GENERAL BULLETIN NO. 5397

Transcription

1 ANSUL INCORPORATED ONE STANTON STREET MARINETTE, WI GENERAL BULLETIN NO DATE: August 20, 2008 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: All Authorized ANSUL Vehicle System s Distributors Technical Services, Pre-Engineered Systems A-101/LVS Fire Suppression System Protection for Unattended Battery Charging Stations and Electrically Powered Equipment in Underground Coal Mines On July 28, 2008 a Program Information Bulletin (PIB) No. P08-15 was issued by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) outlining fire suppression requirements for the protection of unattended battery charging stations and other unattended electrically powered equipment used in underground coal mines. While the requirements outlined in PIB No. P08-15 (attached in its entirety) have been written in CFR 30, , Underground Electrical Installations for some time, they apparently have not been enforced until now. As stated in the attached PIB: Timetable. Within 90 days after the date of issuance of this PIB, MSHA expects mine operators to be in full compliance with the provisions of through applicable to fire suppression systems used to protect unattended battery charging stations and other unattended electrically powered equipment used in underground coal mines. Mine operators with non-conforming systems should either replace their systems with ones that meet the regulations or modify their systems as necessary to comply with the regulations. NOTE: The MSHA PIB NO is attached for your reference only. Inclusion of the PIB does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by MSHA. Battery charging stations may be arranged in multiple configurations. The basic common hazards include the charging station itself (battery charger) and/or the battery(s) being charged. Listed fire suppression, including automatic detection and actuation, will be required for the charging station and other unattended electrical equipment that is not housed in noncombustible structures or areas, and the battery(s) being charged, unless the battery(s) remains on the machine during charging. MSHA assumes that the battery enclosures will be fully opened during discharge, and that the nozzles will be positioned and aimed to discharge into hazard areas. CFR , Dry chemical devices; capacity; minimum requirements, (a)(5)(b): On unattended underground equipment, the number of pounds of dry chemical employed by the system shall be not less than 1 pound per square foot of top surface area of the equipment; however, the minimum amount in any system shall be 20 pounds (nominal). The discharge shall be directed into and on potentially hazardous locations of the equipment. For example: one A tank filled with 25 pounds (11.3 kg) of dry chemical can protect a hazard top surface area of up to 25 square feet (2.32 m 2 ). The CFR also requires both the detection and control equipment, as well as the dry chemical system, to be listed or approved. Both the A-101 and the CHECKFIRE SC-N systems have the required Factory Mutual approvals. While final designs and equipment determinations will need to be made in the field, to assist in developing proposals for quotation, Ansul is providing a conceptual bill of materials (attached). The B/M includes two A tanks (four to six nozzles per tank), suitable for an application protecting either a lone battery with a top surface area of 50 sq. ft. (4.65 m 2 ) or less, or a charging unit and the battery to be charged, each 25 sq. ft. (2.32 m 2 ) or less. Other system configurations are possible, including other tank sizes and/or quantities, depending on the application and the size of the protected areas. A tanks are suitable for typical

2 General Bulletin No August 20, 2008 Page 2 underground temperatures. However, if the system will be utilized in temperatures outside the A-101 approved temperature range, the LT-A model will be required. Note: Ansul does not recommend using six nozzles with an agent storage tank smaller than the A or LT-A tank. For those ANSUL Vehicle System Distributors that have underground coal mines within their sales territories, please read the following bulletin in its entirety. Then, begin making arrangements with your customers to assist in their compliance efforts with MSHA. If you should have any questions pertaining to this bulletin please contact your U.S. District Sales Manager, or contact Ansul Technical Services at or

3 ISSUE DATE: 07/22/08 PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P08-15 FROM: KEVIN G. STRICKLIN Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health MARK E. SKILES Director of Technical Support SUBJECT: Fire Suppression Systems Used to Protect Battery Charging Stations and Other Unattended Electrically Powered Equipment in Underground Coal Mines Who needs this information? This Program Information Bulletin (PIB) applies to underground coal mine operators, fire suppression manufacturers, miners' representatives, independent contractors, and Coal Mine Safety and Health (CMS&H) enforcement personnel. What is the purpose of this PIB? This PIB informs the mining industry and CMS&H enforcement personnel of some of the regulations governing the use of fire suppression systems used for protection of unattended battery charging stations and other unattended electrically powered equipment used underground. What is the background for this PIB? As a result of the fatalities at Aracoma Alma Mine #1, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reviewing the fire protection regulations and is evaluating the fire suppression systems used in underground coal mines to determine their compliance with existing regulations. As a result of such evaluation, MSHA has become aware of inconsistency among the various coal districts in the enforcement of existing regulations governing the use of fire suppression devices used to protect unattended electrically powered equipment in underground coal mines. In conducting this review, the agency has also become aware that some systems, such as the ECKO 341/ADX1141, are not in compliance with the regulations, as explained below.

4 2 The ECKO 341 and ADX 1141 are dry chemical systems equipped with individual pressurized dry chemical containers or canisters filled with a dry chemical agent. Each canister is equipped with a dual purpose pressure switch and a heat sensitive fusible link spray nozzle located at the base of each unit. Each canister usually contains 16 pounds of monoammonium phosphate based dry chemical. Upon detection of a predetermined rise in heat, the fusible link would melt (open) and allow the chemical in the container to be discharged into the intended protected area. Simultaneously, the pressure switch should detect the decrease in container pressure and cause the power to the equipment to be de-energized. The switch is also designed to activate an audible and visual alarm. The system actuates automatically and does not have manual actuation capability. Other fire suppression systems used to protect unattended electrically powered equipment in underground coal mines may also not be in compliance with existing regulations. These systems must also be checked to determine if they meet the regulatory requirements such as those discussed in this PIB. Information The 30 C.F.R requires that unattended underground transformer stations, battery charging stations, substations, rectifiers, and water pumps not housed in noncombustible structures or areas be equipped with a fire suppression system that meets the requirements of through In addition, (a)(2) requires that within 24 production shift hours after being installed, unattended electrically powered equipment used underground is to be equipped with a fire suppression device that meets the applicable requirements of through (certain exceptions apply). Noncombustible structure or area is defined in , which describes the applicable fire test. Most battery charging stations are not housed in such structures or areas, although MSHA does classify them as noncombustible if they are enclosed in substantial metal housings, are used to charge batteries that are also enclosed in substantial metal housings, and remain on the machine during charging. MSHA Program Policy Manual (PPM), Vol. V Therefore, most of these stations must be protected by a fire suppression system that meets the requirements of through For the purposes of the provisions of through , (c) defines attended underground equipment as follows: Any machine or device regularly operated by a miner assigned to operate such machine or device; or Any machine or device which is mounted in the direct line of sight of a jobsite which is located within 500 feet of such machine or device and which jobsite is regularly occupied by a miner assigned to perform job duties at such jobsite during each production shift.

5 3 Unattended equipment is therefore, equipment which does not meet one of these two situations. In addition, (d) requires that machines and devices described under (c) ( attended ) be inspected for fire and the input power de-energized when workmen leave the area for more than 30 minutes. Below are a few of the requirements for fire suppression systems protecting such unattended underground electric equipment: Section (a) requires components of fire suppression devices required to be installed in accordance with the provisions of to be approved by the Secretary or, where appropriate, be listed as approved by a nationally recognized agency approved by the Secretary (Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., or Factory Mutual Research Corporation; see PPM Vol. V It should be noted that MSHA has not approved any fire suppression devices (see Technical Compliance Evaluation of ECKO 341 Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Devices report issued May, 2008). Section (a) requires that fire suppression devices installed on unattended underground equipment must comply with the following: One or more point-type sensors or equivalent shall be installed for each 50 square feet of top surface area, or fraction thereof, of the protected equipment; Each sensor shall be designed to activate the fire suppression system and disconnect the electrical power source to the equipment protected; and At least one manual actuator shall operate the system, except where sprinklers are used. Where sprinklers are used, provision is to be made for the manual application of water to the protected equipment in lieu of manual actuator. Section (b) requires that sensors, where practicable, be installed in accordance with the recommendations of National Fire Code No. 72A (NFPA No. 72A-1967). The MSHA PPM under specifies that [s]ensors, as addressed in paragraph (b) shall, where practicable, be installed above the area of the equipment that is likely to produce the most heat in the event of a fire. For example; if the UL listing requires that the outlet of the nozzle (and sensor) must be within a distance between 4.5 and 7.5 feet above the hazard, the fire suppression system must be installed accordingly. Section (c) requires that on unattended equipment the fire suppression device is to operate independently of the power to the main motor (or equivalent) so it will remain operative if the circuit breaker (or other protective device) actuates. The PPM under (c) requires that where the fire-suppression system is dependent on the mine power supply, the power supply to the fire suppression system must originate on the line side of the overload protection of the equipment being protected. PPM Vol. V This can be accomplished by a backup battery power source.

6 4 Section (e) requires the sensor system to have a means to determine its operative condition. This includes indicators for (a) normal operating status, (b) fire detected condition, and (c) conditions that can render a fire suppression sensor system inoperative. Inoperative conditions are also referred to as malfunction conditions. Examples of inoperative conditions include loss of main or backup power to the system control unit, discontinuity (wiring break) in any sensor circuit or actuation circuit, and short circuit in any sensor circuit or actuation circuit. For example, on battery charging stations, when the sensor actuates as a result of a fire or a short circuit, the control circuit activates an audible and visual alarm. This indicates a fire or a malfunction of the sensor circuit. Section (a)(1) requires fire suppression devices to be adequate in size and capacity to extinguish potential fires in or on the equipment protected. Fire hazards in underground coal mines are typically Class A combustibles. Therefore, fire suppression devices must be adequate in size and capacity to extinguish Class A fires and those systems approved for Class B fires only do not meet this provision. Section (a) requires dry chemical fire extinguishing systems used on underground equipment to be of the multipurpose powder-type. According to the NFPA Handbook (19 th edition), [m]ultipurpose dry chemical refers to powders that are listed for use on Class A, B, or C fires. However, utilizing an ABC powder does not mean the fire suppression system utilizing such powder is rated for Class A, B and C fires. Section provides that, notwithstanding the provisions of through , the District Manager may approve any other fire suppression system which provides substantially equivalent protection as would be achieved through compliance with those sections provided that no such system shall be approved which does not meet the criteria stated in (a) through (m). For example, (f) requires that an automatic and a manual actuator be provided for fire suppression devices on unattended equipment. Therefore, any fire suppression system protecting unattended equipment that is not equipped with a manual actuator does not meet the applicable requirements and also could not be approved by a District Manager under Because the ECKO 341/ADX1141 fire suppression system does not have a manual actuator, it does not meet the applicable requirements and also could not be approved by a District Manager. Section (b) requires fire suppression systems to be maintained and tested in accordance with the requirements specified in the appropriate National Fire Code listed therein. Item 1412 of NFPA 17 (NFPA No ) requires that automatic dry chemical extinguishing systems have a readily accessible means for manual actuation.

7 5 Timetable Within 90 days after the date of issuance of this PIB, MSHA expects mine operators to be in full compliance with the provisions of through applicable to fire suppression systems used to protect unattended battery charging stations and other unattended electrically powered equipment used in underground coal mines. Mine operators with non-conforming systems should either replace their systems with ones that meet the regulations or modify their systems as necessary to comply with the regulations. What is MSHA's authority for this PIB? The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. 801 et seq., and 30 C.F.R , , and Where is this PIB on the Internet? This information may be viewed on the World Wide Web by accessing MSHA's home page then choosing "Compliance Info" and "Program Information Bulletins." Who are the MSHA contact persons for this PIB? Coal Mine Safety and Health, Safety Division Salwa El-Bassioni, (202) Office of Technical Support Michael Hockenberry, (304) Who will receive this PIB? MSHA PPM Holders Underground Bituminous Coal Operators Miners' Representatives Independent Contractors

8 TYPE GENERAL: BATTERY CHARGE STATION TYPE SPECIFIC: TWO - THREE TANK SYSTEM MAKE: MODEL: GENERIC NON SPECIFIC BILL OF MATERIALS: QTY PART NO. DESCRIPTION A TANK, CARTRIDGE, PNEU. ACT., BRKT (OPTIONAL) MANUAL ACTUATOR PKG. TBD 57044/57046 V1/2 / C 1/2 NOZZLE (PKG. OF 4) /4655 TRIPLE TEE / REDUCING TEE and/or DISTRIBUTION TEE (FOR 6 NOZZLE TANKS) (OPTIONAL) PRESSURE SWITCH SAFETY VENT RELIEF VALVE CHECKFIRE SC-N ELECTRIC SYSTEM MODULE BATTERY (CHECKFIRE SC-N) E.O.L. RESISTOR SHIPPING ASSEMBLY SQUIB (CHECKFIRE SC-N) LINEAR DETECTION WIRE (100 ft) /56692 NYLON CABLE TIES/RUBBER SLEEVES (20/pkg) Note 1) This bill of materials and suggested nozzle protection is generic and was created from various field input. It is intended for reference/guidance only. Battery charging stations, battery configurations, and protection requirements vary. Consequently, other combinations of V1/2 or C1/2 nozzles and/or other tank sizes may be needed. Designs must meet minimum CFR 30 requirements for unattended equipment, including the requirement for 1 lb. of dry chemical per square foot of top surface area of the battery(s) and battery charger (when not encased in noncombustible enclosures). An onsite hazard analysis is needed to verify correct nozzle selection and system design requirements. ENGINE HP: NO. OF ENGINES: ENGINE MODEL: WEIGHT LBS: CAPACITY WT. DC TANK QTY: 2 TOTAL DC NOZZLE QTY: 8-12 COMPARED TO: DESIGN BASED ON: NOZZLES DETERMINED ONSITE CAPACITY CU. YDS: Note 5) The LT-A Tank, Part No can offer more robust protection using (6) nozzles than an A tank, especially when (6) nozzles will be connected to one tank. An (8) nozzle LT-A can also be used to replace two A or LT-A tanks. Primary Supply Line Distribution Tee, Part No (6) nozzles, or Primary Supply Line Triple Tee, Part No (8) nozzles, must be used with the LT-A tank. The LT-A cartridge bracket assembly, Part no , is also required. Tank sizes and quantities are dependent upon the total area for each hazard to be protected (See Note 1). Note 6) System capability to include manual operation & automatic detection and actuation. Linear detection wire or spot thermal detection can be used. Note: If there is a chance for wear or damage, the detection line should be sleeved/protected in areas where detection is not intended. If splices are made in the detection wire, make certain the spice is water-proof. If the detection cable becomes worn or damaged or if moisture enters splices, system activation may likely occur. Note 7) Battery charging station locations regularly change in the mine requiring the fire suppression system to be designed to be moved periodically. CONCEPTUAL NOZZLE TYPES & PROTECTION: V 1/2 NOZZLES: Note 2) The bill of materials depicts A tanks instead of the LT-A tank models. If approved temperature constraints for the A-101 models are exceeded, the LT-A tank models must be used. C 1/2 NOZZLES:. Note 3) Choose nozzles that will discharge into the hazard area(s) from locations no farther away than the approved nozzle effective discharge ranges. Nozzles will need to be aligned/aimed to discharge into the hazard area(s) to be protected. Nozzle types and quantities to be determined in the field. LAST REVISION: DRAWING NO: (Not Available) SHEET: SEQUENCE NO: 489 Note: This information is conceptual in nature and is to be used only as a guideline for quotation purposes. The fire suppression system depicted on this sheet was prepared with information provided from vendor s sales literature, from comparisons of similarly used vehicles of comparable size and capacity, from designs created by Ansul distributors, or from onsite designs created by Ansul Incorporated. The system constitutes nominal hardware requirements considering the vehicle layout and accessories provided at the time of design. Due to variations of this vehicle model, uncontrolled vehicle design changes, and/or unknown accessory options included, this design may not be completely adequate for the equipment model number identified above. The final fire suppression system design cannot be determined until an in-depth hazard analysis has been preformed on the vehicle to be protected. The fire system described in this material is a suppression system only and cannot be designed nor is intended to extinguish all possible fires. Unusual amounts of combustible materials and flammable fuels present, hydraulic, brake, and steering fluids under high pressure extremes, uncontrolled operating and environmental conditions, and extended vehicle operating periods with minimal vehicle maintenance, can result in fire conditions which exceed the extinguishing capacity of the ANSUL A-101/LVS system. Alternative fire fighting equipment will need to be available to supplement the system if re-ignition occurs, or when total extinguishment is not possible.