Portable fire suppression equipment

Based on the physical layout of the site, the hazards of the process and the fixed fire protection systems, additional fire suppression equipment may be required to effectively manage a fire emergency. Portable fire suppression equipment assists in providing fire protection for the equipment involved in an emergency. The use of portable equipment provides protection, where the cost of fixed system may not be acceptable or the fire water supply may be limited. Examples of portable equipment include  

Portable fire water monitors and foam monitors give the fire suppression team the flexibility to set up the equipment in a location that provides maximum coverage of the water or foam spray with limited exposure to the fire personnel. Portable monitors can be set in place, with the stream on the equipment being protected, and fire personnel do not have to constantly monitor the operation. 

Portable foam eductors provide flexibility in providing foam suppression capability. By attaching foam eductors to suitable fixed or portable monitors, the foam stream can be directed on the equipment. 

Supplies of foam firefighting agents can be stored in portable trailers and totes taken to the site where they will be used. Trailers come in a variety of sizes. Smaller wheeled carts can be pushed by employees, while others need to be transported by a vehicle. 

Portable water tanks can be useful where water supplies are limited. Some water tanks are on fire water pumper trucks or in storage tanks on flatbed trucks. 

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Fixed fire protection systems (detection and suppression) and portable fire suppression equipment... 

Other types of fire protection equipment or systems can be broken into four categories (1) portable fire suppression equipment including standpipe and hose systems (2) fixed fire suppression equipment including automatic sprinkler systems and fixed extinguishing systems (3) fire detection systems and (4) employee alarm systems. In addition, certain equipment is often installed in workplaces to control heat sources or to detect fuel leaks. An example is a temperature limit switch. Alarm systems may include, but are not limited to, manual pull box alarms, public address systems, radio, or telephone.)... 

Portable equipment comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and usage. Selection of portable equipment should be based on an assessment of the site s fixed fire suppression equipment, availability of personnel, and access to mutual aid. Portable equipment assists in being able reach the problem area with fire suppression equipment in a timely and efficient manner. 

OSHA has many requirements concerning fire protection in the workplace. These requirements are found in Subpart L and in some other specific standards. Among the items addressed by OSHA standards is fire brigades, all portable and fixed fire suppression equipment, fire detection systems, and fire or employee alarm systems. 

Other emergency equipment that must be present are portable fire extinguishers (of different fire suppression classes, if needed), spill control equipment, and decontamination equipment. Caution needs to be used by personnel in using the portable fire extinguishers since fires involving chemicals are very likely to generate toxic fumes. Unless it is clear that the fire can be... 

Manual fire suppression systems and equipment, including hydrants, standpipes, hose stations and portable fire extinguishers. 

Subpart L is concerned with fire protection and fire prevention. This subpart contains requirements for fire brigades, aU portable extinguishers, fixed fire suppression systems and fire detection systems, and alarm systans. It contains training requirements for the organization and personnel. It describes requirements for training and protective equipment for fire brigades. 

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