Protection systems extinguishment

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. 

Sprinklers and fire protection systems are required by NFPA Codes, but are often dependent on the overall size of the facility and quantity of stored flammable/combustible material. The wisest course of action is to provide heat and smoke detectors in each laboratory and provide a sprinkler system at least in the hallways. Each laboratory should have at least one ABC portable fire extinguisher. Computers have become more important to laboratories than ever. Halon fire extinguishing systems are available which are nondestructive to both electronic equipment and human life. These should be employed for fire protection. 

Fire protection systems achieve extinguishment of fire by a number of methods, principally ... 

Fire protection systems achieve exposure protection by absorption of heat through application of extinguishing agents to structures or equipment exposed to a fire. The application of some extinguishing agents removes or reduces the heat transferred to the structures or equipment from the exposing fire, as well as limits the surface temperature of exposed structures and equipment to a level that will minimize damage and prevent failure. 

Exposure protection systems provide protection by the application of water to structures and equipment for the anticipated duration of the exposure fire. Water spray curtains are generally less effective than direct application due to unfavorable conditions such as wind, thermal updrafts, and inadequate drainage. Extinguishing agents such as CO2 or dry chemical agents are not able to provide this type of cooling. 

The Montreal Protocol of September 1987 restricts the production of certain halon extinguishing agents, most notably Halon 1301. Existing halon fire protection systems may remain in service. However, the dwindling supply of halon continues to drive up the cost of recharging existing systems. 

A water mist system is a proprietary fire protection system using very fine water sprays. The very small water droplets allow the water mist to control or extinguish fires by cooling of the flame and fire plume, oxygen displacement by water vapor, and radiant heat attenuation. These systems are single shot systems. A water mist system and nozzles are shown in Figure 7-28. 

In the majority of applications in processing facilities handling flammable gases or liquids, or liquefied flammable gases, fixed water-based fire protection systems will control, but not extinguish, the fire. Foam-water sprinkler systems are an alternative to water sprinkler systems. Both water and foam-water sprinkler systems are discussed in Chapter 7. 

In general, fixed water spray fire protection has the two-fold purpose of cooling the affected equipment and flushing any burning liquids from the immediate fire area. This can reduce local damage, limit fire spread, and allow time for other response actions. It should not be expected that these systems will extinguish a fire without the use of other fire protection systems, such as foam, dry chemical, or manual firefighting. 

Since control rooms are normally constantly manned, it is considered unlikely that a fire could progress undetected to a hazardous size. Fixed fire protection systems, whether manually or automatically activated, are seldom installed in control rooms of processing facilities, mainly due to the fact that they are normally constantly manned. As such, it is considered unlikely that any fire that does occur would progress undetected to a size that cannot be extinguished by manual intervention (fire extinguishers, hose reel, etc.). 

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... 

NFPA 750—Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection System NFPA 2001 —Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems... 

Fire protection systems-sprinklers, adequate water, extinguishers (halocarbons, CO ... 

The water supply to B6597 consists of a 6-inch riser in the mechanical equipment room that supplies water to the fire protection wet-pipe sprinkler system. Sprinkler heads have internal fusible elements that open the sprinkler flow orifice at a temperature of 165°F. Rre alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers are located throughout the high and mid bays. The building fire protection system also uses aqueous film forming (AFF) foam. 

A system for extinguishing a hazard upon or shortly after its inception, such as sprinklers and fire protection systems. 

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... 

Select, install, inspect, and maintain portable fire extinguishers in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. Please note that special requirements do exist such as nonferrous components of extinguishers located in MRI rooms and the need for class K extinguishers in kitchen areas. Inspect, test, and maintain all water-based fire protection systems in accordance with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. Facility owners retain responsibility for compliance... 

Fire Protection Systems Exits and exit routes properly marked Exit signs lighted Automatic doors operable Emergency lighting operable Extinguishers in place and operable Alarms in place and operable Sprinkler heads have clear space ... 

During implementation, there is a need to check fire protection and extinguishing systems and equipment. Some components require regular testing, maintenance, and inspections. For example, hydrants require testing for water pressure and flow. Extinguishers, alarm systems, and sensors require inspection and testing. 

The opportunity to test fire protection systems under real situations is, thankfulfy, a rare event in most organizations. Consequently, risk determination is difficult and the best assessment can only be an approximation of future outcomes. Nevertheless, assessments and approximations are critical factors in setting standards and measuring performance. To position a fire extinguisher on a wall and expect some untrained employee to use the device is unacceptable. To have the extinguisher, maintain it, and not expect it to be used to protect life and property is nonsense. The well conducted safety audit will discover the strengths and weaknesses in the system and provide a blueprint for any action plans necessary for improvement. 

Fire/smoke detection Alarms/annunciation Automatic fire suppression Fire-resistant design Extinguisher selection and location Adequateness of fire protection system Fire protection during loss of utility services... 

Fire protection and extinguishing systems of appropriate capacity, capability, and qualification should be provided to give timely alarm and or actuation so as to enable speedy extinguishing of the fire and to minimize the adverse effects of fires on personnel and on items important to safety. 

Active fire protection systems may detect or extinguish a fire, with a water sprinkier or inert gas flooding instaiiation performing both functions. An automatic fire detection... 

As is the case with all fire protection systems portable fire fighting equipment must be the subject of active monitoring. Persons responsible for fire safety at work will need to ensure that extinguishers are provided, sited, inspected and tested in line with the manufacturers recommendations this must include an annual test and inspection by a competent person. In addition, extinguishers should be periodically inspected to ensure they are in place, are full and in good condition and have indeed been tested by a competent person within the relevant period. 

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