Fixed high expansion foam firefighting system
Capable of manual release, Automatic release may be permitted.
Foam concentrates are approved type. Different concentrates are not mixed.
The system and components shall withstand 925 deg C.
Material used shall be compatible with foam concentrate.
All sections of pipelines shall have arrangement to test, drain, flush for testing and cleaning. Compressed air is used for purging.
Pressure gauges are provided for inlet and outlet of water and foam for testing purpose.
Means are provided for checking quantity and taking samples of foam concentrate.
Operating instructions are provided at operation controls. Spare parts are maintained.
The system source of power supply, foam concentrate supply and means of controlling the system shall be readily accessible and simple to operate, and shall be arranged at positions outside the protected space not likely to be cut off by a fire in the protected space.
Procedure to keep upper ventilation open during fire is required. This is not needed if the system is using inner air for producing foam.
After foam discharge, entry should be made using breathing apparatus.
Installation plans and operating manuals are provided to the ship. Plan shows places serviced by the system. These documents and maintenance instructions shall be in working language of the ship.
Foam generating room is well ventilated and provided with heater to prevent freezing.
Quantity of foam concentrate shall be at least 30 min of supply or 5 times volume of largest compartment, whichever is higher.
Protected space shall be fitted with audible and visual alarms to warn about release of foam.
Alarm duration is at least 20 sec or till time required for escape.
Inside air form systems
These systems use the air inside the compartment to produce form. System will have both main and emergency sources of power. Emergency power shall be supplied from outside the protected space. For generating capacity shall be adequate to completely fill the largest protected space within 10 minutes. Minimum of two foam generators are installed in spaces containing combustion engines boilers and similar equipment. Smaller places will have one foam generator.
Foam generators are uniformly distributed under the uppermost ceiling in the protected spaces. Foam generators have got at least 1 m free space in front of the form outlet.
Systems for the protection of vehicle Ro-Ro or special category and cargo spaces
In this case the system is operated by ships main power source and emergency power supply is not required. This is mainly because these spaces are isolated from machinery space and power source is not threatened. Foam generating capacity is adequate to completely fill the largest protected space within 10 minutes. Minimum of two foam generators are installed in every space.
Foam generators have at least 1 m free space in front of the foam outlet.
Outside air foam systems
In these systems outside air is used to generate foam.
Systems for the protection of machinery spaces and cargo pump rooms:
System is operated by both main and emergency sources of power. Emergency power source is provided from outside the protected machinery space. Like earlier, sufficient foam is generated to fill up largest protected space within 10 minutes. Minimum of two ducts shall be installed in every space containing combustion engine boilers purifiers and similar equipment. Smaller places will have single duct. Delivery ducts are uniformly distributed under the uppermost ceiling in the protected space. Ducts have at least 1 m free space in front of the form delivery ducts. There are dampers provided at the openings in the boundary bulkheads. These dampers are operated automatically by means of remote control of the foam generator. They open up when the foam generator starts working. Foam generators are located where adequate fresh air supply is available.
Systems for the protection of vehicle and Ro-Ro spaces and special category and cargo spaces:
System operates on ships main power source and emergency power supply is not required. As earlier, sufficient foam generating capacity is provided to completely fill the largest protected space within 10 minutes. Minimum of two ducts are installed in every space. There is at least 1 m free space in front of the foam outlets.
Dampers are fitted into bulkhead openings and are operated automatically of the foam generator. They remain close until the foam generators begin operating. Foam generators are located where an adequate fresh air supply is available.
After installation systems are tested.
Fixed low expansion form fire extinguishing systems
Formed concentrates are approved by administration. Different form concentrate types shall not be mixed, form concentrates of the same type from different manufacturers shall not be mixed unless they have approval for compatibility
System shall produce sufficient foam to form foam blanket over the largest compartment in less than 5 minutes.
Control for the system shall be in safe place, easy to operate and readily accessible.