked by Locking pin G.
3. Helmsman gives signal to hoist the boat slowly and
continuously.
4. Helmsman signals to stop hoisting when the boat’s
just clear above water.
5. Helmsman checks that Knob D is turned back to
locked position (Locking Indicator A is full of red
color) and crewman observe between hook side plates
to see flat to flat contact between each hook tail and
cam pin. (The boat should not be lifted further if the
above is not all satisfactory but lowered back in water
for investigation).
6. Helmsman signals to hoist boat to stowing position
and ensure after stowing that winch load remains on
the hooks at all times the boat remains stowed so
that no gap can develop between respective hook tails
and cam pins.
No.05

18
 E
F

G H

NO

A B C D
A: Locking Indicator B: Protective Cover
C:Handle D: Knob
E:Release Handle (Locked Position)
F:Release Handle (Opened Position)
G:Locking Pin H: Position Pin
No.06

CAUTION!!
Misuse of this hook release mechanismmay
cause injury or even death. It’s Only to be
operated by certified crew member.
No.07

19
 No.08

Relocking
Lever

No.09

5.2.4 Cables:
Check all bolts and nuts of cables for tightening: ensure all of the bolts and nuts
is in tight condition and locked secure.
Check all cables for damage: If bent or stiffness is experienced note that they
cannot be repaired or maintained, they must be replaced with identical size and
type cables.

20
 If the cable was found to be damaged by corrosion or the
cable was elongated, the manufacture Boatbuilding Yard,
Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd
should be informed for further instruction

5.3. MONTHLY MAINTENANCE

Hang the lifeboat on the Pendant Lug, or perfor the following

with boat afloat or ahore in a cradle.
Failure to follow the waring can result in the boat dropping to
the water, resulting in death and equipment damage.

Comply with the weekly maintenance schedule described above. the following
additional work should be carried out.
a. Remove covers over the Operating mechanism to expose the hydrostatic
locking lever and knob.
b. Turn and release the Locking lever several times to check its freedom of
operation and the hydrostatic locking lever returns to the position where it
prevents the Release Handle from being operated to let go the falls.
c. Remove the locking (safety) pin.
d. Operate the Release Handle with and without the Locking lever being turned
down, with the boat out of the water the handle should only be operated
when the indicator show “OK”.
e. At each hook, check that the hook can be swung clear through the cut-out
section of the Cam Release Pin without binding at the pivot and without any
contact between the tail of amplify arm and the bottom face or sides. The
amplify arm tail should pass through the cut-out with only minimum
clearance. Should contact occur then there is major distortion or wear in
either the amplify arm axle, its bearings, or in the Cam Release Pin itself.
Investigate and fit replacement. DO NOT APPLY HEAT or attempt to repair.
f. Remove the protective covers at hooks and Release Handle Unit and check
the condition of the clevis fittings and clevis pins at both ends of each

21
 operating cable. Ensure that the outer sheath is firmly secured to boat
structure, that each inner wire runs smoothly in the sheath, and that all nuts
are properly tight. Replace if any damage is found, these cables cannot be
repaired.
g. Check the operating cable end seals, ensure that the cable rod ends are
adequately lubricated – note you cannot maintain or lubricate the internal
part.
h. If the operation of the Release Handle is unsatisfactory disconnect the
Reset the hooks, and whilst doing so check that operation of the Release
Handle should never require more than minimal force. Note that the Cam
Release Pin is assisted in its return by means of a spring.
i. operating cables to both hooks at both ends, test each cable for free running.
If one is binding, check for cable rod or end seal damage, excessively tight
bends, or accidental cable damage, rectify only by fitting a replacement as
necessary. If the problem is not found in the cable, check the cam release
pin, and its driving arm together with their respective bushes and bearings
and rectify as necessary. Reconnect the operating cables and ensure that
they are correctly adjusted before re-testing the re-setting of the Release
Handle and the hooks.
j. Refit the protective covers on the hook assemblies.
k. Check for the correct adjustment of both the hook operating cables by
testing the simultaneous release of the two hooks. Two crewmen take
position at each hook and apply pressure in an attempt to push it open by
hand. The helmsman turns the knob with one hand and holds it while slowly
moving the Release Handle. As soon as a crewman’s hook opens he shouts
out, the Officer in charge of the maintenance and testing must be present
and listens for the two shouts. The test should be repeated at least 3 times.
If the two shouts are heard simultaneously each time the cables are
correctly adjusted, if not further investigation, adjustment and testing is
necessary.
l. Refit the release handle unit cover.
m. Return the weight of the lifeboat from the maintenance pendants to the main
hooks and the falls.
n. Lower the lifeboat to the sea to check the operation of the Interlock – see
NOTE below.
NOTE:
This monthly maintenance schedule tests all parts of the equipment except for
the diaphragm in the hydrostatic unit. Without dismantling the hydrostatic unit,
which is an annual maintenance requirement, the only way to check diaphragm
operation is when the lifeboat is waterborne the indicator on the operating

22
 mechanism shows “OK” . Whenever the lifeboat is launched this check should
always be made, both on launch and on recovery.
5.4. ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
In addition to the monthly maintenance schedule described above, the
following additional work should be carried out. It can only be done with the
boat out of the water.
5.4.1 Inspect the hydrostatic unit diaphragm as follows. (See diagram above –
note that the hydrostatic device may also be bulkhead mounted)
a. Disconnect the hydrostatic cable and the copper pipe.
b. Remove the clamping bolts, separate the upper housing from the lower
housing, and remove the diaphragm. ALWAYS replace the diaphragm
with a new one.
c. Check that the internal self-return spring is in satisfactory condition and
wipe a thin film of grease over it.
d. Clean the lower housing free from all dirt and salt deposits. Ensure that
the mating surface in way of the bolts is clean. wipe a thin film of grease
over it.
e. Dismantle the upper housing, clean and inspect all the component parts.
Reassemble in reverse order, ensuring that all fasteners are secured and
that the piston plate is in contact with the diaphragm.
f. Locate the diaphragm on the lower housing and refit the upper housing.
Ensure that the projecting location lugs on the upper and lower housing are
in line with each other, and replace the clamping bolts.
g. Check that the sea water intake in satisfactory condition, and clean down all
dirt and salt deposits.
h. Reconnect the copper pipe, ensure vent cock valve is open.
i. Reconnect the cable and check the adjustment.
j. The lifeboat should be lowered to the water and tested to ensure that any
repairs were done properly.

If any inspection or repair is carried out on the hydrostatic device

involving its disassembly when the lifeboat is waterborne, close the vent
cock to prevent water leakage.Open the vent cock when repair is
complete.

23
 5.4.2 Check the tail of the amplify arm and the face of the cam release pin for
signs of wear and damage. If wear of the amplify arm tail is in excess of that
shown in the following sketch, contact QINGDAO BEIHAI for further guidance.
WEAR IN THIS AREA TAKES PLACE
DUE TO ON-LOAD RELEASE.
THEREFORE ON-LOAD RELEASE
SHOULD ONLY BE ATTEMPTED
FOR TEST PURPOSES ONLY.
1mm

1mm RADIUS (MAX)

EXCESSIVE WEAR IS A RADIUS
GREATER THAN 1 MM
6. GENERAL LUBRICATION
All pivots/bearings are provided with grease nipples which need monthly
lubrication with water-repellent grease. The lubricants are subject to availability
and local condition.

All items marked with an arrow need monthly lubrication with water-repellant
grease.
Control cables are lubricated on assembly and additional lubrication is not required
in most cases.

24
7 MAINTENANCE LOG MODEL: BH-FS7 S/N: _________________
INSPECTOR
DATE (PRINT NAME) SIGNATURE RESULTS/COMMENTS