201330 Pressure switch location for fire suppression systems

07 May 2013 MARS

Source USCG Marine Safety Alert 05-12
This safety alert addresses the location of fire suppression system pressure switches aboard vessels.

These critical components sense the activation of the system and then electrically secure the ventilation systems operating in the protected space. Securing the ventilation is essential in extinguishing a fire onboard a vessel. It assists in isolating the fire within the space, minimises the introduction of additional oxygen to fuel the fire and prevents the loss of fire suppression agents from the space.

Recently, a vessel with an installed fixed CO2 fire suppression system suffered extensive damage due to a fire that started in the engine room. During the firefighting efforts, the crew reported that the engine room ventilation could not be secured. A post-casualty damage survey of the vessel revealed that the pressure switch used to secure the ventilation was located within the engine room [see photographs of the damaged pressure switch and new switch.]

The Coast Guard strongly reminds owners and operators of vessels with installed fixed fire suppression systems to ensure that these switches are properly located aboard their vessels. If the pressure switch or switches are located within the space being protected, they should be relocated by a properly trained fire suppression service technician. Doing so will assist in ensuring system functionality and accessibility in the event of an emergency. Failing to do so could have serious
consequences to the vessel, its crew and the environment.

For the full safety alert go to http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/TVNCOE/Documents/SafetyAlerts/PressureSwitch.pdf

 

201330 pressure switch location