- (a) List THREE types of fixed fire suppression installations commonly found on vessels.(3)
(b) Describe EACH method by which the THREE listed in part (a) extinguish fire.(4)
(c) State, with reasons, ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage of EACH.(3)
Types of fixed fire suppression installations commonly found on vessel
Here are some of the common types of fixed fire suppression installations found on vessels:
1. CO2 Flooding Systems:
- Primarily used in machinery spaces, cargo holds, and other enclosed areas. 1. List of Fixed Fire Fighting Equipment Onboard Ship marinetechss.com
- Stores liquid CO2 under pressure, released as a gas to displace oxygen and extinguish the fire.
- Effective for Class B (flammable liquid) and Class C (electrical) fires.
- Requires evacuation of personnel before activation due to asphyxiation risk.
2. Foam Fire Extinguishing Systems:
- Typically used in engine rooms, pump rooms, and other areas with potential fuel or oil spills.
- Generates a blanket of foam that smothers the fire and prevents re-ignition. 1. How do firefighting foams work in fire suppresion? – BIOEX www.bio-ex.com
- Effective for Class B fires. 1. 5 types of fire extinguishers: A guide to using the right class www.ifsecglobal.com
3. Water Mist/Fog Systems:
- Can be used in various spaces, including machinery spaces, accommodation areas, and galleys. 1. Water mist extinguishing systems fog the room in seconds – CWS www.cws.com
- Creates a fine mist or fog of water droplets that cools and suffocates the fire. 1. Water Mist Systems Overview | NFPA www.nfpa.org
- Requires less water than traditional sprinkler systems, reducing water damage. 1. Water Mist Systems Overview | NFPA www.nfpa.org
- Effective for Class A (ordinary combustibles) and some Class B fires.
4. Sprinkler Systems:
- Commonly used in accommodation spaces and cargo holds.
- Network of pipes with sprinkler heads that release water when activated by heat. 1. Fire Sprinkler Systems | NIOSH – CDC www.cdc.gov
- Effective for Class A fires.
5. Dry Chemical Powder Systems:
- Can be used in machinery spaces, galleys, and other areas with potential flammable liquid or electrical fires.
- Discharges a cloud of dry chemical powder that interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire. 1. What is a Dry Chemical Fire Suppression System? – Blog – Koorsen Fire & Security blog.koorsen.com
- Effective for Class B and C fires.
6. Inert Gas Systems:
- Primarily used in cargo tanks of tankers carrying flammable liquids or gases.
- Injects inert gas (like nitrogen) into the tank to reduce the oxygen concentration and prevent fires or explosions. 1. Inerting of Cargo Tanks – Seably | Training for the Maritime Professional www.seably.com
7. Other Systems:
- High-Pressure Water Spray Systems: Used in specific areas like paint lockers or areas with flammable liquids.
- Steam Smothering Systems: Used in enclosed spaces like cargo holds or engine rooms to smother fires with steam.
- Clean Agent Systems: Utilize gaseous agents like FM-200 or Novec 1230 to suppress fires without leaving residue or damaging equipment. Often used in sensitive areas like control rooms or data centers.
Choice of System:
The selection of the appropriate fixed fire suppression system depends on several factors, including:
- Area to be protected: Different systems are suitable for different types of spaces and fire risks. 1. A Guide to Choosing the Right Fire Suppression System – Blog – Koorsen Fire & Security blog.koorsen.com
- Type of fire expected: The system should be effective against the most likely types of fires in the area.
- Safety considerations: The system should not pose a risk to personnel or the environment.
- Cost and maintenance: The system’s cost, installation, and ongoing maintenance requirements should be considered.
By employing a combination of these systems, along with fire detection and alarm systems, vessels can create a layered defense against fires, ensuring the safety of the crew, passengers, and the ship itself.
1. List of Fixed Fire Fighting Equipment Onboard Ship
Remember: Regular inspections, testing, and maintenance of these systems are essential to ensure their readiness and effectiveness in case of a fire emergency.
Advantages and Disadvatanges
Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of the first four fixed fire suppression systems commonly found on vessels:
1. CO2 Flooding Systems
- Advantages:
- Highly effective for Class B (flammable liquid) and Class C (electrical) fires.
- Clean agent, leaving no residue and minimizing damage to equipment.
- Non-conductive, safe for use in areas with electrical installations.
- Penetrates hard-to-reach areas due to its gaseous nature.
- Disadvantages:
- Asphyxiant, posing a serious risk to personnel and requiring complete evacuation before activation.
- Reduced visibility during discharge, hindering evacuation and potential rescue operations.
- Ineffective on Class A (ordinary combustibles) fires as it doesn’t cool the fuel sufficiently.
- Can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions if large quantities are released.
2. Foam Fire Extinguishing Systems
- Advantages:
- Very effective for Class B (flammable liquid) fires, especially large spills or pool fires.
- Creates a smothering blanket that prevents reignition.
- Relatively safe for personnel, allowing for firefighting operations in the vicinity.
- Disadvantages:
- Can cause water damage and leave residue that may require cleaning.
- Not suitable for Class A or C fires.
- Requires proper mixing and proportioning of foam concentrate and water.
- Foam systems can be complex and require regular maintenance.
3. Water Mist/Fog Systems
- Advantages:
- Effective on Class A (ordinary combustibles) fires and some Class B fires.
- Uses less water than traditional sprinkler systems, minimizing water damage.
- Can be used in a wider range of spaces due to its versatility and relatively low risk to personnel.
- Cooling effect helps reduce the temperature in the affected area.
- Disadvantages:
- Less effective on deep-seated Class A fires or large-scale flammable liquid fires.
- Can be less effective in open spaces or areas with high ventilation due to mist dissipation.
- Requires specialized nozzles and equipment.
4. Sprinkler Systems
- Advantages:
- Highly effective for Class A (ordinary combustibles) fires, especially in enclosed spaces.
- Provides automatic and continuous fire suppression, even in unattended areas.
- Relatively simple and reliable technology.
- Can help control the spread of fire and provide time for evacuation.
- Disadvantages:
- Can cause significant water damage to property and equipment.
- Not suitable for Class B or C fires.
- Requires a reliable water supply and regular maintenance to ensure proper function.
Choosing the right fire suppression system for a vessel depends on the specific areas to be protected, the types of fires expected, safety considerations, and cost-effectiveness. A combination of different systems may be necessary to provide comprehensive fire protection on board.
Advantages and disadvatanges of the other methods
Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of the other fixed fire suppression systems commonly found on vessels mentioned earlier:
5. Dry Chemical Powder Systems
- Advantages:
- Highly effective on Class B (flammable liquid) and Class C (electrical) fires.
- Rapid fire knockdown and extinguishment capability.
- Relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
- Can be used in a variety of spaces, including machinery spaces and galleys.
- Disadvantages:
- Leaves a residue that can be difficult to clean up, potentially damaging sensitive equipment.
- Can cause reduced visibility during discharge.
- Not suitable for Class A (ordinary combustibles) fires.
- Requires proper maintenance and refilling after discharge.
6. Inert Gas Systems
- Advantages:
- Highly effective in preventing fires and explosions in cargo tanks of tankers carrying flammable liquids or gases.
- Creates an inert atmosphere, reducing the oxygen concentration below the level required for combustion.
- Can be used for continuous protection during cargo operations.
- Relatively safe for personnel and the environment.
- Disadvantages:
- Complex and expensive to install and maintain.
- Requires specialized equipment and trained personnel for operation.
- Not suitable for extinguishing fires once they have started.
- Ineffective in spaces other than cargo tanks.
7. High-Pressure Water Spray Systems
- Advantages:
- Effective for cooling and suppressing fires in areas with flammable liquids, such as paint lockers or machinery spaces.
- Uses readily available water as the extinguishing agent.
- Can create a water curtain to protect adjacent areas from fire spread.
- Relatively simple and cost-effective to install and maintain.
- Disadvantages:
- Can cause water damage to equipment and sensitive areas.
- Less effective on deep-seated fires or those involving electrical equipment.
- Requires a reliable water supply and sufficient pressure to be effective.
8. Steam Smothering Systems
- Advantages:
- Effective for smothering fires in enclosed spaces, particularly cargo holds and engine rooms.
- Uses readily available steam as the extinguishing agent.
- Relatively safe for personnel and the environment.
- Disadvantages:
- Can cause heat and moisture damage to sensitive equipment.
- Requires a boiler or other steam source to be operational.
- May not be effective on all types of fires, especially those involving flammable liquids.
9. Clean Agent Systems
- Advantages:
- Highly effective on a variety of fires, including Class A, B, and C.
- Leaves no residue, minimizing damage to sensitive equipment and electronics.
- Safe for personnel and the environment.
- Can be used in a wide range of spaces, including control rooms and data centers.
- Disadvantages:
- Can be expensive to install and maintain.
- Requires specialized equipment and trained personnel for handling and refilling the extinguishing agent.
- May require additional safety measures, such as oxygen depletion sensors, in occupied spaces.
Choosing the most suitable fixed fire suppression system requires a careful assessment of the specific risks, hazards, and environmental considerations associated with each area on the vessel. A combination of different systems may be necessary to provide comprehensive fire protection and ensure the safety of the crew, passengers, and the ship itself.