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Fire Extinguishing Systems
APPROVAL GUIDANCE:
| APPROVAL CATEGORY |
EQUIPMENT |
MRA APPROVAL |
|---|---|---|
| 162.027 |
COMBINATION
FIRE HOSE NOZZLES |
NO |
| 162.028 |
PORTABLE FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS |
NO |
| 162.029 |
FIXED FIRE
EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS (Pre-engineered) |
NO |
| 162.033 |
FOAM TYPE
FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM |
NO |
| 162.035 |
HALON 1301
TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM (OBSOLETE) |
NO |
| 162.038 |
CARBON
DIOXIDE TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM |
NO |
| 162.039 |
SEMI PORTABLE
MARINE TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHER |
NO |
| 162.161 |
ENGINEERED
HALOCARBON FIRE EXT. SYSTEM |
NO |
| 162.162 |
ENGINEERED
INERT FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM |
NO |
| 162.163 |
PORTABLE FOAM
APPLICATORS |
NO |
COMBINATION FIRE HOSE NOZZLES
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 162.027
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: 46 CFR 162.027 specifies compliance of nozzles with ASTM Standard F1546 “Standard Specification for Fire Hose Nozzles”. Due to the extensive testing requirements of ASTM F1546, the Coast Guard will approve brass or bronze nozzles that meet the performance criteria of NFPA 1964. The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
- A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with either ASTM F1546 or NFPA 1964 for brass nozzles.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program is in place in each factory location. This could be demonstrated by providing an original copy of the contract for a follow-up program between the manufacturer and the Accepted Independent Laboratory. The follow-up program must show that no unauthorized changes can be made to the equipment without proper review and approval by the Accepted Independent Laboratory.
- Required drawings/plans of the equipment. At a minimum, this should include an exterior drawing, an assemble drawing and a list of components as well as a bill of material.
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the follow-up program.
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 162.028
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: The Coast Guard does not conduct approval review of Portable Fire Extinguishers. The regulations require that extinguishers are tested, and listed and labeled by a Coast Guard recognized Independent Testing Laboratory. The Listing includes testing, and follow-up inspections by the recognized Independent Testing Laboratory at the manufacturer’s production facilities. Currently, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) are Recognized Independent Laboratories. Essentially, the recognized Independent Testing Laboratories administer the Coast Guard’s extinguisher approval program on the Coast Guard’s behalf with Coast Guard oversight.
The USCG marking requirements for marine extinguishers differs from NFPA/UL markings. The USCG rates extinguishers primarily on net agent weight rather than on fire test size as determined by ANSI/UL711. Extinguishers with agent weights below those referenced in the vessels regulations and which do not have a minimum 5-B:C fire test rating per ANSI/UL711 are considered too small for marine use and are not approvable.
The Coast Guard does not issue certificates of approval for portable fire extinguishers. Instead, an approved extinguisher are can be identified by the marine type label, such as “Marine Type, USCG approved, Type X. Size X, USCG approval number 162.028/XX.” The XX signifies the laboratory’s identification number for the particular extinguisher. USCG approved extinguishers are listed in the laboratory’s equipment directories and web sites.
The extinguishers are tested for compliance with the applicable ANSI/UL standards. Specifically, extinguishers are expected to comply with the following:
- Foam extinguishers (ANSI/UL8)*
- Carbon dioxide extinguishers (ANSI/UL154)
- Dry chemical extinguishers (ANSI/UL299)
- Water extinguishers, stored pressure (ANSI/UL626) *
- Halocarbon clean agent extinguishers (ANSI/UL2129)
- Fire tests (ANSI/UL711)
The maintenance of extinguishers must be in accordance with NFPA#10, as stated on each extinguisher label.
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Application should be made directly to the Accepted Independent Testing Laboratory.
FIXED FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM (Pre-Engineered)
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 162.029
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: U.S. Coast Guard regulations require the installation of U.S. Coast Guard approved fixed gaseous extinguishing systems on certain U.S. registered inspected vessels and permit the substitution of an approved system for one of the required approved portable fire extinguisher on pleasure craft.
In order to obtain a certificate of approval (i.e. type approval), compliance with the following criteria is required. These criteria determine the equivalency of new clean agent systems to the carbon dioxide systems currently specified in the various vessel regulations, and to the halon systems previously approved as equivalent to carbon dioxide systems. This updates and supplements the test program outlined in our Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, January 9, 1991, pages 829 through 836, to enable inclusion of clean agent replacements for halons.
1) Approvals are issued only for complete systems made up of specific components and utilizing specific extinguishing agents. Approval is not issued for individual system components, such as individual hardware or extinguishing agents. The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.
2) The extinguishing agent must be acceptable to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP list) without restrictions that limit its use in marine applications.
3) The agent must be recognized as a fire extinguishing medium by NFPA Standard #2001 on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems.
4) Systems must be listed and labeled for marine use by an independent testing laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR 159.010. Laboratories currently so accepted are FM and UL. All tests must be conducted under the control of the laboratory. To be acceptable, the laboratory must apply and be accepted in accordance with 46CFR 159.010 prior to conducting any tests. A laboratory must demonstrate independence and technical expertise in the evaluation of the fire suppression systems in accordance with the latter regulation.
5) Systems must be intended for installation in spaces that are normally unoccupied, and that personnel can leave within 10 seconds after the system is actuated.
6) Systems are approved based on fire tests in simulated compartments of pre-determined size, and are not designed individually for each engine compartment.
7) The primary system actuator must be automatic if the agent cylinder is installed in the protected space.
8) Systems must have discharge indicators for installation at each helmsman’s position.
9) System components must meet UL 2166 “Standard for Halocarbon clean agent Extinguishing System Units.”
10) System must be intended for the protection against Class B hazards (flammable liquids) in machinery and bilge spaces, and Class C hazards (non-shock hazard when applied to energized electrical equipment).
11) Systems intended for installation in small passenger vessel (46 CFR Subchapters T and K) must have manual (mechanical) back-up actuators, audible alarms, and automatic engine and ventilation shutdown upon system discharge. The engine shutdown feature must have a mechanism to quickly restart the engine(s).
12) Systems using fusible elements for actuation are limited to installation in spaces not exceeding 2000 cubic feet. Systems for larger unoccupied spaces or any spaces intended for human occupancy must be specifically designed for each space protected, i. e. engineered, and must provide personnel safeguards such as limits on the agent concentration, discharge delays, and pre-discharge alarms.
13) Systems for fishing industry vessels are limited to spaces not exceeding a volume of 1200 cubic feet.
14) The volume of the compartment protected must be the gross volume: the length times the width times the depth of the compartment. The volume of installed equipment such as engine blocks and fuel tanks may not be deducted, unless the boat manufacturer provides a factory installed placard that states the volume of the installed tanks and engine blocks.
15) Systems must be self-contained, i.e. not require an external source of power such as the boat’s electrical system for activation.
16) Systems must be intended for installation in engine compartments where natural ventilation does not exceed one air change per minute. If mechanical ventilation is provided or if the natural ventilation is expected to be greater, a system tested under the higher air flow conditions must be installed.
17) Systems containing a charge of nitrogen in addition to the extinguishing agent must have a listed pressure gage. This gage is not a substitute for the required discharge indicator.
18) Systems intended for installation in volumes of 1000 cubic feet and larger must have a manual back-up actuator.
19) The system must be tested by the independent lab as follows:
a. Discharge tests
per section 23
of UL2166.
b. Valve leakage tests per section 24 of UL2166.
c. Hydrostatic tests per section 25 of UL2166.
d. 30-day elevated temperature test per section 26 of UL2166.
e. Temperature cycling test per section 27 of UL2166.
f. Salt-spray corrosion tests per section 28 of UL2166.
g. 500 cycle operation tests per section 29 of UL2166.
h. One-Year leakage test per section 32 of UL 2166.
i. Mounting device test per section 33 of UL2166.
j. Manual actuator test per section 41 of UL 2166.
k. Tests of pressure gages and indicators per sections 44 through 49 UL2166.
l. Tests of elastomeric parts per section 51 of UL 2166.
m. Pressure relief test per section 53 of UL2166.
n. Nameplate exposure, adhesion and abrasion tests per sections 54 through 56 of UL2199.
o. Marine tests per Supplement SA of UL 2166, including salt-spray corrosion, vibration resistance, and shock resistance tests.
b. Valve leakage tests per section 24 of UL2166.
c. Hydrostatic tests per section 25 of UL2166.
d. 30-day elevated temperature test per section 26 of UL2166.
e. Temperature cycling test per section 27 of UL2166.
f. Salt-spray corrosion tests per section 28 of UL2166.
g. 500 cycle operation tests per section 29 of UL2166.
h. One-Year leakage test per section 32 of UL 2166.
i. Mounting device test per section 33 of UL2166.
j. Manual actuator test per section 41 of UL 2166.
k. Tests of pressure gages and indicators per sections 44 through 49 UL2166.
l. Tests of elastomeric parts per section 51 of UL 2166.
m. Pressure relief test per section 53 of UL2166.
n. Nameplate exposure, adhesion and abrasion tests per sections 54 through 56 of UL2199.
o. Marine tests per Supplement SA of UL 2166, including salt-spray corrosion, vibration resistance, and shock resistance tests.
20) Fire tests must be conducted in accordance with UL 2166. For systems without piping the fire tests of section 36 of UL 2166 must be conducted. The test must be repeated at the system manufacturer’s design concentration and under conditions of one air change per minute for the test enclosure.
21) For the latter the test compartment must be ventilated at one air change per minute. Systems not incorporating an automatic engine shutdown feature must have placards for attaching to each helmsman’s position stating that the engine(s), generator, and any powered ventilation must be manually shutdown upon system activation.
22) Each system must have an owner’s instruction manual containing installation and maintenance instructions. Systems for pleasure craft are generally intended to be installed by the boat owner. Systems for inspected vessels are more complex since they require engine shutdowns, and are to be installed by system distributors or marine electricians. The owners manual must be specific to marine applications and must include the following:
a. Maximum gross volume
limitations and maximum engine room/bilge dimensions.
b. Storage temperature range.
c. Coast Guard approval number.
d. Rated temperature of fusible link actuator.
e. Whether cylinders are refillable or nonrefillable.
g. Instructions on the safe disposal of the extinguishing agent.
h. Instructions on the periodic hydrostatic testing requirements for the agent cylinder if
refillable.
i. A statement that only one system may be installed in each protected volume, unless each system is individually rated to protect the space.
j. General maintenance instructions.
b. Storage temperature range.
c. Coast Guard approval number.
d. Rated temperature of fusible link actuator.
e. Whether cylinders are refillable or nonrefillable.
g. Instructions on the safe disposal of the extinguishing agent.
h. Instructions on the periodic hydrostatic testing requirements for the agent cylinder if
refillable.
i. A statement that only one system may be installed in each protected volume, unless each system is individually rated to protect the space.
j. General maintenance instructions.
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
- A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the independent laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with UL2166.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program is in place in each factory location. This could be demonstrated by providing an original copy of the contract for a follow-up program between the manufacturer and the Accepted Independent Laboratory. The follow-up program must show that no unauthorized changes can be made to the equipment without proper review and approval by the Accepted Independent Laboratory.
- An installation and maintenance manual as per paragraph number 23 of this section.
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
FOAM TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 162.033
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:
Subchapter D of Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requires the installation of fixed low expansion foam fire extinguishing systems on decks of tankers for the protection of all cargo tanks. These systems are intended to provide protection against flammable liquid fires in the cargo area. An explanation of the basic characteristics of marine foam systems is contained in USCG Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) No. 6-72. These systems must be designed to:
1. Extinguish the fire: Each foam formulation (type, percentage, etc.) must successfully extinguish a series of test fires using fuels representative of the type of cargoes carried on the vessels for which the systems are intended, as for example, gasoline as a test fuel for hydrocarbon cargoes. Tests will include foam generated with fresh and synthetic sea water.
2. Prevent re-ignition of the fuel for a period of time: Each foam must demonstrate its ability to prevent ignition sources above the foam blanket from igniting the fuel below the foam blanket. In addition, the foams must prevent fire of small areas of exposed to fuel from increasing in size.
3. Resist foam breakdown and provide a seal against hot metal: As part of the above, each foam must demonstrate its ability to form an effective blanket, and to resist foam breakdown due to contact with hot metal.
Approval is granted only for complete systems. Foam concentrates and individual components such as nozzles and monitors are not type approved individually; however, combinations of such components complying with UL 162 may be used to meet requirements for SOLAS "portable foam applicators" (see: Marine Inspection Notice).
Fire tests of foam concentrate
Foam concentrates are subjected to marine fire extinguishment and burn back tests in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association Standard No. 11, Annex G. This test method was derived from Fed. Spec. O-F-555C, and is designed to evaluate the fire extinguishing capability of the foam concentrate when applied with a standard nozzle in a manner representative of ship-board applications.
Foam quality tests using the standard nozzle are conducted during this test series, and the foam quality obtained during this test series is compared to the foam quality obtained from the systems manufacturer’s hand line nozzles and turret monitors.
The fire tests must be conducted either at UL’s indoor facilities, or other facilities acceptable to the USCG.
A safety factor of 8/3 times the foam applications rate during the fire test will be applied to establish the minimum design foam application rate.
System component tests in accordance with UL 162
System components must demonstrate satisfactory performance when tested for compliance with Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) Standard No. 162. These tests include proportioning, foam quality, hydrostatic strength, leakage, friction loss, and exposure of components to the liquid concentrate. The foam quality must compare to the foam quality obtained during the above fire test within the tolerances specified by UL 162.
Polar solvents
Polar solvent foam systems are water miscible products such as alcohols and ketones which attack regular fire fighting foams. Special polar solvent or alcohol resistant foams have therefore been developed where the foam application rate varies with the particular polar solvent cargo. Polar solvent cargoes may be protected with a uniform high SOLAS polar solvent foam application rate, or with specific lower application rates for specific polar solvent groups based on fire tests of representative cargoes. NVIC 11-82 provides details.
Foam concentrates intended for the protection of polar solvent cargoes must be tested (in addition to being effective on hydrocarbon fuels) using several selected polar solvent fuels which are representative of specific classes of fuels (such as esters, ketones, acids, etc.). These tests are conducted in accordance with the relevant sections of UL 162, and will establish the foam application rate necessary for each category of polar solvents.
UL Listing
The foam concentrate must be UL listed.
UL Listing of marine foam systems as a whole is preferred but has not been enforced. However, foam system components submitted are usually already UL Listed for industrial applications. UL Listing reports for various foam system components are therefore given consideration in lieu of new tests.
Any non-collapsible (hard rubber) hose must either be UL Listed or be of comparable construction.
Component tests in addition to UL 162
Foam discharge range tests using monitor turrets must be conducted to determine the effective range of foam discharge. The design range of the monitors as reflected in the system Manual is limited to 75% of the tested still air range.
The compatibility of any metallic or nonmetallic tank material with the various foam concentrates must be established.
ASME pressure tanks must meet the criteria of Subchapter F of Title 46 of the CFR.
Piping sections carrying AFFF concentrate (not foam solutions) must be made of stainless steel.
The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:
- A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the above requirements.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program is in place in each factory location. This could be demonstrated by providing an original copy of the contract for a follow-up program between the manufacturer and the independent laboratory. The follow-up program must show that no unauthorized changes can be made to the equipment without proper review and approval by the Accepted Independent Laboratory.
- Draft marine design, operation, installation, and maintenance manual. The draft Manual should include the following information:
1. The
system manufacturer must provide a draft Marine Design Installation,
Operation, and Maintenance Manual. USCG testing is intended to
spot-check the hydraulic data contained in the Manual, not to conduct
basic data development.
2. Description of system design, including system schematic
3. A complete list of components (hardware)
4. Drawings of major system components, such as nozzles, monitor turrets, proportioners, etc.
5. Hydraulic data for system components (friction loss through components, pipe friction loss tables, etc.)
6. List of types and characteristics of foam concentrates (protein or AFFF, percent concentration, trade names of concentrates, etc.), as well as instructions and acceptance criteria for periodic sampling of foam concentrates obtained from each ship.
7. Test data, such as proportioning curves, discharge curves (flow vs. supply pressure), ranges of foam discharge from nozzles, which will permit the establishment of a detailed test program to verify the manufacturer’s performance data.
8. Sample calculations and drawings for typical foam system installations in accordance with the applicable vessel regulations (such as 46 CFR 34.17 for tank vessels) which will enable USCG personnel to verify calculations for each system installed on a specific vessel. The drawings must show the location of the deck foam monitors and the range of the foam stream from the monitors which may not exceed 75 % of their tested still air range.
9. Required system testing and maintenance instructions.
10. For polar solvent foam systems, a set of Annexes which contain the design foam application rate for each chemical cargo the systems is intended to protect.
2. Description of system design, including system schematic
3. A complete list of components (hardware)
4. Drawings of major system components, such as nozzles, monitor turrets, proportioners, etc.
5. Hydraulic data for system components (friction loss through components, pipe friction loss tables, etc.)
6. List of types and characteristics of foam concentrates (protein or AFFF, percent concentration, trade names of concentrates, etc.), as well as instructions and acceptance criteria for periodic sampling of foam concentrates obtained from each ship.
7. Test data, such as proportioning curves, discharge curves (flow vs. supply pressure), ranges of foam discharge from nozzles, which will permit the establishment of a detailed test program to verify the manufacturer’s performance data.
8. Sample calculations and drawings for typical foam system installations in accordance with the applicable vessel regulations (such as 46 CFR 34.17 for tank vessels) which will enable USCG personnel to verify calculations for each system installed on a specific vessel. The drawings must show the location of the deck foam monitors and the range of the foam stream from the monitors which may not exceed 75 % of their tested still air range.
9. Required system testing and maintenance instructions.
10. For polar solvent foam systems, a set of Annexes which contain the design foam application rate for each chemical cargo the systems is intended to protect.
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
HALON 1301 TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 162.035
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: The production of Halon 1301 fire fighting agent was terminated effective January 1, 1994, and the installation of new halon systems on SOLAS ships prohibited. However, existing systems may be retained if in good and serviceable condition.
CARBON DIOXIDE TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 162.038
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: High pressure cylinders must be DOT spec, low pressure tanks must be ASME pressure vessels. The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
- A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the applicable UL requirements and Coast Guard vessel regulations. For Coast Guard regulations the type of vessel where the installation is going on will determine the size and type of the system. Please refer to Subchapter D, H, I, I-A, K, R, and U for the details of the system types.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program is in place in each factory location. This could be demonstrated by providing an original copy of the contract for a follow-up program between the manufacturer and the Accepted Independent Laboratory. The follow-up program must show that no unauthorized changes can be made to the equipment without proper review and approval by the Accepted Independent Laboratory.
- Draft marine design, operation, installation, and maintenance manual. The draft Manual should include the following information:
1. The
system manufacturer must provide a draft Marine Design Installation,
Operation, and Maintenance Manual.
2. Description of system design, including system schematic.
3. A complete list of components (hardware).
4. Drawings of major system components, such as nozzles, selector valves, agent storage cylinders or tanks, etc.
5. Equivalent length for system components, etc.)
6. Sample computer program input sheets.
7. Sample calculations and drawings for typical system installations in accordance with the applicable vessel regulations (such as 46 CFR 95.15 for cargo vessels) which will enable USCG personnel to verify calculations for each system installed on a specific vessel.
8. Samples of warning labels on the hazards of carbon dioxide.
2. Description of system design, including system schematic.
3. A complete list of components (hardware).
4. Drawings of major system components, such as nozzles, selector valves, agent storage cylinders or tanks, etc.
5. Equivalent length for system components, etc.)
6. Sample computer program input sheets.
7. Sample calculations and drawings for typical system installations in accordance with the applicable vessel regulations (such as 46 CFR 95.15 for cargo vessels) which will enable USCG personnel to verify calculations for each system installed on a specific vessel.
8. Samples of warning labels on the hazards of carbon dioxide.
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
SEMI PORTABLE MARINE TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 162.039
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: The Coast Guard defines semi-portable extinguishers as those fully charged extinguishers weighing more than 55 pounds. Semi-portable extinguishers must be self-contained, i.e. not rely on additional sources of agent or expellant energy. They may be wheeled or skid-mounted.
The regulations require that extinguishers are tested, listed and labeled by an Independent Testing Laboratory recognized by the Coast Guard. The Listing includes testing, and follow-up inspections by the recognized Independent Testing Laboratory at the manufacturer’s production facilities. Currently, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) are recognized Independent Laboratory. Essentially, the recognized Independent Testing Laboratories administer the Coast Guard’s extinguisher approval program on the Coast Guard’s behalf with Coast Guard oversight.
The extinguishers are tested for compliance with the applicable ANSI/UL standards. Specifically, extinguishers are expected to comply with the following:
- Foam extinguishers (ANSI/UL8)*
- Carbon dioxide extinguishers (ANSI/UL154)
- Dry chemical extinguishers (ANSI/UL299)
- Water extinguishers, stored pressure (ANSI/UL626) *
- Halocarbon clean agent extinguishers (ANSI/UL2129)
- Fire tests (ANSI/UL711)
The maintenance of extinguishers must be in accordance with NFPA#10, as stated on each extinguisher label.
The USCG marking requirement for marine extinguishers differs from NFPA/UL markings. The USCG rates extinguishers primarily on net agent weight rather than on fire test size as determined by ANSI/UL711. Extinguishers with agent weights below those referenced in the vessels regulations and which do not have a minimum 5-B:C fire test rating per ANSI/UL711 are considered too small for marine use and are not approvable.
The Coast Guard does not issue certificate of approval for portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers. Instead, approved extinguishers are can be identified by the marine type label, such as “Marine Type, USCG approved, Type X. Size X, USCG approval number 162.039/XX.” The XX signifies the laboratory’s identification number for the particular extinguisher. USCG approved extinguishers are listed in the laboratory’s equipment directories and web sites.
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Application should be made directly to the independent testing laboratory.
ENGINEERED HALOCARBON FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 162.161
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: In order to obtain a certificate of approval (i.e. type approval) for a new clean agent total flooding system it must demonstrate equivalency to the carbon dioxide systems currently specified in the various vessel regulations, and to the Halon 1301 systems previously approved as equivalent to carbon dioxide systems.
The new clean agent total flooding system criteria are as follows:
1) Approvals are issued only for complete systems made up of specific components and utilizing specific extinguishing agents. Approval is not issued for individual system components by themselves, such as hardware or extinguishing agents.
2) The agent must be acceptable to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in occupied spaces under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP list) without significant restrictions.
3) The agent must be recognized as a fire extinguishing medium by NFPA Standard #2001 on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems.
4) The system must comply with the fire tests in the appendix of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee Circular 848 (MSC/Circ. 848). The testing must include the components of the proposed delivery system.
5) The system must pass an additional fire test (number 1 of MSC Circ 848) with the agent storage cylinder at the lowest temperature permitted by the manufacturer.
6) The system must be designed to meet the intent of the principal requirements of MSC/Circ.848. Since IMO has not developed complete component acceptance tests and criteria, we require compliance with the applicable sections of UL Standards 2166 and 2127 (for halocarbon and inert gas systems, respectively), as well as selected sections of NFPA Standard 2001, such as pipe and fitting schedules.
7) The system must be intended for the protection of Class B hazards (flammable liquids) in machinery spaces and flammable liquid storage spaces such as paint lockers.
8) Systems protecting spaces over 6000 cubic feet must have manual actuation (mechanical or pneumatic). Electric actuation is not accepted.
9) Systems protecting spaces over 6000 cubic feet must be actuated through two separate controls. One control must activate the bank of agent cylinders, and the other must activate the selector/stop valve.
10) Systems protecting spaces over 6000 cubic feet must have discharge delays and pre-discharge alarms.
11) The system must be suitable for use in a marine environment. This includes major components (valves, nozzles, etc.) to be made of brass or stainless steel, piping to be corrosion resistant (stainless steel or galvanized), and major components having a melting point of not less than 1700 degrees F.
12) The system cylinders must be located outside the protected space, except for systems protecting spaces not exceeding 6000 cubic feet. Systems installed in spaces not exceeding 6000 cubic feet must have automatic actuation by means of a rate of rise (pneumatic) heat detector. For special applications requiring agent cylinders in the protected space of volume larger than 6000 cubic feet, a separate request for approval must be made, listing the reasons why the agent cylinders should not be located outside the protected space.
13) The systems must be listed and labeled for marine use by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent testing Laboratory. All tests must be conducted under the control of the latter laboratory. To become accepted, the laboratory, including any government laboratory, must apply, and be accepted, in accordance with 46CFR 159.010 prior to conducting any tests. A laboratory must demonstrate independence and technical expertise in the evaluation of the fire suppression systems in accordance with the latter specification. (Currently Accepted Independent Laboratories are Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and Factory Mutual Research Corp.).
14) The manufacturer’s system design computer program must be verified and listed by the laboratory.
15) The listing organization (laboratory) must:
a. Control all product evaluation
tests and verify the accuracy and results of all tests.
b. Identify the limitations of tested systems.
c. Publish a list of their listed equipment.
d. Require their name or mark to be printed on the listed equipment and control the use of the name or mark by limiting it to listed equipment.
e. Have a follow-up inspection program in place to verify that equipment and components manufactured in the future are identical to equipment and components originally tested and currently produced.
f. Review the design manual and ensure that the system components shown reflect the components tested, and that limitations stated in the design manual fully describe the limitations of the system, its uses, its installation criteria, and its arrangements.
b. Identify the limitations of tested systems.
c. Publish a list of their listed equipment.
d. Require their name or mark to be printed on the listed equipment and control the use of the name or mark by limiting it to listed equipment.
e. Have a follow-up inspection program in place to verify that equipment and components manufactured in the future are identical to equipment and components originally tested and currently produced.
f. Review the design manual and ensure that the system components shown reflect the components tested, and that limitations stated in the design manual fully describe the limitations of the system, its uses, its installation criteria, and its arrangements.
16) The extinguishing agent must be covered under the testing laboratory’s component recognition program, and the agent used must be obtained only from the facility covered under the component recognition program.
17) System installation tests must be conducted using nitrogen or dry air to one and one half times the cylinder storage pressure at ambient conditions. With no additional gas added, the piping must maintain pressure for two minutes. The maximum allowable pressure loss is 150 psi per minute.
18) New system installations must be subjected to an enclosure integrity (door fan) test in order to show compliance with the intent of IMO MSC/Circ. 848, paragraph 12.
19) The system must have an associated marine design, installation, operation and maintenance manual. The manual must be specific to marine applications and must include the following:
a. Limitations on nozzle
placement and spacing not exceeding that determined from tests in
accordance with IMO MSC/Circ. 848.
b. Actuation arrangements and controls in accordance with NVIC 6-72, Change 1 and sections of 46 CFR applicable to CO2 systems.
c. Bulkhead and deck connections and penetrations must be in accordance with 46 CFR subchapter F and NVIC 9-97.
d. Identify the applicable design and installation standard(s) required by paragraph 8 of IMO MSC/Circ. 848. Provide arrangements complying with the design standard.
e. Recommended arrangements to address products of thermal decomposition as required by IMO MSC/Circ. 848 paragraphs 10 and 14.
f. Recommended arrangements to maintain the agent and hardware within the allowable storage temperature limits. Identify environmental exposure limitations of all of the hardware.
g. Sample marine system design and layout.
h. Sample computer calculation input and output sheets.
i. Parts list, preferably in alphabetic or numerical order.
j. In addition to maintenance and recharge instructions, provide detailed safety instructions to be followed during periodic testing of the system.
b. Actuation arrangements and controls in accordance with NVIC 6-72, Change 1 and sections of 46 CFR applicable to CO2 systems.
c. Bulkhead and deck connections and penetrations must be in accordance with 46 CFR subchapter F and NVIC 9-97.
d. Identify the applicable design and installation standard(s) required by paragraph 8 of IMO MSC/Circ. 848. Provide arrangements complying with the design standard.
e. Recommended arrangements to address products of thermal decomposition as required by IMO MSC/Circ. 848 paragraphs 10 and 14.
f. Recommended arrangements to maintain the agent and hardware within the allowable storage temperature limits. Identify environmental exposure limitations of all of the hardware.
g. Sample marine system design and layout.
h. Sample computer calculation input and output sheets.
i. Parts list, preferably in alphabetic or numerical order.
j. In addition to maintenance and recharge instructions, provide detailed safety instructions to be followed during periodic testing of the system.
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
- A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the above reference standards.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program is in place in each factory location. This could be demonstrated by providing an original copy of the contract for a follow-up program between the manufacturer and the Accepted Independent Laboratory. The follow-up program must show that no unauthorized changes can be made to the equipment without proper review and approval by the Accepted Independent Laboratory.
- A draft marine design, installation, operation, and maintenance manual as per paragraph 19 of this section.
Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to the following address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street, S.W. Stop 7126
Washington, DC 20593-7126
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
ENGINEERED INERT FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 162.162
APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: In order to obtain a certificate of approval (i.e. type approval) for a new clean agent total flooding system it must demonstrate equivalency to the carbon dioxide systems currently specified in the various vessel regulations, and to the Halon 1301 systems previously approved as equivalent to carbon dioxide systems.
The new clean agent total flooding system criteria are as follows:
1) Approvals are issued only for complete systems made up of specific components and utilizing specific extinguishing agents. Approval is not issued for individual system components by themselves, such as hardware or extinguishing agents.
2) The agent must be acceptable to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in occupied spaces under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP list) without significant restrictions.
3) The agent must be recognized as a fire extinguishing medium by NFPA Standard #2001 on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems.
4) The system must comply with the fire tests in the appendix of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee Circular 848 (MSC/Circ. 848, (replacing MSC/Circ.776). The testing must include the components of the proposed delivery system.
5) The system must pass an additional fire test (number 1 of MSC Circ 848) with the agent storage cylinder at the lowest temperature permitted by the manufacturer.
6) The system must be designed to meet the intent of the principal requirements of MSC/Circ.848. Since IMO has not developed complete component acceptance tests and criteria, we require compliance with the applicable sections of UL Standards 2166 and 2127 (for halocarbon and inert gas systems, respectively), as well as selected sections of NFPA Standard 2001, such as pipe and fitting schedules.
7) The system must be intended for the protection of Class B hazards (flammable liquids) in machinery spaces and flammable liquid storage spaces such as paint lockers.
8) Systems protecting spaces over 6000 cubic feet must have manual actuation (mechanical or pneumatic). Electric actuation is not accepted.
9) Systems protecting spaces over 6000 cubic feet must be actuated through two separate controls. One control must activate the bank of agent cylinders, and the other must activate the selector/stop valve.
10) Systems protecting spaces over 6000 cubic feet must have discharge delays and pre-discharge alarms.
11) The system must be suitable for use in a marine environment. This includes major components (valves, nozzles, etc.) to be made of brass or stainless steel, piping to be corrosion resistant (stainless steel or galvanized), and major components having a melting point of not less than 1700 degrees F.
12) The system cylinders must be located outside the protected space, except for systems protecting spaces not exceeding 6000 cubic feet. Systems installed in spaces not exceeding 6000 cubic feet must have automatic actuation by means of a rate of rise (pneumatic) heat detector. For special applications requiring agent cylinders in a protected space larger than 6000 cubic feet, a separate request for approval must be made, listing the reasons why the agent cylinders should not be located outside the protected space.
13) The systems must be listed and labeled for marine use by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. All tests must be conducted under the control of the latter laboratory. To become accepted, the laboratory, including any government laboratory, must apply, and be accepted, in accordance with 46CFR 159.010 prior to conducting any tests. A laboratory must demonstrate independence and technical expertise in the evaluation of the fire suppression systems in accordance with the latter specification. (Currently Accepted Independent Laboratories are Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and Factory Mutual Research Corp.).
14) The manufacturer’s system design computer program must be verified and listed by the laboratory.
15) The listing organization (laboratory) must:
a. Control all product evaluation
tests and verify the accuracy and results of all tests.
b. Identify the limitations of tested systems.
c. Publish a list of their listed equipment.
d. Require their name or mark to be printed on the listed equipment and control the use of the name or mark by limiting it to listed equipment.
e. Have a follow-up inspection program in place to verify that equipment and components manufactured in the future are identical to equipment and components originally tested and currently produced.
f. Review the design manual and ensure that the system components shown reflect the components tested, and that limitations stated in the design manual fully describe the limitations of the system, its uses, its installation criteria, and its arrangements.
b. Identify the limitations of tested systems.
c. Publish a list of their listed equipment.
d. Require their name or mark to be printed on the listed equipment and control the use of the name or mark by limiting it to listed equipment.
e. Have a follow-up inspection program in place to verify that equipment and components manufactured in the future are identical to equipment and components originally tested and currently produced.
f. Review the design manual and ensure that the system components shown reflect the components tested, and that limitations stated in the design manual fully describe the limitations of the system, its uses, its installation criteria, and its arrangements.
16) The extinguishing agent must be covered under the testing laboratory’s component recognition program, and the agent used must be obtained only from the facility covered under the component recognition program.
17) System installation tests must be conducted using nitrogen or dry air to one and one half times the cylinder storage pressure at ambient conditions. With no additional gas added, the piping must maintain pressure for two minutes. The maximum allowable pressure loss is 150 psi per minute.
18) New system installations must be subjected to an enclosure integrity (door fan) test in order to show compliance with the intent of IMO MSC/Circ. 848, paragraph 12.
19) The system must have an associated marine design, installation, operation and maintenance manual. The manual must be specific to marine applications and must include the following:
a. Limitations on nozzle
placement and spacing not exceeding that determined from tests in
accordance with IMO MSC/Circ. 848.
b. Actuation arrangements and controls in accordance with NVIC 6-72, Change 1 and sections of 46 CFR applicable to CO2 systems.
c. Bulkhead and deck connections and penetrations must be in accordance with 46 CFR subchapter F and NVIC 9-97.
d. Identify the applicable design and installation standard(s) required by paragraph 8 of IMO MSC/Circ. 848. Provide arrangements complying with the design standard.
e. Recommended arrangements to address products of thermal decomposition as required by IMO MSC/Circ. 848 paragraphs 10 and 14.
f. Recommended arrangements to maintain the agent and hardware within the allowable storage temperature limits. Identify environmental exposure limitations of all of the hardware.
g. Sample marine system design and layout.
h. Sample computer calculation input and output sheets.
i. Parts list, preferably in alphabetic or numerical order.
j. In addition to maintenance and recharge instructions, provide detailed safety instructions to be followed during periodic testing of the system.
b. Actuation arrangements and controls in accordance with NVIC 6-72, Change 1 and sections of 46 CFR applicable to CO2 systems.
c. Bulkhead and deck connections and penetrations must be in accordance with 46 CFR subchapter F and NVIC 9-97.
d. Identify the applicable design and installation standard(s) required by paragraph 8 of IMO MSC/Circ. 848. Provide arrangements complying with the design standard.
e. Recommended arrangements to address products of thermal decomposition as required by IMO MSC/Circ. 848 paragraphs 10 and 14.
f. Recommended arrangements to maintain the agent and hardware within the allowable storage temperature limits. Identify environmental exposure limitations of all of the hardware.
g. Sample marine system design and layout.
h. Sample computer calculation input and output sheets.
i. Parts list, preferably in alphabetic or numerical order.
j. In addition to maintenance and recharge instructions, provide detailed safety instructions to be followed during periodic testing of the system.
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
- A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the above reference standards.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program is in place in each factory location. This could be demonstrated by providing an original copy of the contract for a follow-up program between the manufacturer and the Accepted Independent Laboratory. The follow-up program must show that no unauthorized changes can be made to the equipment without proper review and approval by the Accepted Independent Laboratory.
- A draft marine design, installation, operation, and maintenance manual as per paragraph 19 of this section.
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.
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PORTABLE FOAM
APPLICATORS
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 162.163
PORTABLE FOAM
APPLICATORS
APPROVAL CATEGORY: 162.163
APPROVAL GUIDANCE
& INFORMATION:
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
treaty
requires the carriage of individual portable foam applicator units
(i.e.
combination of portable foam nozzles and a supply of foam liquid
concentrate)
for machinery spaces containing oil-fired boilers and internal
combustion
machinery. A portable foam applicator is a system consisting of an
inducting
foam nozzle for use with a suitable portable container of a specified
UL Listed
foam concentrate. The nozzle and the foam concentrate are tested
together for
compliance with applicable sections of UL standard No.162. Other foam
concentrates may not be substituted. See attached Marine
Inspection Notice for
further carriage details. The Coast
Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather
specifies the
required test methods and minimum performance criteria for
approval.
Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent
Laboratory.
SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the following information
in the
Submittal Package:
- A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
- A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with UL standard No.162.
- Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program is in place for the foam concentrate. This could be demonstrated by providing an original copy of the contract for a follow-up program between the manufacturer and the Accepted Independent Laboratory. The follow-up program must show that no unauthorized changes can be made to the product without proper review and approval by the Accepted Independent Laboratory.
- Required drawings/plans of the
equipment. At a minimum, this should include an exterior drawing,
an assembly drawing and a list of components as well as a bill of
material.
Please
send the Submittal Package and other related information to the
following
address:
Commandant (CG-ENG-4)
U.S. Coast Guard
Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive
Coast
Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA
will be
issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the
product
meets the testing of the follow-up program.
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