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Fire Suppression Systems, Pros & Cons of different systems

Hughie

New Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2013
Messages
4
Location
Australia
Occupation
Equipment Inspector & Earthmoving mechanic
Hi All,
Just wanting to hear some opinions on different typres of fire suppression systems used on mobile plant.

There has been a fair bit of discussion within our department at work over the last couple of weeks regarding the types of fire suppression systems used on our equipment and vehicles underground. A relatively new system has just recently received certification status with the Australian Standards authority SAI Global and I had been asked to review it with potential use on our underground equipment in mind. Typically we use AFFF loss of pressure systems due to the fact that they are pretty effective and are 'fail safe' ie if a fault occurs withe system it automatically discharges making the operator aware of the fault resulting in it getting repaired.
There are also Rise of pressure systems, typically these use canisters of gas that initiate the release of the foam or chem powder. On our site we generally don't allow these underground as they can fault without warning and not activate when required.

Anyway the new system is called a 'fog maker' and is a water mist type system. We got a request from the state mines regulator today asking for expressions of support for a review of the current Australian Standard to look at making provisions for the allowance of this type of system. I've had very little experience with this type of system, has anyone out there had experience with water mist systems and able to provide some reflection and experience?

Thanks in advance
Hughie
 
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