Dioxide Extinguishing Systems

At least weekly, the liquid level gauges of low-pressure containers should be observed. If, at any time, a container shows a loss of more than 10%, it should be refilled, unless the minimum gas requirements are still provided. 

A monthly inspection should be conducted to assess the system s operational condition. 

The following should be verified by competent personnel at least annually using available documentation  

All system hoses, including those used as flexible connectors, should be tested every five years (NFPA 12). 

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NPPA 12 Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems, 1998 edition. National Eire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. 

Fixed installations, such as water spray systems, halon systems, sprinkler systems, carbon dioxide extinguishing systems, explosion suppression systems, and other fire protection installations are often provided with flow and trouble detection switches connected to transmitters. A signal indicating the condition of the system should be sent to the attended location(s). 

NFPA 11—Standard for Low-Fxpansion Foam NFPA 11A—Standard for Medium- and High-Expansion Foam Systems NFPA 12—Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems NFPA 12A—Standard on Halon 1301 Eire Extinguishing Systems NFPA 13—Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems NFPA 15—Standard for Water Spray fixed Systems for Fire Protection NFPA 25—Standard for the Inspection, Testingand Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems... 

When a fixed system is activated, a major portion of the rapidly expanding gas wiU become carbon dioxide vapor, while the remainder will become very fine particles of dry ice. There will also be condensed water vapor due to the cooling action of the expanding gas. As a result, visibility may be limited and individuals trapped in an area may have difficulty finding their way out. An area equipped with an automatic carbon dioxide extinguishing system should be posted with warning signs, such as ... 

Fires in or on offshore wind turbines and substations 33 CER Chapter 1, Subchapter N, Part 145, Fire-Fighting Equipment NEPA, Codes and Standards (e.g., NFPA 12—Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems) NFPA 850 RP for Fire Protection for Electric Generating Plants DNV-OS-J201(2009)—Offshore Substations for Wind Farms (Section 6) Safety of Life at Sea Provisions GL Wind Technical Note Certification of Fire Protection Systems for Wind Turbines, Rev. 2,2009 ed. BS EN 13565-2 2009—Fixed Firefighting Systems... 

NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems... 

Fire extinguishing systems can include foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemical. Wetting agents and high e.xpansion foam have been used in some plant protection systems. All fire extinguishing systems should be evaluated for the potential health risks as well as overall effectiveness before incorporation into a plant. 

An automatic carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing system. 

In areas where fire potential and the risk of injury or damage are high, automatic fire-extinguishing systems are often used. These may be of the water sprinkler, foam, carbon dioxide, halon, or dry chemical type. If an automatic fire-extinguishing system is in place, laboratory workers should be informed of its presence and advised of any safety precautions required in connection with its use (e.g., evacuation before a carbon dioxide total-flood system is activated, to avoid asphyxiation). 

Liquid carbon dioxide is also used as a fire extinguishing agent in portable and built-in fire extinguishing systems. 

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